Santa Margarita KOA

Reservations are strongly recommended for tours of Hearst Castle . Construction began on Hearst Castle in 1919 and continued for 28 years. Hearst Castle is referred to as the "Crown Jewel of San Luis Obispo". Hearst Castle has spectacular views overlooking the ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains.

The Ticket Office opens at 8:00 am. Tour times vary, but generally the daytime tours begin at 9:00 am
(800) 444-4445
750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452

Beyond the developed area of the park, Santa Margarita Lake Natural Area represents several thousand acres of designated open space. This section of the park is managed for its natural resource values, passive recreational use, and environmental education opportunities. The area is accessible to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. Motor vehicles are not permitted in the Natural Area. Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park is a nature lover's retreat. With thousands of acres of unspoiled open space, the park is home to countless species of plants and wildlife making it the perfect location for nature study, boating, and fishing.

FISHING / BOATING
Santa Margarita Lake is noted for its excellent fishing and peaceful boating. Cast your line into Santa Margarita Lake and you'll find hungry redear, striped bass, trout, catfish, crappie and bluegill. Fish from shore, use one of the launch ramps, or try your luck from a boat or canoe.

CONTACT
Reservations (805) 788-2397
Pool Rental (805) 781-5930
Marina Store: (805) 438-1522

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Like a blast from the 1950s, this roadside drive-in is the real thing. Located in a big empty field just off the highway, it's easy to get to and the whole experience is a hoot. The films are typically family fare, with a double feature consisting of two popular current films for a price that's as retro as the theater itself. The sound system is a modern one that allows the film's sound to come through the car stereo. This means you don't have to have your window open to accommodate speakers, a nice touch given that temperatures can drop after dark if the fog comes in. They sell typical movie fare like popcorn, candy and drinks, and a limited menu of snacks such as nachos and hot dogs

Planning Notes
Be prepared for cold night air. Bring lots of blankets, jackets and scarves in case it gets chilly. The fog can come in or the wind can come up in this location close to the coast.
Just the Facts
Hours: Open weekdays and weekends all year. Call for film schedule; typically there are two films, one at 7 or 7:30, the other at 9 or 9:30 p.m.
Fees: Under $10
Address: 255 Elks Ln, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401Phone:(805) 544-4475

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This off road area is among the most popular and unique of California State Parks. The 5 1/2 miles of beach open for vehicle use and the sand dunes available for off highway motor vehicle recreation are attractions for visitors from throughout the United States

Oceano Dunes is the only California State Park where vehicles may be driven on the beach. Passenger cars can easily drive on the northern portion of the beach.
Four wheel drive vehicles are recommended for driving to the camping and off highway vehicle use areas in the park.
Beach wheelchairs are available for loan at the Pier and Grand Avenue entrances to the beach.
Surfing, swimming, surf fishing, horseback riding and bird watching are popular activities. 

Location/Directions
The recreation area is located in Oceano, three miles south of Pismo Beach off Highway 1.

One mile south of the Pier Avenue beach ramp is Post 2, a post on the beach which marks the beginning of the off-highway vehicle riding and camping area. 

OHV's must be transported to this point before unloading. Any areas on the beach or in the dunes that are fenced or signed are closed to vehicular use because they either contain sensitive plant and animal life or are private property.

PARK OFFICE TELEPHONE:
(805) 473-7220

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Whale watching in California is a popular activity and on the Central Coast whale watching vacation tours are not to be missed. Twice a year the California Gray Whale migrates from its feeding grounds in the Bering Straits to the breeding grounds off Baja California and back again. Morro Bay is a great place to view the whales along their journey. When you stay at the Embarcadero Inn you'll be within walking distance of a popular and experienced local whale watching vacation tour operator. Experienced local guides will make your whale watching vacation tour a memorable one.

The Morro Bay National Estuary and Harbor make up the crown jewels of the Central Coast. While many wetlands in California suffer, the Morro Bay ecosystem thrives. Home to dozens of endangered species, it is also a spawning ground, nursery for marine fisheries, a commercial fishing harbor and a center for recreation and education. Guests of the Embarcadero Inn will enjoy harbor views and being in close proximity to the estuary. And just down the street, guests can join a guided boat tour of the estuary.

 Virg's Landing, (805) 772-1222
• Sub Sea Tours & Kayaks, (805) 772-9463
• Central Coast Sport Fishing, (805)772-3474

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Rinconada Trail - Santa Margarita - San Luis Obispo County
Eixt the 101 at Santa Margarita (1st exit north of Cuesta Grade) AKA Hwy 58/ El Camino Real. Drive through town and go Right on Pozo Rd (you'll go over some train tracks). Continue on Pozo Rd for about 10 miles. You'll see the turn off for Lake Santa Margarita going to your left, bare right and stay on Pozo Road. After another 4 miles or so you'll see a sign for the Rinconada Trail head parking, which will be on your right. Park in the dirt lot, pack up your gear and get on your bike. Ride up the trail for about 2 miles (this is the steepest section of the trail). At the top of the climb you reach a Y. Go to the left (You can go right also but it's just a steep drop, not as much fun) In a mile or so you'll intersect Hi Mountain Lookout fire road. Go right and continue climbing. This beautiful, peaceful, fire road climbs gently (middle chain ring) for about 6 miles. Then you reach a Y with a gate on the right. The left leg of the Y drops down steeply for about 2 miles and ends up at a campground. The right side of the Y climbs another mile or so to Hi Mountain Lookout. Go to the Right and climb up to Hi Mountain lookout. From this vantage point you can see all SLO county. including Lake Lopez, Santa Margrita Lake, Madona mt, Pismo, Morro Beach, Avila beach etc. An Awsome view and, if your patient, you can see condor gliding by, as this is on their flight path. Go back the same way you came.
GPS: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation:2500

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Experience California as it was in the 1800s. The historic Pozo Saloon, in the town of Pozo, has been a San Luis Obispo County landmark since 1858. It is also one of the finest and most authentic examples of how the west used to be. With its rustic, cozy interior and surrounding countryside, the Pozo Saloon continues to offer locals and the curious traveler the hospitality and frontier friendliness of a bygone day. We have also become one of the premier concert venues on the Central Coast with lineups that have included Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Snoop Dogg, The Black Crowes and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Public courses: San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Morro Bay, Arroyo Grande.  For a complete list, please visit their site at http://www.centralcoastgolftrail.com/golfcourses/

You might be asking yourself, "What is a Mineral Hot Spring?"  Never fear! Mineral Hot Springs are ponds, portions of a lake, or pools in which water has been naturally heated underground. Due to their naturalistic production, the water has a high density of minerals that can cleanse and clear your skin.  There are many locations in the area from Avila Beach to Paso Robles.

Big Caliente Hot Spring
Franklin Lakes Hot Well
Gaviota State Park (Las Cruces) Hot Spring (1.5 miles)
Little Caliente Hot Spring (4 miles)
Paso Robles Hot Springs & Spa
Sycamore Mineral Springs
Sykes Hot Spring (20 miles)

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San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties make up the southernmost district of the Central Coast AVA. There are 27,600 acres of wine grapes planted in San Luis Obispo County and 16,600 acres planted in Santa Barbara County, totaling more than 44,000 acres. Together they make up 7.4 percent of the total state winegrape crush. The number one wine grape variety in San Luis Obispo County is Cabernet Sauvignon with 8,600 acres. Merlot is second with 4,200 acres. There are about 110 wineries in the County. In Santa Barbara County, Chardonnay is the predominant grape with 7,100 acres, and Pinot Noir follows with 3,200 acres. There are almost 90 wineries.

The city of Paso Robles, situated 20 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, is in San Luis Obispo County, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The area is characterized by warm, clear days, generally unencumbered by clouds, fog or severe winds. Nighttime temperatures drop by approximately 40 degrees, cooled by a marine layer that moves over the region after sunset. Proximity to the ocean, orientation of the numerous canyons and valleys, and varying elevations produce diverse macroclimates, allowing production of both cool and warm loving winegrape varieties. There are four general soil associations, primarily formed from the weathering of granite, serpentine, shale and sandstone.

The first Thursday of every month, after Farmers Market, enjoy pedaling thru downtown SLO with hundreds of other bikers. Or watch those that pedal - a different costume / decoration theme every month. Have fun and obey all traffic laws!!

Times: 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Location: Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Address: Chorro and Monterey St.
Event City: SanLuis Obispo
Phone: 489.2499
Date(s): Ongoing 
Recurring monthly on the 1st Thursday

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Indulge together in the perfect pairing - local wine and chocolate - on this special epicurean tour taking place every Thursday through Saturday in February. For $175 per couple, start with a visit to an artisanal chocolate maker and learn how chocolate is grown, processed and crafted into delicious confections. Learn the fine art of pairing chocolates to wines, then test your knowledge at three award-winning wineries.

Times: Times Vary
Address: Locations Vary
Event City: Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo
Phone: 800.979.3370
High Admission: $175/couple
Date(s): Feb. 1st – 28th, 2013

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We're passionate about wine and sharing it with others! Join us as we explore the well-known to hidden local favorite wineries of Paso Robles. Taste at four unique wineries, enjoy a delicious gourmet picnic lunch and meet new friends along the way, all served up with our signature “seriously fun wine education” and door-door service. Our Blended Group Wine Tour is an exceptional value for individuals, couples or small parties. Private charters available daily. Easy on-line booking. Est. 1995
Times: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Address: Door to Door service from your local lodging
Event City: Paso Robles
Phone: 800.799.7657
Sponsor: Breakaway Tours & Event Planning
Times: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Address: Door to Door service from your local lodging
Event City: Paso Robles
Phone: 800.799.7657
Sponsor: Breakaway Tours & Event Planning

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If you love all the mistaken identities, plot twists and silliness of Ken Ludwig's Lend Me a Tenor, then you'll love his newest farce! This hilarious romp begins at Quail Valley Country Club as they prepare to take on arch rival Crouching Squirrel in the Annual Inter-Club Golf Tournament. Join us for a charming, madcap adventure about love, life, and man's eternal love affair with outrageous sweaters and...golf. (Rated PG)
Times: Times Vary
Location: Great American Melodrama & Vaudville Show
Address: 1863 Front St.
Event City: Oceano
Phone: 805.489.2499
Date(s): Through Mar. 10th, 2013 
Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

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The beautiful orange and black "fairy-like" Monarch Butterflies cluster by the thousands in the Eucalyptus trees, giving the appearance of golden leaves. Our Monarch Butterfly Grove is located on Highway 1 just south of the Pismo State Beach North Beach Campground and is the most visited Monarch Grove in the world. The grove is staffed daily by our knowledgeable docents from 10am-4pm, with talks given at 11am and 2pm. Free admission and parking. Don't miss this spectacular wonder of nature. For more information, please visit www.MonarchButterfly.org or contact the Visitor Information Center at 800-443-7778.

Times: 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: Pismo State Beach, Highway 1
Event City: Pismo Beach
Phone: 800.443.7778
Parking: Free
High Admission: Free
Date(s): Through Feb. 28th, 2013

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Come explore the amazing outdoor world of the Central Coast Outdoors with us. Ten unique day trips to choose from, including bicycling the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, hiking magical Big Sur and kayaking among the profusion of bird life in Morro Bay. Day trips depart most Saturdays and Sundays. Weekday private tours also available (minimum 2 people). All trips include necessary transportation, a gourmet picnic lunch and knowledgeable guide(s). Bike rentals available. Reservations required.
Location: Countywide
Event City: Countywide
Phone: 888.873.5610
Sponsor: Central Coast Outdoors
Date(s): Ongoing 
Recurring daily

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Here's some information about this year's California Mid*State Fair.

DAILY ADMISSION
Child (6-11) - $6 per day
Adult (12-64) - $10 per day
Senior (65+) - $8 per day ($5 per day on Senior's Day: Tuesday, July 23, 2013)

SEASON PASSES
Child (6-11) - $19 per year
Adult (12+) - $50 per year

CARNIVAL RIDE WRISTBANDS
$30 per day, available in the Carnival Area.
$23 per day, if purchased in advance from any local Albertsons store from June 3, 2013 (8a) through July 16, 2013 (Midnight).

PRE-FAIR DISCOUNTS
Discounted Daily Admission Tickets can be purchased from any local Albertsons store from June 3, 2013 (8a) through July 16, 2013 (Midnight).
Discounted Season Pass Coupons can be purchased from any local Food 4 Less store from June 3, 2013 (8a) through July 16, 2013 (Midnight).

CARNIVAL, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, CONCESSIONS AND VENDORS
12p - 12a each day of the Fair.

ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
8a - 8p each day of the Fair.

BOX OFFICE
9a - 9p each day of the Fair.

Location - 2198 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Mailing Address - PO Box 8, Paso Robles, CA 93447
Phone - (805) 239-0655
Fax - (805) 238-5308

For more than 30 years, Thursday night's Farmers' Market has been the San Luis Obispo's signature event.
A large section of the downtown is blocked off for three hours of festival-like fun, and there is something here for everyone. One end of the market is dedicated to produce, and the other showcases local merchants and restaurants.
Unfortunately, you will need to leave Fido at home.

San Luis Obispo's legendary Thursday night Farmers' Market runs from 6-9 p.m. Local farmers set up stands along the Higuera Street downtown to sell seasonal fruits, specialty herbs, organic vegetables, fresh flowers and the famous Central Coast barbeque tri-tip sandwiches.

Local musicians provide much of the entertainment, setting up concerts on adjoining streets allowing visitors and locals to drift to the tune of a myriad of sounds at their own pace. Most downtown merchants also enjoy the festivities by extending their hours for evening visitors. You will delight in the sights, sounds and smells that make farmers market one of the flagship experiences of the SLO life.

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SAVOR the Central Coast is a three-day, food and wine event held in San Luis Obispo County in Sept. 26 through the 29th. The Main Event happens on Saturday and Sunday, an outdoor food- and wine-tasting day held at a historic ranch. On the preceding Friday, a number of special activities and food-related tours are offered, along with special dinner events on Friday and Saturday.

Reservations are a must for the Friday special events and evening dinners. Same-day tickets are available for the Main Event.