Both the Cliffs at Shell Beach and the Spyglass Inn have rooms beginning at just over $100. Shell Beach is just north of Pismo Beach, walking distance. You can rent ATV's and ride on the Oceano Dunes. There are a number of local attractions within an hour. You can take the train to San Luis Obispo (referred to as SLO by locals) and rent a car. Thursday's Farmers Market is a good idea. Also, visit Morro Bay and feast on local seafood, you can even take a trip on the Tiger's Folly, tour the bay and have brunch. Drive a ways north on scenic highway 1 and visit the Hearst Castle. Another interesting place to visit is the Danish town of Solvang about 60 miles south of SLO - or about half way between SLO and Santa Barbara. I live in Santa Maria, just 30 miles south of SLO. I much prefer SLO to Santa Barbara, which I find a bit expensive for my taste. Do a search for the following cities within 30 miles of SLO and check out their Chamber of Commerce sites. South to North, Santa Maria, Nipomo, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Oceano, Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Cambria, Cayucos, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Santa Margarita, Pozo. You could easily spend a week or so in this area with plenty to do for adults and kids.

Mary E. Meyer