The Cliffs, San Luis Obispo, CA

San Luis Obispo is almost exactly half-way between LA and San Francisco. It is a great place to relax with friends. The sunsets while we were there were truly glorious. We stayed at "The Cliffs" resort. The "Presidential Suite" was anything but ;) It was spacious, with an in-room jacuzzi big enough for four and a gigantic private balcony overlooking the Pacific, but the hotel was overpriced and undermaintained, without a lot of the perks you'd expect for a a night room. Shell Beach, however, was beautiful. The drive up the one-oh-one to get there was fantastic. Santa Barbara is just a little to the south, with vineyards galore.

Quick Tips:

NOT a place to go if you're looking for EDM discotheque nightlife. Great place for a romantic get-away or family vacation. Tour some of the local vineyards, especially Meridian. The Hearst Castle a little north in San Simeon (up One a little ways) was extremely over the top -- 38 bedrooms! The basis for "Xanadu" in Citizen Cane.

Best Way To Get Around:

A car is pretty much necessary, although there are several good bicycle tours in Santa Barbara.

The "Presidential suite" we stayed in had definitely seen better days. We got it for less than the rack rate, but seriously, for a resort, the bedding was extremely worn and uncomfortable. There was mildew in the bath area. The room did have what appeared to be an HDTV, but the in-room jacuzzi leaked. The surroundings were pleasant, at times beautiful, but this "resort" should no longer be able to get away with charging such outrageous amounts for what they offer.