Guidebook for the Central Coast
Food Scene
Amazing farm-to-table food in a fun and busy atmosphere. Their wood-fired pizzas are the best around. Get there early because this place is popular with the locals!
134 locals recommend
Ember Restaurant
1200 E Grand AveAmazing farm-to-table food in a fun and busy atmosphere. Their wood-fired pizzas are the best around. Get there early because this place is popular with the locals!
Delicious and healthy organic smoothies, fresh juices and pre-made salads.
13 locals recommend
Virtjuice
1200 E Grand AveDelicious and healthy organic smoothies, fresh juices and pre-made salads.
Tasty baked goods and coffee shop just up the street from our house.
19 locals recommend
Sweet Pea Bakery
1200 E Grand AveTasty baked goods and coffee shop just up the street from our house.
Starbucks
1211 E Grand AveJust around the corner from us.
Izakaya Raku
953 W Grand AveFresh and tasty sushi!
Possibly the freshest sushi in the county with incredibly inventive dishes but the service is slow at times.
15 locals recommend
Pacific Umi Sushi
1319 W Grand AvePossibly the freshest sushi in the county with incredibly inventive dishes but the service is slow at times.
Rooster Creek Tavern
200 E Branch StPub food and beer!
In-N-Out Burger
1170 W Branch StA west coast favorite!
Oyster Loft
101 Pomeroy AveGood food with a view right next to the Pismo Pier.
Efren's Deli
1720 Beach StOur most reliable hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant.
The Spoon Trade
295 W Grand AveAmazing food, especially the fried chicken and waffles!
Bunn Thai Bistro
968 W Grand AveYnot Juice Bar
897 N Oak Park BlvdSurprisingly delicious vegan dishes. Their avocado toast is unreal!
Mersea's Seafood Restaurant
3985 Avila Beach DrEat and drink on the pier in Avila Beach!
Locally owned great coffee within walking distance! Also, a small breakfast menu with a kickbutt and filling avo toast and chia pudding.
9 locals recommend
Banner Coffee Company
995 E Grand AveLocally owned great coffee within walking distance! Also, a small breakfast menu with a kickbutt and filling avo toast and chia pudding.
Papi's Grill
1090 Price StAmazing and unique tacos and ceviche!
san luis obispo public market
3845 South Higuera StreetSomething for everyone here!
Greenhouse Coffee Company
Great hangout and excellent food!
Essentials
Our favorite local grocery store just up the 101 Freeway in Pismo. Organic choices, juice/coffee bar, fresh sushi and great local wine/craft beer selection.
80 locals recommend
California Fresh Market
771 Foothill BlvdOur favorite local grocery store just up the 101 Freeway in Pismo. Organic choices, juice/coffee bar, fresh sushi and great local wine/craft beer selection.
Parks & Nature
We love walking this 2.5 mile paved trail into Avila on the weekends. There's even a great deli / wine bar halfway there!
31 locals recommend
Ontario & Bob Jones Trail station
We love walking this 2.5 mile paved trail into Avila on the weekends. There's even a great deli / wine bar halfway there!
Oceano Dunes SVRA
100 Cabrillo HwyEasy beach access for a day trip or just to watch the sunset.
One of the most scenic hikes overlooking the ocean near Pismo Beach.
53 locals recommend
Pismo Preserve
80 Mattie RdOne of the most scenic hikes overlooking the ocean near Pismo Beach.
Drinks & Nightlife
We'll be members of this winery until the day we die. Many of their Rhone wines are affordable and all are delicious.
15 locals recommend
Sans Liege Wines
2995 Limestone WayWe'll be members of this winery until the day we die. Many of their Rhone wines are affordable and all are delicious.
Delicious cocktails in the Village of Arroyo Grande (our small historic downtown).
87 locals recommend
Mason Bar and Kitchen
307 E Branch StDelicious cocktails in the Village of Arroyo Grande (our small historic downtown).
Puffer's of Pismo
781 Price StGreat food, wine, beer and live music in an intimate setting!
Entertainment & Activities
BJ's ATV Rentals
197 W Grand AveOne of the two popular places to rent ATV's.
One of the two popular places to rent ATV's. We recommend a two hour ride – time goes fast.
7 locals recommend
Arnie's ATV Rentals
311 Pier AveOne of the two popular places to rent ATV's. We recommend a two hour ride – time goes fast.
Gaslight Melodrama Theatre
12748 Jomani DrEat, drink and laugh!
Sightseeing
The little village of Arroyo Grande is packed with boutique shops, restaurants and a few places to wine taste. There is also a swinging bridge!
48 locals recommend
Village
The little village of Arroyo Grande is packed with boutique shops, restaurants and a few places to wine taste. There is also a swinging bridge!
Relaxing
A small hidden oasis on the way to Avila. Private hot tub rentals and massage.
105 locals recommend
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort
1215 Avila Beach DrA small hidden oasis on the way to Avila. Private hot tub rentals and massage.
Nothing fancy but if you're looking for a reasonably priced soak it will do the trick.
48 locals recommend
Avila Hot Springs
250 Avila Beach DrNothing fancy but if you're looking for a reasonably priced soak it will do the trick.