Jamie
Front Desk Agent
Shell Beach
Day 1
San Luis Obispo County is packed with so many wonderful spots it is nearly impossible to cover all of them in 72 hours, but here are my favorites. On the morning of the first day I would head into Los Osos, and stop at Carlock’s bakery to grab a fresh pastry for a morning treat before continuing into Montana de Oro State Park. The park not only provides amazing views of Morro Bay and the central coast but also a variety of hiking and biking trails. After spending the morning working up an appetite exploring nature I would head to La Casita for the best Mexican food in town.
If you can still walk after indulging in La Casita’s take a short detour to Sweet Springs Nature Preserve and check out the turtles. This little park is hidden in the residential neighborhood between Los Osos and Baywood, but is home to a large family of turtles and other wild life. Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is a quaint spot to take the kids or a quiet place to watch the sunset. But the day is hardly over! Depending on your energy level you can head up the coast to shop in Cambria or just hop into Morro Bay. Either spot is sure to spark creative juices with handfuls of galleries and shops. It is always fun to drive out to Morro Rock and watch the activity in the bay and along the coast. Right on the water is my dinner pick, Thai Boat. The yellow currie and padh thai are delicious and you can take your food to go and eat on the beach.
Day 2
The second day would have to center in the heart of the county, downtown San Luis Obispo. Amazing to think that an entire day can be spent downtown on foot! The best breakfast spots are in my opinion Louisa’s and Linnea’s. Louisa’s is sure to stuff you to the gills with humongous omelets, while Linnea’s will offer a lighter eclectic array of coffee house breakfasts. The afternoon can be spent wandering through town perusing the many shops. Therapy is one of the store that I make a point of stopping in every time I go down town. They have a fantastic selection of clothes, bags and accessories as well as a hip books/cards/paper goods supply. I can always find one-of-a-kind gifts in Therapy, as well as treats for myself. Another must visit is The Nest. This home store has the sweetest collection of vintage home furniture, bath products and home décor with a creative spin. I want to fill my home with the treasures found at The Nest. Fine local trinkets can also be found at Hand’s Gallery. Lunch must be at Big Sky which features delicious fresh dishes incorporating organic local produce. The soups are always fantastic and you have to order the sweet potato fries! The rest of the afternoon can be spent wandering around the downtown area making stops at the Mission before heading to an evening movie at the Palm Theater. The indie/foreign movie theater has great features and sweet deals. Dinner would then be at Novo. If you’re lucky you can dine on the outdoor patio and listen to the creek as you savor the food.
Day 3
The third day focuses on the South County area, beginning at Zorro’s in Shell Beach. The tiny local spot serves great breakfast seven days a week. Keep an eye out for the specials, they are usually phenomenal, yet reasonably priced. An all time favorite for children and adults would be the next stop, the Avila Valley Barn. This barn houses fresh produce, amazing baked goods, an ice cream parlor as well as a petting zoo. Seasonal berry picking haystack rides are offered to all visitors as well. Everyone I know loves to visit the Avila Valley barn. Right down the road you can hop on the Bob Jones Bike Trail and walk or bike into Avila for some fun in the sun. Since recent restoration, Avila has become a hot spot for tasting rooms and new shops. The weather seems to be a bit warmer in Avila, which makes the beach ideal for picnics or sun bathing. When the sun is too much I head into Pismo Beach to grab lunch. Two Blocks Off the Beach has an amazing menu with tasty bruchetta and panninis. I always make a point of showing guests the Village of Arroyo Grande. There is so much history and charm on that bit of East Branch street that I am compelled to direct everyone to check it out. The Arroyo Grande Meat Co. has great meats, great service, and they also make a tasty tri-tip sandwich. Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab is a fantastic place to go for ice cream lovers of all ages. The ice cream is made right there and they even have Lab Shows for families to come and watch and participate in the process. After all the excitement of the day a perfect close to the ideal 72 hours would include a meal at the Lido restaurant watching the sun set as you dine. The superb menu at Lido incorporates local produce and gourmet talents for a mouth watering dining experience. Dinner at Lido is a true treat for anyone who enjoys friendly service and outstanding food.
After living on the Central Coast for seven years I have come to love so many places and my list of favorites is constantly growing. I am so grateful to live in a place where nature’s beauty and great food are so abundant. The truth is that no matter where you go or what you do, 72 hours in San Luis Obispo County is sure to be a delight.
