Pismo Beach Pier

Introduction: Winter Break on the Coast

Chasing New AdventuresCalifornia 2 Comments

I just returned from spending 3 days in San Luis Obispo county, home to Cambria, Pismo Beach, and Paso Robles, amongst many other destinations. As I was planning the trip, I realized that 3 days wouldn’t be nearly enough time to experience all this region has to offer, but I still managed to see lots.

Read the other posts in this series:

– Introduction: Winter Break on the Coast
– Restaurant Review: Café Roma, San Luis Obispo
– Gardens of Avila: Upscale Dining in Pismo Beach
– My Top Things to Do in San Luis Obispo County
– Oceano Sand Dunes: How to Visit SLO County’s Prettiest Beach

Pismo Beach Sunset
Pismo Beach at Sunset

We drove down from the Bay Area – about a 3 hour drive when you factor in potential traffic and rest stops. United does fly nonstop from SFO to SBP, but it costs around $300 for 45 minutes on a CRJ. Driving was a far better option for us.

Green Valley Viewpoint Highway 46 Cambria
Green Valley Viewpoint on Hwy 46 (near Cambria)

As for the hotel, there weren’t many options since we booked relatively last minute. I chose the SpringHill Suites Paso Robles/Atascadero for the price, room size, and location. We were travelling with family this time – 6 people total – so we booked two rooms: one king suite and one 2 queen suite.

SpringHill Suites Paso Robles Atascadero
SpringHill Suites Paso Robles/Atascadero

The hotel was great overall, though the location wasn’t as central as expected. We had to do a lot of unnecessary driving that could’ve been avoided if we’d stayed closer to the coast.

For the most part, it was a fun trip. We did have one disappointing meal at an Italian restaurant (review coming soon), but our other dinner at Gardens of Avila was fantastic.

Maiz Tostado Garden of Avila
Delicious Maiz Tostado at Gardens of Avila

We visited a variety of different places, including downtown SLO, Moonstone Beach in Cambria, and Oceano Sand Dunes. Every single stop on this trip was uniquely special, and there was nowhere that made me think “this is a waste of time”.

Oceano Sand Dunes Pismo Beach
Oceano Sand Dunes Pismo Beach

Keep a lookout for the next posts in this trip report, including hotel and restaurant reviews, plus a destination guide.

Read the other posts in this series:

– Introduction: Winter Break on the Coast
– Restaurant Review: Café Roma, San Luis Obispo
– Gardens of Avila: Upscale Dining in Pismo Beach
– My Top Things to Do in San Luis Obispo County
– Oceano Sand Dunes: How to Visit SLO County’s Prettiest Beach

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