Atascadero

The Central Coast town of Atascadero is situated at the halfway point between Los Angeles and San Francisco—225 miles from each city—and a short drive from the Pacific coast. While it’s an easy-to-reach getaway, Atascadero has much to offer besides proximity. Golden hills shaded by native oaks and vineyards encircle its historic downtown. Urban beer gardens serve unique quaffs, coffee bars offer casually caffeinated hangouts, and a stunning Italian Renaissance–style City Hall anchors walkable Palma Avenue.   
 

What to See and Do in Atascadero

Developed in 1913 by magazine publisher E.G. Lewis, Atascadero was created to be a self-sustaining model community that would serve as a foundation for the American Women’s Republic—a place where women could own property and get a university education. Learn more about Lewis’ vision at the Atascadero Historical Society Colony House Museum and the city’s stately 1918 City Hall, which hosts tours Monday through Friday. The adjoining Sunken Garden makes a sweet spot for a picnic or a midday stroll. Also check out The Printery, a 1915 building on the National Register of Historic Places. In Atascadero’s early days, it housed the largest printing operation west of the Mississippi.

The Charles Paddock Zoo—the only zoo on the Central Coast—is home to exotic residents like a Malayan tiger, Caribbean flamingos, red pandas, and black-handed spider monkeys. For more family-friendly activities, check out Margarita Adventures—their zipline tour includes six separate ziplines spanning more than 7,500 feet of oak- and vineyard-studded terrain, and they offer nature and wildlife tours and a challenging escape room experience as well. Kids will have a blast at Mr. Putter’s Putt-Putt, where they can play 18 miniature golf holes or try their luck mining for gems in a sluice box. Grown-up golfers can enjoy the creek-lined undulating greens at Chalk Mountain Course. 

Atascadero has plenty of opportunities for hiking, too. Bring your pup to the dog-friendly Jim Green Trail, enjoy a gentle trek around Atascadero Lake Park, or make your lungs work hard on the climb to the 2,624-foot Cerro Alto summit, one of the highest points in San Luis Obispo County.
 

Where to Eat and Drink in Atascadero

The combination of Atascadero’s fertile soil and a steady stream of agriculture-minded Cal Poly San Luis Obispo grads has produced a thriving food, wine, and beer scene. Sip your way through downtown tasting rooms—try the Viognier at Kula, the Tempranillo at Mea, and the Mourvedre at Ruby Cellars. Or visit local breweries: Atascadero mainstay Tent City Beer has 15-plus rotating taps while Wild Fields Brew House boasts bowling and arcade games on site. Colony Mash Brewing Co. offers an eclectic menu of hard seltzers, kettle sours, and lagers. Ask to sample the brewmaster’s latest flavor experiment.  

If caffeine is more your speed, find your new favorite cup from a smattering of seriously good options. Belnano Coffee sources beans from its very own farm in Peru, Bru Coffeehouse offers Stumptown coffee alongside local art and hearty breakfast sandos, and Dark Nectar pulls freshly roasted espresso with a heavy-metal vibe (check the concert schedule).

Food offerings swing from upscale to down-home. The modern Italian–inspired Cielo serves creative pasta and pizza (think fried pork belly, pineapple, and cilantro) from its chic rooftop dining room. Try steak sourced from Double R Ranch at Guest House Grill. Sylvester’s Burgers has been serving SLO County grass-fed beef, bison, and elk burgers for 20-plus years.

Where to Stay in Atascadero

Like much of the action in Atascadero, the hotels stretch along Highway 101. The Carlton Hotel dates back to 1928. While it’s undergone multiple phases and renovations over the last century, the 52-room hotel retains its historic charm. Start your day with a bag of perfectly laminated morning buns from the Carlton’s Back Porch Bakery, and in the evening, unwind with a glass of your favorite libation by the library fireplace. Other overnight options include Vino Inn & Suites as well as locations of such reliable chains as Holiday Inn and Marriott.