For 80 centuries, San Luis Obispo County was the heart of the Chumash Indian country. They must have lived a pleasant life - mild climate, abundant seafood, and natural hot springs to soak in. The Chumash had a rich culture and were excellent craftspeople and artists. By 1769 the Europeans had arrived under the command of Gaspar de Portola of Spain.

With Portola came the Franciscan friars to begin founding the California missions and by 1772, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was established. North of San Luis Obispo along the El Camino Real trail, the 16th of 21 missions, Mission San Miguel Arcangel was built in 1797. Following the independence of Mexico and the secularization of the missions, the central coast entered the period of the rancheros from which many names of towns and places are derived.

San Luis Obispo was claimed for the United States in 1846 by General Fremont. Four years later, California was admitted to the United States, and San Luis Obispo became one of the original counties.

Presently, over 238,974 residents enjoy our central coast location. Agriculture, state institutions, tourism and recreation make up the principal economic background. With the ocean and mountains, the Spanish and historical flavor, the friendly climate and the relative freedom from urban hassles, San Luis Obispo County is a good place to call home.

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
www.sloairport.com 

San Luis Obispo County Parks & Recreation
www.slocountyparks.com 

San Luis Obispo Regional Transit
www.slorta.org

County of San Luis Obispo
805-781-5011
www.slocounty.ca.gov