Restaurants

Giuseppe's Cucina Rustica - the very best Italian food, no reservations but worth the wait! (They have another location in Pismo)

Luna Red - upscale outdoor dining, great for any meal and shared plates

Novo - upscale creekside dining, great for any meal

Firestone Grill - a local favorite for casual American food

Louisa's Place - classic diner, great for breakfast

Sally Loo's - farm to table, organic, seasonal foods. Excellent for breakfast and lunch

Madonna Inn - for casual dining (and the best Monte Cristo according to Megan) check out The Copper Cafe; for a classic steakhouse with vibrant atmosphere The Gold Rush Steak House

Beer, Wine and Tap Rooms

SLO Brew Rock - Casual dining, whiskey tasting and brewery, this location has plenty of outdoor space and variety

Claiborne & Churchill Winery - bring your own food and games, catch some live entertainment

Tolosa Winery - great wine, watch the airplanes come and go from SLO airport

Baileyana Winery - another great winery!

*Thee are so many to choose from, but these are some favorites we have personally visited

Activities

Walk downtown SLO - there's endless shops for blocks! If you are in town on Thursday, enjoy the farmers market downtown

Hike the M Trail Loop - moderate, 2.5 miles (additional hikes here)

SLO Ranch Farms - outdoor mall with restaurants, shops and live music

Restaurants

Blue Moon Over Avila - for a fancier bite and excellent French onion soup

Custom House - great for brunch and large parties

Mersea's Seafood - a little further out on the pier they serve classic, casual seafood dishes

Beer, Wine and Tap Rooms

Mr. Ricks - casual bar with a view of the ocean, great for live music and watching the sun set

Peloton Cellars - tasting room along the boardwalk

Pierfront Wine & Brew - tasting room along the boardwalk

Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards - a step inland for an indoor/outdoor winery experience, see peacocks on the property!

Activities

Avila Valley Barn - pet live animals, shop for local treats and enjoy seasonal activities

Bob Jones Trail - paved biking and walking trail (3 miles, mostly flat, easy)

Secret Garden - a hidden oasis at the Sycamore Mineral Springs resort

Restaurants

Tognazzini's Dockside Restaurant - no nonsense great seafood

Bayside Cafe - Casual dining near the water; Tuckers eat here when camping across the street

Scout Coffee - great coffee, they have another location in SLO

The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar - another great seafood place

The Dutchie - more seafood

Activities

Embarcadero - walk the town and check out the shops, you can find plants, antiques, clothes, toys and more

Morro Bay State Park- check out the rock and some easy walking paths

A Kayak Shack - check out the Morro rock up close in the peaceful waters

Carousel Taffy - sweet tooth? Lot's of taffy on the coast bu this is a personal favorite

Restaurants

Giuseppe's Cucina Italiana - the very best Italian food (and espresso martinis), no reservations but worth the wait! (They have another location in downtown SLO)

Splash Cafe - iconic to Pismo, this casual dining will satisfy your clam chowder + bread bowl craving

Papi's Grill - hole in the wall taco shop, Tucker family favorite (try their chorizo fries)

Activities

Pismo Pier - walk the pier, plenty of surf shops along the way

Oceano Dunes - up for an adventure? check out the dunes on an ATV or on foot

Hike the Pismo Preserve - there are a variety of trails for all types of hikers

If you are extending your stay or interested to venture out further, check out the below towns:

Cayucos

Another sleepy beach town. Megan's favorite place to look for antiques.

Cambria

Walk Moonstone beach and the shops downtown. Book a tour of Hearst Castle and visit the Elephant Seals.

Harmony

On the way to Cambria, this tiny town of 18 residents makes a great stop. Check out their shops, particularly the glass blowing studio and pottery store.

Paso Robles

Known for it's wine tasting, there's plenty to explore in Paso. Megan's personal favorite is Tin City Cider, located in Tin City - a cluster of many shops, restaurants and tasting rooms.