Atascadero

The brainchild of mega-entrepreneur E.G. Lewis, Atascadero CA is the result of nearly a century of organic community evolution. It is an amalgamation of rolling hills studded with majestic oaks and other mesmerizing flora; historic buildings; quaint lake park and zoo; dynamic enclaves of artists, musicians and writers; all surrounded by the most colorful visitor vistas and finest wineries in the state. Atascadero is the hub, the very center of California's Central Coast.

Atascadero CA Interactive Map - An interactive map of all listings in this town.

Atascadero  CA Restaurants

Atascadero CA Hotels

Major Events
(check our online calendar for details):

• Farmers Market - Downtown - Every Wednesday - Year -Round
• Sweetheart Stroll - Downtown - Saturday before Valentines's Day - February
• Wildflower Bike Ride - April
• Central Coast Cince de Mayo - Saturday before May 5
• Atascadero Wine & Golf Festival - Atascadero Lakeside Park - Saturday - June
• Tuesday Concerts in the Park - Atascadero Lakeside Park - June to August
• Saturday Concerts in the Park - Atascadero Lakeside park - June to August
• Great American Holiday - Saturday after July 4
• Ice Cream Zoofari at the Zoo - July
• Hot El Camino Cruise Night - Huge car Cruise on Friday evening - August
• Mid-State Cruizers Car Show - Atascadero Lakeside Park - Saturday - August
• Sunken Gardens Flea Market - September
• Colony Days Parade & Celebration - Downtown - Third Saturday in October
• Halloween ZooBoo at the Zoo - October
• Downtown Winter Wonderland - Downtown - Second Friday in December

Upcoming Atascadero Events & Activities

More than just a stop-over point for other destinations, Atascadero offers a variety of local and regional festivals and events, glorious country roads for biking, the DeAnza Trail and other hiking venues, and an excellent golf course. Historic buildings and "Colony Homes" are scattered across the city. View the Italian Renaissance architecture of the classic Administration Building or the original Printery where E.G. Lewis created one of the finest printing companies in the nation. Learn about Tent City, where hundreds of colonists lived for up to two years while their homes were under construction. Visit the Colony House Museum and dig deeply into the colorful past of the Colony of Atascadero - a place the founder intended to provide the amenities of urban life and comfort of the countryside.

In the historic downtown Colony District friendly merchants and tucked-away little cafes provide a unique experience for an afternoon or a weekend.

Atascadero Lake borders the Lake Park Pavilion; perfect for weddings, reunions and other special occasions. The lake is home to many migrating water fowl and is a great site for bird-watching. The Charles Paddock Zoo, adjacent to the lake, is the only facility of its kind between Santa Barbara and San Jose; a cool and relaxing way to spend an afternoon with the kids.

While you are visiting the lake park be sure to see the brand new Veteran's Memorial complex. This stirring monument consists of a Pathway to Freedom crowned with a unique bronze statue and granite walls telling the story of local veterans. Flags wave proudly over this reminder that freedom is never free. The Atascadero Veteran's Memorial was conceived, designed and constructed using more than $200,000 in donations. It is one of the finest memorials of its kind in the state.

Atascadero proves you don't have to be big to be good. Lodging in Atascadero ranges from the modest to the opulent. In addition to several hotels you will find a variety of B&Bs, boutique event centers and mini-venues dotting the countryside. You are invited to sample one of a kind atmosphere and entertainment in our one at a time community.

Looking for that undiscovered wine? The Atascadero neighborhood is home to many small, but excellent wineries. These are the wineries where you can still talk to the winemaker and make the kind of discoveries you want share with a friend.

Atascadero is located exactly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on Highway 101. Highway 41 links you to the coast and the delights of the Pacific, just minutes away.

After a long day of exploration be sure you relax in one of Atascadero's delightful spas or salons. A massage, a glass of wine and wow! You've discovered one of the Central Coast's best-kept secrets.

Atascadero, California is in an area settled by American Indians, Spanish and Mexi/cans for many years before other American Europeans began to arrive. The Mexican government began to distribute land in the valley to private citizens in 1833, and Pedro Estrada received 40,000 acres that includes the land the city now occupies. In 1913, Edward Garner Lewis founded the "utopian" Atascadero Colony, marking the start of the settlement of what has become the city of Atascadero. You can learn more about this fascinating history at the Atascadero Historical Society.

A handy list of names, addresses, and phone numbers.