Hotels in Atascadero

Between wine country and the coast, this small city offers unexpected delights. The Charles Paddock Zoo houses exotic animals in intimate exhibits where keepers often share fascinating stories. City Hall stands as a Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece, complete with rotunda and ornate details worth admiring. Sip locally produced wines at downtown tasting rooms before picnicking at Atascadero Lake Park, where paddle boats glide across reflective waters. Los Padres National Forest beckons nearby with hiking trails through oak-studded hills. The Atascadero Historical Museum reveals the curious vision of founder E.G. Lewis, who planned this as a utopian colony. For a perfect day trip, head to Morro Strand State Beach where that famous rock looms dramatically offshore.