{"id":12365,"date":"2020-08-25T13:30:23","date_gmt":"2020-08-25T17:30:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?p=12365"},"modified":"2022-10-05T19:59:23","modified_gmt":"2022-10-05T23:59:23","slug":"central-coast-road-trip-itinerary-san-luis-obispo-to-san-simeon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/california\/central-coast-road-trip-itinerary-san-luis-obispo-to-san-simeon\/","title":{"rendered":"Central Coast California Guide: San Luis Obispo to San Simeon"},"content":{"rendered":"

California\u2019s Central Coast holds unparalleled beauty, quirky little towns, and top-notch wineries. In the age of COVID-related shutdowns and limitations, taking a road trip up the California Coast is a vacation that won\u2019t have you wanting for anything. In this travel guide, we break down the best places to explore, dine, and shop from San Luis Obispo to San Simeon.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best of San Luis Obispo<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(Click Here for Hotel Recommendations in SLO)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa <\/strong><\/p>\n

751 Palm St, San Luis Obispo<\/div>\n
805-781-8220<\/div>\n
www.missionsanluisobispo.org<\/a><\/div>\n

California has missions dotting the entire state and each has its own distinct qualities. San Luis Obispo\u2019s mission dives into the history of the area with artifacts from missionaries, Europeans, and indigenous people. It\u2019s a profound experience to consider how these missions changed the fabric of west coast civilization, for better and for worse.<\/p>\n

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden <\/strong><\/p>\n

3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo<\/div>\n
805-541-1400<\/div>\n
www.slobg.org<\/a><\/div>\n

Showcasing indigenous and drought-resistant flora, the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is a lovely experience on its own, but includes grounding events like guided meditations and full moon celebrations. Be sure to check their calendar for upcoming events!<\/p>\n

The Madonna Inn <\/strong><\/p>\n

100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo<\/div>\n
805-543-3000<\/div>\n
www.madonnainn.com<\/a><\/div>\n

Named after a local politician, The Madonna Inn is \u2026 stunning. Imagine kitsch exploding all over a restaurant and inn and no matter what you\u2019re visualizing, you\u2019re not far off. Plan your trip around the holidays and you can hike nearby Cerro San Luis Obispo, which is decorated with lights at the very top and offers sweeping views of the area.<\/p>\n

Flour House <\/strong><\/p>\n

690 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo<\/div>\n
805-544-5282<\/div>\n
www.flourhouseslo.com<\/a><\/div>\n

If you want killer thin-crust pizza with an equally fantastic glass (or two) of wine, Flour House is it. A very well-thought-out wine list has the perfect pairing for any pie you can conjure up.<\/p>\n

Blackwater<\/strong><\/p>\n

705 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo<\/div>\n
805-541-2900<\/div>\n
www.shopblackwater.com<\/a><\/div>\n

Blackwater is part clothing, part d\u00e9cor, part plants, part jewelry. And, it’s a whole lot of cool. Find the perfect plant to fit into your reading nook and nab a flowy kimono at the same time. You\u2019ve hit boho heaven.<\/p>\n

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RELATED:<\/strong> A Wine Lover’s Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (Alternate Route)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Seals<\/a><\/p>\n

Best of Morro Bay\/ Los Osos<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(Click Here For Hotel Recommendations Near Morro Boy)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Monta\u00f1a de Oro State Park<\/strong><\/p>\n

3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos<\/div>\n
805-528-0513<\/div>\n
www.parks.ca.gov\/?page_id=592<\/a><\/div>\n

Monta\u00f1a de Oro is a gorgeous state park nestled in Los Osos. Spend the day here and explore the many hiking trails, all of which offer varying levels of exertion and vantage points. Be sure to check weather conditions in advance.<\/p>\n

The Rock <\/strong><\/p>\n

www.morro-bay.ca.us<\/a><\/p>\n

Not to be confused with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this one is almost as impressive. The Morro Bay Rock holds deep significance in indigenous culture and you can almost feel the hum of its presence. Incredibly, it even has its own website! And, better than all of the tchotchke shops is the abundance of nature in Morro Bay, including otters galore. Depending on the weather, you\u2019ll probably be able to see at least a few otters playing, body surfing, or just snoozing in the Bay.<\/p>\n

Tognazzini\u2019s Dockside<\/strong><\/p>\n

1245 Embarcadero, Morro Bay<\/div>\n
805-772-8100<\/div>\n
www.morrobaydockside.com<\/a><\/div>\n

Further down the road from most of the tourist shops, Tognazzini\u2019s is worth seeking. Incredibly fresh fish, cold beers, and local wines by the glass are all readily available dockside. If you\u2019re not up to the bustle of this port joint, grab some fresh seafood to go and make your own delicious meal.<\/p>\n

Tacos El Viejon<\/strong><\/p>\n

2780 Main St, Morro Bay<\/div>\n
805-225-1559<\/div>\n

We actually hesitated on sharing this. We don\u2019t want the secret getting out, but Tacos El Viejon is that good. We\u2019d be selfish if we didn\u2019t let you know about it. This simple roadside restaurant has super basic service \u2013 you order with the cashier to either eat in or to take away. The food, though, is the best you\u2019ll have this side of the border. And the bonus? The owner is a former luchador<\/em> and has decorated with pictures of the glory days.<\/p>\n

Threads<\/strong><\/p>\n

400 Morro Bay Blvd, Morro Bay<\/div>\n
805-772-2153<\/div>\n

Threads is THE place for vintage fashion. You\u2019ll understand the level of fashion sass the moment you see the owner, who is always dressed impeccably. Dig through the racks to find the perfect Hawaiian shirt or sparkly 80s dress.<\/p>\n

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RELATED:<\/strong> How To Explore Sonoma’s Stunning Bohemian Highway\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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\"California<\/a><\/p>\n

Best of Harmony<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(Click Here For Hotels Near Harmony)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Harmony Headlands <\/strong><\/p>\n

Entry point along Highway 1<\/div>\n
805-772-6101<\/div>\n
www.parks.ca.gov\/?page_id=25735<\/a><\/div>\n

Harmony Headlands is one of the most beautiful hikes in the area and that\u2019s a lofty claim. Get here early because the small parking lot fills up quickly. It\u2019s also beautiful to watch the morning marina layer to move out and open up to pure sunshine. The hike also isn\u2019t overly strenuous at about 4 miles roundtrip so it\u2019s absolutely family-friendly.<\/p>\n

Town of Harmony<\/strong><\/p>\n

www.harmonytown.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Boasting a population of 18, Harmony is just \u2026 ok, we admit that we don\u2019t adequately know how to describe it. The stunning little Harmony Chapel will have you wanting to plan an event that requires a stunning little chapel. Just make sure your event isn\u2019t too big because you\u2019ll double or even triple the population.<\/p>\n

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RELATED:<\/strong> 5 Stunning Stops To Make Driving from Los Angeles to Napa Valley<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Best of Cambria<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(Click Here For Hotel Recommendations in Cambria)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Moonstone Beach <\/strong><\/p>\n

Probably the number one reason everyone comes to Cambria is Moonstone Beach. Because it\u2019s the Central Coast, it\u2019s never very hot here and usually requires a layer or two of clothing just to be safe. Keep an eye out during your morning stroll for moonstone or better yet, jade. Both litter the beaches.<\/p>\n

Nitt Witt Ridge<\/strong><\/p>\n

881 Hillcrest Dr, Cambria<\/p>\n

Nitt Witt Ridge is a place that can only exist in Cambria. It\u2019s both a source of fascination and disdain but it certainly is what it claims to be: It\u2019s the Anti-Hearst Castle. It somehow ended up on the Historical Landmark list and therefore is in need of restoration but if you\u2019re able to get a tour, do it.<\/p>\n

Robin\u2019s Restaurant<\/strong><\/p>\n

4095 Burton Dr, Cambria<\/div>\n
805-927-5007<\/div>\n
www.robinsrestaurant.com<\/a><\/div>\n

Robin\u2019s is a total standout. The beautiful outside garden space is as delicious as the dishes. Robin\u2019s uses local ingredients for international cuisine and every dish is a home run. Book ahead if you can.<\/p>\n

Mozzi\u2019s Saloon<\/strong><\/p>\n

2262 Main St, Cambria<\/div>\n
805-927-4767<\/div>\n
www.mozzissaloon.com<\/a><\/div>\n

Mozzi\u2019s is legit. Not quite a dive but certainly not glamorous, Mozzi\u2019s is an unashamed throwback to the old west without being cheesy. It\u2019s a favorite among locals and the storytelling can get as colorful as the characters.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sea + Green <\/strong><\/p>\n

2380 Main St, Cambria<\/div>\n
805-935-9046<\/div>\n
www.sea-n-green.com<\/a><\/div>\n

Sea + Green is more of a carefully curated collection of goods than a keepsake shop. There\u2019s a heavy emphasis on the power of crystals but you\u2019re also just as likely to nab a stunning antique from Pakistan. It\u2019s hard not to fall in love with the space.<\/p>\n

\"California<\/a><\/p>\n

Best of San Simeon<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(See Hotel Recommendations in San Simeon)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Elephant Seals<\/strong><\/p>\n

Entry point along Highway 1 in San Simeon<\/p>\n

One of the biggest draws in the area, the elephant seals are fascinating to behold. They\u2019re HUGE and it\u2019s incredible to watch them pull themselves out of the surf for a snooze in the sun. Be sure to keep a respectful distance since the males can be very aggressive and that\u2019s a battle you simply won\u2019t win.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Hearst Castle<\/strong><\/p>\n

750 Heart Castle Drive, San Simeon<\/div>\n
800-444-4445<\/div>\n
www.hearstcastle.org<\/a><\/div>\n

After experiencing Nitt Witt Ridge in Cambria, you\u2019ll be ready for opulence and Hearst Castle delivers. A shuttle will bring you to the castle itself and, depending on the tour you opt for, you\u2019ll be able to explore lavish indulgence. William Randolph Hearst did nothing on a small scale, and his architect Julia Morgan was more than happy to indulge his whims. Keep an eye out for zebras on the way up \u2013 Hearst brought them in and they\u2019re now indigenous to the area. Because why not.<\/p>\n

San Carpoforo Creek<\/strong><\/p>\n

Entry point along Highway 1<\/p>\n

Why choose between the ocean and a creek when you can have both? This teeny roadside stop is blinkably missable but it\u2019s worth keeping your eyes open for it. If you\u2019re heading north, you\u2019ll see some cars parked and signs for Carpoforo Creek on the left side of the road. A short walk will bring you to a deliciously cold creek that you can either wade through or walk around to get to the ocean. Since there is no official parking lot, it can be tricky to park on the weekends. Stick to weekdays to best enjoy this little piece of heaven.<\/p>\n

This is just a small slice of what San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Harmony, Cambria, and San Simeon offer. It\u2019s decidedly laid-back and it\u2019s hard not to fall in love with the entire area. And while we certainly don\u2019t want it to get overpopulated, we promise you\u2019ll consider moving here after you experience the stellar oceanfront hikes along the coast.<\/p>\n

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