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 link to plaque | MISSION SAN LUÍS OBISPO DE TOLOSA Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map Founded by Fray Junípero Serra, OFM, first president of the California missions, Mission San Luís Obispo was the fifth in a chain of 21 missions stretching from San Diego to Sonoma. Built by the Chumash Indians living in the area, its combination of belfry and vestibule is unique among California missions. In 1846 John C. Frémont and his California Battalion quartered here while engaged in the war with Mexico. Monterey between Chorro and Broad Sts, San Luis Obispo Note: You can't actually drive on Monterey between Chorro and Broad Sts, so park nearby. Plaque is next to the main steps to the mission. Additional info: Mission San Luis Obispo De Tolosa | |
 link to plaque | ESTRELLA ADOBE CHURCH Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map This was the first Protestant church to be erected in the northern part of San Luis Obispo County. Construction was completed in 1878, restoration was completed in 1952. On Airport Rd, 2.5 mi N of State Hwy 46, Paso Robles Note: On the east side of the road, north of Propeller Dr. There is no parking lot, so you'll have to use the shoulder. Additional info: Estrella Adobe Church | |
 link to plaque | HEARST SAN SIMEON STATE HISTORICAL MONUMENT Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map Here on the historic Rancho Piedra Blanca, between 1919 and 1947, William Randolph Hearst created La Cuesta Encantada (The Enchanted Hill), including La Casa Grande and adjacent buildings with their rare art treasures and beautiful gardens. The Hearst Corporation presented it to the State of California in 1958 as a memorial to William Randolph Hearst, donated in the name of his mother, Phoebe Apperson Hearst. Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, plaque located in entrance rest area, State Hwy 1, San Simeon Note: There is no plaque out front. I asked the onsite ranger station, and they thought it should be in their conference room. Alas, it was not. They speculated that it was either stolen, or with somebody who may possibly mount it somewhere. Hearst Castle is still really cool to visit. Additional info: Hearst Castle | |
 link to plaque | DALLIDET ADOBE Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map This was the home of Pierre Hyppolite Dallidet, a native of France, who settled in San Luis Obispo in 1853 and became a vineyardist. His son, Paul Dallidet, gave it to the San Luis Obispo County Historical Society in 1953, in memory of the Dallidet family that had occupied it for a century. 1309 Toro at Pacific, San Luis Obispo Note: Closed when I was there, so I couldn't get to the plaque. If you have good eyes you can see it from the gate. A sign lists hours of operation as 1-4PM on Sundays during the summer. Additional info: The Dallidet Adobe And Gardens | |
 link to plaque | THE SEBASTIAN STORE Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map This is the oldest store building along the north coast of San Luis Obispo County. Built in the 1860s at Whaling Point, one-half mile to the west, it was moved to its present location in 1878. It has been operated by the Sebastian family for over half a century. San Simeon Road, San Simeon Note: Pretend you're going to Hearst Castle, but instead of turning into the entrance, turn the opposite direction. Follow the road until you see the store. You can't miss it. Additional info: San Simeon Chamber Of Commerce | |
 link to plaque | AH LOUIS STORE Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map Ah Louis' Store, established in 1874, was the first Chinese store in the county. It sold general merchandise and herbs and served as a bank, counting house, and post office for the numerous Chinese coolies who dug the eight tunnels through the Mountains of Cuesta for the Southern Pacific Railroad, 1884 to 1894. 800 Palm St at Chorro St, San Luis Obispo Note: The building is on the northeast corner of Palm St and Chorro St, diagonally across from the Mission. The plaque is on the lower left corner of the face of the building. Additional info: A History Of Chinese Americans In California | |
 link to plaque | MORRO ROCK Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map An important mariner's navigational landfall for over three hundred years, Morro Reef was chronicled in the diaries of Portolá, Fr. Crespí, and Costanso in 1769, when they camped near this area on their trek to find Monterey. Sometimes called the 'Gibraltar of the Pacific,' it is the last peak which extends from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay. Located in city park, foot of Morro Rock, on Embarcadero Rd, 0.4 mi NW of Morro Bay Note: The plaque is at the front of the main parking area by the rock itself. It's just west of the public restrooms. Additional info: Morro Rock State Preserve | |
 link to plaque | NITT WITT RIDGE Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map Nitt Witt Ridge, one of California's remarkable Twentieth Century Folk Art Environments, is the creation of Arthur Harold Beal (der Tinkerpaw or Capt. Nitt Witt), a Cambria Pines pioneer, who sculpted the land using hand tools and indigenous materials, remarkable inventiveness, and self-taught skills. A blend of native materials and contemporary elements, impressive in its sheer mass and meticulous placement, it is a revealing memorial to Art's unique cosmic humor and zest for life. Nitt Witt Ridge, 881 Hillcrest Dr, Cambria Pines Note: There's a small shoulder to park on, or you can park in the free lot at the bottom of the hill and walk up. The plaque is visible from the street, but to get close you'll need to take a tour. There may be a sign listing tour times, or call the current owner, Mike O'Malley, for more information: 805-927-2690. The tour is well worth the money. Additional info: Uncanny Valley Travel Guide |