San Luis Obispo: The Happiest City in America

Do you know which city was designated The Happiest City in America? It’s closer than you think! Welcome to the lovely land that is San Luis Obispo, California! SLO was the only American City to make the list of ‘’Happiest Places on Earth” by  Dan Buettner, author of Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way. Perfect weather, sandy beaches, surfing, amazing food, wine tasting, hiking, biking, art and culture…These are just a few of the treats that SLO has to offer. “Broad sidewalks, outdoor cafes, plazas and green spaces are hallmarks of happy towns”, Buettner says. This beautiful and happy city of just over 45,000 people is situated about haflway between Los Angeles and San Francisco along the Central Coast.  Father Junipero Serra founded the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in 1772, and the Mission is still an active part of downtown San Luis Obispo today. San Luis Obispo County was one of the original counties of California, created in 1850 at the time of statehood. The mainstays of the economy are California Polytechnic State University with its nearly 20,000 students, tourism, and agriculture. San Luis Obispo County is the third largest producer of wine in California, surpassed only by Sonoma and Napa Counties. Needless to say, the wine tasting alone is worth coming for, but there is SO much more to do and see. There are many great beaches in the area, including Pismo, Morro Bay, Avila, and more, all offering a full and different range of experiences. From piers with ice cream stands and shopping, to more remote beaches, dog friendly and wetland areas, to offroading dunes, there is surely something for everyone. Featuring an extensive network of bike lanes and hiking trails, and an amazing Thursday evening Farmer’s Market, this is one community that takes being healthy and happy seriously. The gorgeous downtown streets, lined with eucalyptus and fig trees close down for the farmers market, and they even offer complimentary bike valet. You’ll find fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, handmade breads and cheeses, local artisans, musicians and more. This market is truly a delight to the senses. A couple more attractions not to be missed is Bubblegum Alley (kind of gross, but still super cool!) and Art After Dark, which takes place downtown on the first Friday of every month.  Another must see in the area is Hearst Castle. Hearst Castle’s history begins in 1865, when George Hearst purchased 40,000 acres of ranchland. In 1919, William Randolph Hearst inherited what had grown to more than 250,000 acres, and was dreaming of ways to transform it into a retreat he called “La Cuesta Encantada”, Spanish for “Enchanted Hill.” By 1947, Hearst and architect Julia Morgan had created Hearst Castle: 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways, all built to house Hearst’s specifications and to showcase his legendary art collection.  The castle now offers daily tours from 9am to sunset, and is guaranteed to dazzle. You can browse the different tours and buy tickets online by clicking here. There are plenty of options for RV camping in SLO and the surrounding areas, and you can get started finding the perfect place for you right here on the Good Sam Club page. So if it’s a good time you’re looking for, this is the place to find it. Bring your bikes, your appetite, and your smile, and come get happy!