Experience the best of San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, known as SLO, lies in a valley between low volcanic hills, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and 15 kilometres from the Pacific. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, founded in 1772, stands at the heart of town on a plaza beside San Luis Creek, and California Polytechnic State University gives the place a youthful mood. Bubblegum Alley, a narrow passage whose walls are covered in chewed gum, is an odd local landmark.

Bishop Peak, one of the Nine Sisters, a line of ancient volcanic plugs stretching to Morro Bay, can be hiked for views of the valley. Morro Rock, a huge dome at the harbour mouth, lies about 20 kilometres north-west, and Avila Beach and Pismo Beach, whose grove shelters wintering monarch butterflies, are on the coast. Edna Valley's cool vineyards are close, and Hearst Castle is further north.

A weekly evening farmers' market closes Higuera Street to cars, and tri-tip barbecue and fresh local produce are the staples. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir come from the Edna Valley, and clam chowder in a sourdough bowl is a Pismo tradition. The coast is mild all year, with summer fog, and winter rains turn the hills green.