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The California Central Coast is a perfect mix of ocean views, charming towns, and great food. From wine country to Danish pastries, we explored it all with our kids and our dog Miso.
Day 1 – Wine Country, San Luis Obispo, and Fire-Cooked Dinner
Breakfast in Pismo Beach
We kicked off our trip with a cozy stop at Steaming Bean in Pismo Beach. Fresh coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and buttery pastries fueled us for the drive inland.
Vineyard Lunch in Paso Robles
Paso Robles is famous for its wineries, and Justin Winery was a highlight. We enjoyed lunch on the patio overlooking the vineyards. Fresh salads, spinach pasta, chimichurri steak, and juicy burgers paired perfectly with their wines. Inside, we peeked at the wine library and noticed a framed White House letter noting Justin wine had been served at a state dinner.
Exploring San Luis Obispo
In downtown San Luis Obispo, we toured Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and relaxed in its courtyard. Higuera Street was lively with boutiques, restaurants, and quirky shops like Rocket Fizz, where we laughed at unusual soda flavors. The kids added their mark to Bubblegum Alley, a colorful and sticky local landmark.
Dinner at Ember
Dinner at Ember in Arroyo Grande was unforgettable. From wood-fired pork belly to their signature ribeye steak, every dish impressed us. The outdoor patio was dog-friendly, so Miso lounged at our feet while we savored a slow, delicious meal. We ended the evening watching the sunset over Shell Beach from our hotel balcony.
Day 2 – Sand Dunes, Los Olivos, and Solvang
Riding ATVs at Oceano Dunes
Oceano Dunes State Beach is one of the most scenic stretches of sand on the Central Coast. In the past, it was also one of the last coastal areas in California where you could drive directly on the beach. That ended on March 18, 2024, when off-highway vehicle access was permanently closed.
Today, visitors still come for long walks, wildlife spotting, and the dramatic ocean views. During our visit, we booked a family ATV ride with Sunbuggy, which operates in designated recreation areas nearby. We chose a 6-person ATV (called the Viking), which felt safer and more comfortable than a dune buggy. Helmets and goggles were provided, and we quickly discovered how fun it was to cruise the sand together. We avoided steep slopes but still had plenty of thrills. It was one of the kids’ favorite parts of the trip.
Beach Picnic and Sweet Treats
After our ride, the kids hit the waves with boogie boards while we picked up sandwiches from Pier St. Deli. The hot pastrami and club sandwich were just right after the dunes. A stop at Old West Cinnamon Rolls gave us the perfect snack for the road south.
Wine and Olive Oil in Los Olivos
Los Olivos charmed us with its tasting rooms. Brewer-Clifton stood out for its welcoming staff and coastal-influenced wines. At Olive Hill Farm, we sampled fresh olive oils and picked up a few bottles as souvenirs.
Exploring Solvang
Just minutes away, Solvang welcomed us with Danish-style windmills, bakeries, and antique shops. We strolled the streets, browsed boutiques, and stopped for pastries at Birkholm’s and Mortensen’s. A statue of Hans Christian Andersen added a whimsical touch to the visit.
Dinner at Bell’s in Los Alamos
Our trip ended with a Michelin-starred meal at Bell’s. The prix fixe menu featured sea urchin mille crêpe, scallop tartare, ribeye au poivre, and a buttery gateau breton. Dining on the outdoor patio meant Miso could join us for this special evening. Back at our hotel, we ended the night listening to the ocean under the moonlight.
Visiting Cal Poly and Final Stop
On the way home, we grabbed coffee and pastries at Scout Coffee in San Luis Obispo. We also walked around the Cal Poly SLO campus, which gave our son an inspiring glimpse of college life to come.
Other Places to Visit on the Central Coast
- Morro Bay – Famous for Morro Rock, kayaking, and fresh seafood.
- Margarita Adventures – Zipline tours through vineyards and valleys.
- Hearst Castle – A grand estate that remains one of California’s most iconic landmarks.
Where We Stayed – Dolphin Bay Resort
Dolphin Bay Resort in Pismo Beach was perfect for families and pets. Our two-bedroom suite had a full kitchen, two bathrooms, in-unit laundry, and an oceanfront balcony. It was easy to relax after full days of adventure.
How to Get to the California Central Coast
The California Central Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It’s an ideal destination for a scenic road trip, with a car being the most flexible and popular way to explore the area.
By Car
Approximate drive times to San Luis Obispo (a central point on the Central Coast) are:
- From Los Angeles: 3-4 hours
- From San Francisco: 3.5-4.5 hours
Why We Love Road Tripping the Central Coast
The Central Coast brings together natural beauty, rich history, and an easygoing food culture that feels effortlessly family-friendly. Between vineyard lunches, beach adventures, small-town charm, and coastal fine dining, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
We enjoyed every minute of our time there, especially with Miso in tow. With pet-friendly accommodations and easy driving routes, it’s a fantastic destination for a California road trip!
More to Explore Nearby
Once you’ve enjoyed the Central Coast, here are other places worth adding to your itinerary:
- Santa Barbara – Mediterranean-style architecture, beaches, and a vibrant food scene.
- Big Sur – Dramatic cliffs, coastal trails, and one of the most scenic drives in California.
- Cambria – A charming seaside town with Moonstone Beach and antique shops.
- Lassen Volcanic National Park – Mountain hikes, hydrothermal features, and alpine lakes.
