Explore SLO and Solvang

Downtown SLO is studded with coffee bars, all local and all good. Head over to Scout for a seasonal latte (the spice butterscotch is epic) and a morning bun or the scone of the day.

Even if the gift shop is not open yet, peek into the church to get a sense of the grandeur of the building, first consecrated in 1772. The former padres’ quarters are now a museum chronicling Native American and missionary life through all eras of the mission’s use. The mission is integrated into the fabric of the town. Mission Plaza, a strollable garden with brick paths and park benches, still functions as San Luis Obispo’s town square. If you visit on a weekend, events are typically taking place right in front of you – a march for justice, a high school jazz band competition on the plaza, etc. Sit and sip your coffee and enjoy the show.

Pismo Beach is arguably a little tackier than nearby Avila Beach and attracts a bigger crowd. That makes for some terrific SoCal people watching — the tattoos! The hair! The clothes! — but also for a busier experience. Choose Avila for something a little quieter. Both beaches are big and wide and perfect for strolling or for setting up a badminton net and stretching for a big hit.

A little hole in the wall is the source for some of the best sandwiches in town. If you can take the heat, get the chicken jerk sandwich on Dutch Crunch (soooo Californian) before you hit the road. You won't regret it.
Sando's is currently only open on the weekends:
Saturday, 9:30 am - 5 pm Sunday, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

The town of Solvang is known for the gabled roofs, and “Little Mermaid” fountain establishing the vibe of later Danish settlers. There are also four working windmills, and you must take a picture in front of one. If you have time, check out the mission, founded in 1804 and not far from downtown. The manicured gardens and well-preserved paintings and wall frescoes are charming and colorful. Don't leave town without trying Denmark’s most famous pastry, the aebleskiver, at a local bakery.

Before heading back to San Francisco, load up on brussels sprouts salad and carnitas tacos for the road at a local hot spot (the duo who opened this recently opened a deli nearby). If you have time to stay for dessert, the frozen lime pie really is a must try and is a refreshing finish to a day in the California sun.
Open Wednesday - Sunday, 11 am - 6 pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Open daily until 9 pm, make a stop on the drive home at BarrelHouse to stretch your legs and take in the local craft beer scene at Tin City in Paso Robles. There are other purveyors to check out here but most will not be open after 6 pm so peek in the windows instead.

Another great stop on the drive home is Mission San Juan Bautista and the charming town that it abuts. Go for a walk in the gardens and if there is even a little light left in the sky, check out the view over the garden wall of the valley to the east.