Central Coast Area Attractions

San Luis Obispo CountyLocation and generalThe village of San Simeon lies on the CA 1, almost exactly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and about 240mi/400km from both places. Coming from Los Angeles, take the U.S. 101 as far as San Luis Obispo, and then the CA 1. If you come from San Francisco, take the U.S. 101 south as far as Paso Robles, then the CA 46 west and after that the CA 1.San Simeon consists of one street with motels on both sides, an average-sized beach and some warehouses.

The City of Agoura Hills is situated in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains with rolling hillsides and mild temperatures.Agoura Hills, on the far western edge of Los Angeles County, provides access to cultural, shopping and recreational attractions within the City and in neighboring communities. Downtown Los Angeles and beaches are about 30-minutes away.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary stretches from San Francisco to San Simeon along the California coast. At 5,322 square miles it is the largest marine sanctuary in the United States. A variety of wildlife can be found here including whales and sea otters.The sanctuary extends from high tide line to 50 miles offshore and activities such as oil drilling are prohibited in the area.

Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park is the site of four Richmond shipyards, with their combined 27 shipways they produced 747 ships, more than any other shipyard complex in the country during WWII. Richmond was home to 56 different war industries, more than any other city of its size in the United States. The city grew nearly overnight from 24,000 people to 100,000 people.

Gonzales is an agricultural town located in the Salinas Valley. The original town was planned in 1874 by Mariano and Alfredo Gonzales on land deeded from Mexico to their father, Teodoro Gonzales, in 1836. Cattle and grain raising dominated the area until the 1890's, dairy farming began upon the arrival of Swiss immigrants.

Exhibits of the Santa Paula Union Oil Museum explore petroleum technology, science, and history in California. Interactive models, artifacts, photographs, and other historical memorabilia are displayed including an authentic 1890s drilling rig and a restored 1890's corporate headquarters.

Hollister was established in 1872 by ranchers and farmers. The city of 36,000 has tree lined streets, a mix of older and newer homes. There are many recreational opportunities in and around Hollister.

Nipomo was originally a 38,000 acre private ranch. It is home to the Dana Adobe, built 1839 with the help of American Indians. Thousands of blue gum eucalyptus trees populate the mesa area.

This 5-acre zoo houses 150 animals, part of Moorpark College's Exotic Animal Training and Management Program.