This area has something for nearly everyone; those who want a relaxed atmosphere have to look no further than the pristine Pacific beaches while visitors looking for adventure can satisfy their intellectual curiosity at museums and sites.
(PRWEB) June 04, 2014
San Luis Obispo is known for its mild climates, vineyard laced hills and abundant opportunities to observe nature along the California central coasts. The quaint, college town has plenty of fun activities and sightseeing opportunities that are the ingredients for great summer vacations. This area has something for nearly everyone; those who want a relaxed atmosphere have to look no further than the pristine Pacific beaches while visitors looking for adventure can satisfy their intellectual curiosity at museums and sites that reflect the area's rich Native American and Spanish roots. Recently, VirtualSLO.com published its take on the best things to do and famous attractions in San Luis Obispo, which is affectionately abbreviated as SLO by residents and familiar visitors.
Attractions and Adventures in San Luis Obispo
1.) The hills of San Luis Obispo are packed with hiking trails for nature enthusiasts, but serious trekkers step over to Nine Sisters for challenging trails and amazing photo opportunities. The Sisters are a series of nine mountain peaks that lie between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo; the height of the peaks range from 576 feet at Morro Rock to over 1,500 feet at Bishop Peak. With its flora and fauna that are native to land masses of volcanic origin like Nine Sisters, the area has much to offer budding geologists as well as the naturally curious.
2.) San Luis Obispo abounds with biking trails for cyclists of all skill levels, and those who are serious about hitting the trails often stop by the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club. The highly regarded club is touted by visitors and natives alike as a valuable resource for educating people about the best trails in the area. Some cyclists take serene trips through wine country while others challenge themselves on the surrounding hills.
3.) Families with small children in tow will enjoy an educational, fun and interactive trip to the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum. The recently renovated museum presents visitors with engaging exhibits that regularly vary to keep families coming back time and again. The high quality, stimulating displays are products of important partnerships with area organizations like California Polytechnic State University.
4.) Fun for families with children of all ages is found at the Charles Paddock Zoo. The exotic zoo is home to over a hundred species of animals from all over the world. Children not only get to observe rare animal species up close, but the zoo is also committed to educating visitors about specific conservation efforts and respecting the environment in general. The Charles Paddock Zoo hosts numerous special events, educational camps and private parties that appeal to the interests of many families.
Some of the most fantastic places to visit in the San Luis Obispo area are actually in the neighboring cities of Morro Bay and Pismo Beach. Here are some exciting attractions at these locations. Morro Bay and Pismo Beach activities:
5.) Morro Bay Estuary is especially suited to families with older children. The bay's distinctive characteristic mixture of fresh and salt water coming from nearby rivers and the ocean respectively is home to an interesting eco-system of flora and fauna that is fun to closely observe. Some of the wildlife that greet visitors of the estuary are sea otters, peregrine falcon and the Morro Bay kangaroo rat. The Morro Bay Estuary also presents an opportunity for families to learn about the importance of protecting the beautiful aquatic haven and its inhabitants by participating in one of the bay restoration and cleanup projects sponsored by the Morro Bay National Estuary Program.
6.) While in the Morro Bay area, families can also tour the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History that overlooks the bay. The educational site is free to children ages 16 and younger, and the exhibits center around the ecology of the bay. Visitors to the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History discover how different elements within a region's environment impacts the entire ecology. After learning more about the bay's wildlife and the important roles that they play within their particular ecosystem, people are apt to become even more motivated to join the Morro Bay National Estuary Program to support special “clean the bay” activities.
7.) Golden sand and shimmering waves greet visitors to Pismo Beach's Oceano Dunes. The family friendly, action packed state vehicular recreation area is part of the well established California State Park system. Besides the exciting four wheeling adventures that most visitors enjoy while in the area, the Dunes are great for camping, hiking, surfing and swimming.
8.) Kayaking in the area is also a popular pastime for those visiting San Luis Obispo county, and Pismo Beach's Shell Beach offers scenic waterways interspersed with secluded coves teeming with wildlife to view and photograph. Guided tours are also available at Avila Beach so that visitors make the most of their time on the water.
9.) After enjoying the many activities that the San Luis Obispo area has to offer families of all types, adults can tiptoe away to one of the two hot springs in the area to enjoy a relaxing dip in the natural mineral springs nestled among forested hillsides. Luxury spa resorts beckon to weary travelers at both Pismo beach and nearby Avila beach. The spas offer clients all types of massage treatments, healthy meals and some of the most scenic views on California's central coast.
10.) Dining out in the area is another great way to enjoy not only the delicious cuisine of Central California's coast, but also the incredible wine from the local vineyards. San Luis Obispo County is known for its exquisite wine making, so find a full list of restaurants in the area and come wine and dine in SLO.
About VirtualSLO.com
VirtualSLO.com is an informational website designed to help visitors create unforgettable vacation experiences in San Luis Obispo. The site features popular things to do, lodging alternatives and dining options in and around San Luis Obispo. A blog that describes upcoming events in the area is also incorporated into the website.