Thursday - Night Market
Kick off your long weekend with a visit to the Farmers' Market in downtown San Luis Obispo. This lively market hosted every Thursday night is a great place to pick up delicious food and enjoy live music.
Downtown SLO Farmers' Market
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Located on Higuera Street in the heart of San Luis Obispo, the Downtown SLO Farmers' Market is a must-visit for foodies and anyone who loves fresh produce. It's a great place to pick up local fruits and vegetables, artisan cheeses, and delicious prepared foods. You'll also find live music, crafts, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's a fantastic way to experience the local culture and enjoy a delicious meal.
Every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (except for major holidays or in case of inclement weather)
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Friday - Sandy Shores and Sunset Sip
Morning Views
Spend Friday morning driving up the coast to visit Avila Valley Barn. Located near Avila Beach, Avila Valley Barn is a charming family-owned farm offering a delightful mix of farm activities, delicious food, and shopping.
Avila Valley Barn
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From farm experiences like hayrides and pony rides to delicious homemade treats and fresh produce, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Avila Valley Barn. Their Chicken Shack and Smoke House is renowned for its delicious barbecue favorites like pulled pork, ribs, and chicken paired with homemade sides. Don't forget to stop by the Sweet Shoppe which offers a wide selection of homemade treats, including pies, cakes, cookies, and candies.
Chicken Shack/Smoke House: 11AM-5PM
Sweet Shoppe: 10AM-6PM
Pony Rides only Sat/Sun
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After lunch, take a hike through the natural beauty of the California coast at one of the trails of Pismo Preserve
Pismo Preserve
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Pismo Preserve is a 880-acre nature preserve located just off Highway 101 in Pismo Beach. A popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking, biking, and horseback riding, the preserve offers over 11 miles of trails that wind through oak woodlands and coastal ridgelines providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
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Afternoon Happy Hour
Enjoy your Friday afternoon with happy hour in Downtown Pismo! Oyster Loft host an appetizer hour from 4-5pm, check out Sunsets At Pismo, a little thing on the pier, or enjoy a rooftop spritz at Cypress Beach House.
Oyster Loft
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The Oyster Loft specializes in fresh, locally-sourced seafood dishes with some Asian inspiration. Start with some appetizers like their charbroiled oysters or crab cakes with their pan-seared scallops as your main. They also have some handcrafted cocktail, sake, and beer.
Wed-Sun 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
$$$
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Sunsets at Pismo
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Located within a vintage Airstream trailer, Sunsets at Pismo is a great spot for a drink on the Pismo Beach Pier. Sit back and relax while you enjoy your drink looking out on the ocean and feeling the breeze.
Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
$$
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Cypress Beach House
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Cypress Beach House is a rooftop restaurant located at the Inn at the Pier in Pismo Beach. Offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, they are serving up contemporary Cal-Italian cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely meal on the outdoor patio, sip on handcrafted cocktails, and soak up the stunning sunset.
Daily 11:30AM-11PM
$$
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Dinner and Dancing
After enjoying some afternoon drinks, it's time for some food! Downtown Pismo Beach offers a variety of restaurants serving up fresh, local ingredients and a range of cuisines. From casual seafood spots to upscale dining options, there's something to satisfy every palate.
Ada’s Fish House
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Ada's Fish House is a popular seafood restaurant known for its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and casual atmosphere. This family-owned eatery offers a variety of delicious seafood dishes, including grilled fish, fish and chips, and seafood tacos. Ada's Fish House is a great spot to savor the flavors of the coast and experience the friendly hospitality of Pismo Beach.
Sun-Thu 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Fri-Sat 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
$$
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La Bodega Tapas - Pismo Beach
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La Bodega Tapas is a Spanish tapas bar with a vibrant atmosphere and authentic cuisine. Favorites include patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and paella paired with a glass of Spanish wine or a refreshing sangria. They also do weekend brunch which offers chicken and waffles, croque madame, and $25 bottomless mimosas.
Mon 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tue Closed
Wed-Fri 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sun 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
$$
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HotShots Billiards & Family Entertainment
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HotShots Billiards & Family Entertainment is a fun-filled destination offering a variety of activities for all ages. Enjoy a game of pool, play arcade games, or challenge your friends to a round of bowling. The venue also features a sports bar with a large screen TV, perfect for watching games and enjoying a drink.
Thur-Tue 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wed Closed
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Harry's Night Club & Beach Bar
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Harry's Night Club & Beach Bar is a lively venue in Pismo Beach's nightlife scene. They feature live music and dancing where you can enjoy drink and mingle with locals and visitors.
Mon-Wed Closed
Thurs-Sat 1:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)
Sun 1:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Entry fee $10
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Saturday - ATVs and Vineyard Visits
ATV Adventure
Saturday morning, head down to Oceano to ATV through towering sand dunes. Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is a unique park that allows visitors to drive vehicles onto the beach and explore the sand dunes. Make sure to book your ATV ahead of time and show up about an hour and a half beforehand to make full use of your rental.
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
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Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is a unique and exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This expansive park allows visitors to drive their vehicles onto the beach and explore the towering sand dunes. Its vast open spaces, stunning ocean views, and opportunities for camping, hiking, and biking offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
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Splash Cafe and Clam Chowder
You can't visit Pismo Beach without visiting Splash Café! The famous café's Clam Chowder consistently takes 1st place in the Pismo Beach Annual Clam Festival, a must try on your next trip to the Central Coast.
Splash Café
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Splash Café is a beloved beachfront eatery most famous for it's clam chowder. They have a casual atmosphere with delicious food, offering fresh seafood, juicy burgers, refreshing salads, and hearty sandwiches. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or simply looking for a casual bite to eat, Splash Café offers a delightful experience that will have you coming back for seconds.
Mon-Thu 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri-Sun 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
$$
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Wine Tasting Afternoon
Enjoy the afternoon hopping around the Central Coast wineries. The area is renowned for its vibrant wine culture, characterized by a diverse range of wineries, exceptional wines, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and community.
Baileyana, Tangent & True Myth Tasting Room
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Baileyana Winery is a renowned winery located in the Edna Valley region of California's Central Coast. Known for their exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Baileyana produces wines that showcase the unique terroir of the area. Their tasting room offers a welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, making it a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts.
10AM to 5PM daily
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Kynsi Winery
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Kynsi Winery is a small, family-owned winery located in the Edna Valley. With a focus on producing high-quality Pinot Noir, Kynsi offers a limited selection of wines that are crafted with passion and attention to detail. Their tasting room provides a intimate setting where you can learn about the winemaking process and savor their exceptional wines.
11AM to 5PM daily
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Claiborne & Churchill Winery
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Claiborne & Churchill is a prominent winery in the Arroyo Grande region. They produce a wide range of wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhône varietals. Their tasting room offers a beautiful setting with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. Claiborne & Churchill is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts who appreciate the diversity of their wine offerings.
11AM to 5PM daily
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Wine and Dine
After exploring the wineries, finish your day at a nice restaurant.
Ember Restaurant
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Ember is a Michelin starred restaurant known for its upscale atmosphere and delicious contemporary American cuisine. They focus on Italian-inspired food cooked by a wood fire. Enjoy small plates like Wagyu Beef Tartare, pizza topped with caramelized onions and honey whipped chevre, and entrees like Pollo al Mattone. They serve craft cocktails and a wine list reflective of the California Central Coast.
Mon-Tue Closed
Wed-Sun 4PM-9PM
$$$$
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Pono Pacific Kitchen
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Pono Pacific Kitchen is a popular restaurant with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their menu features a unique blend of flavors, combining Hawaiian influences like teriyaki and kalua pork with California-inspired ingredients like avocado and fresh seafood. Some favorites include Furikake Ahi Crudo, Misoyaki Butterfish, and Fried Chicken & Caviar. They also serve beer, wine, and saketinis.
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday-Thursday 4–8:30 PM
Friday-Saturday 4–9 PM
Sunday 4–8:30 PM
$$$
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Sunday - Beachside Brunch
Before you begin the long drive back to LA, stop by more of Pismo Beach's favorite spots to fill up before you hit the road.
Beachin’ Biscuits
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Beachin' Biscuits is a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious biscuits and gravy. They offer a variety of biscuit sandwiches, including classic sausage gravy, country ham, and bacon. Their biscuits are made from scratch and are perfectly flaky and buttery.
6 AM–12:30 PM
$
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Old West Cinnamon Rolls
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Old West Cinnamon Rolls is a beloved bakery famous for their indulgent cinnamon rolls. They are made with a rich, buttery dough, filled with a generous amount of cinnamon and sugar, then topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting.
6:30AM-6PM daily
$
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Happy Travels
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Happy Travels!
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