Spring Break College Tour

Maximize your college visit to the Bay Area with info on campuses near San Jose and Santa Cruz.

Weekly farmers markets and local beach towns are some of the many highlights of San Luis Obispo, a city in Southern California located along the Pacific Ocean between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. Much of San Luis Obispo’s history lies in its Spanish missions such as Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa which was established by Franciscian friars in 1772.

Nestled along the streets of downtown San Luis Obispo (within walking distance of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) are quaint shops and unusual hot spots like Bubblegum Alley—a colorful wall of chewed bubblegum. Beyond the natural wonders of the Santa Lucia Mountains and Nine Sisters, a chain of volcanic peaks close to Morro Bay, is Hearst Castle, the former home of newspaper publisher, William Randolph Hearst. San Luis Obispo also offers some of the best wine tasting in Southern California—it boasts over 60 wineries like Peachy Canyon Winery and 250 vineyards, many of which are located in Paso Robles.

An array of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and fishing are offered at nearby towns like Pismo Beach, which is often referred to as the “clam capital of the world.” From October through February, visitors can spot over thousands of Monarch butterflies that seek shelter in the Eucalyptus trees at the Pismo Beach Monarch Grove. For some beach adventures, visitors can opt to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle and ride the dunes in Grover Beach.

The beach city of Santa Barbara is located on the coast of California between Monterey and Los Angeles. Flanked on one side by the Santa Ynez Mountains and the other by the Pacific Ocean, the city has a dramatic setting. Its comfortable climate and sandy beaches lure travelers throughout the year.

Visit historic Mission Santa Barbara, the Rafael Gonzalez House or the landmark adobe dwellings of old Santa Barbara. Check out the shops of Steams Wharf or sample the food and wine that makes the city one of California’s top culinary destinations. Catch a wave at one of Santa Barbara’s beaches, hike in the hills or just chill out with the sand in your toes. Come for the festivals, such as the Summer Solstice Parade in June, the annual Fiesta in August or the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in January.