Too wet in SLO in the winter for me. Same with most of the central and northern CA coast, which is why I never stay past November. I tend to hit up the Southern CA and AZ deserts in winter, Southern tip of NV isn't bad either. Padre Island is cool, but you have to get away from the people, and having sand in every orifice isn't too fun. You're more likely to get hassled there as well by Border Patrol out doing their rounds, especially if you have darker features. Lake Mohave in NV is nice, windy, but close to town and the soup kitchen.