DETAILS

San Luis Obispo County

GETTING THERE: Many major airlines, including Delta, American, US Airways and United, offer connecting flights from Washington area airports to San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport. Fares are typically cheapest from BWI on Delta; a round-trip ticket for October travel starts at about $367 but drops to about $290 round trip in early November. Fare on United from Dulles is about $440 round trip, and from Reagan National, fare on US Airways is about $416. Alternative airports include Santa Barbara, less than two hours from San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria, about a half-hour drive.

WHERE TO STAY: At the boutique-style Hotel Cheval (1021 Pine St., Paso Robles, 805-226-9995, http://www.hotelcheval.com), rooms range from $195 to $425. The Madonna Inn (100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo, 800-543-9666, http://www.madonnainn.com) is famed for its unique themed rooms. Doubles begin at $168. For waterfront accommodations, try Avila Lighthouse Suites (550 Front St., Avila Beach, 800-372-8452, http://www.avilalighthousesuites.com). A suite starts at $179.

WHERE TO EAT: Villa Creek Restaurant (1144 Pine St., Paso Robles, http://www.villacreek.com) serves fresh California fare with a ranchero twist. Dinner entrees range from $20 to $29. For a gourmet five-course meal in luxurious settings on winery grounds: Justin Vineyards and Winery (11680 Chimney Rock Rd., Paso Robles, http://www.justinwine.com). Dinner is a set price, $85. F. McLintocks Saloon and Dining House (750 Mattie Rd., Shell Beach, http://www.mclintocks.com) is known for steaks and barbecue. Entrees range from $10 to $20. At the Cracked Crab (751 Price St., Pismo Beach), you can buy a seafood sandwich for a few dollars or order a huge bucket filled with seafood and potatoes, enough for two or three to share, for $65.

TASTING ROOMS: Tastings of Pasolivo Olive Oil are at Willow Creek Olive Ranch (8530 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles, http://www.pasolivo.com). Winery brochures and maps are available from the visitors bureau (see below).

INFORMATION: San Luis Obispo Country Visitors and Conference Bureau, 805-541-8000, http://www.SanLuisObispoCounty.com.

-- Cindy Loose and Carol Sottili