“First-time visitors can’t believe there are places in California that are still so untouched”

Chuck Davison, CEO, Visit SLO CAL

Most first-time visitors think San Luis Obispo (SLO CAL) is like San Francisco or Los Angeles and can’t believe there are places in California – especially along Highway 1 – that are still so untouched.

Our tourism appeal is built on the ethos of slowing down the pace of life, but we have tons of activities to pack out an itinerary, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, surfing, or even jumping out of a plane!

We invested over $100,000 during the pandemic into a virtual 3D site visit tool, so agents and their clients can experience different hotels or attractions first hand. This is live on our training portal now or at xplorit.com/slocal.

A slower way of life

SLO CAL has 85 miles of oceanfont, ranging from quaint coastal villages like Morro Bay, where you can shuck your own oysters and visit the sea otters, to enjoying a bonfire on one of California’s only driveable beaches.

Moving inland to San Luis Obispo, you get a unique blend of old California arts and history which meets the vibrant energy of the college crowd. Every Thursday, they shut down nine blocks for the largest farmers market on the west coast, with BBQs and entertainment on every street corner.

As you stretch further north, you come into wine county. We’re the third-largest wine region in California with around 300 wineries and distilleries, from mom and pop wineries to major distributors.

We pride ourselves on our local produce and have been doing farm to table for hundreds of years, so we’re perfect for foodies. Most of all, we want to encourage people to travel like a local, and experience what we do every single day.