Take a step back in time to the post-gilded era of Hollywood and early 20th-century opulence. William Randolph Hearst started building his estate on ranchland overlooking the village of San Simeon in 1919. He called the estate "La Cuesta Encantada" - Spanish for The Enchanted Hill. The Mediterranean Revival mansion was designed by Julia Morgan. By 1947, the hilltop complex included a twin-towered main building, three sumptuous guesthouses, and 127 acres of terraced gardens, fountains, and pools. Make plans to go if you are new to the Central Coast. Advance reservations are recommended.
Elephant Seal Viewing Worth the quick drive... The Piedras Blancas Rookery is the only elephant seal rookery in the world that is easily accessible, free, and open to the public every day of the year. No reservations are needed. The rookery is located seven miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1.
A San Luis Obispo landmark established in 1958, the Madonna Inn is a stop not to be missed. Dine in the the Copper Cafe or Alex Madonna's Gold Rush Steak House and enjoy a scrumptious dessert in the pink palace of the Central Coast!
Experience the Paso Robles wine country lifestyle in an intimate and personalized way, unique to our bucolic community. Paso Robles is the halfway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles as well the entrance from the San Joaquin Valley to the coastline. A true crossroads where the north meets south and east meets west. This unique location with its coastal influence creates a greater day-to-night temperature swing than other California wine regions. This is good for the grapes. They thrive with a long growing season and diverse soil types. More than 40 wine grape varieties are grown in Paso ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Zinfandel for red wines to Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, and Sauvignon Blanc. Choose from seven wine trails each with unique adventures to plan your itinerary. Don’t know where to start? Begin your journey in the town square where you’ll find more than 20 tastings rooms sprinkled among the shops and restaurants.
Estero Bluffs Trail is a 7.2 mile out and back trail located near Cayucos, California that features beautiful wildflowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round.
Population 18... Visit the cutest, tiniest town just up the road from Cayucos. Once known for its creamery and dairy production, Harmony is a fun stop on the way to San Simeon. Visit Harmony Cellars, pop around the blown glass studio, visit the ceramics shop and grab an ice cream.
Best Tri-tip tasting! The famous Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market happens every Thursday from 6 PM to 9 PM. The Market takes place on five blocks of Higuera Street between Osos Street and Nipomo Street in Downtown San Luis Obispo.
Sport-fishing | private charters | whale watching | tackle & bait In 1954, Virgil and Frieda Moores brought live bait fishing to Morro Bay on California's Central Coast. Book a fishing excusion to experience the best in catching Rockfish, Lingcod, Halibut, Tuna & Salmon.
Bijou Bakery - Breakfast to-go Cayucos Coffee Hidden Kitchen - Breakfast & really great coffee Lunada Coffee Garden Duckies Chowder House - Yummy chowder and fish and chips The Sea Shanty - Iconic seaside staples and burgers Lunada Garden Bistro - Garden dining Cafe Della Villa - Excellent Italian food Cayucos Sausage Company - Custom order deli sandwiches Schooners - Seafood and Steaks