North of West Hollywood, you’ll discover SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County, California), SLOCAL.com. It has been called “the best of California wrapped in 80-plus miles of coastline.”
Imagine scenic beaches, sunny days, rolling hills, vineyards and unique small towns. The wine-and-dine scene encompasses 300 wineries, breweries and distilleries. As for the food? The farm-to-table restaurants, freshly-caught seafood, farmers’ markets and culinary events are scrumptious. In Paso Robles, The Restaurant at JUSTIN has earned a Michelin star and a green star for sustainability. Six Test Kitchen has been awarded a Michelin star, while Les Petites Canailles, In Bloom and The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar have earned Michelin mentions. In San Luis Obispo, Nate’s on Marsh and Ox + Anchor have earned Michelin mentions and in Arroyo Grande, Ember has also earned a mention.
The ocean beckons too. Overlooking the Pacific, Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, vesperapismobeach.com, is designed for relaxation and active pleasures. You can enjoy everything from horseback riding and sea kayaking to hiking and cycling here.
The seafood is another big draw. The Oyster Lost, oysterloft.com, is a short walk from the beachfront resort and it serves regional seafood you’ll relish. And at Blue Moon Over Avila, bluemoonoveravila.com, a seaside French bistro, you can tuck into specialities such as French Onion Soup Lyonnaise and Croque Monsieur.
What’s extra special about visiting SLO CAL, though, is the opportunity to go surfing with Van Curaza Surf School, vancurazasurfschool.com, at Avila Beach. A former professional surfer, owner Van Curaza was recently featured in an award-winning Netflix documentary called Resurface.
You’ll feel like you’re in a vineyard in the European countryside at SLO CAL’s Allegretto Vineyard Resort, allegrettovineyardresort.com at Paso Robles. Lunch at Niner Estate Wines, ninerwine.com, is another memorable treat, including tasting flights and a locally sourced menu. Finally, pay a visit to Light at Sensorio, sensoriopaso.com, an immersive walk-through outdoor exhibit by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro.
