Smooth San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo has a great climate and it's close to the ocean. I hope you'll love the college atmosphere and the quirkiness of the town as much as I did.

The Madonna Inn has it all, from rock waterfall showers to bright green leather couches, and wallpaper that'll make your gaudy Aunt Martha cringe. A must see and eat even if you can't stay.

The college town comes alive every Thursday night with the farmers market. Good food and great fun.

The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is where you can learn the history and culture of the early settlers of San Luis Obispo. The mission has a fantastic gift shop.

Cafe Roma is a little slice of Italy on the west coast. Elegant dining and scrumptious cuisine.

Quick Tips:

Just because it's on the coast doesn't mean it'll be warm. Bring a sweater to keep you warm and expect plenty of fog.

Best Way To Get Around:

The streets are narrow which makes it hard to navigate you're way around. The town is small though, so you should be able to walk.

This wonderful monument was built in 1959 by Alex and Phyllis Madonna. They had a vision, a vision of a hotel like none other. The motel has 109 rooms decorated in their own "unique" style.

Call months in advance if you want a particular room. It's worth it. Be sure to select one with a rock shower. Nothing beats getting clean from a cascading waterfall. My mother and I stayed in 'Bridal Falls' which gets its name from the stained glass window outside. Be prepared for the tackiness. The walls were bright green and rock, the bathroom had an abundance of roses. The rooms are spacious and worth the cost. You can't beat this classic tourist spot.

When you get into your room take a look around at the furnishings like the ice bucket, trashcan and notepads. It's all pink. That goes for the decorations around the grounds as well. The Madonna Inn is famous for its characteristic pink.

You can choose your room at the Madonna Inn.

Classy and elegant. Cafe Roma's atmosphere is as delectable as it's food. If you're a wine connoisseur, this is the place where you'll shine. The meal is fabulous. Choices are abundant and not the same old same old. Come hungry and leave stuffed.

For breakfast in the morning or lunch or dinner too, try the Copper Cafe Coffee Shop. Sit at the copper tables with ice cream parlor chairs and rainbow faux crystal glasses. Or sidle up to the coffee counter for a quick bite. This place would fit perfectly in 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'. The food is standard--pancakes, waffles, eggs and bacon. At least hit the bathroom for the bombardment of blue flowers (girls). Don't forget to look for the pink sugar.

Take home a treat--fresh baked daily. The bakery shop is located right inside the door here.

The Gold Rush Steakhouse is also something to see. Enjoy the steak or seafood in your pink leather booth. Sip your wine under a golden cherub tree. Just like home, huh?

Grab a quick drink at the Silver Bar--next to the steak house.

Become one of the locals on Thursday night and wade through the Farmer's Market. Things start 'cooking' around 6:30 PM. There's plenty to eat and plenty to see. Local farmers bring and sell fresh produce. Local performers entertain crowds. You'll feel like one of the twenty-somethings who dominate this college town.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was founded in 1772. Today it still serves a purpose as a church. Part of the mission houses a small museum displaying artifacts from the San Luis Obispo culture. A small gift shop is also located inside.

I have heard that driving on Highway 101 can be an awesome experience, but I disagree. I do not have a weak stomach nor ever get car-sick, but our drive from San Luis to San Francisco made my stomach churn. To the left was an endless ocean covered in fog. The drop-off in straight down about 100 feet. On the other side is a 100 feet straight rise to mountains. All of this coupled with the winding road made me sick. I warn you to stop frequently if you feel the same and take many breaks.

If you've got a weak bladder, this isn't the drive for you. I hate to be so crude, but there is absolutely no place to stop. You won't find a restroom until you get to Monterey. I know. Fill up your car with gas because the one place we found that does pump gas charges $2.50 a gallon. Yikes.