Our Community
The Places that Make us Atascadero
One of the things I love most about Atascadero is that every landmark has a story. These places remind us where we've been, celebrate the people who built this community, and inspire us to thoughtfully shape its future. Whether you've lived here your entire life or just arrived, I hope these places help you appreciate what makes Atascadero so special.
Atascadero City Hall
Atascadero's iconic City Hall is one of California's finest examples of Italian Renaissance architecture and has stood as the heart of our community since 1918. Look closely and you'll find four inspiring quotations carved above its entrances—reminders of E.G. Lewis's vision for a community rooted in optimism, stewardship, and a deep appreciation for nature. Every time I visit City Hall, those words remind me that public service is about caring for something larger than ourselves.
The Printery
The historic Printery was once home to one of the most ambitious printing operations in the American West, producing publications that shared E.G. Lewis's vision for Atascadero across the country. Today it stands as a symbol of our city's entrepreneurial spirit and determination. For my family, it also holds cherished memories of community dinners and volunteer events, making it both a historic landmark and a personal reminder of neighbors coming together.
Sunken Gardens
Few places capture the spirit of Atascadero quite like the Sunken Gardens. From concerts and community celebrations to quiet afternoons beneath the oak trees, it has long served as our community's gathering place. It reminds us that some of life's most meaningful moments happen when neighbors simply come together.
Atascadero Lake Park
Atascadero Lake has been part of family traditions for generations. Whether fishing, feeding ducks, enjoying the playground, or celebrating community events, it is a place where people of all ages connect with nature and with one another. It reflects the slower pace and welcoming spirit that continue to make Atascadero feel like home.
Central Coast Zoo formerly Charles Paddock Zoo
Charles Paddock Zoo, also known as the Atascadero Zoo, and more recently the Central Coast Zoo, The Charles Paddock Zoo may be one of the smallest accredited zoos in the country, but it has made a tremendous impact on our community. Generations of local children have discovered a love of wildlife and conservation there, making it a place where education, stewardship, and family memories come together. It's one of those uniquely Atascadero treasures that reminds us big things often come in small packages.
Colony Days
Every October, Colony Days celebrates the founding of Atascadero and the community spirit that has carried us forward for more than a century. The parade, music, local organizations, and familiar faces remind us that our greatest strength has always been the people who choose to invest their time and talents here. It's a celebration of our past—and a reminder of our shared future.