Answer: For a 7-day trip to San Luis Obispo County in late October, choosing a central base is key if you plan to take day trips around the region. Each of the locations you mentioned has its pros and cons depending on what you prioritize—ocean views, dining, or proximity to wine country and other attractions.

Answer: Driving down Highway 1 from San Francisco to Disneyland makes for a spectacular but long trip, and planning your overnight stops carefully can make it much more enjoyable. Since you plan to stop at Hearst Castle and then later visit the Reagan Library, it makes sense to break the trip into manageable segments.

Answer: For your stay in the San Luis Obispo area, you have a couple of options depending on your priorities for convenience, wine tasting, and visiting the farmers market.

Answer: San Luis Obispo and the surrounding Central Coast offer a variety of scenic hikes, wildlife viewing opportunities, and off-the-beaten-path experiences, all within a reasonable drive. Since you’ll be available from 2 pm onwards, most of your activities will need to be relatively short or oriented toward late afternoon and sunset.

Answer: Great question. For a family of 4 (including a 2-year-old) visiting San Luis Obispo (SLO) County who want a water tour that’s likely to offer good wildlife viewing — here are some of the top water-tour companies in the area, plus considerations to help you pick what’s “best” for you.

Answer: Driving from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco along Highway 1 is one of the most scenic coastal drives in California, and it can be a lot of fun for teenagers if you plan some engaging stops along the way. Expect the drive to take 6–8 hours without long detours, so adding a few well-chosen stops will make it memorable without overextending the day.