Getting to the Central Coast/
San Luis Obispo
(All thumbnail pictures may be clicked for a larger
picture)
There are three main ways to reach San Luis Obispo and vicinity from the Bay Area;
Highway 1, 101, and 5. San Luis Obispo
(or SLO) is about 220 miles South of San Francisco, halfway to Los Angeles.
Highway 1
If you are in the mood for a scenic drive, you can take Highway 1 South and travel through
Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Big Sur. You can also take 101 South to Highway 156 and cut over
to Highway One. The views on this trip are tremendous and you should experience it at
least once.
 (Looking South towards Bixby Bridge)
This trip will take 5+ hours from the Bay Area to San Luis Obispo, depending how many
places you stop and the traffic you encounter.
 (Along the trip, you'll be able to pull off the road to take in
some of these sites)
This is a two lane road most the way. If you are in a hurry, DO NOT TAKE THIS ROAD!
You're bound to run across some motor homes or other vehicles that are driving a bit
slower than you want and passing on this road is not easy on the nerves. Along the way
you'll pass some beach accesses and campgrounds.
 (Lots of uncrowded beaches along Highway One)
After Big Sur, the places to stop for gas and food are few until you reach San Simeon
(the site of Hearst Castle). From there, you will pass through North San Luis Obispo
county and the coastal towns of Cambria, Cayucos, and Morro Bay until you enter San Luis
Obispo. If you plan to take the trip down (or up) Highway One, make sure to download
LocalLinks Highway One Exit Guide. This will let you know how far you need to go before
you reach that next gas station, rest room, or restaurant. We also have the following picture
galleries that will show you some of what you'll see on your trip:
California Highway 1 Coast- south of
Monterey
Cambria/Cayucos
Morro Bay
Highway 101
Highway 101 is the most direct route to San Luis Obispo. The trip will take from 3 1/2-
4 hours from/to San Jose. On heavy travel days (Friday PM, Sunday PM, and holiday
weekends) you'll hit some traffic congestion in South San Jose and Salinas. Once past
Salinas, you'll be travelling mainly in farm land. The urge to push the speed limit may be
too much to control but be careful when getting close to King City. You may find some
speed enforcement in full swing via the ground and in the air! King City is a good place
to take a break with a wide selection of fast-food and gas stations located next to the
freeway. Make sure to download and take along our Highway 101
Exit Guide.
Highway 5
Highway 5 is not a direct route to San Luis Obispo but is an alternative if the traffic
looks bad on 101. You can reach Highway 5 either by taking Highway 580 through Livermore
or by taking Highway 152 East at Gilroy. Once on 5, you'll travel south for about 3 hours.
Cut over at Highway 41 or 46 which will bring you back to Highway 101 a bit north of San
Luis Obispo. This way will add about 30-60 minutes onto your journey, depending where
you're starting from or going to.
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