Happiest Place in America

Find your own bit of happiness on your next trip to SLO

Whether it's a weekend trip, romantic getaway or family vacation – it won't take theme parks or enormous attractions to get to the happiest place in America. According to Dan Buettner's National Geographic book Thrive, San Luis Obispo has snagged the top spot for happiest people in America.

At first, locals were thrilled. And then… The Oprah Show was thrilled. So thrilled, that Oprah's Network visited SLO to get a first hand feel of why San Luis Obispo's fresh air, charming streets, and breathtaking miles of beaches and mountains make people so happy.

Watch Yahoo’s segment with Dan Buettner, as he explains the six major areas that he used to rank SLO’s overall emotional health. Or click here to watch Oprah’s segment, featuring Jenny McCarthy, as she learns why SLO makes people so happy.

Just how did San Luis Obispo top the charts for the happiest place in America?

Home: With over 6,500 acres of protected open space, phenomenal weather, a historic downtown and interesting landmarks, San Luis Obispo is the gem of the Central Coast.

Self: With plenty of sunshine, a tobacco-free downtown, and access to fresh, healthy food, local residents have all they need to feel great!

Financial Life: Locals are able to spend their time and money on meaningful experiences like maintaining their road-biking addictions.

Social Life: San Luis Obispo is a real life social mecca. From Farmers' Market to Concerts in the Park, there are plenty of places to meet people (and pets)!

Workplace: Self-employed residents and larger local business strive to maintain a work/life balance.

Community: Thankful to live in such a beautiful area, the local community feels a sense of pride and neighborly goodwill. Need proof? Almost 1 in 3 residents donate their time to non-profits.

popular things to do in SLO

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Wine Tasting
Tour the hundreds of boutique wineries and tasting rooms in San Luis Obispo wine country.
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Beaches
Get your sun-salt-sand fix: surf Morro Rock, walk Pismo pier, or swim at Avila Beach.
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Biking
Take a tour de SLO alongside pro-riders from team HTC Highroad, based in SLO.
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Hiking
Climb a “Seven Sisters” ancient volcanic plug for a sweeping view from SLO to the sea.
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