santa cruz area down to san luis obispo

Not really sure where to post this, but probably next January I will be going on a little vacation driving up to the Santa cruz area. I was wondering if any of you live up there? or as far down as San Luis Obispo? Any neat areas/restaurants/hiking trails, etc etc. I am possibly considering moving next spring (If I enjoy my vacation up there and find some places I really like) but I've never been in Northern California really (i just drove through it to get down here from Oregon). So any of you who have or are living in that area, I'd really appreciate talking with you some. Thanks. -Kait