Traveling up the Central Coast in California- Our top picks for lodging, dining, attractions in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Avila Beach, Monterey, Carmel- January 2015
Lodging:
Quality Inn Suites in San Luis Obispo, Ca
The suites we stayed in were great.
From the heated pool and jacuzzi to the nice sized rooms, our stay was comfortable and enjoyable. The breakfast that is included in the cost of the room was full of a variety of foods from eggs, waffles, breakfast burritos, pastries, fruits and yogurts.
From 5-7pm the bar area offers free drinks and snacks. The Pinot Noir was a great touch. They also offer an inexpensively priced barbecue of hamburgers, chicken quesadillas and steak tacos: cooked outside right near the pool area. We sat around a fire pit which made for a cozy night “at home.”
The amenities offered were of good service: from the variety of foods, the staff: that was professional and helpful, high speed internet, coffee and tea offerings and the comfort of the nice sized room and comfortable bed. We felt at home in an open space and friendly staff.
We highly recommend the Quality Suites. The location and comfort are perfect in this area.
Quality Inn Suites SLO
1631 Monterey St.
San Luis Obispo, Ca
http://www.qualitysuitesslo.com/
On our visit to Carmel, California, we had the pleasure of staying at the Hofsas House Hotel, which celebrates over 60 years of great service by the Theis family.
With its German European charm, combined with the romantic setting of Carmel, The Hofsas House right in downtown, will make your stay as easy as can be. The spacious rooms will add to the comfort of your visit overlooking the pine trees and the ocean.
The Hofsas House and its 38 rooms also has a heated pool, European style dry saunas, off street parking,continental breakfast, wi fi, cable TV, fire place, kitchen and more. It also offers a meeting room by the pool, ideal for business meetings, small weddings, family gatherings with a fireplace and kitchen. The Hofsas House in Carmel, is perfectly situated for your visits to Monterey, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Carmel Valley & Pacific Grove. When visiting Carmel by the Sea, CA, The Hofsas House should be the first option for your stay. More at www.hofsashouse.com
The Monterey Hyatt (pictured above) has it all. We only stayed one night but could have stayed there for a few days. The resort is huge and offers so many amenities. They have two pools and hot tubs, a golf course, fitness center, pig pong table, shuffleboard and new Marilyn Monroe spa to name a few. Live music in the lobby on the weekends and a nice variety of dining options. We ate at Knuckles sports bar the first night and the food was very good while watching a slew of games on their high def TVs. Amazing burgers, garlic fries, delicious soups, wonderful pizzas, yummy salads… this is not your average bar food, far from it! We had lunch at the Fireside Lounge for lunch. The menu is similar to Knuckles yet allows you to relax on comfortable chairs in the lobby setting. Our favorite meal was breakfast at Tusca. Our sever Carl was so helpful and entertaining showing the kids magic tricks. The buffet is the way to go with made to order omelets and trays of delicious bacon, potatoes, fruits, yogurts, breads, pastries and more. The rooms were luxurious and we were lucky enough to get a suite. It also is very clean and the beds were very comfortable. The best word to describe this Hyatt is classy. http://monterey.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
The Lighthouse Suites in Avila Beach (pictured above) is such a great place to stay. We felt like we were in Hawaii! The place is right on the beach with so many great amenities. They have a heated pool, flat screen TVs, ocean views, big suites with a foam mattress on the pull out bed which you rarely see. The Lighthouse Suites in Avila Beach is part of the fabulous Martin Resorts. You cannot beach the location.You are literally steps from the beach, there is a pirate themed park directly across the street right next to an aquarium. This place is made for families. We want to come back with our extended family next year!
The suites are similar in style but all have their extras. Our suite had such a sweet beachy/cottage theme it made me want to redecorate my home to replicate it. So sweet! Walk out of your room right to the pool or beach. Included is a buffet continental breakfast. This was on the top of our list as our favorite place to stay. http://www.avilalighthousesuites.com/
In Paso Robles we had a mineral bath tub on our little patio with a little fish pond and relaxed setting. The Paso Robles Inn offers something special for every traveler with their variety of newly renovated accommodations. Brick-lined pathways winding through the beautiful gardens and past the swimming pool and spa lead you to the all-new or newly remodeled non-smoking rooms. For the ultimate in comfort, indulge in one of their 18 Winery Themed Deluxe Mineral Spa Rooms (subject to availability), featuring a private hot springs mineral tub in your room or on the patio overlooking the lush gardens.
Dining:
Giuseppes in San Luis Obisbo offers great homemade pizza and pasta. They have an open air kitchen and serve incredible bread, olive oil and garlic to start. The whole staff is very hospitable and offer outstanding service. This location has beautiful ambiance and décor. The menu is very diverse with a big selection of antipasti, salads, sandwiches, brick oven fired pizzas and pastas. Our favorites were the pizzas, wild shrimp diavolo with spice tomato sauce and the bucatini pasta with meatballs. They also have an express takeout with pizza by the slice, sandwiches and not to miss homemade gelato.
We also visited the Pismo location which offers a bit of a different menu and is more casual. Start with their brussel sprouts if they have them, baked eggplant appetizer and Giuseppe salad, which has tomatoes, avocado, garbanzo beans, cucumbers and onions in a parmigiana dressing. Do not miss the clam pizza and shrimp diavolo (same dish as their other location). Order the local fresh sand dabs as that is a specialty. The desserts were to die for including the homemade canoli and chocolate tart.
It is located in the heart of downtown Pismo and has a very relaxed setting. There is a large wood burning pizza oven and the decor is beachy and Mediterranean. Both locations start you off with amazing garlic and olive oil dipping with bread. http://www.giuseppesrestaurant.com/
Ciopinot is a top notch restaurant and gold mine of a place with owner Leonard as a great host. Many great options from the flat iron steak to pastas. However, by far the dish to get is the ciopinot, hence the name. There are two choices when ordering the ciopinot: “the no work” where everything is cracked and ready to eat and “the work” which comes with king crab and clams. This is the best ciopinot you will ever have!
They have a variety of other entrees and seafood dishes to choose from. The atmosphere and decor is absolutely beautiful so if you are looking to impress anyone, this is a must visit. Keep an eye out for their new restaurant nearby opening soon with a different theme. http://www.ciopinotrestaurant.com/
Enoteca at La Bellasara Hotel. Brenda our server was down-home southern friendly. Sunday lunch was very quiet as they get a big rush with breakfast and dinner we were told. We had an assortment of delicious appetizers such as the sweet potato fries and baby back ribs. The Chicken with twisted pasta was unique and tasty. The fish was fresh and we suggest the salmon for your entree.
The atmosphere was very relaxed and we Loved the self playing piano in the lobby.
Abalonettis on the Monterey fisherman’s wharf was very casual yet the food was fantastic. The clam chowder was off the charts. The menu is extensive with pastas and meats but the definite must order is the calamari (which has been voted best in Monterey many years in a row). They have several different preparations but we loved the silcillion sauteed version in a white wine sauce. The fried choice was also excellent. For a rare treat, I had the local abalone, cooked perfectly.
http://www.abalonettimonterey.com/
The Beach House in Pacific Grove was awesome. The water view with the full moon the night we visited made this place one of our favorites. We had a nice booth and view of the water and city lights while enjoying the kale and grilled shrimp salad with a Mai Tai to start. Next up was the linguine and clams, pan roasted sea bass and sunset supper organic king salmon for only $10 if you order by 6pm.They have six selections of dinner options for the same price and deal. The nice bar, decor and service made our experience great. Check out the beach house on your next visit to the area. http://www.beachhousepg.com/
The Ocean Grill in Avila Beach was one of the better restaurants we have been to and one of our favorites on this trip. Located right across the street from the beach, they offer a great selection of foods and some unique items. They have a wood fire pizza oven so I highly recommend ordering at least one of them. I hardly ever suggest to order chicken (free range here) in a restaurant but we took our fabulous server Nicole’s suggestion and ordered it. She was right on the money as it was one of the best chicken preparations we have ever tasted with demi glaze, sliced potatoes and onions. For the first time in many years, I had shark. They catch it locally and it was delicious. Eric, the manager, was super hospitable. What a fantastic dinner! They have an assortment of appetizers with clam chowder, crab cakes and nice salads. Other entree selections are steaks, chops, and fresh seafood. Have some of their wine on tap as that was something new for us. http://www.oceangrillavila.com/
Another great option in Avila Beach is the Old Port Inn at the end of the last wharf was a cool experience to find this hidden gem of a restaurant. The owner David Macpherson was such a nice host and provides a unique dining experience that can be family friendly or great for couples. There are 2 dining room areas. We chose the front room with comfortable chairs and see-through glass tables with mirrors to see the ocean and fish right below while you are dining. We saw an otter, some fish and ducks from our see-through glass table during our dinner. The back room is a covered patio with views of water and city lights.
Some of their fantastic options are: fish tacos, clam chowder, fritto salad with fried calamari, their famous “no work” ciopinot with fresh seafood, Greek grilled calamari with scallops served with rice and veggies. They also have seafood fettuccine, fresh fish and soon to be oyster bar. Enjoy one of their specialty cocktails or glasses of wine to enhance your meal. Depending how busy it is, David has some great stories as he has been a past chef for a long time before just recently taking over as owner. He is in the process of getting an 8 person shuttle to bring in more visitors and locals to enjoy this great dining experience.
The Marisol Restaurant at the picturesque Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach near Pismo is a must visit. First, you will not meet a friendlier, hospitable host/ maitre d’ ever than David Kline. He makes sure all is going well during your visit while offering some new and exciting suggestions. You can tell he is one who loves his job and working with people. The food was off the charts with their long time chef.
The menu changes every so often but the staple braised short ribs where so tasty and highly recommended along with the potato layered salmon. We came in for lunch and enjoyed the incredible ocean side views. Other nice options included the fresh clam chowder, sandwiches, salads. Our favorites were the calamari steak sandwich, grilled fish tacos and burger. This was such a great place for dining that it made us want to stay here on a future visit. We could see why there are so many weddings here. Our server Hugo did a great job and the décor and atmosphere was top notch. http://www.cliffsresort.com/marisol-restaurant.php
The Old Fisherman’s Grotto on the wharf in Monterey was one of the top restaurants we visited. They have won many awards and we can see why. The owner, Chris Sake, was very welcoming and always dressed to the tee in his custom made suits as his place has been a big success for many years in this family run restaurant. The old time booths and music piped in from the Sinatra era gives it the old time feel while you enjoy some of the best clam chowder (my favorite of the trip) you will ever have served in a decorative clam shell bowl. The huge calamari steak was the best one I have ever had and all their other selections of fresh fish were divine. Kids are welcome but not allowed in the dining room if they cry or make too much noise to disturb any patrons. This makes the restaurant a welcome change for those who want to enjoy a high end place with beautiful decor, water view and good service. A definite must visit on your next visit to the area. Keep an eye out for their new steak place right across the way on the wharf coming in the near future. http://www.oldfishermansgrotto.com/
Thomas Hill Organics in Paso Robles is a great place for lunch or dinner. They have farm fresh veggies and proteins such as lentil tacos, tasty salads, Chilean sea bass and smoked salmon sandwiches. Everything was spectacular and of course organic! The owner Debbie does a great job keeping her place top notch. The menu changes quite often with a variety of appetizers, salads (the burrata was delicious, sandwiches, burgers and desserts. http://www.thomashillorganics.com/
We discovered a new restaurant called the Fish Gaucho located downtown. The manager Troy was very hospitable and their seafood south western theme makes it very unique. Start with chips along with salsa and home made guacamole with one of their specialty cocktails. The most popular are their margaritas and variety of many tequilas. The chicken tacos and huge burritos were fantastic. The lobster queso fundido was amazing and the U10 diver scallops were some of the best I have had in a long time. The place was very crowded during our midweek visit so you can tell they are off to a great start after taking over from what used to be furniture store and expanding to a second room. http://www.fishgaucho.com/
Attractions and Activities
Don’t miss out on some wine tasting in the central coast as well as so many fun things to do for families, couples and dog friendly guests. Driving up the 101 or even PCH and breaking up the trip to stop in any of the places above. From fine dining to beautiful scenery, beaches, parks with fun playgrounds, and many attractions and activities, you can do it all via car or even train. For some great tips and more info, check out www.visitsanluisobispocounty.com
Madonna Inn Trail Rides and Seasonal Ice Skating
Surrounded by beauty with rolling green mountains and vast blue skies: the horse back riding at Madonna Inn Trails was the perfect spot for a trail ride. We started with letting our kids experience a pony ride as they are all too young for the trail ride. A guide walked alongside the horse in the paddock as our kids took turns riding. The kids loved the friendly goats and ponies that were kept right outside the riding ring. It was like a free roam petting zoo!
On our trail ride we felt relaxed, calm and present as the horses made their way up the green mountains. We traveled with a small group on very easy going horses. Walking slowly up and down hills kept us present and engaged in the land surrounding us.
As the leader reminded us, “This is not about speed but enjoying the natural beauty here.” This indeed we did: also passing by horses grazing freely along side us was a majestic site. I strongly recommend a trail ride in this beautiful land. Make a reservation in advance.
If you come late in the year during winter time, check out the Ice Skating rink at the Madonna Inn adventure center where you reserve a selected time to ice skate as the sessions are about one hour. Fees include skate rentals and it is a good time.
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Rd.
San Luis Obispo, Ca 93405
The Monterey Aquarium is a must visit and great for the whole family with interactive stuff for kids and feeding/tours for everyone to see and explore all the beautiful sea world. There is so much to see and do for the whole family, you need a full day. Interactive stuff for everyone besides all the incredible fish to see and observe. http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/
One way to work off all this great food is to rent a kayak or standup paddle board from Avila Beach Paddlesports in Avila beach at the wharf. Owners Emily and Vince were extremely friendly and professional while we enjoyed one of the more remarkable days you can imagine as the sun was shining on this early January day. Paddle around to see some sea otters, sea lions and stop at one of the remote beaches while you get some great exercise while taking it all in. http://www.avilabeachpaddlesports.com/
Adventures by the Sea in Monterey offers bike and kayak rentals with a few locations. Stop by and their friendly staff will set you up with what you prefer. Try one of the surrey bikes which are great for families as the kids sit up front. http://www.adventuresbythesea.com/
Wheels of Fun has locations in many beach cities and we had the pleasure of taking out one of their bikes in Pismo Beach. We took a ride to the monarch butterfly Grove and then back around town. Check them out at http://wheelfunrentals.com/Locations/Pismo-Beach
San Luis Obisbo Children’s Museum was a great time and must visit for young kids as there is so much to do there. More at http://www.slocm.org/
Special thanks to the following PR people who helped with our trip.
Lori Keller (VP of Sales and Marketing at Martin Resorts-Avila Lighthouse Suites and Paso Robles Inn. www.martinresorts.com
Kylee Jepsen- Media Coordinator with Visit San Luis Obisbo
www.visitsanluisobisbocounty.com
Also Marci Cain at Chatterbox PR for her great assistance with our Monterey visit. Nobody is more prompt and professional than her. www.chatterboxpr.com