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San Luis Obispo, California (Population 42,595) is located nearly midway between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA

Dave
2004-02-21 18:13:08

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are located east of the freeway on 750 Mattie Road in Shell Beach. Their prices for an average dinner entree range from $14 to $20. They sell their own rib and steak sauce. Their phone number is (805) 773-1892. They also have a saloon on Higuera street in downtown San Luis Obispo.

No visit to the central coast is complete without stopping to see the Hearst Castle. (42 miles north of San Luis along highway 1) Hearst Castle was one of William Randolph Hearst's homes. He was a newspaper baron among other professions. There are several tours given; because the grounds and mansion are so big, you cannot cover everything in one tour. The main house consists of 115 rooms. There are three guesthouses on the 127 acres. There are four daytime 1.75 hour tours given. The FIRST TOUR covers the gardens, a guesthouse, both pools and the ground floor of the mansion. TOUR 2 includes the upper stories, Hearst's private quarters, the study/ library, and both pools. TOUR 3 includes the north wing of the main building, a guesthouse, gardens, and both pools. Lastly, TOUR 4 covers mostly the garden area, wine cellar, the largest guesthouses and both pools. TOUR 4 is given only between April and October. Tickets for the day tours are $14 for adults. Children between the ages of 6 to 12 are $8. Evening tours are $25 for adults and $13 for children.

The mansion is quite impressive. I was most impressed however, with the spring fed pool. Near the pool large marble statues of sea goddesses and other creatures are displayed. On a clear day the views from the pool side are spectacular. The ocean lies in the distance and the rolling hills east and north of the castle are beautiful in their own right, especially when they are green. This pool also runs into a room and under walkways. 24 carat gold tiles line the pool. Inside the mansion you will see old priceless paintings, carvings, statues, books ect.

Visit the Hearst Castle Web site: www.hearstcastle.com

Avila Beach is a small beach town, with less surfer influence then at Pismo. It lies in the shadow of Diablo Valley Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. Avila is a short drive from San Luis, about 15 minutes. After taking the Avila Beach turnoff from the 101 you will pass Avila Hot Springs resort. Avila Beach is a small beach town. There is a pier, with fisher people usually trying their luck. If you continue past Avila Beach you will come to the end of the road at Port San Luis. There is a pier here, some old sea dogs living in their boats, and two restaurants. One restaurant is at the end of the pier, the other called "Fat Cats" is next to the side of the road and is open 24 hours a day.

Pozo is a very very small town located about 50 min NE of San Luis Obispo. Its the gateway for outdoor activities including 4-wheeling, camping, or bike riding. The main attraction here is the Pozo Saloon. It dates from the mid 1800's and is oozing with character. Be sure to order the beer here - orders must be placed for 1/2 or gallon sized jugs of beer only. The beer is brought out in glass olive jar containers with a bed of green olives lying at the bottom.

There is a poolroom, tables for eating inside, and also a spacious deck and tables outside to the rear of the saloon. Events such as concerts are often held in the large grassy field in the back. Scottish games are an annual event held at the Pozo Saloon.