Saint Louis the Bishop (September 4, 2019):
Baker
Los Angeles
Monterey
San Diego
San Francisco
Saint Joseph
Saint Louis the Bishop
Santa Barbara
Solvang
They're not from California, but I'm adding them because we also did them on this trip:
Grand Canyon (Arizona)
Las Vegas (Nevada)
Tijuana (Baja California, Mexico)
History of Saint Louis the Bishop in a few lines:
Origins:
The San Luis Obispo area was originally inhabited by the Chumash and Salinan indigenous peoples, who established villages, trade routes, and ways of life tied to the resources of California's central coast. Their presence in the region dates back thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans.
Middle Ages:
The San Luis Obispo area was originally inhabited by the Chumash and Salinan indigenous peoples, who established villages, trade routes, and ways of life tied to the resources of California's central coast. Their presence in the region dates back thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans.
19th Century:
In 1772, the Spanish founded Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, one of the first European settlements in California. After passing from Spanish to Mexican rule and, after 1848, to American rule, the area developed as an agricultural and livestock center. In 1850, San Luis Obispo County was officially created, spurring the city's development.
Present:
Today, San Luis Obispo is a city known for its quality of life, its vibrant university atmosphere surrounding Cal Poly, and its historic architecture. It stands out as a Central Coast tourist destination, boasting nature, vineyards, cultural tourism, and a relaxed identity that blends history and modernity.
It's one of the most pleasant cities in California, with a college atmosphere, great weather, and zero stress. The streets are lined with restaurants, patios, cafes, and local shops.
Saint Louis the Bishop combines very well with Monterey because together they form one of the most beautiful stretches of Highway 1, ideal for a coastal route among cliffs, quiet towns and nature, and with Santa Barbara because it is the logical continuation south before reaching Los Angeles, maintaining a relaxed and very "classic California" pace.
Going out for drinks there at night is great; there are lots of people, live music, and a glass of wine costs about $8 but it's very generous. Bring your passport to get into some bars because, even if you're old, you might run into a doorman or two who's a bit difficult.
Hotel in San Luis Obispo: Inn at San Luis Obispo €101 for 2 people, 1 night. Includes breakfast, pool, and parking. Booked with Expedia.
Information obtained from the web https://www.exteriores.gob.es
Passport: It must be electronic and have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the U.S. and at least two blank pages. The passport must have been issued after 2006.
ESTA form: Spanish citizens must complete the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) form at least 72 hours before their flight. This allows stays of up to 90 days without a visa. 40,27$/Person. LINK.
Return ticket: You must present a return ticket dated within 90 days to prove that you will leave the country within that time.
Travel insurance: It is recommended to have adequate travel insurance due to the high cost of medical care in the USA. In our case, we always used Iati, but lately we've been using Globalfine, which is much cheaper.
Vaccines: There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry.
Special conditions: If you have traveled to certain countries, such as Cuba, Iran, or Syria, after specific dates, you may need a visa instead of an ESTA.
International driving permit: It is requested through the website of the DGT.
It costs €10.51. The good thing is you can order it online and pick it up without an appointment. It took a couple of days for ours, then you go to pick it up and it's a cardboard card like the ones they had 20 years ago.
Travel insurance: It is recommended to have road insuranceHeh. The best known and most complete ones are Iati y Heymondo, if we don't need insuranceWe'll grab him with... oh fat Globalfine which is much cheaper, in this case we use Iati.
Payment card/currency exchange: we always go with Revolut definitely.
Roaming: NO There is, so if you have data enabled you can take a nice little gift back.
GPS: Maps.me Download the maps for Spain and they work great offline, whether you're on foot, by car, or on public transport.
Other destinations in California: 
