SLO County. SLO Much Fun!

Fall Getaway to San Luis Obispo County

Beaches, wine country, hiking, bike riding, kayaking …. California has it all. Discover the best of it, without the crowds! Located smack between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo County is 80 miles of coastline, a dozen charming towns, warm weather, and did we mention outstanding value?

Take Me to the Castle: You've never seen Hearst Castle like this. In the fall and during the holidays, two special tours are offered: the Evening Tour and the Holiday Twilight Tour. The evening tour lets you experience the castle at night just as one of William Randolph Hearst's guests in the 1930s would have. The Holiday Twilight tour has you exploring the grounds and grand social rooms, enjoying the decadent décor, thousands of twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and a one-of-a-kind poinsettia tree.

Coast Quest: With 80 miles of coastline, easily find just the right kind of beach for you in San Luis Obispo County (and this time of year, they're blissfully uncrowded)! Rent an ATV and dune buggy and take a ride on the Oceano Dunes at Pismo State Beach, the only drive-on beach in California. For a more romantic kind of 4x4 fun, ride horseback on Avila Beach at sunset.

Holiday Spirits (and Wine): It used to be that San Luis Obispo County was an emerging world-class wine destination. Now it's official! There are over 280 wineries in the region. Paso Robles is filled with boutique and small family-owned wineries known for signature proprietary blends of Bordeaux, Rhône, and Zinfandel varietals, while the cooler climate of Edna Valley is known for its Pinots and Chardonnays. A few wineries in the county are also operating distilleries, adding a bit more buzz to your holiday cheer.

Plan Your Trip: Check out San Luis Obispo County's interactive map, filled with destinations and adventures. Plus check out lodging options and deals.

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