Can't Miss Sights of SLO CAL's North Coast

Walk through California’s 16th mission located in San Miguel. Considered by many to be the best preserved and most authentic of all the California Missions, get a true taste of history at this historic landmark. Inside the mission has never even been repainted. However, the iconic bell tour was added after the mission was originally built. Contact the parish office for a tour. This is one of two missions in San Luis Obispo County. 

Grab a beer at Barrelhouse Brewing or Firestone Walker Brewing on your way into Paso Robles. Stroll around the quaint downtown park filled with shops, art galleries, restaurants and tasting rooms. In Atascadero, stretch your legs with a walk around Atascadero Lake Park ending in a visit to Charles Paddock Zoo (the only public zoo in San Luis Obispo County)

Explore a variety of local, high quality wineries and vineyards. You'll discover that what is grown and crafted here is worth a stop! Full of unique tasting experiences and 11 sub AVAs (American Viticulture Areas) there is a winery and a wine for every interest and pallet. If wine isn't your jam, this areas is also filled with some great local distilleries to try. Some even using left over grape juice from wine making to craft spirits. 

On a clear day, this pullout is the perfect place to take that jealousy-inducing vacation pic with views of endless rolling hills, the ocean and Morro Rock in the distance. 

Stop along Moonstone Beach to watch the waves crash against the shore, or visit Main Street for a unique antiquing experience. Cambira is an artist enclave that offers visitors delicious eats, unique shopping experiences and historic spots to explore (including a retired lens from Piedras Blancas Light Station and Chinese Temple). 

With million-dollar views to spare, this landmark offers iconic Highway 1 shores and crashing waves. Stop by the Ragged Point Inn to find ‘The Portal to Big Sur,’ a unique wooden sculpture and perfect photo op. Grab some food or a drink and take in the endless cliffside views. If you're feeling adventurous, take the steep hike down to Black Swift Falls beach. 

Watch as hundreds of elephant seals mingle, molt and tend to their pups on the scenic beach below. These silly seals are a classic Highway 1 wildlife experience! Located five miles north of Hearst Castle, this vista is complete with boardwalk, viewing platform and knowledgable docents to answer all your elephant seal inquiries. 

Take a tour of William Randolph Hearst’s glamorous showcase of art, architecture and gardens with panoramic views of unspoiled coastline and rugged mountains. And even without a tour, the Hearst Castle visitor center is worth a pit-stop for information and memorabilia. As you approach, be on the lookout for the infamous Hearst Castle zebras that roam just south of the property as you approach from San Simeon.

Don’t be fooled by its population size of 18, Harmony packs in glassblowing, pottery, wine tasting, a coffee shop, historic chapel and a creamery making it the perfect recipe for a quick pit-stop. Explore all that this one blog town has to offer. Don't blink, you won't want to miss it! 

Enjoy the iconic California beach town of Cayucos with miles of pet-friendly beach, surfing, kayaking, a historic pier and don’t forget to stop in at the utterly delicious Brown Butter Cookie Company. Just down the beach, is Morro Bay, where you can catch glimpses of sea otters, seals, dolphins and whales by kayak or dig into salt water taffy, fresh fish by the pound and local oysters while enjoying views of Morro Rock.