FAMILY BEACH VACATIONS AND MORE: SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA

Some of the best family beach vacations are available year-round in the beautiful city of San Luis Obispo.

San Luis Obispo is a natural paradise overlooking the Pacific Ocean on California's Central Coast, where the water is an exceptional shade of blue not found any place else.

San Luis Obispo features pristine beaches, quiet country roads, and a mild, sunny climate. Abundant wildlife includes seals, sea otters, monarch butterflies, and over 200 species of birds. Popular outdoor activities are golfing, fishing, swimming, biking, kayaking, hiking, surfing and nature photography.

The town is also rich in cultural attractions such as art galleries, live theatre venues, symphony performances and several museums. Needless to say, there are lots of cool shops and excellent restaurants to enjoy, as well as a wide range of choices in local accomodations, allowing for almost any vacation budget.

While you're there, be sure to visit Cambria, a charming nearby town with unique architecture and very interesting shops.

The most famous landmark in San Luis Obispo county is the Hearst Castle (shown here and on the photo quiz page). This stunning architectural wonder, built in 1919 by William Randolph Hearst, is now a State Historical Monument and a National Historic Landmark, open for public tours. It is actually located in San Simeon, about 43 miles from San Luis Obispo. But it's well worth the trip, so don't miss it!

For detailed area info and vacation package deals, visit www.sanluisobispocounty.com.

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