The scenic shoreline in Avila Beach. Photos courtesy of Visit San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County, which is tucked away in the central region of California, offers a diverse RVing experience that includes expansive beaches along its coastal shoreline with sun-filled valleys to the North that’s home to several of the Golden State’s acclaimed vineyards and wineries.
Many shops and galleries can be discovered, including those downtown Cayucos.
With 80 miles of coastline along California State Route (SR)-1, this is where ocean meets land and welcomes opportunities for many outdoor activities. Communities such as Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria, San Simeon, and Ragged Point all offer out-of-doors-fun regardless of skill levels, including leisurely walks, biking along designated trails, and kayaking or paddle boarding on the Pacific Ocean. Anywhere along this coastline is a great location to sit back and watch a sunset dip below the horizon.
Of course, wine tasting is a popular pastime here.
Inland is just as exciting via U.S. Route 101 (which leads north-south through the county and splits off of at SR- 1), where the coastline gives away to rolling hills, valleys and the Santa Lucia Mountains that make up one of California’s most-prized wine country.
Regions such as Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande Valley, and the Edna Valley are renowned for its array of vintages exclusive to the region and it’s also where visitors can hike, bike, and explore the many communities along the way. The largest city in the county, San Luis Obispo, is the main hub with several services and amenities, while more destinations can be discovered in and around Atascadero, Oceano, and Pismo Beach – another great spot to admire the California sunsets.
“There is a vast array of terrain in the county,” Kylee Jepsen, said Senior Communications Coordinator for Visit San Luis Obispo County in a recent interview with RVLife.com. “There’s the coastal side with beautiful beaches and dramatic coastal views of the ocean, then you drive 15 minutes inland and you’re in wine country with beautiful rolling hills and vineyards.”
Pet-Friendly Paradise
There are many dog-friendly public areas in the county.
One aspect of San Luis Obispo County is that the region is very pet friendly. The many beaches that welcome four-legged, travel companions include (but not limited to) Morro Beach, Morro Strand Beach, Montana de Oro State Park, Fisherman’s Beach in Avila, and Cayucos State Beach. There is also no need to leave your pet in your RV when exploring other areas as select wineries in Paso Robles and The Edna Valley allow pets on their property and wine tasting rooms.
The real testament to this, however, is a visit to the Grill at Hunter Ranch Golf Course (or other exclusive restaurants) in Paso Robles as it offers an exclusive Pooch Patio Menu where they prepare chicken, hot dogs or beef in small portions. Other pet-friendly restaurants can be found in Cambria where diners can enjoy their meals with along side their pets on the exclusive outdoor patio.
“Since the county is such an outdoor-focused area, a lot of people who come here want to do outdoor activities with their pet(s),” explained Jepsen. “I think (the select restaurants and wineries) recognize that there is a niche market for this and people want to experience different activities with them, and not just leave them at home.”
RV in San Luis Obispo County
Visitors can also relax in one of the many park areas. Seen here is downtown Paso Robles.
While activity abounds on land and water, with the many culinary delights commonly associated with wine country such as wine tasting tours, bistros, restaurants, and shopping and several services, RV parks are also nearby along the coast and inland – all easily accessible to many attractions and services. Custom tailor your trip to this region as several areas in the county are home to full service RV parks to include Moro Bay, Pismo Beach, Atasdcadero, Paso Robles, Cambria, to name just a few.
I agree, SLO County is a beautiful area with scenic beach towns, rolling hills, vineyards, and more. However, having grown up in Pismo Beach during the ’60s, it saddens me to see the array of condos lining the shore along Hwy 101. If only there was a way to convey the quaint little beach town that Pismo Beach once was. My precious memories are now overshadowed by tourism. Such is progress.
Thanks for your insight Susan. Glad you liked the story.
Yes Susan I know what you mean. I was born in SLO and lived in almost every city in the tri counties over a 4 decade period. I am now in Oregon. Can’t bring myself to go back there. I don’t even recognize Shell Beach anymore. Hate the condo cliffs, and my grandparents land just outside of SLO is now covered with 30 homes.
and even all the land around theirs is covered with homes. Only way I know that it is where Grandma lived, is by the street Fuller Rd. as that was my grandparents last name. I knew that we were doomed when they renamed Grover City to Grover Beach. Ah well, was nice while it lasted. Belongs to the city folk now.
When did you live in SLO County? Where are you in Oregon now?