The Atascadero Historical Society Colony House, 6600 Lewis Ave. behind the city parking lot across the street from the City Administration Building, is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 1 – 4 p.m. Talk to a docent about the history of Atascadero.

Call (800) 444-4445 or visit
hearstcastle.org for more information,
including schedules and rates.
The Visitors Center is open daily at 9
a.m. and includes a gift shop, various
dining options, exhibits and more. Read more about visiting Hearst Castle here: https://www.slovisitorsguide.com/cambria-san-simeon/majestic-hearst-castle

Nitt Witt Ridge is a hilltop home transformed by one man into what has been described as an “assemblage of sculpted junk.” Arthur Weal, spent many years collecting items fellow Cambrians were throwing away in order to create the home, which has been named a California Historic Landmark as a true example of a folk art environment. Tours available. 881 Hillcrest Drive, (805) 927-2690

Mission San Miguel was founded on
July 25, 1797. It was the 16th mission
founded in the 21-mission chain in
Alta California. The mission is named
for Saint Michael the Archangel. The
museum & gift shop are open daily
10am – 4:30pm. Read more here: https://www.slovisitorsguide.com/san-miguel/a-mission-tour-takes-you-back-in-history

Located at the end of Grand Avenue, this is undeniably one of Grover Beach’s main attractions.

Thousands flock to the Oceano Dunes State Recreational Park to camp along the ocean in tents and RVs every week. Rent and ride dune buggies and ATVs on the beach and enjoy riding for the entire afternoon.

There is a small cost per vehicle to drive on the beach. Several ATV rental shops are located within Grover Beach. Overnight camping is allowed on the beach and the scenic boardwalk leads visitors to the Monarch Butterfly Grove in nearby Pismo Beach.

The pier, at the intersection of 2nd Street and El Morro Ave., overlooks the shores of the back bay of Morro Bay. The Los Osos Oaks State Reserve Half-mile east of South Bay Boulevard on the south side of Los Osos Valley Road. The reserve has an easy one-mile trail through the “Pygmy Oaks”, which are dwarfed coast live oaks. The low canopy reserve is on the site where Chumash once lived.

Located on Highway 41 next to the zoo, the park is open from dawn to dusk and is open to the public. Paddle boats and kayaks are available for rent depending on the water level of the lake. A pedestrian path loops around the lake and is about one mile.

The forest has nearly 200 species of plants, more than 100 varieties of birds, and many species of mammals and reptiles and amphibians. The forest includes a 1-mile boardwalk that is wheelchair accessible at the north end of 16th Street. Guided tours are given on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30 am starting at the north end of 15th Street off Santa Ysabel. (805) 528-0392.

Located at the corner of Los Osos Valley Road and Palisades Avenue, the park includes a 17,000-square-foot skate park, three tennis courts, playgrounds and restrooms. The park is ideal for walking or picnicking and is the site of the Los Osos Valley School, one of five original one-room schoolhouses between San Luis Obispo and the coast. Of those five, only two still exist today, both in Los Osos.

Located off Highway 58. The park offers a variety of services year round. Some services include fishing and boating, hiking and trails, picnics, camping, and swimming. The park is located on several thousand acres of land that has been designated as open space. Two camping areas are open and backcountry campgrounds are accessible by boat. The swimming area is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Be sure to stop at the one gas station in town before driving out to the lake, as there are no gas services once you leave town. (805) 788-2397