Living on the Central Coast!So you’re thinking about moving and trying to decide which area is the best place to move. For the most part, the towns and cities on the Central Coast (north San Luis Obispo and south Monterey counties) aren’t an end product of a grand design or sophisticated urban or rural planning. Mostly, the wonder we enjoy comes from good fortune, historical accidents and luck…and from the people who live here.
The first lucky break was having one of world’s most delightful climates. The summers here are delightfully mild, with daytime highs usually in the low 80s, and cool evenings. The winters are even better with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s, and crisp, clear nights with frost only rarely. (Snow is so rare it always makes the font page of the local paper.) Most homes don’t have air conditioning (and don’t need it) because of the cooling sea or mountain breezes. We do have heat in our homes, but we don’t need to use it much. Outdoor dining, either at home or at restaurants, is a year-round tradition. The climate contributes to a relaxed, casual lifestyle that’s difficult to recreate anywhere else.1
The northern part of San Luis Obispo County has a uniqueness of its own. It is separated by a ridge of mountains locals call “the grade”. The two largest cities in “North County” are Paso Robles and Atascadero. You’ll find cowboys, Arabian horse farms, vineyards, award-winning wineries, almond orchards and blue lakes.
Wine growing on the Central Coast stretches back to the missionary days of California, when the Franciscan padres who settled California in the 1880s planted the first grapevines (six of the 21 historic California missions are located within an hour’s drive). Today, SLO County is considered one of the most distinguished wine regions in California, and a visit to Paso Robles at any time of year will almost certainly place you in the middle of a fair, festival, special event or other celebration year-round!
Paso Robles is proud of its rich agricultural heritage, and wine grapes aren’t the only crop being harvested. An Olive Festival and an Herbal Garden & Basil Festival celebrate other elements of the bountiful harvest and help you discover magical ways to enjoy autumn afternoons.
Less than a half-hour away is Lake Nacimiento, a place with a wealth of water activities. Some of the more rural areas of North County have traditional Old West architecture that represent the history of the area.
Just shy of North County’s border is Ragged Point, often described as the “Million Dollar View” because of the breathtaking, unobstructed, miles-wide vistas of both the Pacific Ocean and the inland landscape of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
Also on the Central Coast are major attractions such as Hearst Castle, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Many of California's historic missions are located on the Central Coast and can be toured. Local Visitors Bureaus can provide a calendar of events that note many exciting cultural festivals taking place during the year.
In addition to recreational pursuits, more and more people are looking for ways to experience the natural attractions of their destination. In addition to natural beauty, the Central Coast is home to a variety of wildlife. In Monterey County, the Elkhorn Slough Preserve in Moss Landing is an annual spot for thousands of birds.
According to the local Audubon chapter, at least 445 species have been found in the county. Every year, the Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count finds about 200 birds within a 15-mile radius of Morro Bay (routinely in the top 10 counts every year). Sightings include the California Condor, Golden and Bald Eagles, and hundreds of smaller, but sometimes rare birds.
The cities of Morro Bay, Baywood Park and Los Osos bracket the natural Morro Bay harbor with charm and an array of attractions. Morro Bay is famous around the world for its fascinating volcanic Morro Rock, almost 600 feet tall and 50 acres at its base – so large it once served as a navigational landmark for ships at sea.
The beach town of Cayucos is a haven for surfers and fishing enthusiasts. Non-surfers can find a host of antique shops, restaurants and taverns along the “old California” main street. The long, uncluttered, white sandy beach is home to the Cayucos pier – built in 1875 – and beloved by sandcastle builders, sunbathers and strolling romantics.
Block-long Harmony (population 18) is home to a wedding chapel, shops and galleries, a restaurant/bar and a winery. The 1915 post office is still in operation today.
South of San Simeon is the charming town of Cambria. This lovely village boasts a highly respected artists’ colony and supports an impressive selection of fine restaurants, specialty shops, art galleries and ocean-view inns.2
And chances are if it ends up in your stomach, it came from the Central Valley of California. Boasting some of the most expansive and fertile farmlands in the world, this region is often called the breadbasket of our nation. King City is located in the heart of the Salinas Valley and is about 100 miles south of San Jose and about 50 miles north of Paso Robles. The city’s economic base is largely dependent on agriculture.
1 This section from the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce
2 This section from visitcalifornia.com
