Local Treats, Best Beaches, & Activities
Beach
Here is a listing of some of our favorite beach spots in the area.
Just a heads up to check the daily weather report for wind and temperature.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to have an amazing day at the beach:
1 - Wind Miles Per Hour - If the wind is above 14 mph, you're probably going to be cold.
2 - Micro-climate - the wind speed, cloud coverage, and even temperature vary from beach-to-beach. Some beaches are warmer than others. Pismo Beach and Oceano are generally windier.
3 - Marine layer - Sometimes our beaches have a marine layer that generally burns off by noon.
One of the off the beaten path locations that aren't as crowed is the cove on the edge of Pismo Beach.
You can park for free with access to clean public restroom. The public parking places are on the south end of the parking lot of Inn at the Cove.
Please note that walking down to the cove is a little more strenuous than other beach locations.
2651 Price St
2651 Price StreetOne of the off the beaten path locations that aren't as crowed is the cove on the edge of Pismo Beach.
You can park for free with access to clean public restroom. The public parking places are on the south end of the parking lot of Inn at the Cove.
Please note that walking down to the cove is a little more strenuous than other beach locations.
This is beach is less windy than any of the other beaches and the view is great.
It's also more of a local spot, so it's not that crowded.
Free off-street parking is upstairs.
The stairs are a little bit of a hike if you have a lot of stuff or if your knees give you problems.
Also, no public restroom.
South Palisades Park
Beachcomber DriveThis is beach is less windy than any of the other beaches and the view is great.
It's also more of a local spot, so it's not that crowded.
Free off-street parking is upstairs.
The stairs are a little bit of a hike if you have a lot of stuff or if your knees give you problems.
Also, no public restroom.
This is a quaint little beach with shops, food, icecream, and a boardwalk.
329 locals recommend
Avila Beach
This is a quaint little beach with shops, food, icecream, and a boardwalk.
Montaña de Oro State Park is about 40 mins away, but the views are stunning.
There are several hiking trails, but they are really easy, short, and the payoff is worth it.
There are public restrooms (not always the cleanest).
There's even WIFI on-site.
341 locals recommend
Montaña de Oro State Park
3550 Pecho Valley RdMontaña de Oro State Park is about 40 mins away, but the views are stunning.
There are several hiking trails, but they are really easy, short, and the payoff is worth it.
There are public restrooms (not always the cleanest).
There's even WIFI on-site.
This is a great little view where Paul sometimes brings his coaching clients. There are nearby trails as well. But you can drive right up to this view.
There's also a trail down to the beach.
Please note: the beach is clothing optional. Most of the time everyone is still clothed, but we just wanted to make sure you don't have surprises. : )
Pirates Cove Lookout
This is a great little view where Paul sometimes brings his coaching clients. There are nearby trails as well. But you can drive right up to this view.
There's also a trail down to the beach.
Please note: the beach is clothing optional. Most of the time everyone is still clothed, but we just wanted to make sure you don't have surprises. : )
If you're looking for a warm spot at the beach. Just go down the stairs and nestle into the cove that typically blocks the winds and gives you intense sun.
Shell Beach Coastal Conservancy Preserve
660 Ocean BlvdIf you're looking for a warm spot at the beach. Just go down the stairs and nestle into the cove that typically blocks the winds and gives you intense sun.
Our Favorite Eats, Treats, and COFFEE!
Here's a list of our favorite places to eat and treat ourselves.
COFFEE is a big part of our life, so we've added our recommended places here too!
If you hit Avila Beach, we recommend Kraken Coffee.
Front row seat to the beach.
Website:
https://www.poorbutsexy.biz/krakencoffeeco
12 locals recommend
Kraken Coffee Company
310 Front StIf you hit Avila Beach, we recommend Kraken Coffee.
Front row seat to the beach.
Website:
https://www.poorbutsexy.biz/krakencoffeeco
Seafood is amazing. Breakfast is awesome as well!
Paul's recommendation for breakfast is the chicken fried steak.
Dress code is whatever you want to wear.
Custom House Menu:
https://qrcgcustomers.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/account10112395/9735242_18.pdf?0.7097754278996986
36 locals recommend
Custom House
404 Front StSeafood is amazing. Breakfast is awesome as well!
Paul's recommendation for breakfast is the chicken fried steak.
Dress code is whatever you want to wear.
Custom House Menu:
https://qrcgcustomers.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/account10112395/9735242_18.pdf?0.7097754278996986
San Luis Obispo has always had the best coffee, and we were thrilled when Tribe Coffee opened just about a mile from our house.
Paul's fave is a flat white.
Jessica's fave is the iced oat mile latte.
Our kids love their turnovers.
Cute and super convenient location
12 locals recommend
Tribe Coffeehouse
1355 E Grand AveSan Luis Obispo has always had the best coffee, and we were thrilled when Tribe Coffee opened just about a mile from our house.
Paul's fave is a flat white.
Jessica's fave is the iced oat mile latte.
Our kids love their turnovers.
Cute and super convenient location
One of the best burgers in Arroyo Grande is at the Village Grill.
http://www.oldvillagegrill.net/Menu.html
22 locals recommend
Old Village Grill
101 E Branch StOne of the best burgers in Arroyo Grande is at the Village Grill.
http://www.oldvillagegrill.net/Menu.html
Very much a local favorite greasy spoon with a messy burger. It can be argued that this place is better or tied with Village Grill.
BIRTHDAY? You get a free burger!
Choose the Oceano location menu:
https://www.sylvestersburgers.com/menu-1
51 locals recommend
Sylvester's Burgers
1099 Santa Ynez AveVery much a local favorite greasy spoon with a messy burger. It can be argued that this place is better or tied with Village Grill.
BIRTHDAY? You get a free burger!
Choose the Oceano location menu:
https://www.sylvestersburgers.com/menu-1
This is probably the most recommended restaurant in the area.
Little on the pricier side. Check the menu first online.
http://www.emberwoodfire.com/menu
134 locals recommend
Ember Restaurant
1200 E Grand AveThis is probably the most recommended restaurant in the area.
Little on the pricier side. Check the menu first online.
http://www.emberwoodfire.com/menu
There are actually two locations for Scout Coffee. The Foothills location is less quaint but has more seating and a lot of parking.
Parking in San Luis Obispo is a little more challenging. And this location requires a little walk.
66 locals recommend
Scout Coffee
1130 Garden StThere are actually two locations for Scout Coffee. The Foothills location is less quaint but has more seating and a lot of parking.
Parking in San Luis Obispo is a little more challenging. And this location requires a little walk.
This location is in San Luis Obispo and will probably require a little walk unless you are fortunate enough to get a close parking place.
Big coffee place frequented by studious Cal Poly students and some white bearded guy who sits in the corner writing. (We promise, he's ALWAYS there).
31 locals recommend
Kreuzberg California
685 Higuera StThis location is in San Luis Obispo and will probably require a little walk unless you are fortunate enough to get a close parking place.
Big coffee place frequented by studious Cal Poly students and some white bearded guy who sits in the corner writing. (We promise, he's ALWAYS there).
Red Bee is located close by the beach in Grover.
Really good coffee and an amazing staff.
Their carrot cake muffins are AMAZE!
18 locals recommend
Red Bee Coffee
278 W Grand AveRed Bee is located close by the beach in Grover.
Really good coffee and an amazing staff.
Their carrot cake muffins are AMAZE!
This is the restaurant with the best view in the area!
It's also Paul's favorite local restaurant.
https://ventanagrill.com/
Perfect for a special occasion, birthday, romantic night out, or even business meeting.
Lunch is very reasonably priced, so it's totally worth it to grab a bite and enjoy the view.
96 locals recommend
Ventana Grill
2575 Price StThis is the restaurant with the best view in the area!
It's also Paul's favorite local restaurant.
https://ventanagrill.com/
Perfect for a special occasion, birthday, romantic night out, or even business meeting.
Lunch is very reasonably priced, so it's totally worth it to grab a bite and enjoy the view.
The cool, weird thing about living here (and we say it's both cool and weird because we lived in San Diego for many years) is that this area is beach meets farm.
This cool little place has all kinds of farm animals you can feed and lots of homemade treats like jams, pies, etc.
Try the Olallieberry pie!
144 locals recommend
Avila Valley Barn
560 Avila Beach DrThe cool, weird thing about living here (and we say it's both cool and weird because we lived in San Diego for many years) is that this area is beach meets farm.
This cool little place has all kinds of farm animals you can feed and lots of homemade treats like jams, pies, etc.
Try the Olallieberry pie!
FAY's FUSION
220 Hinds AveThis is the best boba in the area.
We've never tried their food : )
The Central Coast is the Tri-Tip capitol of the world (so we've heard).
This is our personal favorite for the best Tri-tip sandwich on the coast.
Also, this meat company has been here for like 500 years or something. Okay, not 500, but at least 100+.
Arroyo Grande Meat Co
120 E Branch StThe Central Coast is the Tri-Tip capitol of the world (so we've heard).
This is our personal favorite for the best Tri-tip sandwich on the coast.
Also, this meat company has been here for like 500 years or something. Okay, not 500, but at least 100+.
The food is great with some awesome cocktails.
Our fave cocktail is the Strawberry Basil Lemon Drop.
https://www.masonbarag.com/
87 locals recommend
Mason Bar and Kitchen
307 E Branch StThe food is great with some awesome cocktails.
Our fave cocktail is the Strawberry Basil Lemon Drop.
https://www.masonbarag.com/
We're originally from the South, so we know biscuits and gravy. And you've got to be good at biscuits if you put it in the name!
Big portions for the price.
http://beachinbiscuitspismobeach.com/menu.html
9 locals recommend
Beachin' Biscuits
783 Price StWe're originally from the South, so we know biscuits and gravy. And you've got to be good at biscuits if you put it in the name!
Big portions for the price.
http://beachinbiscuitspismobeach.com/menu.html
Everything on the menu is delicious and fresh.
Owner is super nice, and, if you tell him it's your first time there on a recommendation, he will likely hook you up with free baklava.
By the way, it's probably the best baklava we've ever had.
Paul would recommend the lamb shawarma.
29 locals recommend
Jaffa Cafe
206 E Branch StEverything on the menu is delicious and fresh.
Owner is super nice, and, if you tell him it's your first time there on a recommendation, he will likely hook you up with free baklava.
By the way, it's probably the best baklava we've ever had.
Paul would recommend the lamb shawarma.
PierFront Wine & Brew
480 Front StNice little place for a glass of wine with a great view.
Mr. Rick's
404 Front StNice little bar with a view - off the boardwalk in Avila Beach.
.5 Miles away - Paul actually walks back and forth!
Great place for craft beer. Paul loves the peanut butter stout.
They also do pizza.
https://www.manrockbrewing.com/food-menu.html
19 locals recommend
ManRock Brewing Company
1750 El Camino Real.5 Miles away - Paul actually walks back and forth!
Great place for craft beer. Paul loves the peanut butter stout.
They also do pizza.
https://www.manrockbrewing.com/food-menu.html
Sister Kitchen
245 W Grand AveJessica's favorite Thai place in the area.
There are actually 3 locations of Palo Mesa so be super careful when you call to order because Google listings typically will mess you up (Yes, we've learned the hard way).
This is our favorite pizza in Arroyo Grande.
12 locals recommend
Palo Mesa Pizza
2790 S Halcyon RdThere are actually 3 locations of Palo Mesa so be super careful when you call to order because Google listings typically will mess you up (Yes, we've learned the hard way).
This is our favorite pizza in Arroyo Grande.
Banner opened in 2020 and are really nailing it on coffee.
Paul's favorite is a quad latte.
9 locals recommend
Banner Coffee Company
995 E Grand AveBanner opened in 2020 and are really nailing it on coffee.
Paul's favorite is a quad latte.
Really close by and a local fave.
Portions are big, and 1 meal usually serves two.
Great for breakfast!
24 locals recommend
Lil'bits Cafe
151 N 7th StReally close by and a local fave.
Portions are big, and 1 meal usually serves two.
Great for breakfast!
Well, everything we've shared is local, but we just got a Dutch Bros. and they are CRUSHING IT.
Paul and Jadyn love the 9-1-1. Something like 6 espresso shots : )
Lines can be long at times. Download their app and get a free drink.
Dutch Bros Coffee
1259 E Grand AveWell, everything we've shared is local, but we just got a Dutch Bros. and they are CRUSHING IT.
Paul and Jadyn love the 9-1-1. Something like 6 espresso shots : )
Lines can be long at times. Download their app and get a free drink.
Do you have a food sensitivity?
Sally Loo's has amazing food with plenty of gluten free options - all made from scratch!
They also serve local Cacti Coffee.
35 locals recommend
Sally Loo's Wholesome Cafe
1804 Osos StDo you have a food sensitivity?
Sally Loo's has amazing food with plenty of gluten free options - all made from scratch!
They also serve local Cacti Coffee.
Just fully remodeled and re-opened!
Great coffee and the best local baked goods.
9 locals recommend
Mule Bakery
117 E Branch StJust fully remodeled and re-opened!
Great coffee and the best local baked goods.
Sunsets at Pismo
There is NOT a better ocean view for lunch. I mean, you're literally ON the pier!
Greenhouse Coffee Company
Open since 2022. Great coffee!
Blast 825 is just down the street - .7 miles away. Pretty much walking distance, though walking back is uphill.
We're not big on the food - besides the NACHOS which are huge and tasty.
The beer menu is great and changes daily. Paul is a fan of anything dark or nitro.
Blast 825 Brewery
Blast 825 is just down the street - .7 miles away. Pretty much walking distance, though walking back is uphill.
We're not big on the food - besides the NACHOS which are huge and tasty.
The beer menu is great and changes daily. Paul is a fan of anything dark or nitro.
Activities & Attractions
Oceano Dunes SVRA
100 Cabrillo HwyATV riding
This place isn't for everyone, but it's very eclectic and fun.
It's also pretty historic.
Make sure you check out the restrooms. There's a surprise in there.
118 locals recommend
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna RdThis place isn't for everyone, but it's very eclectic and fun.
It's also pretty historic.
Make sure you check out the restrooms. There's a surprise in there.
This area is known for great hiking trails. Some trails are easier than others and there are plenty of websites with hiking info.
This isn't the easiest hike, but it's one that is probably the most well known.
Below are two different trail entrances:
To get to the Highland Drive Trailhead: From Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo, take exit 203 B to Highway 1 North. Drive north for one mile toward Morro Bay and turn left onto Highland Drive. Continue another mile to the cul-de-sac at road’s end. Roadside parking is available. Alternatively, you can start from the lower trailhead on Patricia Drive, which is also used for Felsman Loop Trail.
Trailhead address: 1 Highland Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Trailhead coordinates: 35.30115, -120.68916 (35° 18′ 04.1″N 120° 41′ 20.97″W)
To get to the Patricia Drive Trailhead: From Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo, take exit 203 B to Highway 1 North. Drive north for one mile toward Morro Bay and turn left onto Highland Drive. Drive half a mile and turn right onto Patricia Drive. Go another half mile, where you will spot the trailhead on the left. Roadside parking is available.
Trailhead address: Patricia Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Trailhead coordinates: 35.30433, -120.685438 (35° 18′ 15.59″N 120° 41′ 07.57″W)
17 locals recommend
Bishop Peak Trail
Bishop Peak TrailThis area is known for great hiking trails. Some trails are easier than others and there are plenty of websites with hiking info.
This isn't the easiest hike, but it's one that is probably the most well known.
Below are two different trail entrances:
To get to the Highland Drive Trailhead: From Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo, take exit 203 B to Highway 1 North. Drive north for one mile toward Morro Bay and turn left onto Highland Drive. Continue another mile to the cul-de-sac at road’s end. Roadside parking is available. Alternatively, you can start from the lower trailhead on Patricia Drive, which is also used for Felsman Loop Trail.
Trailhead address: 1 Highland Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Trailhead coordinates: 35.30115, -120.68916 (35° 18′ 04.1″N 120° 41′ 20.97″W)
To get to the Patricia Drive Trailhead: From Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo, take exit 203 B to Highway 1 North. Drive north for one mile toward Morro Bay and turn left onto Highland Drive. Drive half a mile and turn right onto Patricia Drive. Go another half mile, where you will spot the trailhead on the left. Roadside parking is available.
Trailhead address: Patricia Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Trailhead coordinates: 35.30433, -120.685438 (35° 18′ 15.59″N 120° 41′ 07.57″W)
Avila Hot Springs
250 Avila Beach Dr104 degree mineral pool and a swimming pool.
Great experience!
Lots to do at Lake Lopez:
- Trails
- Zipline
- Boating
- Kayak Rentals
Limited cell service once you get there.
More info at:
https://slocountyparks.com/camp/lopez-lake/
39 locals recommend
Lopez Lake
Lopez DriveLots to do at Lake Lopez:
- Trails
- Zipline
- Boating
- Kayak Rentals
Limited cell service once you get there.
More info at:
https://slocountyparks.com/camp/lopez-lake/
Yes, we have waterfalls - Big Falls and Little Falls.
We highly recommend calling Lake Lopez to double-check access to these locations.
https://slocountyparks.com/camp/lopez-lake/
Big Falls Trailhead
3994 Upper Lopez Canyon RdYes, we have waterfalls - Big Falls and Little Falls.
We highly recommend calling Lake Lopez to double-check access to these locations.
https://slocountyparks.com/camp/lopez-lake/
Sunsets at Pismo gives you a dining experience right on the pier. And it's delicious!
Pismo Beach Pier, Pismo Beach, CA, USA
Sunsets at Pismo gives you a dining experience right on the pier. And it's delicious!
If you're staying with us from October to February, a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Grove is unique and worth it!
141 locals recommend
Monarch Butterfly Grove
400 South Dolliver StreetIf you're staying with us from October to February, a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Grove is unique and worth it!
If you take the high trail, you get an ocean view the entire time. Backside of the mountain trails are beautiful too!
53 locals recommend
Pismo Preserve
80 Mattie RdIf you take the high trail, you get an ocean view the entire time. Backside of the mountain trails are beautiful too!
Top Wineries & Local Beer
Biddle Ranch Vineyard
2050 Biddle Ranch RdChamisal Vineyards
7525 Orcutt RdTolosa
4910 Edna RdTalley Vineyards
3031 Lopez Dr.5 Miles - Paul actually walks back and forth!
Great place for craft beer. Paul loves the peanut butter stout.
They also do pizza.
https://www.manrockbrewing.com/food-menu.html
19 locals recommend
ManRock Brewing Company
1750 El Camino Real.5 Miles - Paul actually walks back and forth!
Great place for craft beer. Paul loves the peanut butter stout.
They also do pizza.
https://www.manrockbrewing.com/food-menu.html