Local's Guide to San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast

1. Avila Valley Barn - San Luis Obispo is an agricultural center of California. Sample a taste of all that SLO produces at Avila Valley Barn. This is a great place for kids and groups. Buy some lettuce for a few bucks to feed the goats, visit Abby the fluffy cow, then end the day with fresh homemade ice cream. Visit the shop for local produce, the county's best pies and an irresistible gift shop. Avila Valley Barn is one place I always take my friends to when they're in town, as it's an experience unique to the Central Coast.

2. Morro Bay - If you're spending a few nights in the area, taking a day trip to Morro Bay is highly recommended. Morro Bay is a small seaside town with shopping, restaurants, and most importantly, local sea otters that love to frolic in the harbor. For casual dining, visit Tognanzinni's Dockside, where you can select which fresh catch you'd like to eat and choose how you'd like it prepared. For more upscale eats, try Windows on the Water, a second-story restaurant that overlooks the bay. Spend the day strolling, shopping and of course, watching the otters.

3. Paso Market Walk - Located in Paso Robles, the Paso Market Walk is an indoor shopping and dining center full of local businesses. Highlights include the Vreamery, a vegan cheese shop with an incredible variety and a small dining menu, and Leo Leo Gelato, which serves up fresh gelato. You can also rent electric bikes at the Paso Market Walk to extend your exploration throughout Paso Robles.

4. San Luis Obispo Public Market - Similar to the Paso Market Walk, the San Luis Obispo Public Market is a newer indoor complex full of great local restaurants and shops. Located at the outskirts of downtown SLO, the Public Market also hosts local maker’s events for you to fully enjoy the artisans of the Central Coast.

5. Pismo Preserve – For the active folk, Pismo Preserve offers a variety of hiking trails, varying in length and difficulty. Even if you aren’t keen on hiking, it’s worth traversing the shortest path just to see the views. The Pismo Preserve is nestled in the hills above Pismo Beach, providing expansive outlooks across the whole coastline. But be aware – if it’s foggy out, as it tends to get sometimes at the beach, you won’t be able to see much.

6. Mineral Springs at Sycamore Springs – Sycamore Mineral Springs is home to the best natural mineral hot tubs in the county. You can stay at the resort and have access to a private mineral hot tub in your room, or just book a visit by the hour. All of the hot tubs at Sycamore are dotted along an oak-covered hillside, providing privacy no matter which hot tub you choose. Massages booked at Sycamore include 30 minutes in a hot tub, providing a complete rejuvenating experience.

7. Thursday Night SLO Farmer's Market – Live music, food vendors, farm fresh produce and local makers – the Farmer’s Market in downtown SLO has it all! Happening every Thursday night, it’s a must to experience the best the Central Coast has to offer all in one place. If you’re staying at Hotel San Luis Obispo, it’s an easy walk. Dine at a local restaurant, or sample dishes from multiple food vendors. Shopping, entertainment and an all-around good time await.

8. Wine Tasting - There is no shortage of great wines in San Luis Obispo County. Paso Robles is most famously known as the wine region of the Central Coast, but there are great wineries all throughout the county. Some local favorites include Wolff Vineyards which boasts incredible wine and stunning views, Laetitia Vineyards known for it’s great food and events and Chamisal Vineyards.

9. Get your game on in downtown San Luis Obispo – Ever wanted to throw an axe? Maybe revisit the entertainment of ages past in an old-school arcade? What about solving clues to escape from a locked room? You can do all this and more in downtown SLO, where games aren’t just for kids.

With access to the freshest produce, the restaurants of the Central Coast typically focus heavily on farm-to-table dining. There’s no shortage of great eats in the county, but here are a few of my personal favorites.

1. Mistura, San Luis Obispo – Mistura is a truly unique restaurant, serving modern Peruvian cuisine. Meticulously plated ceviche and classics like escabeche grace the menu. Don’t skip dessert here, as they have an array of freshly made truffles and pastries so pretty they could be displayed in a museum.

2. Pono Pacific, Grover Beach – Located right next to Pismo Beach, Pono Pacific boasts a Pacific-Rim-inspired menu, a trendy atmosphere and convenient access from the beach.

3. Oyster Loft, Pismo Beach – A great choice for scenic dining, Oyster Loft is a second-story restaurant with sweeping views of Pismo Beach. In addition to their fresh oysters, their menu includes seafood, steak and gorgeous desserts. Be sure to make a reservation as it tends to get busy.

4. Flour House, San Luis Obispo – Owned and operated by an Italian pizzaiolo (pizza master), Flour House serves up authentic Italian with a modern twist. Visit on a Monday to indulge in a meter-long pizza.

5. Thomas Hill Organics, Paso Robles – A cornerstone of farm-to-table upscale dining on the Central Coast, Thomas Hill Organics is situated amidst a flurry of local wineries.

6. Windows on the Water, Morro Bay – One of the best options for a scenic, romantic dinner, Windows on the Water focuses on seafood.

7. Grenada Hotel, San Luis Obispo – The restaurant at the Grenada Hotel serves up great food. Recommended for brunch.

8. Ox and Anchor, San Luis Obispo – Ox and Anchor is the award-winning formal restaurant on the Hotel San Luis Obispo property. Known for its locally sourced steaks and wine.

9. Ember, Arroyo Grande – Ember is a wood-fired haven for foodies. Their menu changes monthly to adapt to seasonal produce and tastes. Go for dinner, or enjoy craft cocktails and a freshly made wood-fired pizza at the bar.