Happy Town, USA
Nestled halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco along California’s fabled Highway 1 lies a town which until recently was relatively unknown.
Velvety-green hills shelter this coastal city where charming shops and restaurants in turn-of-the-century mercantile buildings line the streets of its vibrant downtown, and neighborhoods teem with classic California bungalows. Gently rolling vineyards give way to the beach and sea just south of town. And in the center of it all, above a sparkling creek, stands a gleaming Spanish mission.
This is San Luis Obispo, otherwise known as Happy Town, USA. Recently featured as the “Happiest Town in America” in the National Geographic book “Thrive” and on the Oprah Winfrey Show, San Luis Obispo is gaining notoriety for not only the enchanting scenery but for the San Luis Obispo lifestyle.
The San Luis Obispo Lifestyle
No one is in any hurry in the cafés or on the sidewalks, and certainly no one is in any rush to leave. The college-town vibe is relaxed but not sleepy with a population of 45,000. San Luis Obispo (or SLO to locals) has four surf shops juxtaposed by a resident symphony. Friendly locals are always ready to talk about their favorite hiking trails or barbecue joint, or to guide strangers to the wineries with the best Pinot Noir. It’s all part of the SLO life – that combination of good stuff that makes visiting here so nourishing to the soul.
In and around SLO, extensive hiking and biking trails thread through the city’s open spaces and make it perfect for an outdoor adventure. And with pedestrian friendly streets, SLO is an extremely bike friendly community from the bike lanes to countless bike racks throughout all of downtown. Combine all of this with 315 days of sunshine a year and it makes SLO a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast.
Key elements to the San Luis Obispo lifestyle: an overall sense of acceptance, a “pay it forward” attitude by the locals, and plenty of social interaction.
“San Luis Obispo’s social networking doesn’t involve the internet at all,” said
Oprah show guest contributor Jenny McCarthy.
SLO’s “happiness” can also be contributed to its no-smoking laws, no drive thrus, low crime rate, and lack of traffic. Those lucky enough to discover San Luis Obispo have the good fortune to experience the San Luis Obispo lifestyle. There’s plenty to go around, so come and experience Happy Town, USA.
