Atascadero Travel Guide

Outdoor family activities abound in Atascadero

Atascadero visitors map. Click to expand.

Atascadero was purposely situated halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on Highway 101, only 20 miles from the ocean by the city’s founder, E.G. Lewis in the early 1900s. The city is full of history with its numerous colony homes, many of which have been restored to their original grandeur.

Welcome! Please use this Atascadero Travel Guide for tourists while visiting this tranquil city in North San Luis Obispo County.

Attractions

Atascadero Lake Park

A 1.3-mile easy walk path circles the lake in the park providing views of the lake, the many varieties of birds that frequent the lake and other visiting wildlife. Bring binoculars; more than 48 species of birds have been sighted at the lake and recorded on ebirds.org. Leashed dogs are allowed and the path is also a favorite place for cyclists. The park has restrooms, small barbecue and recreation areas. The Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial occupies the edge of the park facing Morro Road and is well worth a visit. The park is located at 9305 Pismo Ave, Atascadero just off of Morro Road (Highway 41).

Charles Paddock Zoo

The zoo is one of only 211 zoos accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, this zoo was founded in 1955 by Charles Paddock, a county park ranger who nursed injured wild animals back to health. Today, the zoo covers more than five acres. Many of the zoo residents are part of a world-wide program to preserve animals and their habitats. Some of these rare and endangered animals include the American Alligator and endangered owls and the Greater Roadrunner native to California. The zoo is located at 9100 Morro Rd, Atascadero. For hours and more information call (805) 461-5080 or visit charlespaddockzoo.org.

Golfing

Atascadero and North San Luis Obispo County has several challenging golf courses. Contact any of these golf courses directly for tee times and more information: Chalk Mountain Golf Course, Links Golf Course of Paso Robles, Paso Robles Golf Club, Hunter Ranch Golf Course and River Oaks Golf Course.

Historic City Hall

Atascadero’s historic city hall is probably the city’s best known historic building. Located at 6500 Palma Ave. and gracing the back of the Sunken Gardens, the double-domed Italian Renaissance building was originally constructed in 1914 as the Atascadero Administration Building. After founder E.G. Lewis declared bankruptcy the building was purchased in 1927 and, over the years, served as three different private schools and a bank. It became the Veterans Memorial Building when acquired by the County of San Luis Obispo in 1954, and served as a community building. When the City of Atascadero incorporated in 1979, government offices occupied the building until it suffered major damage in the 2003 San Simeon Earthquake. After years of reconstruction and restoration, Historic City Hall opened again in 2013.

The Great Escape

Are you ready for an amazing time? Do you have what it takes to solve the escape rooms and virtual reality experiences? Save room for their selection of food, beer, wine and refreshments. Come and escape life for a while! 8115 El Camino Real, thegreatescapeadventure.com, (805)703-1452

Dining & Drink

Kula Vineyards &Winery

Kula Vineyards is a small, family-owned vineyard & winery featuring award-winning, estate wines. Kula means “Gold” in Hawaiian and you’ll find it everywhere from the golden hills surrounding the vineyard to their Golden Retrievers. Visit the tasting room at 5990 Entrada Avenue, Atascadero. Visit kulavineyards.com, (805) 296-7765

Guest House Grill

Best full bar and grill in Atascadero. Classic grilled choice steaks, Hearst Ranch burgers, pastas, seafood, salads and much more! Dine in the cozy dining room with 20-foot mural and other art pieces. 8783 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA, guesthousegrill.com, (805) 460-0193.

Overland Stage & Card Room

Open 7 days a week, this steakhouse features a large dining room with a TV to watch your favorite sporting event. Full menu available. 9850 E. Front St, Atascadero, CA (805) 466-2000.

Shopping

Golf And More

Golf and More is a golf retail store handling new and used golfing equipment, clubs and balls. They also carry used soccer, baseball, soft ball and other sporting equipment, Come on in and check them out! 9965 El Camino Real, Suite E, Atascadero. golfandmore.biz, (805) 460-6900.

Farmers market

Fresh produce and goods from local vendors. Wednesdays 3-6 p.m. at Atascadero Sunken Gardens at East Mall Ave.

The ARTery

Fine art supplies, custom picture framing, gallery space, cards and gifts, classes and demos as well as art openings and community activities. Located at 5890 Traffic Way, Atascadero. For information about demos and upcoming artists receptions, visit the1artery.com or call (805) 464-0533.

Envisions Gallery

Home to Thomas Kinkade and Robert Copple art, local area artists Bonnie Wilkins, Patricia Newton and others. Photography by Joe Schwartz, Bob Wilkins, Laura Dienzo, Bob Kelley, Josh Sewell, Joseph James and Nancy Koren. Western art and bronze sculptures by Vel Miller. envisionsgallery.com, 5975 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA, (805) 466-5850.