SAN LUIS OBISPO - San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California's naturally beautiful Central Coast, offers new reasons to visit this summer and fall, from new and renovated hotels to fascinating tours.
As part of the ultimate California road trip, San Luis Obispo County offers culinary, cultural and coastal attractions and activities. Stay for a weekend or plan a week with all the activities and new accommodations featured below. For more trip planning information on the Central Coast, which was named among Lonely Planet's 2014 Top 10 US Travel Destinations (#4).
Packages & Deals
INTRODUCING THE NEW MORRO BAY ADVENTURE PASS!
Guests can make the most of their experience in Morro Bay, California by purchasing a Morro Bay Adventure Pass. This three-day pass is full of activities, which include bicycle, kayak and stand up paddle board rentals, boat cruises, golf, wine tasting and much more for a discounted rate. Individual, couple and family passes are available for purchase online at MorroBay.org/AdventurePass
RUSTIC ROMANCE AT THE MADONNA INN, SAN LUIS OBISPO
This historic landmark will soon complete installing an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station so green-minded drivers can recharge for free. To welcome endless summer nights, the hotel is offering the "Rustic Romance Package." Starting at $884.19, it includes a scenic horseback trail ride, overnight stay in one of the celebrated themed rooms, bottle of champagne, personalized mini-heart cake, one-hour couple's massage, $100 dining credit from Gold Rush Steak House and more. www.madonnainn.com
NEW FAMILY PACKAGES FOR AVILA LIGHTHOUSE SUITES AND PISMO LIGHTHOUSE SUITES
Bring the family to explore the ocean and enjoy a "Kids Sea Life Package." Starting at $249 in Avila Beach and $179 in Pismo Beach, packages include overnight accommodations in a suite for the whole family, breakfast, one dolphin-shaped backpack with a stuffed sea animal, ocean life coloring book and more, along with one complimentary kids admission to the Central Coast Aquarium. With each package sold, Martin Resorts will donate $5 to the Central Coast Aquarium. www.martinresorts.com
Hotel Renovations and New Attractions Openings
SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT, ATASCADERO GRAND OPENING
Opening late spring 2015, this 130 all-suites, four-story hotel will feature over 5000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, perfect for events and conferences. The outdoor area includes a patio, pool and fire pit with ample seating to enjoy the view of rolling oaks. The restaurant and full bar on site features farm to table offerings paired with local wines and brews. www.marriott.com
AYRES ALLEGRETTO VINEYARD RESORT PASO ROBLES GRAND OPENING
Spanning 20 breathtaking acres, this new Tuscan-style resort, which is scheduled to be completed July 2015, features 171 guest rooms, a full-service restaurant showcasing the earth's seasonal offering, luxury boutique spa, 5,000 square feet of meeting space and over 30,000 square feet of event space. This environmentally-conscious project will look to pursue the prestigious SLO Green Building Certificate of Recognition. www.ayreshotels.com/
THE INN AT THE COVE, NEW PISMO BEACH HOTEL
Martin Resorts introduces the grand opening of a new Pismo Beach hotel, The Inn at the Cove, an upscale boutique hotel (previously the Best Western Plus Shelter Cove Lodge). Upgrades include refreshed bedding, wallpaper, carpet, draperies, flat screen TVs, and granite countertops in the bathrooms. The lobby was reconfigured and renovated and a poolside breakfast room was created. Guest room balconies were rebuilt and bannisters were replaced with cabling for an unobstructed ocean view. Upgraded amenities include binoculars for viewing sea life, full-length mirrors, plush robes, and yoga mats. www.innatthecove.com
SPYGLASS INN PISMO BEACH RENOVATIONS
Reserve a quiet sanctuary at Spyglass Inn, offering 82 newly renovated hotel rooms, many of which feature private patios and balconies with ocean views. Guests now enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 37" flat screen TV, and their own cozy fireplace, where they can sip on local wine. Other amenities include plush bathrobes, upscale Molton Brown bath amenities and Keurig coffee makers with gourmet coffee. www.pacificahotels.com/spyglassinn
9 IRON INN, CAMBRIA OPENS ITS DOORS
A year ago the 9 Iron Inn opened its doors for business and was recently awarded the Best of Cambria Award for Bed and Breakfasts. Previously known as the "Blue Whale Inn", the 9 Iron Inn was completely renovated, covering the wallpaper with tongue and groove pine and cedar wood. Every room now looks like a western log cabin and has its own distinct color, theme and personality, from the honeymoon suite to the cozy cottage and rustic cabin. www.9ironinn.com
LA CUESTA INN SAN LUIS OBISPO COMPLETES RENOVATION OF NEARLY $1M
Celebrating the hotel's 30th anniversary, the property upgrade encompasses all public spaces of the hotel, including lobby, breakfast room, and hallways. The 70 guest rooms have been upgraded with custom design furniture, contemporary artwork, modern lighting, luxury linens, and drapery adding elegance and functionality. Each room includes a writing desk and ergonomic chair, offering convenience for both business and leisure travelers alike. www.lacuestainn.com/
Restaurant, Specialty Food, Golf and Winery News
THE PASO ROBLES GOLF CLUB RENOVATION
Paso Robles Golf Club has completed a multi-million dollar renovation and is now open to the public. By creating the best playing conditions, including smooth, fast greens, Paso Robles Golf Club is the talk of the Central Coast. The club has attracted a dynamic team of professionals in the area. They are leaders in the field of golf course maintenance, tournament and event management, golf instruction, and customer care. www.pasoroblesgolfclub.com
NEW DOC BURNSTEIN'S ICE CREAM LAB DEBUTS IN SAN LUIS OBISPO
SLO County's legendary artisanal ice creamery Doc Burnstein's recently opened up their new "Ice Cream Wonderland" in San Luis Obispo. As with its Arroyo Grande location, visitors can enjoy the fun and wacky flavors made in Doc's lab, while watching the train travel through tunnels, around the giant ice cream waterfall. They can also watch ice cream being made through a floor to ceiling window into the lab. www.DocBurnsteins.com
NEW PERUVIAN RESTAURANT MISTURA OPENS IN PASO ROBLES
Mistura, a modern Peruvian eatery, recently debuted in Paso Robles. Aptly named "mixture" in Portuguese, Mistura's menu offers a fusion of Native Pre-Columbian and Incan heritage with Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Spanish influences. Chef Nicola incorporates native Andean ingredients into his dishes along with locally sourced free-range meats, sustainable seafood and fresh organic produce. www.MisturaRestaurants.com.
NEW HALTER RANCH VINEYARD EXCURSION TOUR
This three-hour excursion begins with a circumnavigation of the historic ranch in a restored 1984 Land Rover Defender. See the pond, wildlife, and all 281 acres of vineyards. Stop under the famed Ancestor Tree to taste the current vintage of the Estate Reserve Ancestor. Continue to the state-of-the-art, gravity flow winery and be guided through the winemaking process. A final stop at the Member Lounge for a private tasting of current release wines. Tours take place Saturday & Sunday 10am. Reservations required; $45pp; $35 Club Members. http://www.halterranch.com/
SAN LUIS OBISPO WINE COUNTRY NEW ITINERARIES AND MAP
In May 2015, the San Luis Obispo Wine Country Association will roll out their new map, which will feature easy go-to itineraries for tourists and travelers. Each itinerary is broken down by a variety of wine experiences and suggests the perfect wineries for your individual preference. www.slowine.com
Sunset SAVOR The Central Coast, California's premier food, wine, travel and lifestyle event, revealed details surrounding its all-new opening night experience, Strings at Sunset, to be held at Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Thursday, September 24, 2015. With theatrical performances from award-winning artists String Theory and DJ Violinist SPAGS, attendees will enjoy wine pairings from the 2015 Sunset International Wine Competition winners, celebrity chef tastings, and more. Learn more at www.savorcentralcoast.com.
For more news and information on San Luis Obispo County: www.VisitSanLuisObispoCounty.com.