Hello!!
I am here with another travel post and this probably would be my last travel post of California for now. Yes, we are currently living in Texas. Honestly, it was not an easy move with me being pregnant with our second child, but it was for the best and we are enjoying this new chapter so far. While a travel post at this time may seem irrelevant, I still wanted to document this trip. I am hoping it would be helpful for my own future reference or someone traveling in the near future.
Central coast California is just as amazing as the rest of the state with beautiful beaches. It’s is definitely a kid friendly travel spot or a perfect honeymoon or a baby moon travel destination.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo or SLO is one of the beautiful cities here in central coast, California. There are beaches, there are vineyards around and taking a walk around the downtown would be a perfect getaway. Here are few things that you could do around the city
Downtown SLO
Downtown SLO is a great place to start your day. There are a lot of stores and cafes along the tree lined streets. Not to miss the Old SLO trolley that runs through the downtown on a fixed schedule. You can check the timings here (Temporarily out of service due to COVID).If you have kids be sure to visit Tom’s Toys, they have endless collection of toys some of which you cannot find at your regular department stores.
While you are here , do not miss out some of the beautiful art creations and sculptures.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
It’s beautiful mission with a huge complex that has large trees and a courtyard and a garden. This place is perfect for spending a relaxing afternoon while learning some history about the mission.
Madonna inn
Madonna Inn is a unique hotel in San Luis Obispo know for its decor and vintage style rooms. It’s located half way between San Fransisco and Los Angeles making it a perfect stop . You can book a room for a overnight stay or and explore this great place surrounded by beautiful scenery. If you are on a time crunch or you don’t plan to stay overnight, you can visit the Madonna Inn copper cafe for some quick tour of the place and some refreshments.
San Luis Obispo History center and Museum
If you are into history and art, the SLO Art museum is the place to learn about the cultural life of the region . The admission is free and it is centrally located in the downtown area making it an easy stop.
Doc Burnstein’s ice cream Lab
Doc Burnstein’s ice cream Lab is an old fashioned ice cream parlor which serves delicious ice cream, chocolates and also offers a creamery tour so that you can learn how they make their ice cream. Make sure to check their website for tour hours and call ahead to make appointments.
San Simeon
San Simeon is another city along the central California coast not to be missed. It is home for the famous Hearst Castle.There are plenty of things to do in San Simeon including beaches, winery and viewing the huge elephant seals.
Elephant seals lookout
If you are traveling with kids definitely do not miss this attraction. All you have to do is park your car off the highway in the designated parking area, follow the signs along the highway leading to the parking area. Look for docents from the Friends of elephant seal organization who can give you some interesting facts about the seals.
Hearst castle
You have probably already heard about the Hearst Castle, if you haven’t it’s a magnificent residence perched up on the hills of San Simeon which belonged to William Randolph Hearst. It is now a National and California Historic landmark. They offer different tours along the day and you need to dedicate at least 3 hours of you day if you would like to tour the castle. Be ready to get mind blown by the magnificent architecture and the courtly elegant details inside the castle.The tour involves lot of walking, stairs and also they require you to stay within the limits. So if you have young children who love running around then you might just as well wait for a few more years until they are older.Just a though 🙂
Avila beach
Avila beach is a fun beach town which is about 10 miles from San Luis Obispo. There are plenty of things that this town has to offer like beaches, the Avila pier, hiking, eating and more. While you are here, check out the Moonstone beach, Pirate Cove and Central coast Aquarium.
Morro bay
Morro bay got it’s name form the Morro rock an ancient volcanic heap by the beach.For the close up view of the Morro rock take a hike along the Morro Strand trail. There are other hikes here that can take you to witness some beautiful views around the area. The best thing about Morro bay is that you might get to see baby otters, sea lions that can make your child’s day.
Pismo beach
If there is only one place that you can visit along the central coast, then stop at Pismo beach. Pismo state beach and pier is a good place to start or end your day here watching beautiful sunset. If you are visiting around October-February be sure to visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove to look at bunches of beautiful monarch butterflies.Dinosaur Caves park has a dinosaur themed kids play area which the kids will enjoy.
These are the places that we covered on our 4 day trip to the Central coast.If you are planning a trip to California, please do consider adding central coast to your itinerary. Let me know what’s your favorite place in California.