California's largest monarch butterfly grove sits at Pismo Beach. Each year from November through February, thousands of butterflies rest in the eucalyptus trees.

One hundred miles of stunning coastline awaits the visitor to San Luis Obispo County. From the dramatic shores of the northern central coast; Ragged Point, San Simeon, Cambria, to the timelessness of Morro rock; Morro Bay, Cayucos, to the smooth diamond-white sands of the southern beaches and dunes; Oceano, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, there is something for everyone. There is no better place to play golf than in (San Luis Obispo County). About a dozen golf courses offer a variety of terrain and levels of play while enjoying the most affordable golf in California's Central Coast.

With nearly ten beaches strung along the central coast, all of them offer something for surfers, kayakers and sunbathers or those wanting to explore the tide pools or just walk along the shore. From the surfers beach in Cayucos to Cambria's Moonstone Beach where one can still find semi-precious agates to Avila Beach; considered by some to be the sunniest and warmest beach in the county to Pismo Beach for more surfing and swimming; it truly is the place for those who love to be in or close to the big blue of the Pacific ocean on the (Central Coast).

The village of Cambria with Victorian houses dating as far back as the 1870's runs through a narrow valley inland along Main Street and continues to the sea along Moonstone Beach. Known as an "Artist" community because of the many galleries known to house the fine works of art including everything from paintings, two dimensional works and wearable art to sculptural works in every medium from wood, metal, acrylic to the exquisite blown glass of both local and renown California artists. Cambria has a wide and varied selection of shops guaranteed to be a novel and rich experience for those who seek the unique and tasteful.

Morro Rock, the timeless sentinel of Morro Bay is a volcanic peak over 21 million years old jutting up out of the ocean standing at 576 feet high. Timelessness painted in rock that serves as guardian to the villages of Cayucos, Morro Bay and Los Osos. The productive commercial fishing fleets in Morro Bay provide the areas restaurants and fish markets with the freshest of seafood along the embarcadero and Harbor side. Driving up from the ocean side, towards the hill, one catches glimpses of the magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the Morro Bay estuary.

Inland a ways lays the hub of San Luis Obispo County in the beautiful quaint city of San Luis Obispo, (SLO) for short; perfectly situated for easy access to both the North and South parts of the county. At it's heart lies the de Tolosa Mission founded in 1772 and surrounding the mission an outdoor venue where special events are held. Not to be missed are Thursday evenings when the streets come alive as San Luis Obispo hosts its open-air Farmers' Market popular for it's abundant local fresh produce and as well, a night to meander the streets tasting the food from the various street vendors while taking in the vibrant eclectic mix of local entertainments.

The beach town of Avila Beach with its many quaint restaurants, and deep-sea fishing also boasts a seaside golf resort and in summer quite often the boardwalk will have open artist stalls set up. At Avila pier you can drop a line over and fish for your lunch or dine in style at the restaurant at the end of the pier or go out deep sea fishing on one of the boats that are regularly scheduled.

And then there are the "Five Cities of San Luis Obispo County, clustered amid coastal mountains, farmland, and the Pacific Ocean." Shell Beach long ago annexed by Pismo Beach, Grover Beach whose beach really belongs to Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande and unincorporated Oceano that lies stretched along the shore inland of the dunes. Not as well known as San Simeon may be for it's Hearst Castle, or San Luis Obispo for it's colleges and Mission perhaps; but the Five Cities have their own special charm.

It's hard to envision anything relevant to city or the likes of when you walk along the shores of Pismo Beach Central Coast looking out to the wonder of the mighty blue Pacific. Pismo Beach is a place meant for relaxing and enjoying the summer days whether it be strolling through town for an ice cream or down to the pier to see what they're catching or just checking to see if the surf's up.

Shell beach is great for walking along the cliffs ~ the sheer bluffs that tumble to meet the crashing white wisps of Pacific Ocean spray. Sit at one of the benches there awhile and you can listen to the gulls' chorus and sometimes even catch a glimpse of a whale passing by on it's journey either north or south. There are stairs down to the beach and when the tides out; the tide pools are a wealth of treasures for those who like exploring.

Grover Beach really has no beach of it's own as it really belongs to Pismo Beach, but it does have access to a state operated ramp for driving on the hard packed sand down the beach and out to the dunes that run along side Oceano. Like a string of tide pools, our little cluster of 5 cities lies strewn along the coast line each offering up it's own treasures.

The village of Arroyo Grande is a charming town that lies under the moderating influence of the Pacific marine layer. It maintains a distinct village character being a pedestrian friendly town famous for it's swinging bridge. At 171 feet long, and 40 feet above the Arroyo Grande creek, the swinging bridge is a favorite pedestrian through way to reach the unique collection of shops and boutiques. Farmer's Market adds to the vibrant flair of the Arroyo Grande village on Saturdays while live entertainment can be heard on the bandstand often heralded by the family of protected strutting roosters and their flock as they parade through town and around the market place at will.

The community of Nipomo, located in the southern end of San Luis Obispo County on the beautiful Central Coast of California, is on a coastal mesa averaging an elevation of 380 feet above sea level. Traveling Highway 101, Nipomo is 7 miles south of Arroyo Grande and 7 miles north of Santa Maria. Nipomo is located at the foot of the hills of the Temetate Ridge. Blessed with beautiful coastal weather featuring delightful ocean breezes and wonderfully mild temperatures year round. On average, temperatures rise to a welcoming 80 degrees and dip to a refreshing 42 degrees, providing one of the finest and most desirable climates.

Presently, over 238,974 residents enjoy our central coast location. Agriculture, state institutions, tourism and recreation make up the principal economic background. With the ocean and mountains, the Spanish and historical flavor, the friendly climate and the relative freedom from urban hassles, SLO County is a wonderful place to call home.
Currently there are great opprotunties in real estate for first time buyers or for that second beach home, get-a-way home, and investments properties. Call the Raymond Team the real estate professionals for a list of homes.