Chances are a California road trip has bypassed SLO CAL, one of the state’s most charming regions. Now is a perfect time to plan a relaxed, luxury-focused drive through the San Luis Obispo area and nearby coastal towns such as Paso Robles, San Miguel, Morro Bay, Cambria, Harmony, Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande. Notably, the city of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as America’s Happiest City.
Along the route you can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, ocean breezes and comfortable, well-appointed lodging. Recommended places to stay include Hotel Cerro in San Luis Obispo, White Water on Moonstone Beach in Cambria, SummerWood Inn, CASS Winery and Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles.
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As you map your itinerary, consider these curated activities and experiences:
Attend a CAMP CASS workshop at CASS Winery in Paso Robles. Options range from hands-on beekeeping sessions in A Bee’s Life, to traditional Mediterranean-style olive oil pressing, horseback riding, archery, photography lessons, paint-and-sip events, and sommelier and winemaking classes.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hearst Castle’s construction with a visit to the recently reopened estate. The new Julia Morgan Tour is part of the anniversary programming and gives visitors a closer look at Morgan’s life and career, featuring family photos, personal items and original architectural drawings.
For a memorable aerial perspective, book a helicopter wine-tasting tour with Paso Air Tours. They offer daytime flights that include stops at selected wineries and sweeping views of vineyard-covered hills. Options include custom itineraries or pre-curated excursions such as the three-hour Tasting in Style or the hour-long Wine & Waves experience.
© Visit SLO CAL
In Cambria, visit the 2,000-acre Covell Ranch, home to a herd of about 100 free-roaming Clydesdales. The ranch offers guided tours on horseback or by trailer and provides expansive views of the ocean, pastureland and Monterey Pine forest.
Shop local makers and artisan producers throughout the region. Look for handcrafted goods like Peppermint Rosemary goat milk soaps from Giving Tree Family Farm, Sea Palm and Cypress soy candles, skincare products from FableRune, award-winning Pasolivo olive oils, and small-batch honey from Sierra Honey Farm.
For a distinctive tasting experience, reserve a Range Rover tour at Halter Ranch. Guests are driven around the estate in a classic Range Rover Defender to explore vineyards and the ranch’s 2,700 acres while learning about its history, organic farming and viticulture practices, concluding with a wine-and-cheese pairing to sample the estate’s offerings.