Sure, I could have sped through San Luis Obispo County, arrived in Big Sur in time for a late lunch. Lots of people do that-heavy-foot it north from L.A., hell-bent on the operatic drama of that famous ragged coastline. But I would have missed the morning light on Moonstone Beach, and the seals in the breakers, and the hula-sway of rockbound kelp. I would have missed the easygoing surf towns, small-lot wineries, and fog-veiled fishing villages and the people who instill them with heart. Look: The San Luis Obispo area's serendipitous acronym couldn't be more explicit about how best to roll through this glorious, underrated, 80-mile stretch of California's Central Coast: SLO. I'm glad I got the message.
Midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, SLO Cal, as it's known, forms a kind of land bridge between Southern and Northern California. South coast towns, including Pismo Beach and Avila Beach, have broad, sandy shorelines, (relatively) warmer water, and playful Surf City vibes. Head north on Pacific-hugging Highway 1 through Morro Bay, Cayucos, and Cambria and things skew rockier, cooler, and more meditative. Much of the coastline is bordered by ranchland that gives way in ascending grassy waves to the summits of the Santa Lucia Range. Beyond them is the Paso Robles wine region-a compelling reason to make the short drive inland. Spend a few days connecting some of SLO Cal's most appealing dots, as I did, and you start to understand: It's a gift to live a little off the pace.
Robbie Domingues grew up riding the shapely waves next to the Pismo Beach pier. Even as a kid, he was aware that his beloved hometown was "not L.A. and not the Bay." (That line became a proud mantra for Esteem Surf Co, the board shop he opened in Pismo in 2002.) Being in the middle, he says, meant being largely overlooked.
Denne historien er fra Summer 2023-utgaven av Coastal Living.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra Summer 2023-utgaven av Coastal Living.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CAPE CODDER
With its ruby red cranberry hue, this sublimely simple cocktail joins the holiday fun in winter as nimbly as it reigns as summer's happy hour essential for New Englanders from Maine to Massachusetts.
MIZNER & ME
What better way to explore Palm Beach than with the ultimate guide and bon vivant? JANCEE DUNN locks arms with the resort's visionary architect, Addison Mizner, to explore the enclave's legendary sites
Tropical Obsession
BRING THE BEACH TO ANY HOLIDAY WITH AN ICEBOX PIE THAT'S A PIÑA COLADA ON A PLATE
BAHAMIAN BASE CAMP
A magical compound in Nassau's historic Old Fort community is a relaxed gathering place for a large, London-based family
old soul
A restrained, rustic getaway off South Africa's Western Cape bows to the regal landscape
Caribbean Queens
Meet the six islands—and their showstopping stays that should be at the top of your winter escape vacation list
elements of surprise
A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FAMILY REIMAGINED THEIR MEDITERRANEAN HOME AS A MODERN OASIS WHERE EVERY SPACE AND DESIGN DETAIL UNFOLDS LIKE A SECRET
ST. ELSE WHERE
Part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is often overlooked compared to her sister islands of St. Thomas and St. John to the north. But a visit to this lesser-known gem reveals a place rich in gifts from deep culture and history to fantastic food, beautiful beaches, and a soulful style that may have you yearning to stay
Character-Driven
On Florida's Siesta Key, a family built their forever house from the ground up, fashioning a home that could fool even a local into believing it had been there all along
ELEUTHERA'S CULTURED CLUB
Are you actually staying here? You'll quickly get used to this question if you're lucky enough to occupy one of just 11 cottages, suites, and villas at The Potlatch Club, Eleuthera's dreamy, intimate new boutique resort.
