San Luis Obispo County Activity Calendar: Complete San Luis Obispo Activities

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San Luis Obispo offers many special activities adding even more fun to your visit - or even make it the purpose of your trip.

There's always a fun event going on in San Luis Obispo County - Wine Festivals - Winery Events - Farmers Markets - Food Festivals - Plays - Summer Concerts - Art Fairs - Nature Watching - Family Events - Car Shows - Holiday Activities - Nightlife. Listed below are just some of the fun events that are being enjoyed TODAY.

Use the "Search by Date" calculator in this comprehensive community calendar and discover the many great special activities happening during your visit.

* San Luis Obispo County VCB is not responsible for event changes, cancellations, etc.

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Click Here for a 3 page PDF of "This Week in SLO County" for July 3 - 9, 2009.

Click Here for a 1 page PDF of "Art After Dark" in the City of SLO for July 3, 2009.

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Special Coupon Offers:

      Click Here for "Wine Tasting" Coupon Offers

      Click Here for "Outdoor Adventure" Coupon Offers

      Click Here for "South County" Coupon Offers
                        (includes Arroyo Grande, Oceano, Pismo Beach, SLO Wine Region)

Click Here for a PDF of "2009 Events throughout SLO County"

PDF of 175+ FREE & Fun Things to Do in San Luis Obispo County

Events for July 03, 2009

Special Events

An Afternoon with Gourmet Food & Wine - Paso Robles

The first Friday of every month, join us in the Tasting Room. Try some of the best gourmet foods form local suppliers - pastries - olives, cheeses etc - all paired perfectly with our Limited Release wines.

Date: January 2, 2009 - December 4, 2009
Time: 12-5 PM
Location: Meridian Vineyards
Event Address: 7000 Highway 46 East
Event City: Paso Robles
Parking: Free on Site
Phone: 805.226.7133
Admission: $5 Wine tasting fee includes snacks -
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Art Gallery Events 'Art After Dark'

The First Friday of every month, Art Galleries in the city of San Luis Obispo stay open late and host special events/ artist receptions. Many galleries serve wine and appetizers. NOT held in December.

Date: February 6, 2009 - November 6, 2009
Time: 5 - 9 PM
Location: Art Galleries in San Luis Obispo
Event Address: Varies by Gallery
Event City: San Luis Obispo
Parking: Free on Street
Phone: 805-544-9251
Admission: Free
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Art in the Park - Morro Bay

Vendors come from all over the state to display their wide variety of arts and crafts items in this juried show. Paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry and more. Food available. Also held Memorial & Labor Day Weekends.

Date: July 3, 2009 - July 5, 2009
Time: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: City Park
Event Address: City Park
Event City: Morro Bay
Parking: Free on Street
Phone: 805-772-2504
Admission: Free
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Art Show: "Horse Feathers" - Morro Bay

Over 30 award-winning, central coast artists represented. This month's featured artist is Deborah Hintergardt, displaying "Horse Feathers" Art Show

Date: July 1, 2009 - July 29, 2009
Time: 10 AM Daily
Location: Gallery at Marina Square
Event Address: 601 Embarcadero, Suite 10
Event City: Morro Bay
Parking: Free on local streets
Phone: 805.772.1068
Admission: Free -
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Chumeia Vineyards Wine Ice Cream Social

Our popular ice cream socials are back this Spring and Summer.
Complimentary wine ice cream samples will be offered along with our great award-winning wines. Delicious deli items will be available to enjoy on our picnic grounds.

Date: July 3, 2009
Time: Noon - 5pm
Location: Chumeia Vineyards
Event Address: 8831 Highway 46 East
Event City: Paso Robles
Parking: on site
Phone: 888-343-9445
Admission: free -
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Concerts in the Park - Paso Robles

Every Friday evening in summer, bring your folding chair & enjoy live music and refreshments in a beautiful park. Perfomed by local leading bands. Food and refreshments available for purchase. Dance floor too!

Date: June 19, 2009 - August 28, 2009
Time: 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Location: Downtown City Park
Event City: Paso Robles
Parking: Free on Street
Phone: 805-238-4103
Admission: Free
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Concerts in the Plaza - SLO

Extremely popular Friday Concert Series by leading local bands in all popular music styles. Enjoy Summer Eves in Beautiful Mission Plaza. Jazz, country, light rock. Soft drinks, local wines and beers available. No outside alcohol allowed.

Date: June 5, 2009 - August 28, 2009
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Mission Plaza
Event Address: Chorro St, Downtown
Event City: San Luis Obispo
Parking: Street & Nearby Garages
Phone: 805-543-0286
Admission: Free -
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First Friday Food & Wine Pairing

Join us the first Friday of every month for a Morovino food and wine pairing event! This month, Morovino wines paired with Tapas.

Date: April 3, 2009 - April 2, 2010
Time: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Morovino Tasting Room
Event Address: 550 1st Street
Event City: Avila Beach
Parking: Street
Phone: (805) 627-1443
Admission: $12 -
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Food & Wine Pairing Event - Avila Beach

Join us for our monthly "First Friday" Food and Wine Pairing Event. This month, enjoy Farmer's Market Finds paired with Morovino Wines.

Date: June 5, 2009 - September 4, 2009
Time: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m
Location: 550 1st Street
Event Address: 550 1st Street
Event City: Avila Beach
Parking: street
Phone: (805) 627-1443
Admission: $12 (refunded with wine purchase) -
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Hearst Castle (R) Garden Tour

Enjoy a special tour of the Hearst Castle (R) focusing on the gardens at their peak. Includes Neptune Pool Dressing Rooms and Wine Cellar in Casa Grande. Reservations for this "Tour 4" are essential.

Date: April 1, 2009 - October 31, 2009
Time: Vary By Day - see website
Location: Hearst Castle (R)
Event Address: Hwy 1
Event City: San Simeon
Parking: Free on Site
Phone: 800-444-4445
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Plays: "Gold Fever at the Rough & Ready" & "Rip Van Winkle"

Alternate Evenings: "Gold Fever" is a classic melodrama set in the old west. "Rip Van Winkle" revivies the classic story. In both plays, cheer the hero, boo the villain and laugh yourselves silly.

Both Plays followed by great (and different!) vaudeville reviews.

See why Sunset Magazine called the Great American Melodrama "An excellent year 'round company." Be part of our 34th Season! Open Wednesday-Sunday. Beer, wine, soft drinks & snacks available. Reservations advised.

Date: June 18, 2009 - September 20, 2009
Time: Time / Dates Vary
Location: Great American Melodrama
Event Address: 1863 Pacific (=Hwy 1)
Event City: Oceano
Parking: Free on Site
Phone: 805-489-2499
Admission: $17 - $20
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On-Going Events

Art Center Show - San Luis Obispo

Permanent museum collection and constantly rotating exhibits of works by popular local artists in all media - paintings, sculpture, photography, prints, jewelry, woodworking and more. Check website for specific dates and exhibits. Many works are available for sale.

Date: January 2, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Time: 10:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Mission Plaza
Event Address: Broad Street
Event City: San Luis Obispo
Parking: Charge in nearby lots
Phone: 805-543-8562
Admission: Donation Requested -
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Art Gallery Show - Morro Bay

Enjoy a non-profit local collective art gallery. Exhibits change about every 6 weeks. Located in charming downtown Morro Bay. Funds art activities in area. Organization also manages the Morro Bay "Art in the Park" on Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day weekends.

Date: January 1, 2009 - December 7, 2009
Time: 12 - 4 PM
Location: Morro Bay Art Association & Gallery
Event Address: 835 Main Street
Event City: Morro Bay
Parking: Free on Street
Phone: 805-772-2504
Admission: Free -
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Eco Vineyard Tour

Learn where that exceptional glass of wine starts, in the vineyard. Cerro Prieto is moving toward a sustainable green designation and winemaker/owner Larry Stanton will educate visitors by touring the Cerro Prieto vineyard.

By appointment only, during weekends.

Date: June 5, 2009 - September 27, 2009
Time: 9 - 5 PM
Location: Cerro Prieto Eco Vineyard
Event Address: 3432 Las Tablas Willow Creek Rd.
Event City: Paso Robles
Parking: Free at Vineyard
Phone: 805-226-8448
Admission: $20, free with wine purchase -
Visit Website

Farmers Market - Cambria

Every Friday afternoon, local growers sell fresh-picked seasonal fruit, flowers. Trees and Plants. Fresh baked Italian pretzels (Taralli), biscotti, cookies, bread & more. Taste the difference ! Taste the best of the Central Coast ! Held year-round.

Date: January 2, 2009 - December 25, 2009
Time: 2:30 - 5 PM
Location: Veterans Memorial Building (West Village)
Event Address: West Main Street
Event City: Cambria
Parking: Free on Street
Phone: 805-927-3624
Admission: Free
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Farmers Market - Cayucos

Every Friday morning during the summer, local growers sell fresh-picked seasonal fruit, flowers. Trees and Plants. Many organic fruits and vegetables available. Taste the difference ! Taste the best of the Central Coast ! Held Memorial Day thru Labor Day.

Date: May 8, 2009 - September 25, 2009
Time: 10 - 12:30 PM
Location: Vet's Hall Paking Lot
Event Address: Main Street, Downtown
Event City: Cayucos
Parking: Free on street
Phone: 805-235-9498
Admission: Free -
Visit Website

Farmers Market - Paso Robles

Every Friday morning, local growers sell fresh-picked seasonal fruit, flowers. Trees and Plants. Taste the difference ! Taste the best of the Central Coast !

Date: January 2, 2009 - December 25, 2009
Time: 9 - 12:30 PM
Location: Shopping Center Parking Lot
Event Address: 180 Niblick Road
Event City: Paso Robles
Parking: Free on Street
Phone: 805-748-0512
Admission: Free

Fish & Farmers Market & Concerts - Avila Beach

Every Friday, buy fresh fish, fruit & vegetables in this beautiful small seaside town. Plus great free live music. Local restaurants offer BBQ and other delights. Great Live Entertainment. Family fun. Fantastic views of the ocean and coastline.

Date: April 3, 2009 - September 18, 2009
Time: 4 - 8 PM
Location: Front Street Promenade
Event Address: Avila Promenade
Event City: Avila Beach
Parking: Free in nearby lots
Phone: 805-602-8266
Admission: Free -
Visit Website

Go Ballooning - Paso Robles

Enjoy incredible views of the Wine country of Paso Robles, Atascadero, San Miguel and Templeton. Relax and get the bigger picture. The view from the balloon is incredible as you float along at 2 -3 miles per hour from an altitude of a few feet up to several thousand feet above the ground. 1-4 passengers per trip. Weather permitting. Call to Reserve.

Date: January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Time: Call for Details
Location: Varies
Event City: Paso Robles Take Offs
Parking: Free On Site
Phone: 805-458-1530
Admission: Call for Prices -
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Go Bike Riding - County Wide

SLO County is a biker's mecca. Lots of great paved roads (many with marked bicycle shoulders), mostly light traffic, courteous drivers, mild weather and great scenery. Roads range from easy family rides to the most strenous and exhilarating. No wonder the Tour of Caifornia Bicycle Race has swept through SLO County every year since its inception.

The local SLO County Bicycle Club has an elaborate series of maps with details on popular bicycling local routes. Check them out!

Date: January 1, 2009 - December 30, 2010
Location: County Wide
Admission: Free -
Visit Website

Go Mountain Biking - SLO County

SLO County is a mountain biker's mecca. Lots of great unpaved roads, fire roads, mountain bike paths, mild weather and great scenery. But do be careful - outlying areas may NOT have cell phone coverage if problems occur. Guide books are also advised.

The local SLO County Mountain Bike Organization has an elaborate series of maps with details on popular bicycling local routes. Check them out!

Date: June 5, 2009 - December 31, 2010
Time: Daylight Hours
Location: County Wide
Event City: County Wide
Admission: Free -
Visit Website

Go Wine Tasting - Paso Robles Wine Country

Every day, many of the wineries in northern part of the Central Coast - Atascadero, Cambria / Harmony, Paso Robles, Templeton and San Miguel - offer wine tasting. (Most wineries offer wine tasting on weekends; check in advance.) Enjoy the wide variety of wines - and the beautiful Central Coast wine country scenery - of this up and coming California Wine Country region. Go to "Maps" section of toolbar to download map of our winery members. California Wine Country at it's best.

Date: January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Time: 10:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: North County
Phone: 805-239-VINE (8463)
Admission: Free - $5.00
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Go Wine Tasting - San Luis Obispo Wine Country

Every day, many of the wineries in the southern part of the Central Coast - San Luis Obispo, the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande - offer wine tasting. (Most wineries offer wine tasting on weekends; check in advance.) Enjoy the wide variety of wines - and the beautiful Central Coast wine country scenery - of this up and coming California Wine Country region. Go to "Maps" section of toolbar to download map of our winery members. California Wine Country at it's best.

Date: January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Time: 10:00 - 5:00
Location: South County
Phone: 805-541-5868
Admission: Free - $5.00
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Live music with your Dinner - Pismo Beach.

Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night at the Pelican Point Restaurant, located on the cliffs in Pismo Beach.

Date: January 2, 2009 - December 18, 2009
Location: Pismo Beach
Event Address: 2575 Price Street
Event City: Pismo Beach
Parking: Free on Site
Phone: 805-773-0000
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Lunch @ Winery - Paso Robles

The Crown Room at Eagle Castle Winery is serving lunch every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for our wine tasting patrons.

Date: January 2, 2009 - December 27, 2009
Time: 11:30am to 3:30pm
Location: Eagle Castle Winery
Event Address: 3090 Anderson Road
Event City: Paso Robles, Ca
Parking: Yes
Phone: 805-227-1428
Admission: Menu -
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Nightlife: Live Music - Atascadero

Enjoy live music by top local bands in the premier location for live entertainment in Atascadero. Sunday open to all ages ($5 cover). Friday & Saturday must be 21 or older. ($3 cover)

Date: January 2, 2009 - December 27, 2009
Time: Fri-Sat 9PM - 1AM, Sun 3 - 9 PM
Location: Hoover's
Event Address: 6900 El Camino Real
Event City: Atascadero
Parking: Free on Site
Phone: 805-466-6900
Admission: $3 (Fri & Sat) - $5 (Sunday)
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Nightlife: Live Music at Downtown Brewing Co. - SLO

Most nights, enjoy live entertainment by professional local and touring bands in one of the premier venues in downtown San Luis Obispo. Full bar available. (Formerly known as SLO Brew.)

Date: January 2, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Time: Time vary, most 9-11 PM
Location: Downtown Brewing Company
Event Address: 1119 Garden St.
Event City: San Luis Obispo
Parking: Free on Street after 6PM
Phone: 805-543-2045
Admission: Varies -
Visit Website

Ortman Family Vineyards Features Art by David Butz

During the month of July, Ortman Family Vineyards will be featuring the art of local artist and graphic designer David Butz. David was born and raised on the Central Coast. He graduated from San Luis Obispo High School and Cal Poly. David and his wife Shannon moved to Paso Robles in 1994. In 1998, David met Karen Foster-Wells and was inspired to start painting again, first in acrylics, and more recently, oils. He has shown his paintings at Paso Robles Art Association shows, four “Galaxy” shows at the Paso Robles Public Library, and received seven ribbons in six years from the California Mid-State Fair Art Show. This is David’s sixth solo show, and his second appearance at Ortman Family Vineyards. He will be participating in the 2009 Arts Obispo Open Studios Art Tour in October.

Date: July 1, 2009 - July 31, 2009
Time: 12-6 PM daily (12-7 PM Friday & Saturday)
Location: Ortman Family Vineyards Tasting Room
Event Address: 1317 Park Street
Event City: Paso Robles
Parking: Free Downtown Parking
Phone: 805.237.9009
Admission: Free--tasting fees apply -
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Tapas at Tolosa Winery - San Luis Obispo

Come relax with wine, food and friends. Every Friday Tolosa Winery will be offering four tapas paired with four reserve wines.

Date: March 20, 2009 (No End Date)
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Location: Tolosa Winery's Heritage Room
Event Address: 4910 Edna Rd.
Event City: San Luis Obispo
Phone: 805.782.0500
Admission: $20 for Club Members - $25 General
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Twilight Wine & "Apps" at Harmony Cellars

Relax and "unwined" at the most tranquil spot on the Central Coast. Enjoy wines by the glass and appetizers on our garden patio. Picturesque views, sunsets and heat lamps provided. No Reservations required.

Date: July 3, 2009 - August 21, 2009
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Harmony Cellars Winery
Event Address: 3255 Harmony Valley Road
Event City: Harmony
Parking: on site
Phone: 805-927-1625
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Twilight Wine Tastings - Paso Robles

Enhoy Twilight Tastings every Friday evening throughout the summer. We will feature around the world appetizers that pair with our handcrafted wines. The weather will be delightful and so will the setting.

The tasting fee includes a glass of wine and choice of appetizers. Additional glasses or bottles may be purchased as well.

Space is limited. Prices vary.

Make a reservation now by phone or e-mail!

*No one under 21 years of age will be permitted to attend. Thank you.

Date: June 26, 2009 - September 4, 2009
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Location: Jada Vineyard & Winery
Event Address: 5620 Vineyard Dr.
Event City: Paso Robles
Phone: 805-226-4200
Admission: LLWC Members $20 - $25
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Visit Art Galleries

Enjoy the visual arts at the many San Luis Obispo County art galleries, wineries and restaurants. Many artists have chosen to live in this beautiful area, and most galleries highlight their works. Paintings, Sculpture, Jewelry, woodworking, fabric, furniture, photography.. Go to the "Arts and Activities" section to see a list of members and their specialties. From African art to jewelry made with Zeolite, the County offers it!

Date: January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
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Visit Children's Museum - San Luis Obispo

Enjoy "Inspired Learning Thru Play." 21 indoor and outdoor activities that stimulate curiosity and discovery through play. Gift shop with fun educational toys. Closed Mondays.

Date: January 2, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Time: Tu-Fr 10-4, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4
Location: San Luis Obispo Children's Museum
Event Address: 1010 Nipomo Street
Event City: San Luis Obispo
Parking: Metered lots and streets nearby
Phone: 805-545-5874
Admission: Free (under 2 years old) - $8
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Walks in Nature: Guided Tours - Morro Bay

The Morro Bay Natural History Museum hosts an active schedule of guided walks, on topics dealing from art and astronomy to birds and fish. Most occur Tuesday-Saturday. Check schedule for full details.

Date: January 2, 2009 - December 30, 2009
Time: Times / Dates Vary
Location: Morro Bay area
Event City: Morro Bay
Parking: Free on Site
Phone: 805-772-2694
Admission: Free -
Visit Website

Watch Birds

Look for the amusing brown pelicans. They are usually in the county from June to March. The county, especially near Morro Bay, is one of the top bird watching sites in the USA. (Look for everthing from hummingbirds to bald eagles.)

Date: June 1, 2009 - August 31, 2009
Time: Daylight Hours
Location: County Wide
Phone: 800-231-0591
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Watch Elephant Seals

Watch the subadult and adult males return to molt. Fascinating & Fun to watch, but keep a respectful distance and keep dogs away.

Date: July 1, 2009 - August 31, 2009
Time: Daylight Hours
Location: Beaches of San Simeon & Ragged Point
Event Address: Beaches of San Simeon & Ragged Point
Event City: San Simeon & Ragged Point
Parking: Free on Hwy 1
Phone: 805-924-1628
Admission: Free
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Watch Harbor Seals - Avila Beach

Every day, be amused while looking down at the harbor seals that use the lower level of Harford Pier as their favorite "hang-out". Watch as they live their life - barking, sleeping, arguing and fishing. Note: do NOT get too close, and do not feed them. Great educational fun for kids and adults! These are different than the elephant seals that "hang out" on the north coast of SLO County.

Date: January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2010
Time: Daylight Hours
Location: Harford Pier
Event Address: 3950 Avila Beach Drive (end of road)
Event City: Avila Beach
Parking: Free in Public Parking Lot dockside
Phone: 805-595-5400
Admission: Free -
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Watch Special Performance - Arroyo Grande

The new Clark Center for the Performing Arts offers professional entertainment. most weekends and some other days. Located in the "5 Cities" area, near Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Oceano and Halcyon. "Where the Quality Shows!"

Date: January 2, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Location: Clark Center for the Performing Arts
Event Address: 487 Fair Oaks Ave.
Event City: Arroyo Grande
Parking: Free On Site
Phone: 805-489-9444
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Watch Special Performance - San Luis Obispo

Enjoy a performance at one of the premier sites in the state. Active schedule of plays, concerts, shows, ballets, symphonies etc. by local, state, national and international performers. Wide range of events to appeal to all tastes and ages. All in beautiful buildings with great acoustics. Events held in the Christopher Cohan Center of the Performing Arts Center or the nearby Cal Poly Spanos Theatre on Cal Poly campus.

Date: January 2, 2009 - December 30, 2009
Location: Cal Poly Campus
Event Address: Grand Avenue
Event City: San Luis Obispo
Parking: Charge in adjoining lot
Phone: 805-756-2787
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Whale Watching

Watch the humpback whales as they migrate past the county. Stand on the coast or take one of the whale-watching boat tours. Check the "Great Outdoor" section on the toolbar. Gray whales migrate earlier (December - March).

Date: April 1, 2009 - July 15, 2009
Time: Daylight Hours
Location: Entire Coast
Admission: Free -
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Wine Maker Showcase - Avila Beach

EVERY Friday evening enjoy LIVE Jazz and great wines & gourmet snacks at The Gardens of Avila Restaurant. Located among the beautiful tree studded hills at the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort.

Date: January 2, 2009 - December 18, 2009
Time: 5:30 to 8:00 PM
Location: Sycamore Mineral Springs/Gardens of Avila
Event Address: 1215 Avila Beach Drive
Event City: Avila Beach
Parking: Free on Site
Phone: 805-595-7365
Admission: No Cover -
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