Bishop Peak is a very popular hike with Cal Poly and Cuesta students. This is one of a series of nine volcanic mountains and hills that run from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay (referred to as the Nine Sisters). From the top of Bishop Peak there are excellent views overlooking the ocean and all of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding hills. The primary trail leads off from a dirt parking lot on the north side of Foothill Blvd heading west … [Read more...]
San Luis Obispo, CA – Nearby Destinations
All cities, attractions and sites below are listed in alphabetical order AVILA BEACH is located next to a small bay in the 'shadow' of the Diablo Valley Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. Sometimes when shifts get off at the power plant a long line of cars will empty out all at once (this power plant is set to shut down in the year 2025). Avila Beach is a short drive from San Luis Obispo - only about 15 minutes. After taking the Avila Beach … [Read more...]
San Luis Obispo, CA – Carrizo Plains & Soda Lake
Carizzo Plain is located a little over an hour driving from San Luis Obispo - the drive to reach the plains and a visit here reveals the diversity of San Luis Obispo County both in topography, flora and population. Unlike coastal San Luis Obispo which is fairly well populated - the Carrizo Plains are in a part of the county that is almost completely uninhabited by people. It almost reminds one of the rolling prairies of the Midwest other than the … [Read more...]
San Luis Obispo, CA – The Mission
This mission is often called the 'Prince' of the missions. It was named for the 13th century saint, the Bishop of Toulouse. The church is still in operation. The tile roof is the first of its kind used on the California missions. They used tile instead of wood or thatch because often they would be faced with flaming arrow attacks by the Indians. There is an excellent museum that contains a large collection of Chumash Indian artifacts and … [Read more...]
San Luis Obispo, CA – Downtown
Downtown San Luis Obispo (www.downtownslo.com) is a collection of numerous cafes + restaurants + brew pubs, clothing stores, sports stores, a few galleries, quaint shops, and reflective of a college town, quite a few stand alone bars. The downtown area is best seen by walking. Ditch the car along one of the side streets just outside of the downtown area, or one of three parking garages (Two on Palm Street and one on Marsh Street). Our … [Read more...]
San Luis Obispo, CA – Lodging
San Luis Obispo has a diversity of lodging - perhaps more then other towns of this size due to two factors; it is a touristy region and because Cal Poly is located here. Many of the properties are located on upper Monterey street and or in the south of town on Madonna Road. The cheapest lodging can be found during the middle of the week. Prices listed range from the lowest (the off season rates/single person) to the highest (holidays and … [Read more...]
San Luis Obispo, CA – Restaurants
The following is a partial list of restaurants in San Luis Obispo and the immediate vicinity. Downtown San Luis Obispo has numerous restaurants with many lined up along Higuera Street. San Luis Obispo also seems to have an inordinate amount of small family owned high quality chain restaurants - usually chains under 10 restaurants with one branch located here. Also plenty of gastropubs, Italian restaurants, burgers and BBQ. In short, this is a … [Read more...]
San Luis Obispo, CA – Wine
PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY This region is rapidly growing and is starting to become very well-known. This area is an excellent alternative to the high priced Napa Valley. This region is situated about 20 miles east of the Pacific Ocean - about 30 minutes north of San Luis Obispo. Today there are well over 200 wineries in this region - one of the neat aspects of these wineries is that many are small and family owned. Often tasting is by … [Read more...]
San Luis Obispo, CA – More Info
For more information on the city of San Luis Obispo and the county of San Luis Obispo visit: www.visitsanluisobispocounty.com San Luis Sunset Swap Meet is held every Sunday morning (weather permitting) beginning at the cheery hour of 4:45am in the morning. However, most vendors are not yet setup at this hour. Dave's recommended time to arrive at this Swap meet is around 7am. It is held just south of town in the parking lot at the Sunset … [Read more...]
Palm Springs, CA – Attractions
Moorten Botanical Garden has been in existence for more then 70 years; the gardens contain over 3000 varieties of desert plants from around the world. This garden is also a bird sanctuary. They are located at 1701 South Palm Canyon Drive - right at the corner of El Camino Street - about a mile in from the state route 111. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9 to 4:30, and Sunday from 10 to 4. NOTE: They are closed on Wednesdays. Weddings, … [Read more...]