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California Central Coast

· San Luis Obispo, CA

Why you should go…

The Central Coast Tourism Council is a nonprofit regional destination marketing organization representing tourism and hospitality businesses across seven counties of California's Central Coast, from Ventura north to Santa Clara County. It markets the region collectively as The Original Road Trip, covering coastline, wine regions and inland valleys. The council has operated since 1989 as an all-volunteer board of tourism professionals.

  • #coastline
  • #wine
  • #road trip
  • #beaches
  • #scenic drive

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to California Central Coast, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Margarita Adventures

    $50+

    A six line zipline canopy tour over Santa Margarita Ranch wine country with a suspension bridge crossing.

    14 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum

    Free

    A San Luis Obispo museum honoring veterans with military artifacts, uniforms, firearms and recorded oral histories.

    16 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    San Luis Obispo

    Free

    The City of San Luis Obispo's official visitor site for California's Central Coast.

    17 mi awayMore like this

  • Shopping
    Family Favorite

    Bricks & Minifigs San Luis Obispo

    Free

    A LEGO resale shop buying, selling and trading new, used and retired sets, minifigures and bulk bricks.

    17 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    San Luis Obispo County

    Free

    California's Central Coast wine country and beach region, covering San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay.

    25 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Point San Luis Lighthouse

    $25–$50

    A restored 1890 lighthouse above San Luis Obispo Bay, reached by guided van or kayak tour from Avila Beach.

    26 mi awayMore like this