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Writer: Kristine Thomason; Editor: Rayna Rossitto; Visual Designer: Binlin Cao
ne of the most incredible things about California is that within a fairly short drive, your surroundings can look drastically different.
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You’re all about going with the flow and seeing where the wind takes you — which is a great mindset when it comes to exploring SLO CAL. Still, allow us to offer some suggestions to help direct your whimsical wandering.
Begin your day at Hidden Kitchen in Cayucos, a charming cafe by the sea that serves delectable blue corn waffles and overflowing superfood smoothies in Mason jars. After enjoying
a leisurely breakfast, take your time strolling around Cayucos, before taking a scenic drive inland to Atascadero.
Here, you can stroll downthrough the Jim Green trail, a hidden gem that’s great for walking your dog, horseback riding, and biking. Stop to enjoy the charm and beauty of Atascadero Lake Park, which also happens to be home to the Central Coast Zoo — another worthy addition to your itinerary if you’ve got the time.
To cap off your day of exploration, drive to downtown Paso Robles. While in town, browse through some of the charming antique shops and boutiques, check out local art at the Studios
on the Park gallery, and sample Californian blends at Tank Garage Winery. Go for an early dinner at the farm-to-table restaurant In Bloom or enjoy a zodiac-themed cocktail at Alchemist’s Garden. End the night wandering through the nearby town square park and marvel at the twinkly lights that hover among the trees like fireflies.
Exciting, memorable, and nonstop movement — that’s how you’d describe your travel style. In other words: You’re completely averse to dull moments. Fortunately, SLO CAL has a wide range of activities to satisfy your need for adventure.
Your day begins in Morro Bay with a tour with Central Coast Outdoors. You’ll kayak out to Grassy Bar Oyster Company to learn about its farm located in the middle of the estuary before returning to the docks for a shucking lesson and a tasting of some of the finest oysters in SLO CAL.
Not big on water sports? Swap your kayaking adventure for a sound healing yoga class at Let’s Get Tuned, a studio with expansive windows that overlook the iconic Big Rock, a famous 576-foot-tall volcanic plug in the bay.
After an active morning, drive south to Los Osos. Make a stop at High Street Deli (a local institution that dates back to 1927) and order some top-notch sandwiches to-go for your next stop: Montaña de Oro State Park. There are various hiking trails to choose from — ranging from four to 12 miles — but we recommend the Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail, which hugs the coastline, offering stunning vistas of the sea at every turn. At the halfway mark, take a seat at one of the ocean-facing benches and enjoy your sandwich with a view.
Cap off the day by continuing your drive down south to Oceano. Here you can rent an ATV with Sun Buggy and get your adrenaline pumping with a ride through the sand dunes. After you feel adequately spent, grab some hot dogs and s’mores supplies at the grocery store, and enjoy a classic bonfire at Pismo Beach.
In fact, in the course of a day, you could journey from mountains to
sea and desert to forest. This transformative phenomenon is true of so much of the state, including San Luis Obispo County (aka SLO CAL), the central coast gem that’s bursting with beauty and charm around every corner. Each city in this region has its own unique personality and a wide spectrum of experiences to enjoy, making it an ideal destination for just about any kind of traveler — whether you’re seeking spontaneous thrills or a more relaxed vacation.
To help uncover your own idyllic trip to SLO CAL, we’ve curated a few itineraries to suit different kinds of travel personalities. Answer the questions below about how you like to travel and we’ll deliver your ideal day in SLO CAL. No matter your results, expect a trip that will not only give you a taste of the region, but also leave you smiling at every stop.
At home, you’re the person friends always call for a local restaurant recommendation — you’re the tastemaker of your crew, and consistently seeking new culinary and cultural experiences wherever you go.
Start your day in the heart of the county at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, which offers free admission in an effort to be accessible to all. Then, browse through downtown shops, like the chic Len Collective or cozy Phoenix Books.
For you, a visit to SLO CAL would be incomplete without trying some of the region’s hyperlocal wines. Visit the gorgeous Sextant Wines in Edna Valley, where you can enjoy a fabulous flight alongside a gourmet lunch on its whimsical, sun-kissed patio. Next stop: Wolff Vineyards for a tasting of its award-winning wines, including petite sirah, pinot noir, and more. You can also book ahead with Third Wheel Tours to meander through the vineyard in a vintage sidecar.
To close out the day, head south to Arroyo Grande, onsidered to be the music capital of SLO CAL. Check out a live performance at the historic Heritage Park Bandstand, then pop in for drinks (and maybe an open mic night) at the local dive Bill’s Place. While downtown, stop by Bridge Street Creek to see if you can spot the famous roosters that roam the area.
