The strong local economy is dominated by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with its 18,000 students, viticulture and agriculture, fishing, tourism and a growing sector of information and technology businesses.

The world-renowned California wine country of the Paso Robles wine country in north county and San Luis Obispo wine country in the south county provide a California wine country tour experience that reminds many of Tuscany.

The local food and wine producers are just two reasons for the many excellent restaurants in the county.  The large student base, many visitors and supportive local population has also allowed many nightclubs and restaurants to offer first class local and visiting live entertainment.

One hundred miles of stunning coastline awaits the visitor to San Luis Obispo County. From the dramatic shores of the northern coast (Ragged Point, San Simeon, Cambria) to dramatic Morro rock (Morro Bay, Cayucos) to the smooth diamond-white sands of the southern beaches (Oceano, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach) there is something for everyone.
With nearly ten beaches along the coast, all of them offer something for surfers, kayakers and sunbathers. You won't want to miss Avila Beach; it is one of the most popular beaches because it is considered to be the sunniest and warmest beach in the county.

National acclaim has been bestowed upon the prize winning wines and premium vineyards in San Luis Obispo County.  Over 80 wineries welcome visitors to sample prize-winning selections and current releases.  Two distinct wine regions take advantage of the area's diverse micro-climates which provide ideal conditions for growing premium wine. The San Luis Obispo / Arroyo Grande Wine Region is famous for its high quality Pinot Noirs and rich Chardonnays. The Paso Robles Wine / Templeton Region produces big, ripe Zinfandels, bold Cabernets and velvety-smooth Merlots.  Many of the wineries are open for tours and tastings daily.

Magnificent Hearst Castle in San Luis Obispo County offers tours daily of this historic private estate built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in the early 1900s. The castle itself consists of unique artifacts, Renaissance art, ornate swimming pools, fanciful gardens and over 165 rooms and sits on 127-acres of land comfortably nestled on top of the mountain. Four tours are offered daily with special evening tours during the fall and spring. Reservations are highly recommended.

The county is home to two prominent missions as part of a chain of 21 missions located throughout the state. San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, is fifth in line and was founded in 1772.  Surrounding the mission is Mission Plaza, a venue for outdoor events -- festivals, concerts and special events. The Mission serves parishioners with daily services.  Group tours are available.  San Miguel Archangel, named for the archangel Saint Michael, is located just north of Paso Robles.  It is the 16th mission in the chain and was founded in 1797.  This mission is temporarily closed to the public.

There is no better place to play golf than in San Luis Obispo County.  About a dozen golf courses offer a variety of terrain and levels of play, you'll enjoy the most affordable golf in California's Central Coast.  The scenic courses offer lush scenery, ocean views and challenging holes.  Also, set your mind to ease about getting on the greens - the avid golfer will be amazed at the availability of tee times, even on the weekends.

From Farmers' Markets to antiques and unique gift shops, San Luis Obispo County has big shopping experiences in a small, intimate setting.  Every week Farmers Markets can be found in almost every city on the Central Coast.  Visitors can take advantage of the fresh fruits and vegetables for sale, barbeque feasts and a vast array of local entertainment.  For the antique lover in the family, you will find quaint antique stores located throughout the county.

For more information about the SLO area:

http://www.sanluisobispocounty.com/