2025 San Luis Obispo County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

A winter vacation in California is complete with just one trip along Highway 1. Spectacular mountain views, vast ocean scenery, charming small towns, and orange-hued sunsets – all the romantic sights can be seen on this journey. 📝【Travel Guide】 Highway 1 is enjoyable year-round, and winter is a popular time to visit California due to its pleasant climate. It is recommended to plan at least 3 days for the trip to ensure a comfortable experience. 🚗【Route Suggestions】 D1️⃣: San Francisco → Half Moon Bay → Highway 1 → Pigeon Point Lighthouse → Monterey Town → Old Fisherman's Wharf → 17-Mile Drive → Carmel-by-the-Sea D2️⃣: Bixby Creek Bridge → Hearst Castle → Elephant Seal Beach → Hearst San Simeon State Park D3️⃣: San Luis Obispo → Solvang (Danish Town) → Santa Barbara → Santa Monica Beach → Los Angeles 📷【Must-See Stops Along the Way】 🚩Charming Small Towns Monterey Town Fresh seafood and, if you're lucky, whale watching. The town is small but a great place to experience authentic Californian life. Carmel-by-the-Sea A romantic seaside art town with fairy-tale-style restaurants and many art shops. Walk west along the main street to see the ocean. Solvang (Danish Town) The town features many Danish-style buildings and windmills. You can take a horse-drawn carriage tour, buy crafts, and taste authentic Danish cookies. Santa Barbara A town with over 300 sunny days a year, featuring sunny beaches, palm trees, and a picturesque pink church perfect for photos. 🚩Interesting Sights Bixby Creek Bridge A must-see spot on Highway 1, offering stunning views of the mountains and ocean from different angles. Pigeon Point Lighthouse An iconic lighthouse on the west coast. Sit on the benches below the lighthouse to enjoy the expansive ocean views. 17-Mile Drive A scenic road with charming coastal views and the famous Lone Cypress. Take your time to enjoy the scenery along the way. Elephant Seal Beach A beach where you can see groups of elephant seals sunbathing, offering a close-up view of this relaxing scene. Santa Monica Beach A 3-mile-long beach perfect for running or sunbathing. The beach is lively with an open-air amusement park where you can ride a roller coaster and watch the orange sunset.

FOOD FROM SAN LUIS OBISPO IS MY VALENTINE'S THIS YEAR :] #holidayvacation#wintergetaway#staycation#tripinspired#happynewyear

#triplocal life baby #triplocal

#awesomepic #fieldoflightsatsensorial #sensorial

A trip to California wouldn't be complete without visiting the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim—the ultimate playground of wonder. No matter the season, age, or whether you believe in fairy tales, when the parade floats roll by, fireworks light up the sky, and "Let It Go" from Frozen echoes across the park as artificial snowflakes dance with the pyrotechnics, the crowd erupts in joy... The magic and beauty of this fantasy world, paired with tears of emotion from countless visitors, create moments that last forever. In 1919, media magnate William Randolph Hearst built his hilltop estate, which he called the "Ranch at San Simeon," in California. From 1919 to 1947, San Francisco architect Julia Morgan personally oversaw its construction. This Mediterranean Revival-style mansion is adorned with countless art pieces and antiques from Hearst's personal collection. Over the past century, countless celebrities, including Charlie Chaplin and other Hollywood stars, have been guests of the Hearst family. Today, Hearst Castle is part of the California State Park system and has welcomed millions of visitors over the past 50+ years. Finally, don’t forget to admire the stunning ocean views and California sunsets… The sky, sea, people, birds, wildlife, and nature—everything blends into a scene of pure romance. Right now, I’m standing quietly on this beach, where the sand meets the sea, gazing into the distance, lost in thought. California, USA · Disneyland Resort

To experience the authentic beauty of California, you must visit Highway 1. Stop at the coast with its blue waters, linger in the fairytale towns of different styles, and check in at Highway 1 with this private tour group!! 🌊 🔎About the trip ✅Departs daily 🏨Includes transportation and accommodation: Convenient travel 🚗Departure point: San Francisco/Los Angeles 👋Private tour group: A group can be formed with 2 people, and a group has a maximum of 6 people 💡The route can also be customized according to needs 🚩[San Francisco Departure Route Reference] Day 1: San Francisco → Half Moon Bay → Monterey → 17-Mile Drive → Carmel-by-the-Sea Day 2: Bixby Bridge → Elephant Seal Vista Point → Hearst Castle → Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument → San Luis Obispo Day 3: San Luis Obispo → Solvang → Santa Barbara → Santa Monica Beach → Los Angeles 👉San Francisco/Los Angeles can be used as departure points to meet the travel needs of different itineraries 👉In 3 days, you can visit most of the towns and coastal scenery along Highway 1 without getting lost 🌊[Must-see features of Highway 1] Half Moon Bay: Enjoy the scenery of the crescent-shaped bay Monterey: You can see marine life in the aquarium, which is very suitable for family trips 17-Mile Drive: Home of the Lone Cypress, take a unique photo of your own Bixby Creek Bridge: A classic spot along Highway 1, with mountains on one side and the sea on the other Solvang: A distinctive Danish town, the must-see is the windmill here Santa Barbara: The pink church here is full of girlish hearts Santa Monica Beach: A beach with a playground near Los Angeles, where you can also ride a Ferris wheel

The Qingming Festival holiday is here! Check out this 3-day US travel guide to help you easily navigate the United States and not miss a single sight! -- 🚗Itinerary: Day 1: California State Route 1-> Half Moon Bay State Beach-> Pigeon Point Lighthouse-> Carmel-by-the-Sea-> Monterey Bay-> 17-Mile Drive Drive along California State Route 1 and enjoy the coastal scenery. Visit the fine sands of Half Moon Bay, the retro charm of Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the artistic atmosphere of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the beautiful scenery of Monterey Bay and 17-Mile Drive. This itinerary is rich and colorful! Day 2: California State Route 1-> Bixby Creek Bridge-> Elephant Seal Vista Point-> Hearst Castle Continue driving along the coast to the magnificent Bixby Creek Bridge. Then, head to the Elephant Seal Vista Point and experience the wonders of nature. Afterward, visit Hearst Castle and savor the richness and grandeur of history. Day 3: Solvang (Danish Village)-> Old Mission Santa Barbara-> Santa Monica Pier On the third day, visit the Nordic-style Solvang (Danish Village), then head to the Old Mission Santa Barbara to experience tranquility and solemnity. Finally, arrive at the Santa Monica Pier to conclude your pleasant journey and create unforgettable memories! -- Must-see attractions: California State Route 1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: California, USA - Opening hours: Open 24 hours - Duration: 2-3 days - With blue seas, blue skies, cliffs, and charming towns, this place gathers paradise-like scenery and is a paradise for driving enthusiasts! 17-Mile Drive ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: California, USA - Duration: 1 hour - The circular road surrounds the residential area, with picturesque scenery along the way, as if walking in a fairyland. Solvang (Danish Village) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: 320 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, USA - Opening hours: Saturday-Sunday 10:00 am-4:00 pm; Closed Monday-Friday - Duration: 1 day - A pocket-sized town with Nordic scenery in the United States, it's like traveling through time to a fairy tale world, making people linger. Hearst Castle ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, USA - Opening hours: January 1-November 26, 9:00 am-4:00 pm - Duration: 2-3 hours - With a distinctive Spanish Catholic church and bell tower, this castle is full of mystery and history, making it a great place to explore history. -- 🧳 Travel checklist: Must-have items for a trip to the US, depart with ease! 📞 Prepare your phone card for seamless communication in the US. 🔌 Bring a plug adapter to easily handle US standard power outlets. 🪪 Don't forget your passport and visa, essential documents for entering the US. 👗 The weather in the US in March is pleasant, a light jacket and jeans are enough. 🔋 Charger and power bank to charge your phone anytime. 💸 A small amount of cash and credit cards for convenient shopping and dining. -- May your US trip be filled with beautiful moments and unforgettable memories!🌟

#hearstcastle

Northern California Road Trip Hearst Castle Hearst Castle is located in Northern California and was built by the newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. It has now been donated to the state government and is open for tours. The castle is situated on a small hill near San Simeon, California, along the coast. It is located between Los Angeles and San Francisco, right next to the famous Highway 1. Construction of the castle began in 1919 and was completed in 1957 after Hearst's death. Today, it has become a unique landmark in the area. If you have the chance to visit California, you must take a trip here! Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452

The life of a super-rich person in the early 20th century, with an indoor swimming pool, private cinema, billiard room, and wildlife park... Hearst Castle was built by William Randolph Hearst, the American newspaper magnate of the 20th century, on a hill near the coast in San Simeon, California. Experience the life of the rich in full view. 😆😆😆 🌟Highlights: This private estate began planning and construction in 1919 and was not basically completed until 1947. The Hearst Castle estate covers more than 8,300 square meters and blends European and Mediterranean architectural styles, with a rich collection of high artistic value. After Hearst's death, due to the inability to bear the high inheritance tax, his family donated the castle and nearby estate to California in 1957. Today, the castle is open to visitors as a California State Historic Park. 👍Highly recommended: The luxurious garden indoor swimming pool under the blue sky and white clouds is really amazing. Not only is it photogenic, but it also truly gives a full experience of mansion life. Definitely a must-visit.

Save this guide for your next trip to Hearst Castle on the West Coast of the US! 🏛️ Take the Tour: A guided tour is essential to explore the grand rooms, art collections, and history of this iconic castle. There are different tours available, so choose one that suits your interests. 📸 Bring Your Camera: The castle’s architecture, gardens, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean offer endless photo opportunities. The outdoor pool is especially photogenic. 🏞️ Explore the Grounds: Don’t miss the beautiful gardens and terraces. The landscape surrounding the castle is just as impressive as the interior. 🚌 Shuttle Ride: The shuttle bus ride up to the castle is part of the experience, with scenic views of the rolling hills. Sit by the window to enjoy it! 🕰️ Book in Advance: Tours can fill up quickly, especially in peak seasons. Make sure to book your tickets online ahead of time to secure your spot. 🌞 Weather Tips: The weather can be cooler at the top of the hill, so bring a light jacket even on sunny days. Comfortable shoes are also a must for walking around. 🏖️ Visit the Nearby Coast: After the tour, consider visiting the nearby beaches or Elephant Seal Rookery for a complete coastal experience. #summerdestinations #hearstcastle #mytravelhacks #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip

Feeling the vibe of San Francisco and its surroundings is like stepping into a diverse landscape of nature, history, and iconic drives. Here’s a snapshot of the top spots I’ve explored: 🏞️ Yosemite National Park, California Imagine being surrounded by majestic mountains, an abundance of wildlife, and breathtaking waterfalls. Yosemite is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers everything from hiking to rock climbing. Don't miss the Tunnel View lookout for a sunrise that frames El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome in one perfect picture. It's a natural marvel that calls for a full day or two of exploration. 🛣️ California 1, California, USA Driving along the scenic California 1 is an absolute dream. With the Pacific on one side and rolling hills on the other, this route is dotted with sailboats, gray whales, and picturesque cliffs. From Stanford University to Bixby Bridge, each stop is a postcard-perfect moment. It’s a must for road trip enthusiasts and definitely worth the 2-3 days adventure. 🌊 17 Mile Dr, California, USA The 17 Mile Drive is the epitome of coastal beauty. With over a dozen viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective of the relentless sea, wildlife, and historical sites, it’s a refreshing treat to the eyes and soul. Remember to pack snacks and take your time to soak in the views of this famous drive that requires half a day to truly appreciate. 🐠 Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA An underwater world awaits at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a gift from David Packard to his daughter. It's a place where you can touch marine life and learn about the ocean's wonders. The staff are friendly and the exhibits are immersive, making it an ideal place to spend 1-3 hours, especially with kids. 🏰 Hearst Castle, 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA Perched atop a hill, Hearst Castle is a testament to opulence and history. Built over 28 years, this sprawling estate blends European and Mediterranean architecture with a vast collection of antiques and artworks. Take a guided tour to experience the grandeur of this 20th-century marvel, which is well worth the 2-3 hours visit. Each of these attractions holds a special place in my heart, and I hope they’ll steal a piece of yours too. Until next time, keep wandering and wondering! #SanFrancisco #SanFranciscoAttractions #California #CaliforniaTravel

During our honeymoon, the eleventh stop took us into the mysterious and magnificent Hearst Castle. Hearst Castle, this grandiose building perched atop a seaside hill in San Simeon, California, is like an ancient dream. It was built in 1919, funded by media mogul William Randolph Hearst. The castle spans a vast area, with architectural styles blending Mediterranean, Spanish, and Mexican features, presenting a unique charm. Upon entering the castle, the first thing that strikes the eye is the imposing main building, with its tall walls, exquisite carvings, and lavish decorations, all highlighting the splendor of bygone days. The rooms inside are distinctive, with precious oil paintings hanging in the living room, and bedrooms arranged cozily and luxuriously, as if transporting one back to that elegant era. Surrounding the castle is a vast and beautiful garden, with neatly trimmed lawns, colorful flowers, and uniquely shaped sculptures complementing each other, creating a picturesque scene. There's also the crystal-clear swimming pool, like a blue gem embedded within. However, during this lovely tour, an unexpected incident occurred. My partner, while focusing on capturing the beauty of the fountain, accidentally dropped the SLR camera into the water. We hurriedly retrieved the camera, but unfortunately, it was water-damaged beyond repair. This sudden mishap left my partner quite disheartened, but we consoled each other and decided to use our phones to capture the beautiful moments for the rest of the trip. Our day at Hearst Castle was filled with awe and regret, but more so, it was the warmth and resolve we shared as we faced everything together, making it an unforgettable chapter in our honeymoon journey.

Hearst Castle, built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst on a hill near San Simeon, California, is located between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The castle's construction began in 1919 and was completed after Hearst's death in 1957, and today it has become a unique landmark in the area. The castle was built on a ranch owned by Hearst's father, George Hearst (purchased in 1865, covering 160 square kilometers). Young Hearst also spent his childhood here. When Hearst's mother, Phoebe Apperson Hearst, passed away in 1919, the estate had expanded to a 1,000 square kilometer farm. Young Hearst inherited this property from his mother. At the same time, transformative construction on the farm began and continued until 1947, when it stopped due to Hearst's deteriorating health and his move out. San Francisco architect Julia Morgan was responsible for almost all of the architectural design. After Hearst's death, the family donated the castle and the surrounding estate to the state of California due to the inability to afford the high inheritance tax. Today, the castle serves as a state historical park in California and is open to visitors. To attract tourists, this mansion built between 1919-1947 is referred to as 'Hearst's Castle'. Hearst's Castle's two swimming pools are as luxurious as the castle itself. The outdoor Neptune Pool, 32 meters long, uses an oil heating system and is adorned with marble statues of Neptune and Nereids, reminiscent of ancient Roman and Greek mythology. The other is the indoor Roman Pool, smaller in size, resembling an ancient Roman bath with intricate decorations, including cobalt blue and gold smalti (glass tiles). Looking up, one can see the detailed mosaic patterns covering the ceiling and dome, depicting a starry night sky. Around the pool stand eight marble statues, all sculpted by Italian sculptor Carlo Freter, representing Greek and Roman gods and heroes. ⚠️Note: Visitors will first arrive at the Visitor Center, which is free to enter and contains some introductions to Hearst Castle and a display of some artifacts. However, the Visitor Center is very far from the castle, which is located on a hill. From the Visitor Center's observation deck, the castle can be seen in the distance, appearing very small! To enter the castle for a tour, one must purchase a ticket and take a bus up the mountain. There are various ticket options, each offering access to different sights within the castle! The most popular are: Grand Rooms Tour, which includes the reception hall, dining room, billiard room, etc. The hall contains huge tapestries, all precious artifacts transported from Europe! Many art pieces were once collected by European royalty, and Hearst, due to his early experiences in Europe and his love for European art, purchased many treasures. The tour concludes with a short film introducing Hearst Castle and its guests. Upstairs Suites Tour, which includes Hearst and his family's private residences, luxurious suites, luxurious guest suites, and the library. The upper level tour involves climbing a spiral staircase, so it's not recommended for those with mobility issues due to the number of stairs! Both of the above options require a bus ride up and down the mountain, each estimated to take about 2 hours! I have been on both of these popular tours, and both include a visit to the castle's facade and the luxurious indoor and outdoor swimming pools. There are also other options like the Kitchen Tour and Evening Tour, each requiring a separate ticket. The ride to the castle offers beautiful scenery, with views of the Eastern Pacific Ocean and surroundings that resemble an oil painting🖼️. The mountain road has many bends, and there are many cows🐂 on the way up🚌. Along the way, you'll pass enclosures for large animals, which once housed polar bears🐻‍❄️ After arriving at the mountain, it is mandatory to follow the park's guide and not to leave the group until the end of the tour and the bus ride down the mountain.

Great experience kayaking around Morro Bay Area - able to see the Morro Rock from afar, sea lions and even otters too! Perfect way to enjoy the scenery and explore the Morro Bay Area whilst having fun kayaking!

California Highway 1, a wonderful road trip, you will pass by this attraction on the way. It was commissioned by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst and became his private residence. Later donated to the California government. Hearst Castle Hearst Castle's history dates back to the early 20th century. William Hearst was a media magnate who had a significant influence on American society at the time. In 1919, he decided to build a grand residence and chose a hilltop in California as the site. This was also his favorite place when he was a child. The castle took decades to build. Architect Julia Morgan was commissioned to design and oversee the construction. Their designs were inspired by ancient Greek, Roman and European medieval architecture, as well as Hirst's love of ancient civilizations and art. The castle's architectural style is unique, combining a variety of elements including Mediterranean, Gothic Revival and Spanish Colonial. Hearst Castle is a massive complex that includes the main building, called Casa Grande, and multiple outbuildings, such as guest rooms, a swimming pool, a theater, and a library. The interior of Hearst Castle is magnificently decorated and houses a large collection of art and antiques, including famous paintings, ancient sculptures, and antique furniture. The gardens and landscapes around the castle have also been carefully designed to create a fairyland-like atmosphere. Hearst Castle attracts a large number of tourists every year. Visitors can tour the interior and gardens of the castle and admire its magnificent architecture and art collections, while learning about the history of the Hearst family and Hearst's important position in the American media industry. Hearst Castle is also listed as a National Historic Landmark and is hailed as one of the important representatives of American architectural and cultural heritage. You can drive to the venue yourself. A guided tour costs $30 per location. Nearly 2 hours. #Overseas Travel #California #USA

#summerbreak#mytripvlog #beachlife #celebratewithtrip #summervacation

#Children's attractions #Travel abroad #Travel reviews abroad #America #travel #exploreusa #usa #California #Sea travel 📌 Elephant Seal Vista Point, San Simeon, Ca, America If we drive on Route 1 along the Pacific coast heading to San Francisco, we will pass by here to see Nong Ung Ung. Elephant Seal Viewpoint (Elephant Seal) or Piedras Blancas Rookery has many seals living here. It is free to visit, no toll fee, and there is a lot of parking. Elephant cats live in groups. They have a rule prohibiting them from approaching the seals, prohibiting feeding them, and letting them live in their own nature. They will be on the beach. We can only watch them. This seal is a very large species. Some are as big as a person. Children who love animals must not miss visiting the seals here.

a place where I love to go whenever i can i feel so relax 2 hrs 25 mns from 🏡

we love it here! The pizza place around the corner from the parking lot is our fav

Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

As the name implies, this unique tourist spot in the world is filled with colorful chewing gum. Bubblegum Alley is a passage 4.6 meters high and 21 meters long. The hallway is full of chewing gum patches. If you think about it, maybe it's disgusting. Even so, this tourist destination is still crowded with tourists. Until now, no one knows for sure the origin of this tradition of sticking gum on the wall. #triplocal #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Had a great time in Pismo Beach for a nice holiday vacation! We stayed at the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel during our visit. It was very relaxing, the hotel room was nice and the patio opened up directly to the back for a beautiful ocean view. Our room also had a mini fridge, microwave, and Keurig which came in handy. They had continental breakfast each morning. Breakfast was limited as we visited during quarantine, but was still more than enough to fill you up. The staff was also very friendly and helpful throughout our stay. Overall, we had a very pleasant and fun trip. #holidayvacation #wintergetaway #merryxmas #holidayvacation#wintergetaway#staycation#merryxmas

During my trip to US I happened to stop by this beautiful beach called Avila beach. The view is beautiful and you can enjoy some quality time alone or with your friends. Enjoy the walking along the shore or simply sit by and overlooking the horizon. Great place. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

Mushroom Jun's America's Wanderlust USA, California Hello, we are the walrus family, the biggest hobby every day is swimming, eating, sunbathing and sleeping, at the Elephant seal vista point on California Highway 1. You can find us. Can listen to us roaring and watch us sleep. And we have a big summer wind here, remember to wear more points! Although there will always be a stinking smell here, but it is a good spot that doesn't cost money. The beach also has a pedestrian-specific viewing trail. You can't help but stay with us for a while.