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Central Coast CA: Where to Eat, Drink and Explore
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items From wine tasting in Paso Robles to cozy cafés in SLO and coastal adventures in Pismo, this list is full of my favorite things to do and eat on the Central Coast of California. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for hidden gems loca...
Sections
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Outdoor +Scenic Things To Do 🌊
Food and Drinks 🍷 🥗🍻
Unique Stops 🤩
Outdoor +Scenic Things To Do 🌊
One of the coolest things about the Pismo Dunes is that it’s one of the only beaches in California you can actually drive on. I love cruising along the sand, taking in the ocean views, and then hopping out to explore the massive dunes—it feels like s...
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
One of my favorite sunset walks—Moonstone Beach Boardwalk has ocean views, tidepools, and a peaceful vibe that feels like classic Central Coast🌅
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk • Visit Cambria | CA
If you love rugged cliffs and wildflowers, Montaña de Oro is a must. The bluff trail is breathtaking and not too difficult🪻
Montaña de Oro State Park
Kayaking at Dinosaur Caves in Pismo Beach is such an unforgettable experience. Paddling through sea caves, spotting wildlife, and taking in the stunning cliffs makes it feel like a true Central Coast adventure—I always recommend it if you’re looking ...
Central Coast Kayaks
I always stop at Morro Rock to see the sea otters playing in the harbor—it never gets old 🦦
Morro Rock Beach
This is the go to hike in SLO—Bishop Peak has the best panoramic views of the city and valley once you reach the top 🌄
Bishop Peak Trail
Food and Drinks 🍷 🥗🍻
BarrelHouse Brewing is one of my favorite spots on the Central Coast for craft beer. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and their rotating taps always have something new and delicious to try—perfect for a casual afternoon or evening with friends...
BarrelHouse Brewing Co.
Fresh seafood right by the ocean—Sea Chest Oyster Bar feels like a hidden gem (go early, they don’t take reservations) 🐠
Sea Chest Oyster Bar
Firestone Walker is my favorite brewery stop—great beer, great food, and the vibe is super relaxed 🍺
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Splash Café is a must when I’m in Pismo Beach. Their clam chowder is legendary, and I love the casual, beachy vibe—it’s the perfect spot for a quick, delicious meal after a walk on the pier 🥣
Splash Café
Novo Restaurant & Lounge is one of my favorite spots in San Luis Obispo. The outdoor seating along the creek is so relaxing, and the globally inspired dishes are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for brunch or dinner🥂
Novo
Goshi’s Japanese Restaurant is my go to for fresh sushi and authentic Japanese flavors. I love the cozy, inviting atmosphere and the way every dish feels carefully prepared—it’s perfect for a casual night out or a sushi craving fix 🍣🍱
Goshi Japanese Restaurant
Brothers Café is my favorite spot for a hearty breakfast or brunch on the Central Coast. Their pancakes and omelets are always cooked perfectly, and I love the cozy, welcoming vibe that makes it feel like a local secret 🤫
Brother's Cafe 3:16 - Breakfast & Brunch
DAOU Winery in Paso Robles is an absolute must visit for wine lovers. The views from the estate are breathtaking, the tasting room is elegant, and their wines—especially the cabernets—are some of my favorites on the Central Coast. 🍷
DAOU Vineyards
Tobin James Winery is such a fun stop in Paso Robles. I love the lively, energetic vibe, the beautiful vineyard views, and of course their bold, flavorful wines—it’s perfect for a weekend tasting with friends 🍷
Tobin James Cellars
Tin City Distillery is a must-visit in Paso Robles for craft spirits lovers. I love the small-batch vibe, tasting unique whiskeys and vodkas, and exploring the lively courtyard with friends—it’s a fun, relaxed spot to try something new ✨
Tin City Distillery
Negranti Creamery is my go to for delicious, handcrafted ice cream on the Central Coast. The flavors are creative and rich, and I love stopping by for a sweet treat after exploring nearby shops or walking along the beach 🍨
Negranti Creamery
Bella Luna Winery is a charming stop in Paso Robles. I love the relaxed, intimate vibe, the beautiful vineyard views, and their wines are consistently delicious—perfect for a quiet afternoon tasting or a romantic outing 😍
Bella Luna Estate Winery
Kitchenette in Templeton is such a cozy spot for breakfast or brunch. I love the fresh, locally inspired dishes and the friendly, welcoming vibe—it’s the perfect way to start a day exploring the Central Coast
Kitchenette - Coffee and Brunch
Whenever I’m in Cambria, I always make a stop at Main Street Grill. Their food is so comforting and delicious, and I love the cozy vibe—it’s my go-to spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner after wandering the town.”
Main Street Grill
Amstdmn Coffee is my go to spot for a morning pick me up on the Central Coast. I love their perfectly brewed coffee, cozy atmosphere, and the little details that make it feel like a hidden local gem. 💎 ☕️
AMSTRDM Coffee House
Humble Oven in SLO is all about unique, wood-fired pizzas that you won’t find anywhere else. I love how creative their toppings are—it’s the kind of spot where you want to try something new every time, and the cozy vibe makes it even better. 🍕
Humble Oven
Mersea’s Restaurant in Avila Beach is such a fun spot right on the pier—you can literally eat your meal while watching the waves and sea lions below. The seafood is always fresh (their fish tacos are my favorite!) and the laid-back vibe makes it perf...
Mersea's Seafood Restaurant
Buona Tavola in SLO is one of my favorite spots when I’m craving authentic Italian. Their handmade pastas are incredible (the ravioli is a must-try!), and the cozy, romantic atmosphere makes it perfect for date night or a special dinner in downtown S...
Buona Tavola
Unique Stops 🤩
The General Store in downtown Paso Robles has the cutest, most unique stuff and is the perfect place to shop for gifts! 🎁 😍
General Store Paso Robles
Quirky and eclectic—Nit Wit Ridge is a funky hillside home built from found objects, and it’s a local landmark. You can no longer go inside but it’s still cool to look at 🤩
Nitt Wit Ridge
Mission San Luis Obispo is a beautiful historic stop in the heart of SLO. I love exploring the peaceful grounds, admiring the architecture, and learning about the history—it’s such a serene and inspiring place to visit 🔔
Mission San Luis Obispo
Sensorio Field of Light in Paso Robles is absolutely magical. Walking among thousands of glowing lights at sunset feels surreal, and it’s one of my favorite spots for a unique, unforgettable Central Coast experience 💕
Sensorio
Visiting the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is such a fun stop along the Central Coast. I love watching hundreds of elephant seals lounging and playing—it’s fascinating, free, and perfect for a quick nature break while driving Highway 1
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
Solvang is such a charming little escape on the Central Coast. I love wandering the Danish inspired streets, trying the pastries, exploring the boutique shops, and enjoying a glass of wine—it feels like a mini European getaway without leaving Califor...
Solvang, California
Watching a movie at Sunset Drive-In in SLO is such a fun, nostalgic experience. I love pulling up with a blanket and snacks, enjoying the fresh evening air, and catching a flick under the stars ⭐️
Sunset Drive-In