Cities and Towns in San Luis Obispo County, California

Founded in 1850, San Luis Obispo County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. The city of San Luis Obispo is the county seat. With FIPS code of 79, San Luis Obispo County has a population of 283,159 and area of 3,304 square miles (8,557 km²).

List of all cities in San Luis Obispo County, CA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Adelaide, CA	93446	805
Arroyo Grande, CA	93420	805
	93421	805
Atascadero, CA	93422	805
	93423	805
Avila Beach, CA	93424	805
Baywood Park, CA	93402	805
Cal Poly Student Dorms, CA	93410	805
Cal Poly University, CA	93407	805
California Mens Colony SLO, CA	93409	805
California Valley, CA	93453	805
Cambria, CA	93428	805
Camp Roberts, CA	93451	805
Cayucos, CA	93430	805
Cholame, CA	93461	805
Creston, CA	93432	805
Grover Beach, CA	93433	805
	93483	805
Halcyon, CA	93420	805
	93421	805
Harmony, CA	93435	805
Heritage Ranch, CA	93446	805
Lake Nacimiento, CA	93446	805
Los Osos, CA	93402	805
	93412	805
Morro Bay, CA	93442	805
	93443	805
Nacimiento Lake, CA	93446	805
Nipomo, CA	93444	805
Oceano, CA	93445	805
	93475	805
Parkfield, CA	93451	805
Paso Robles, CA	93446	805
	93447	805
Pismo Beach, CA	93420	805
	93433	805
	93448	805
	93449	805
Pozo, CA	93453	805
Ragged Point, CA	93452	805
San Luis Obispo, CA	93401	805
	93402	805
	93403	805
	93405	805
	93406	805
	93407	805
	93408	805
	93409	805
	93410	805
	93412	805
San Miguel, CA	93451	805
San Simeon, CA	93452	805
Santa Margarita, CA	93453	805
Shandon, CA	93461	805
Shell Beach, CA	93448	805
	93449	805
Slo County Govt Center, CA	93408	805
Sn Margarita, CA	93453	805
Templeton, CA	93465	805

Major Cities and Towns in San Luis Obispo County, California

San Luis Obispo

Area, Population, and Geography

• Area: 13.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 47,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 93401, 93405, 93406
• Latitude: 35.2828° N
• Longitude: 120.6596° W

City Location and History

San Luis Obispo, often referred to as “SLO,” is the county seat of San Luis Obispo County and is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast. The city was founded in 1772 by Spanish Franciscan Junípero Serra with the establishment of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, one of the California missions. Named after Saint Louis, Bishop of Toulouse, the city grew slowly around the mission, becoming a small but thriving agricultural community. In the 19th century, San Luis Obispo became an important stop on the stagecoach and later the railroad routes between Northern and Southern California. Today, it is known for its picturesque downtown, historic architecture, and as a gateway to the nearby wine country and coastal attractions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

San Luis Obispo is home to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), a major public university known for its engineering, agriculture, and business programs. The city’s major landmarks include the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, which remains a central part of the community and hosts events throughout the year. Downtown San Luis Obispo is vibrant with shopping, dining, and cultural venues, including the Fremont Theater, a historic Art Deco cinema. The Thursday Night Farmers’ Market is a popular event, drawing both locals and visitors. Nearby attractions include the Madonna Inn, a famous hotel known for its eclectic décor, and Bishop Peak, a popular hiking destination that offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Paso Robles

Area, Population, and Geography

• Area: 19.4 square miles
• Population: Approximately 32,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 93446, 93447
• Latitude: 35.6266° N
• Longitude: 120.6910° W

City Location and History

Paso Robles, officially known as El Paso de Robles, is located in the northern part of San Luis Obispo County, along the Salinas River. The area was originally known for its hot springs and was frequented by the Salinan Native American tribe long before Spanish explorers arrived. The city was officially founded in 1889 and quickly became known for its mineral springs, attracting visitors seeking therapeutic baths. Paso Robles’ location along the El Camino Real and later the Southern Pacific Railroad contributed to its growth as an agricultural hub, particularly for wine and almond production. Today, Paso Robles is recognized as one of California’s premier wine regions, with over 200 wineries and vineyards in the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Paso Robles is served by the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District, with Paso Robles High School being the main secondary school. The city’s major landmarks include the Paso Robles Inn, a historic hotel that has welcomed guests since 1891, and the Paso Robles Event Center, home to the California Mid-State Fair. The historic downtown area is known for its charming boutiques, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms, centered around City Park. The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum offers insights into the region’s history, while nearby attractions include the Estrella Warbird Museum, which showcases military aircraft and memorabilia, and the nearby Hearst Castle, a short drive away. Paso Robles’ rich history, combined with its thriving wine industry and cultural amenities, make it a key destination in San Luis Obispo County.

Atascadero

Area, Population, and Geography

• Area: 26.1 square miles
• Population: Approximately 30,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 93422, 93423
• Latitude: 35.4894° N
• Longitude: 120.6707° W

City Location and History

Atascadero is located in the northern part of San Luis Obispo County, midway between Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. The city was founded in 1913 by E.G. Lewis as a planned, utopian community based on cooperative principles. Lewis envisioned Atascadero as a self-sustaining colony with agriculture, industry, and education as its foundation. Although the city did not fully develop according to his original plans, Atascadero grew steadily and became known for its rural charm and strong sense of community. The city’s name, derived from a Spanish word meaning “muddy place” or “bog,” reflects its early landscape, though it has since become a thriving suburban community with a mix of residential, commercial, and agricultural areas.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Atascadero is served by the Atascadero Unified School District, with Atascadero High School being the primary secondary institution. The city’s major landmarks include the Historic City Hall, an Italian Renaissance-style building constructed in the early 20th century, which serves as a symbol of Atascadero’s heritage. The Atascadero Lake Park and Zoo is a popular local attraction, offering a small zoo, boating, and picnic areas around the scenic lake. The Charles Paddock Zoo, located within the park, is the only zoo on the Central Coast accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Atascadero also hosts several annual events, including the Colony Days Parade, which celebrates the city’s founding and history. Atascadero’s blend of historic charm, outdoor amenities, and community spirit make it a unique city in San Luis Obispo County.

Arroyo Grande

Area, Population, and Geography

• Area: 5.8 square miles
• Population: Approximately 18,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 93420, 93421
• Latitude: 35.1186° N
• Longitude: 120.5907° W

City Location and History

Arroyo Grande is located in the southern part of San Luis Obispo County, near the Pacific Coast, and is part of the “Five Cities” metropolitan area that also includes Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Oceano, and Shell Beach. The city was founded in 1867 and developed as an agricultural community, with the fertile valley around Arroyo Grande Creek providing ideal conditions for farming. The city’s name, which means “Big Creek” in Spanish, reflects the creek that runs through it. Arroyo Grande grew steadily through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, maintaining its small-town charm while benefiting from its proximity to the coast and the main highway routes between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Arroyo Grande is served by the Lucia Mar Unified School District, with Arroyo Grande High School being the primary secondary school. The city’s historic village is a major landmark, featuring preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the Swinging Bridge, a unique pedestrian bridge that spans the creek. The village hosts regular farmers markets, antique fairs, and other community events that draw both locals and visitors. Another significant landmark is the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, a venue for theater, music, and dance performances. Nearby, the Lopez Lake Recreation Area offers outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Arroyo Grande’s combination of historic charm, cultural amenities, and natural beauty makes it a desirable place to live and visit in San Luis Obispo County.

Morro Bay

Area, Population, and Geography

• Area: 10.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 10,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 93442-93443
• Latitude: 35.3676° N
• Longitude: 120.8499° W

City Location and History

Morro Bay is located on the central coast of California, about 12 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo. The city is named after the large volcanic rock that rises from the ocean just offshore, known as Morro Rock, a prominent landmark and symbol of the area. Morro Bay was originally inhabited by the Chumash people before becoming a Spanish land grant in the 18th century. The town developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a fishing and maritime community, with a focus on commercial fishing, oyster farming, and tourism. The construction of the harbor and breakwater in the 1940s helped establish Morro Bay as a safe haven for boats and boosted its economy. Today, Morro Bay is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Morro Bay is served by the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, with Morro Bay High School being the main secondary school. The city’s most iconic landmark is Morro Rock, which is part of the Morro Bay State Park and serves as a sanctuary for peregrine falcons. The Embarcadero along the waterfront is another key area, lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries, and offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Morro Bay State Park, located south of the city, features a natural history museum, a marina, and hiking trails that offer stunning views of the estuary and surrounding hills. The annual Morro Bay Harbor Festival celebrates the city’s maritime heritage with food, music, and family-friendly activities. Morro Bay’s scenic coastline, vibrant community, and relaxed atmosphere make it a beloved destination on California’s Central Coast.

Pismo Beach

Area, Population, and Geography

• Area: 13.5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 8,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 93449-93448
• Latitude: 35.1428° N
• Longitude: 120.6413° W

City Location and History

Pismo Beach is located along the central coast of California, about 15 miles south of San Luis Obispo. The area was originally inhabited by the Chumash people, who utilized the region’s natural tar pits for their boats and tools. The name “Pismo” comes from the Chumash word for tar, “Pismu.” The city was founded in the late 19th century as a seaside resort and became famous for its beach and the abundant Pismo clams found along its shores. The Pacific Coast Railway brought tourists from San Francisco and Los Angeles to enjoy the beach and the therapeutic hot springs in nearby Avila Beach. Today, Pismo Beach is known for its picturesque coastline, vibrant downtown, and as a gateway to the Oceano Dunes.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Pismo Beach is part of the Lucia Mar Unified School District, with Shell Beach Elementary School serving the local community and students attending nearby high schools. The city’s landmarks include the Pismo Pier, a central feature of the downtown area that offers fishing, sightseeing, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The Oceano Dunes, located just south of the city, are a popular destination for off-roading, camping, and beach activities, and are the only California State Park where vehicles can drive on the beach. Pismo Beach is also known for its annual Clam Festival, which celebrates the city’s history with parades, clam chowder cook-offs, and other festivities. The Monarch Butterfly Grove, located near the beach, is another significant attraction, where thousands of monarch butterflies migrate to spend the winter. Pismo Beach’s mix of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and seaside charm makes it a quintessential California beach town.

Map of Cities in San Luis Obispo County, CA