Why the Central Coast

What is it that draws people to California’s Central Coast?  There are as many answers to this question as there are visitors and residents.

The relaxed lifestyle is an explanation that I most often hear from locals.  Like me, many people left a bustling metroplex behind where the residents are too busy to even get to know their own neighbors.  The Central Coast with its natural beauty beckons you to slow down, breathe the fresh air, watch a sunset, take a walk, chat with a neighbor, or gather with friends. 

We’re far enough from the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County to feel semi-rural, but close enough that we can drive to either area in just a few hours.  Frequent travelers will appreciate the fact that our local airport in San Luis Obispo offers non-stop service to several major hubs such as Denver, Seattle, Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix. 

Those who crave action will find plenty to occupy themselves here, from surfing and sea kayaking to hiking, jogging and mountain biking.   There’s also a good selection of venues in the area where you can experience live music and entertainment.

San Luis Obispo County’s ancient volcanic peaks known as the Nine Sisters offer trails with expansive vistas for the nature lover.   While hiking, we often come across cottontail rabbits, alligator lizards, and California quail scurrying across the trail. Birders will delight in glimpsing red-tailed hawks, owls and more in the skies above our hills.  Even (I’m told) California condors have been sighted in our area. Egrets, pelicans, whimbrels and of course the ubiquitous seagulls, among others, grace our seashore and creeks.   

Near Grover Beach’s northwestern border, the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is one of only five locations in California where Western Monarch butterflies gather in the thousands during their annual migration.  The best viewing times are from October through February.

I never tire of watching and learning about the local marine life.   Gray whales typically migrate through our waters from December through February, while Humpback whales and dolphins can be spotted year-round.  Whale watching tours are a great activity for long-time residents and new transplants alike. We also frequently spot harbor seals and sea lions frolicking and sunning themselves on the rocks, while sea otters can be spied floating amongst the kelp beds at our local beaches.  The rockier portions of our coastline provide ample opportunity for exploring tide pools, where tiny crabs can be seen scurrying along rock crevices alongside sea anemones, limpets, sea stars, and the occasional fish.

Much of our local economy is agriculture-based; while exploring the back roads (and even portions of the main highways), you’ll find farms, orchards and vineyards, many with their own farm stands.  We also have a vibrant farmer’s market culture, with markets available to choose from literally every day of the week, so you can enjoy the freshest possible local produce.

Come and visit the Central Coast!  You may fall in love with it as I did, and choose to make it your home.