The San Luis Obispo North Coast Scenic Byway is rich in history. There are historical points in the city of San Luis Obispo, as well as Hearst Castle, found on the north end of the byway. The byway's coastal location, two missions, and two railroads have exposed this area to both the best and the worst in California history.
The city of San Luis Obispo began with the founding of the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa on September 1, 1772 by Father Junipero Serra, President of the California Missions Chain. Built on a knoll beside a sparkling creek, the mission became the hub of a growing settlement and was the 5th mission in the 21-mission chain in Alta California. Named for the Franciscan saint known as Louis, Bishop of Toulouse (France), the mission has always served as the center of both the community and the county. See for yourself why the Mission San Luis Obispo is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all California missions. Photographers will find this stately and sacred building to be the perfect pictorial subject, in contrast with the bright blue sky and surrounding desert.
Railroad history buffs will enjoy a trip to the various railroad history depots and museums. During the 1880s, the Southern Pacific Railroad built a railroad south from San Jose. After a five-year delay, the railroad came to the city of San Luis Obispo in 1894. The construction of the railroad helped to bring both industry and variety to the small community and changed the face of the city. Remnants of the historical railroad system remain at the Ramona Railroad Depot and the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum. Tour these museums during your visit to the byway to view collections of restored and operating railroad equipment.
Look into windows of the past at one of the most historically significant structures in the state of California. You'll find Hearst Castle, a California State Historical Monument, just off the byway, north of Cambria. One of the most heavily visited facilities in the California State Park System, Hearst Castle provides the tourist with a peek into the lifestyle of publicist William Randolph Hearst. Here, he entertained the rich and famous. The 115-room main house was an elaborate getaway complete with fine art and architecture from Europe. During your tour, you will enjoy the house, terraces, pools, and over 100 acres of gardens.
