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Atascadero began as one man's dream of a perfect town. In 1913 publisher Edward Gardner Lewis bought a ranch on the Salinas River and laid out a planned colony, complete with a grand brick administration building, formal gardens and a printing plant for his magazines. That civic center still frames the heart of the city today.
The city lies on Highway 101 in northern San Luis Obispo County, between Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo, in rolling hills dotted with oaks. Lewis went bankrupt in the 1920s, but his colony grew into a relaxed residential city that incorporated in 1979. The domed City Hall was badly damaged in the 2003 San Simeon earthquake and has since been restored.
Visitors stroll the Sunken Gardens, meet the animals at the Charles Paddock Zoo and walk around Atascadero Lake. Paso Robles wine country, Morro Bay and the Hearst Castle coast are all within an easy drive.
Grand brick and domed building completed around 1918 as the administration center of E.G. Lewis's planned colony. Damaged in the 2003 San Simeon earthquake, it was carefully restored and again houses city offices. Admire the facade from the Sunken Gardens, and look inside the rotunda during business hours.
Spanish Colonial style hotel built in the late 1920s on El Camino Real, closed for years and later restored as a boutique hotel. Its lobby and street corner give downtown a historic look. Stay here for walkable access to City Hall and the Sunken Gardens, or stop in for a drink.
Formal lawn in front of City Hall with a fountain and bronze sculptures, including the Wrestling Bacchantes. It was part of the original colony design and now hosts concerts, festivals and a weekly farmers' market. Grab coffee nearby and sit on the lawn to take in the full view of City Hall.
City park around a small lake with a walking path, picnic areas, a playground and plenty of ducks and geese. The loop is flat and takes about half an hour at an easy pace. Combine it with the neighboring zoo, and come early on summer weekends when picnic tables fill up.
Compact zoo beside Atascadero Lake Park, the only zoo in San Luis Obispo County. Paths lead past big cats, red pandas, primates, reptiles and birds, and it is easy to see in an hour or two with small children. Check feeding and keeper talk times at the entrance.
Historic 1915 building where E.G. Lewis printed his popular magazines that helped fund the colony. Later used as a school and community hall, it suffered earthquake damage and is being restored by a local foundation. You can see the exterior on West Mall; watch for occasional tours and events.
Colony-era house linked to the Atascadero Historical Society, which collects photographs, maps and records of Lewis's planned town and its early settlers. Volunteers share stories of how the colony was sold and built. Visiting days are limited, so check the society's schedule before going.
County park on the east side of Atascadero with hiking trails through oak woodland, tennis courts and a well-known disc golf course. Trails climb to quiet viewpoints over the town. Go in the morning in summer, when inland temperatures can rise fast, and carry plenty of water.
Annual festival each October celebrating the founding of the Atascadero colony, with a parade, vintage cars, food booths and activities around the Sunken Gardens. It is a lively small-town tradition that brings out local clubs and schools. Arrive early to find a curbside spot for the parade.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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Photo: Daderot, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
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