Like many communities in California, American Indians first settled in what would become SLO thousands of years ago. The first Europeans arrived in the late 1700s. Since San Luis Obispo was almost exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it was an important outpost in Alta California. When the Spanish mission era ended, the area became a Mexican rancho. Today, thousands of visitors come to SLO to view the sweeping scenery and soak up the mild Mediterranean climate. The best way to experience these things, as well as everything else the area has to offer, is to book an RV in San Luis Obispo.