San Luis Obispo is a city of art and history, of wild beachy overlooks and theaters and festivals. San Luis Obispo retains a preserved feel - as if San Luis Obispo were not so very different a hundred years ago, as if the missions that still stand today have the same significance that they have always had. The natural beauty, woods and ocean, that spreads around the city only makes the attractions more relaxing. This is not a place that you rush through.
Mission San Luis Obispo is the attraction this city is named after, a still-active mission that has stood since 1772. Fascinating historic sites are everywhere - from the Santa Manuela School House to the Swanton Pacific Ranch. San Luis Obispo is home to its own local theater and symphonies, as well as a Mozart festival. Pismo Beach and Morro Bay State Park are both very close to San Luis Obispo and worth the short travel distance for their immediate ocean views.
That modest San Luis Obispo might also be a study in extravagance is surprising, but true. Massive Hearst Castle was a guest home for many celebrities in its day (the first part of the 20th century). Kitchy, but highly entertaining Madonna Inn is one of those rare hotels that offers private . . . waterfalls in some rooms.
