Locals stick their tongues in their cheeks as they refer to their hometown as SLO Town. Compared to the larger, more populated towns to the north and south, it is slow, but underneath the easygoing exterior this town—located approximately halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles—and the surrounding area is chock-a-block with exciting fly-in destination adventures.
San Luis Obispo, population 45,000, is clustered around Marsh, Higuera, and Monterey streets, which lie northeast and southwest. The town runs downhill from the northeast end of Monterey Street, which turns toward Piney Ridge, a range of mountains that defines one side of Edna Valley. The downtown area is a treasure trove of good shopping and great restaurants, liberally dotted with lodging accommodations to fit every taste. Even the most worldly traveler will enjoy the combination of theater, movies, and live music available during any weekend in SLO Town. There's bus service from the airport, which is located three miles south of the city, into town if a walking weekend sounds appealing.
San Luis Obispo Airport (SBP) has an ILS approach, as well as a VOR/GPS-A approach to guide pilots to the main 4,799-by-150-foot runway (11/29). There's also a 3,259-foot crosswind runway (7/25). San Luis Obispo is also served by commuter airlines with flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles.
If you're still looking for the best destination for a $100 hamburger, the Spirit of San Luis restaurant, located a few yards from transient parking, is a real contender for the title. Whether sitting out on the patio critiquing local landing habits or inside, out of the sun, it's probable that visiting pilots will have to contend with locals who come out from town for this airport restaurant's good food.
Arts and entertainment
With a college campus in town, there is plenty of liberal thought and plenty of exciting music during the weekends. This delightful little corner of California seems to draw great talent. The New Times, a free entertainment guide published weekly, is the San Luis Obispo County resource for local events. New Times has an informative Web site ( www.newtimesslo.com) or can be telephoned at 800/215-0300. A sampling of one weekend shows the diversity of the area: An orchid show; tours of the Hearst Castle; a model railroad club show; a tour of five historical residences; a hot-rod car show; concerts by electric guitar rocker George Thorogood and the Destroyers, the Central Coast Jazz Quartet, and flamenco guitarist Ottmar Liebert; and a psychic and healing arts fair were among the events scheduled.
Out and around
Cars can be rented in the main terminal at the airport, and there's plenty to see and do. During approach into the airport, fliers should look for the Seven Sisters. These seven peaks are volcanic intrusions, aligned in a northwesterly direction, with the first one being off the departure end of Runway 29 and the last one being Morro Rock in Morro Bay. Bishop Peak, at 1,546 feet, is a popular hiking destination. The view is well worth the climb.
The Central Coast is becoming known for its vineyards and wineries. No fewer than 14 wineries are located in and around San Luis Obispo, with many more to the north and south. The New Times has a map of the local wineries.
Morro Bay
The town of Morro Bay, 12 miles out Highway 1 to the northwest, is a wonderful seaside village with a beautiful bay sheltered by a spit of land. Morro Rock, the lowest of the Seven Sisters at 578 feet, marks the entrance to the enclosed bay. The spit's sand dunes are great for walking and wandering. Birdwatchers will want to make sure they bring their binoculars to Morro Bay—birds rest here during migrations. Canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals are available on the boardwalk. Golfers may want to play the public golf course at Morro Bay State Park. It offers spectacular seaside views. The starter's phone number is 805/772-2975. Even during the hottest summer days, cool fog creeps in at night only to vanish again at midmorning. Morro Bay has a Web site ( www.morrobay.com) that lists lodging and local events.
Across the bay is Montaña de Oro State Park. Located on a high headland overlooking the Pacific, this park offers hiking, picnicking, and ocean views. The Web site has more information about the park ( http://cal-parks.ca.gov/DISTRICTS/slobispo/mdosp441.htm).
Romantic getaways
The Central Coast is a romantic place. The combination of beautiful views and lots of stimulating outdoor activities and entertainment help ease you into a relaxed state of mind. Accommodations are set up to pamper travelers. The Madonna Inn (800/543-3000) in San Luis Obispo has taken care of Central Coast travelers since 1958 and is famous for its unique rooms. Its Web site ( www.madonnainn.com) lists all the available rooms, and there's a room for every taste. Themes include the Daisy Mae, Country Gentlemen, Fabulous Fifties, and Golfers.
Sycamore Mineral Hot Springs, a resort famous for its healing mineral hot springs, is a short drive to the west. Oil drillers discovered the hot springs in 1886. Developed as a resort soon after, it became famous for its healing waters, drawing travelers from as far away as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Set in the Avila Valley a few miles from the coast, this resort goes out of its way to help visitors dissolve everyday tensions. For more information, telephone 800/234-5831 or visit the Web site ( www.sycamoresprings.com).
The quiet, cool Central Coast is thought by many to be the best part of California. While the low clouds produced by marine onshore flows in the evening and morning hours can limit VFR flights into other coastal airports, the airport at SLO is sheltered from all but the heaviest marine layers by a range of hills between it and the ocean. The combination of good flying weather, scenery, activities, good food, and varied accommodations make San Luis Obispo a great destination for a day flight, a weekend, or for an extended adventure.
Links to additional information about San Luis Obispo may be found on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/pilot/links/links0010.shtml). E-mail the author at [email protected].
Do you know of a great California flying destination? Send your suggestions to California Flying, AOPA Pilot, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701.
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