San Luis Obispo County

For 80 centuries, San Luis Obispo County was the heart of the Chumash Indian country. They must have lived a pleasant life - mild climate, abundant seafood, and natural hot springs to soak in. The Chumash had a rich culture and were excellent craftspeople and artists. By 1769 the Europeans had arrived under the command of Gaspar de Portola of Spain.

With Portola came the Franciscan friars to begin founding the California missions and by 1772, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was established. North of San Luis Obispo along the El Camino Real trail, the 16th of 21 missions, Mission San Miguel Arcangel was built in 1797. Following the independence of Mexico and the secularization of the missions, the central coast entered the period of the rancheros from which many names of towns and places are derived.

San Luis Obispo was claimed for the United States in 1846 by General Fremont. Four years later, California was admitted to the United States, and San Luis Obispo became one of the original counties.

Hearst Castle Outdoor Pool San Luis Obispo County and its cities are a major tourist destination. Just a FEW of the attractions that draw visitors are: great beaches, growing wine industry (now the third largest wine producing region in California), and historical treasures (including Mission San Luis Obispo, Mission San Miguel, and world-famous Hearst Castle). Outdoor pastimes are of course popular: ATV'ing, biking, boating, fishing, golf, hiking, kayaking to name just a few.

San Luis Obispo County is also a cultural mecca. With a major university and a large prosperous population base - and large numbers of visitors - the county is host to many theaters, plays, concerts, art galleries and other cultural amenities. The cities in the county host many art fairs - many of course also serving wine - and live theare perfomances.

Avila Beach Concert and Pier The world famous "Festival Mozaic" (previously known as "Mozart Festival") has ocurred annually for 40 years. Cal Poly's "Performing Arts Center" is the largest performance venue between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and hosts a year - round schedule of touring professional theater and musical companies. Most cities also host FREE weekly concerts during the summer, with top local rock, salsa, C&W bands performing. Bring a picnic, but a glass of wine put on your dancing shoes and kick-back with the locals.

CarShows
Presently, over 238,974 residents enjoy our central coast location. Agriculture, state institutions, tourism and recreation make up the principal economic background. With the ocean and mountains, the Spanish and historical flavor, the friendly climate and the relative freedom from urban hassles, San Luis Obispo County is a good place to call home - AND to visit.

Parishioners still gather daily for services at the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (pictured above) , the fifth in a chain of Franciscan stations in California. Visit the original padres' residence, now a museum where you'll find Indian artifacts, glassware, papers, and pictures from days gone by.

Wine & Art Festival in San Luis Obispo County

(Photo above - Templeton "Day in the Shade" - One of the many art and wine festivals held in SLO County.)

Major regional events in SLO County (with activities in more than one city)

Farmers Markets - (Most cities hold Year-round)
Winter Bird Festival (mid-January)
International Film Festival (early March)
Zinfandel Festival (mid-March)
Hospice du Rhone Wiine Festival (late April)
Roll out the Barrels Wine Festival (early May)
Paso Robles Wine Festival (mid-May)
Memorial Day Events (May)
Art Fairs (May - September)
Free Summer Concerts (June-August - most towns hold weekly)
4th of July Fireworks
Central Coast Wine Classic (mid-July)
Festival Mozaic (formerly "Mozart Festival") (mid-July)
Renaissance Faire (mid-July)
California Mid-State Fair (late July - early August)
Labor Day Festivals - early September
Sunset ~ Savor the Central Coast - Food & Wine Festival (late Sept-early October)
Plein Art Painting Festival - late September to early October
Open Studios Art Festival - (3 weekends in October)
Harvest Wine Weekend - North County (mid-October)
Oktoberfests (October)
Harvest Wine Celebration - South County - (early November)
Holiday Craft Fairs (November - December)
Santa's Houses & Holiday Parades(December)

For specific dates on these and over 1,000 (!) other events, please go to: Upcoming San Luis Obispo Events & Activities

Jack Creek Tomatoes

Fresh local Heirloom Tomatoes - and much more - are available at Farm Stands and Farmers Markets

Gourmet Dining Heaven:
San Luis Obispo County is "foodie" heaven. Gourmet fine dining in SLO County has exploded inthe past 20 years as chefs flock to the area to take advantage of the rapidly growing local wine industry. Chefs are also helped by the incredibly vast variety of local produce.

Check our our Restaurant Page to discover the dining experience you crave.