Things To Do
Favorite Hikes
There are endless awesome hikes in SLO County! Here are some of our favorites areas: 1) Pismo Preserve – Pismo preserve is a new park in SLO with perfectly graded trails so you rarely experience steep inclines. This park overlooks the ocean and is close to Shell, Pismo, and Avila. 2) Cerro San Luis “Madonna Mountain” – Matty and Allison live on this mountain! Close to downtown SLO, this mountain has many connecting hikes around the mountain, allowing you to “choose your own adventure.” 3) Ontario (Avila) Ridge Trail – Close to Avila, this trail follows a steep ridge with great views overlooking the ocean and Avila, Shell and Pismo. 4) Montano De Oro Park – This park is packed with trail options. We love Valencia Peak (Difficult), the Bluff Trail (easy) and Point Buchon Trail (easy). View details about each of these trails, including directions and an option to filter by length and difficulty here: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/allie-matty-favorites-9a11581?u=i
Local Hotsprings
Avila Hotsprings: We are regulars at the Avila Hotsprings! The Hotsprings has a giant pool and small tub with pure hotsprings water. We love it because there are no chemicals (chlorine, etc.) used due to the constant filtering of the water. This is a no-frills location and is great for a family with kids because they can play in the big pool while you soak in the hotsprings! No reservations requirement. http://www.avilahotsprings.com/ Sycarmore Hotsprings: Sycamore Hotsprings is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. There are a variety of private tubs with natural hotspring water that you can book in advance via their online platform. https://www.sycamoresprings.com/
Golf Options
Avila Beach Golf Resort: The Avila Beach Golf Resort is the most well-known of the Central Coast Golf Courses. Nestled in the surrounding hills and on the edge of the bay, the resort includes a par-72, 6,500-yard championship course. The golf course has kikuyu grass fairways (think Riviera CC) and quick, classic bentgrass greens. The front nine is situated on hilly terrain with small, often-elevated, smooth greens within oak-lined valleys. The back nine transverses a tidal estuary, with several forced carries over the water and multi-level greens to test your will and your skill. Golfers of all abilities will enjoy the challenge of this scenic course. Reservations required via the website. Pismo Beach Golf Course (La Sage): This executive par 3 golf course is located on 29 pristine acres next to the sand dunes of Pismo Beach. The 9-hole course welcomes all levels of playing ability from children to professionals alike. No reservations required; first come first serve only.
Surf Lessons
Pismo beach's sandy beach and consistent swell make it a great place to learn how to surf. Here are some high-rated companies that provide surfing lessons for beginners: 1) Pismo Beach Surf Academy (https://www.pismobeachsurfacademy.com/) 2) Sandbar Surf School (https://sandbarsurf.com/)
Tennis and Pickleball Courts
Palisades Park Tennis Courts: These are public tennis and pickleball courts in Shell Beach. These are first come, first serve. They can sometimes get busy, but people often rotate out. 3990 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa: These are reservation only courts available in Avila. Please reserve in advance.
North SLO County Recommended Beach Towns
Downtown SLO is located in an inland valley with quick access to San Luis Obispo County’s Northern beach towns. North of SLO, we recommend visiting: -Morro Bay: Grab lunch by the Estuary (Tognazzini’s DOCKSIDE – not the main restaurant! - is our favorite) and then take a walk on Morro Bay Beach. Check out Morro Bay Rock, considered a sacred site to Chumash and Salinan Native American tribes – you can’t miss it! -Cayucos: A tiny town located right on the beach. Grab lunch or brunch at our favorite restaurant, Hidden Kitchen, and check out the beach! -Los Osos: Los Osos is a quiet town and the home of our favorite coastal park, Montano De Oro state park. We love the Bluff Trail (relatively flat walking trail), Hazards Canyon Reef (beautiful beach), Valencia Peak (Steep, more difficult trail), Spooner’s Cove, and the Point Buchon Trail (long, flatish walking trail). Grab lunch to go from Los Osos, go on a walk, and then picnic at Hazards Reef beach (https://goo.gl/maps/RDuNHnL7F3XYmpni7)!
South SLO County Recommended Beach Towns
Downtown SLO is located in an inland valley with quick access to San Luis Obispo County’s Southern beach towns. South of SLO, we recommend: -Pismo Beach: A small, touristy beach town with restaurants, bars, and gaming establishments (poolhall, bowling alleys and more!). Grab food, visit the pier, and walk on Pismo’s long sandy beach! It’s also a great beach to learn how to surf. -Shell Beach: This is Allie and Matty’s go-to beach for spending time with friends, catching the sunset, or happy hour. This is a smaller beach with sometimes limited sandy areas due to tides. Access the beach here: https://goo.gl/maps/1ynTZR2i3xH7SpxE6. We love to hike at Pismo Preserve, grab lunch or drinks at Shell Beach Brewhouse, and catch sunset at Shell Beach! -Avila Beach: Allie and Matty will be staying in Avila throughout the wedding weekend. We love visiting Avila’s Dog beach with Otis and grabbing lunch at Mersea’s on Avila’s pier (say hello to the seals!)
South SLO County Vineyards
Edna Valley: Edna valley is surrounded by volcanic mountains and characterized by black humus and clay-rich soils. With moderate sunshine, cool maritime fog, and rich oceanic and volcanic soils, the Edna Valley appellation has California's longest growing season. The valley is kept cool by breezes from the Pacific Ocean and morning fog. The extended growing season gives complex flavors to the grapes. The region is best known for Chardonnay, Pinot noir, and to a lesser extent, Syrah. Grapes were originally planted here by Spanish missionaries in the early 19th century. Recommended Edna vineyards: Tolosa, Edna Valley Vineyard, Chamisal, Biddle Ranch, Claiborne & Churchill, Stephen Ross, Saucelito Canyon, Wolff Near Avila: Kelsey Vineyard
North SLO County Vineyards
With 33,000+ vineyard acres planted with wine grapes, North SLO County is famous for its wine, specifically its varietal Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rhône-style wines. Paso Robles: Over 200 wineries make up Paso Robles wine country. You’ll find everything from laid-back tastings under oaks to intimate, upscale wine experiences. Adelaida District is our favorite. Recommended Vineyards: Epoch, Oso Libre, Daou, Whalebone, Justin, Adelaida Vineyards, Tablas Creek, Austin, Halter Ranch. Most require reservations. Cambria Recommended Vineyards: Hearst Castle (overlooking the ocean!), Stolo A perfect day is to drive up to Coast, grab breakfast at Hidden Kitchen in Cayucos, enjoy your first glass of wine at Hearst Winery in San Simeon, then taste at Stolo Vineyard in Cambria, and enjoy the scenic drive on Santa Rosa road to HWY 46 to get to the Adelaide wine district to enjoy more vineyards. There are many driver services so please don't drink and drive on the windy mountain roads!
Big Sur
Visiting Big Sur is a California highlight and should be on everyone's bucket list. It's the most famous stretch of the iconic drive down HWY 1 on the California Coast. SLO is about 45 min south of the southern entrance to Big Sur. Drive up the scenic coast to see Salmon Creek Waterfall, visit the famous Sand Dollar beach, and stop of for amazing views. NOTE: HWY THROUGH BIG SUR HAS ROAD CLOSURES RIGHT NOW DUE TO LANDSLIDES. The farthest North you can drive is Plasket Creek / Sand dollar beach area. You CAN NOT drive southbound on HWY 1 from San Francisco to SLO via Hwy 1.