Here’s the perfect day trip to San Luis Obispo County in just under 30 hours. The SLO “Extra Time” team was tasked with building the perfect SLO schedule for 30 free hours in the Central Coast.
They had a few goals: Spend quality time together, get outside their comfort zone, and be outdoors. They found both awe-inspiring and gorgeous ways to make it all happen.
Check out the places they went from “Extra Time” below, a lineup of stunning spots that they experienced in a little over a day.
Immerse yourself in ruggedly beautiful Highway 1 scenery, Ragged Point
Check into Ragged Point Inn, a cliffside retreat along Highway 1, about 7 miles north of the barking elephant seals at Piedras Blancas. Known as the "Gateway to Big Sur," this stretch of coastline delivers nonstop Pacific views. The mellow 39-room inn has its own fine dining restaurant as well as a casual plaza with a counter-service grill, an espresso and ice cream shop, picnic tables, and easy access to scenic trails.
Paddle around an estuary, Morro Bay
Get on the water with Sub Sea Tours & Kayaks, which offers rentals, whale watching, and sub-sea tours around Morro Bay. Paddle past Morro Rock, a 576-foot volcanic plug formed roughly 23 million years ago, then explore the Morro Bay estuary, one of the last of its kind in California. The protected habitat is home to more than 250 bird species, plus harbor seals and playful sea otters.
Sip wine in the shadow of Hearst Castle, San Simeon
Just down the hill from Hearst Castle, Hearst Ranch Winery pairs estate-grown wines with sweeping Pacific views. It makes a perfect post-tour stop after Hearst Castle—sip a Syrah, Petit Verdot, or Tempranillo or pick up a sandwich from the neighboring Seaside Deli to enjoy on the patio.
Kick back at the Pacific Motel, Cayucos
In the easygoing surf town of Cayucos, the 20-room Pacific Motel blends retro design with modern coastal style. After a beach walk, grab a craft beer or natural wine from The Salty Tiger, the onsite bar, and unwind by the fireplace.
Zip-line over a vineyard, Santa Margarita
At Santa Margarita Adventures, you can zip-line more than 7,800 feet, including a flight over a working vineyard. The guided tour also includes a walk across a 300-foot suspension bridge and off-road transport through the historic ranch. Along the way, learn about Santa Margarita Ranch’s sustainable winegrowing practices and keep an eye out for deer and hawks. Afterwards, head across the street to Ancient Peaks Winery for a tasting
Hike to panoramic ocean views, Pismo Beach
Pismo Preserve features more than 11 miles of trails through coastal bluffs, oak woodlands, and wide-open ridgelines with sweeping ocean viewpoints. Multiuse paths offer hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians some of Pismo Beach’s best coastal views.
Sip, stroll, and repeat, Paso Robles
The wineries of the Paso Robles AVA dot the countryside around Highway 46, but you can get a full wine-tasting experience just by exploring downtown Paso Robles. Centered around a lush 1890s park, this walkable district offers 30 tasting rooms along with a charming mix of boutiques and eateries, such as longtime favorite gastropub Pappy McGregor’s. The historic town square also serves as a community hub for farmers’ markets, live music, and seasonal events, such as May’s Olive & Lavender Festival and October’s Pioneer Day.
Take a sidecar tour through wine country, Paso Robles
Blend wine tasting with adventure at Cass Winery. Along with its sustainable Rhône-style winery (featuring authenticated French grapevines), Cass is also home to Camp Cass, which offers archery, beekeeping experiences, and off-road fun. Take the sidecar tour from Cass with Third Wheel Tours—a guided experience that combines storytelling, scenic views, and wine tasting during an unforgettable ride through Paso Robles wine country.