Exploring SLO in March to scout moving there - what should I check out?

I have moved to San Luis Obispo area (Atascadero) last year. If you are thinking of moving, you might also want to have a look at some communities where you might want to live. SLO proper is quite expensive.

On the sightseeing side, in addition to other great suggestions, I would recommend to go to Avila Beach (I personally find it more charming than Pismo). There are many good hiking trails within and around SLO: http://www.hikespeak.com/central-coast/san-luis-obispo/.

Other suggestions: Cambria (artistic, charming, good food), and wine tasting in Paso Robles. I would recommend DAOU Vineyards & Winery (expensive wine, but most amazing view), Ecluse Wines, Niner Wine Estates.

Check out Los Osos (California).  It's on Morro Bay but less touristy and rents are relatively low.  It's adjacent to Montana De Oro State Park which is huge and has fabulous hiking trails.  Do some wine tasting in the Edna Valleyprinted guides available at any winery.  The city of San Luis Obispo which has been listed as 'The happiest place in the U.S.' by some magazine, has a great walkable main street - Higuera - and if you're from a big city, the availability and low cost of parking will astonish you.  It's a college town, so there are lots of bars and cafes.  

Check out the boardwalk and Pismo Beach (California)! It's only about 5 minutes south of SLO, and is really charming!

Check out Central Coast Food Tours! We took one in Paso Roblesseveral years ago, but this husband and wife team has one in San Luis Obispo as well. We had a wonderful three hours, walking and talking and sampling delicious, locally grown food and wine.

For a Farmer's Market try Thurs. night in San Luis. The Main Street is closed to traffic. There are fruits/veggies, food booths, music & people watching. A block over from this street is a creek that has a beautiful walkway. There are some great places to eat or get a drink. Another nice but much smaller farmer's market is in Avila Beach on Friday nights but I believe it's seasonal. On a beautiful day it's fun to go to Dockside in Morro Bay for fish & chips. They have live music at the outside restaurant/fish market on some afternoons. You can sit by the water and watch the seals & boats in the bay. And drive out to the Rock and look at the beach and embarcadero view. I also love Cambria. A drive down the Main Street is interesting. On the northern end, Moonstone Beach Dr, there is a great outdoor cafe with a gorgeous view of the ocean (and great cocktails). North of Cambria, at San Simeon (California) state park, walk along the beach north and climb up the path at the end. There is a great little hike out to the point along a cliff. Fabulous views. Get a bite to eat at SEBASTIAN'S in San Simeon. They have a cute rustic outdoor patio with great sandwiches & wine. My favorite drive is north from here on Hwy 1. You could drive a little just to get a taste of the view, and check out the elephant seals. Or keep going. Santa Lucia Dr market has a great view and is a nice stop for lunch. The drive is windy with steep cliffs but you will see the most beautiful views ever. There are lots of interesting places to stop, eat, and shop if you keep going. You might want to put off the full drive (having only a long weekend), but Carmel is at the end and is very picturesque.