Towns in SLO County

What SLO County town is right for you?

With almost no traffic, it doesn’t take long to get anywhere in SLO County. Each town has its own unique community and offerings. Here are some traits and features of each town that could help you search for the right home.

San Luis Obispo

SLO could be a great transition if you come from a bigger city area. With lots of places to eat, shop, and events it can be a great way to ditch the crowded city without losing all the amenities. Catch some college sports at Cal Poly, or if you like baseball check out the SLO Blues. A safe and beautiful place for kids to grow up with parks and playgrounds in almost every neighborhood. The Mission San Luis Obispo de Telosa downtown

Paso Robles

Paso is the fastest growing city in the county, for a reason. Comparable to SLO with places to eat and events, but may be well suited for someone who likes a more rural vibe. The agriculture industry is strong here and is the heart of the wine country that put SLO County on the map. Temperatures here are usually hotter than the rest of the county. Paso is a wine lover’s dream with tons of tastings and entertainment provided by world renowned wineries. If you are a lake person, Lake Nacimiento, will keep the water skiers and wake boarders entertained.

Avila

This little harbor town is a short drive downtown SLO. Check out the Sycamore Mineral Hot Springs for some soaking, or walk through the orchards on the way to the beach. A great beach to catch some sun or go for a swim without worrying about big waves. Calling Avila home makes you one of the lucky few. Keep your eyes out for peacocks roaming the hills.

Arroyo Grande

Just south, down the valley from SLO is Arroyo Grande. Parts of the town see the ocean and the east village keeps the small town charm of the Central Coast. Lopez Lake is just up the road for some great summertime activities and waterslides.

Shell Beach, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach & Oceano

Close to the ocean and the dunes. Rent a buggy and drive on the sand. The Oceano Dunes State Park is the last place in CA that vehicles are allowed on the beach. Dig into the sand and you may find a large Pismo Clam. These towns are all so close they are really divided in name only. Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Oceano, Grover Beach, and Arroyo Grande make up the “Five Cities”. Shell Beach’s amazing cliffs could be argued as the best place to watch the sunset in the county. These areas are perfect for riding around on a beach cruiser in idyllic California fashion.

Nipomo

With large lots, for animals, and large eucalyptus trees Nipomo provides space and tranquility. Located just north of Santa Maria and south of San Luis Obispo. Check out the Monarch Grove and watch the butterflies. Want an acre lot? This could be a great spot if you want to have chickens or horses on your property, but also balances that rural feel with some beautiful golf courses and gated communities.

Atascadero

Right between SLO and Paso and a 15 minute drive to the downtown of each. Atascadero is on the more affordable end of the counties home prices especially for what you get for the price. Head east to check out the wildflowers in the Carrizo Plains take a winding drive through the hills to the beach on the beautiful Hwy 41. Stop by the Charles Paddock Zoo and say high to the tigers, pandas, and more.

Templeton

Templeton is where surf meets cowboy and the locals dress with a bit of each style. Cooled off in the evenings by the ocean breeze coming over the hill and tucked into the Santa Lucia Mountains, Templeton is a small gorgeous town. The vineyards and wineries host lots of great entertainment. Check out the Whale Rock Music Festival at Castoro Cellars in September.

Morro Bay

Known for it’s icon landmark Morro Rock that sits out in the bay, and its 3 towering stacks. The Embarcadero offers waterfront dining with fantastic seafood. Take a tour of the bay, or set out to sea on a whale watching cruise. The beaches by the Rock are fantastic for beginners and you will spot lots of otters as your drive out to the Rock. The town is seperated into two sections. One section by the downtown and Embarcadero that is a tourist hub when it gets too hot in the valley, and the other in “North Morro” where locals can access the beach strand with a short walk.

Los Osos

Home to Montana De Oro’s steep golden sand dunes. The state park is a mountain bikers playground. Los Osos has become one of towns in the county that young families planting roots. Groups of kids still ride around the neighborhood on bikes, a sight that is fading from a lot of communities. High schoolers commute a short distance to Morro Bay. Lots of the town faces north with views of the bay and Morro Rock. Park your kayak in the back bay and go for a paddle.

Cayucos

Similar to Avila, this coastal town does not get the fog and marine layer that many of the other beach towns have. The bluffs just north of town are a perfect place for a flat run right by the ocean. Grab a drink and bite of food at Schooner’s and watch the sun set over the pier. Cayucos is a small and highly desired town. Less than 2,500 residents live where most are lucky to just vacation.

Cambria

Pines by the sea. This forest town by the ocean has its pine trees watered with the morning marine layer. Generally an older population, like much of the central coast, who love their dogs. Take your pet on a walk through Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, you’ll make friends and your dog will too. In the springtime the north west winds are consistent making it a wind sport paradise.

San Simeon

This town has few single family homes but has condos perfect for a vacation rental or second home. There is a reason William Randolph Hearst built his castle in the hills of San Simeon. San Simeon Cove provides a break from the fog to lay on the beach and get some sun. At the south end of Big Sur, day trips up the famous coast are easily in striking distance. Don’t forget to stop by the elephant seal colony on your way up.

Santa Margarita

This charming little community could be driven by on the 101 without even knowing it was there, and that’s the way most residents prefer it. A quick drive south down the grade is closer to downtown San Luis Obispo than lots of homes actually in SLO. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Range, or go out to Pozo for a concert.

San Miguel

Mission San Miguel is the landmark in this small but growing community. Lake San Antonio and Nacimiento are just west of the town. If you are a hunter explore the backside of the Big Sur mountains just past Fort Hunter Liggett. Go for a float down the Salinas River, but be sure to not disturb the beavers.