If you’ve been around here before, you might be thinking, “Shouldn’t Cambria and San Simeon be on this list, too?” And hey, fair! But I’m all about slow travel, not cramming too much in. Having lived in both Cayucos and Morro Bay, I can promise there’s more than enough to explore, eat, and fall in love with in just these two spots, as well as the nearby Montaña de Oro State Park and Los Osos. Take your time, my friends; this stretch of the coast deserves it.

Lodging

Hiking