With Halloween nearly upon us and the holidays around the corner, now is great time to start planning your San Luis Obispo County outdoor adventure tour here on the beautiful Central Coast.

Here are a handful of attractions to knock off your bucket list when visiting this fall and winter:

Hearst Castle / Most people have heard about Hearst Castle, and many have said, “I’d like to check that out someday.” Well, now is the time, because while the summer crowds have waned, the majestic sights both in and around the castle are as impressive as ever. In fact, as the seasonal rains come, the hills around the castle will once again turn velvety green, making it one of the most picturesque times of the year. P.S. – When you’re driving up to the castle on Highway 1, keep an eye out on the right for some of the zebras originating from Mr. Hearst’s zoo. These exotic creatures are often viewable from the road.

Elephant Seals / Located just down the road from Hearst Castle, Piedras Blancas is one of only a handful of places where these massive seals (pictured here) congregate, making them a major attraction along our local coastline. The peak viewing season is December through March, although you can see some there right now. The northern elephant seal is the largest seal in the northern hemisphere and the second largest in the world. Adult males are 14 to 16 feet in length and 4,000 to 5,000 pounds! Click here for directions and information on elephant seal viewing right off Highway 1.

-Cerro San Luis / Rising from the heart of San Luis Obispo, Cerro San Luis (a.k.a. Madonna Mountain) is a moderate-level, three-mile round trip that gains 1,100 feet to the top. The trailhead is conveniently located just a minute from the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. Best of all is the payoff–a stunning panoramic view of the entire San Luis Obispo region. Click here for more information.

Ziplining Over The Vines / Of course we have to include Margarita Adventures in this San Luis Obispo outdoor adventure roundup! After all, many people have ziplining on their bucket list, and there’s no better way to knock it off the list than riding six thrilling ziplines over vineyards, valleys and mountains right here on the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. Don’t just listen to us–check out our five-star TripAdvisor rating and reviews!

If you are looking for things to do in San Luis Obispo this fall or winter, you won’t go wrong with any of these attractions!