Harmony

When considering Harmony as a destination, you can base your choice on several distinct themes: a history shaped by dairy farming, arts and crafts and galleries, a winery overlooking the coastal landscape, or a nearby state park.

Dairy Farming and Crafts in Harmony’s History

Harmony was founded in 1869 amid a growing local dairy industry. The town was home to the Harmony Valley Creamery Association and was considered the unofficial dairy capital of the Central Coast for almost half a century. This historical role gives the town’s story a clear focus: Harmony’s development is closely connected to milk processing.

The former Harmony Valley Creamery Association site was developed into a center for handmade crafts in 1970. Its identity as a small artists’ colony is also part of Harmony’s character. The history of dairy farming and the arts and crafts thus stand side by side as two distinct historical aspects of the town.

Cheese, Ceramics, and Contemporary Glass Art

Harmony Valley Creamery produces a full selection of artisan cheeses and dairy products; it also offers small-batch ice cream. The Harmony Dairy Shoppe offers fresh cheese curds daily. If you plan to visit specifically for one of these products, check current operating details before you travel.

Harmony Glassworks offers a different artistic perspective. It was founded in 2007 by glassblower and instructor Eric Dandurand. Today, Harmony Glassworks combines an art gallery and a studio for contemporary glass art. Private, hands-on glassblowing lessons are also available, with no prior experience required. If lessons are important to your travel plans, check booking details in advance.

Harmony Pottery Studio & Gallery showcases works by more than 150 artists and has housed a collection of ceramic art and porcelain jewelry since 1973. This clearly distinguishes two different artistic interests: Harmony Glassworks focuses on contemporary glass art and hands-on work with glass, while ceramics and porcelain jewelry are the specific themes at the Pottery Studio.

Winery and Coastal Landscape

Harmony Cellars is a family-owned winery founded by Chuck and Kim Mulligan in 1989. Its rooftop terrace offers sweeping views of the coastal landscape. Part of the original Harmony Creamery has also been preserved at Harmony Cellars; old brick paths run around the building. These details connect the history of milk processing with the winery and its surroundings.

The location of Harmony Cellars is specific: the winery is on scenic Highway 1, five miles south of Cambria. If you want to include wine and coastal views in your travel plans, you can make this a focus of its own.

A Short Hiking Trail and Outdoor Ceremonies

Nearby Harmony Headlands State Park is three miles south of Harmony. A short hiking trail leads to coastal marine terrace grasslands with panoramic views of the Pacific. The park offers a different focus from the arts and dining options: the emphasis is on the landscape and a short trail to the grasslands described here.

There is also a specific option for a trip with a special occasion: Harmony Chapel offers small wedding ceremonies. Harmony Gardens also has spaces available for outdoor ceremonies. If you are considering Harmony as a venue, check availability and prices before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Morro Bay, San Miguel, San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Templeton, Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, Cambria.

Return to the main travel overview: San Luis Obispo.