Take it slo: Strolling cali’s central coast
Drone Aerial overlooking oceano dunes. image by Miranda Carnessale
By Zippy Downing and Miranda Carnessale
There’s something magnetic about SLO CAL—a region where nostalgia, nature, and a savvy film office combine to make an unforgettable FAM Tour experience. From pink kitsch to golden mesas, the Central Coast reminded us that filming destinations are as much about personality as they are about scenery. In just a short visit, we discovered locations that could double for Europe, the American West, or the pages of a candy-colored fantasy—but more importantly, they play for themselves, showcasing California’s unique value as a center stage.
Master shot of the main dining room at the madonna Inn
twist of kitsch
We began our tour at the Madonna Inn, a roadside beacon of pastel-hued maximalism. With pink on pink on pink interiors, baroque gilded accents, and logoed napkins that match the upholstery, the Inn feels like it was production designed for the screen. The over-the-top aesthetic could play as period, fantasy, or simply as itself—there’s truly nothing like it.
dunE prophecy
Next, we buckled into a five point harness for an adrenaline-fueled ride across the Oceano Dunes. As the closest film-friendly sand dunes to Los Angeles, they offer sweeping visuals and logistical access that few other locations can rival. The ride itself is a thrill—an unexpected bonus for braver department heads—but the real reward is the narrative possibility of the landscape. Productions like Formula 1: Drive to Survive have already recognized the value here.
drinking up the landscape
At Cass Winery, we slowed down the pace for a delicious lunch with pairings and an easygoing tour of the grounds. The winemaker welcomed us personally before we wandered past rows of vines, a still pond, and the gentle shade of Valley Oaks. With its timeless pastoral feel, the location could double for parts of France or Northern Italy—a versatile backdrop perfect for international scripts looking to shoot stateside.
Onto Camatta Ranch, a standout for its vast, oak-studded rolling hills and a dramatic mesa accessed via two-track road. The view stretches on endlessly, with nothing but golden grasses and horizon lines. If ever a location begged for a period Western or even badass beauty shots for an off-road car commercial, it’s this one.
As the scouting adventures came to a close, we found ourselves enjoying the catch of the day in Morro Bay. The view was postcard-perfect—an ideal closing scene to a full program of exploration.
Beyond the locations, what truly made this FAM tour stand out were the people. Matt Halverson and Mayla Lohnes -aka team Film SLO CAL- went above and beyond, infusing the tour with energy, humor, and a deep understanding of what filmmakers need. After departing our posh accommodations at Hotel San Luis Obispo, we were invited to a roundtable discussion that brought together state and local permitting entities. Moderated by Bill Bartels, President of FLICS and head of Ventura County Film Commission, the conversation dug into the real-world challenges of permitting and collaboration. It was a thoughtful, transparent dialogue that underscored their genuine desire to make filming in California streamlined and accessible.
There’s clearly more to uncover in San Luis Obispo, but even in a whirlwind tour, the message was clear: this is a region ready for the spotlight.
For more information on filming in SLO County, visit www.slocal.com/film or contact