SLO is family friendly.
* Bubblegum Alley might be the strangest tourist attraction you come across.
* The Maino Open Space has 2 kid friendly hikes, both about 2.5 miles. They are both considered moderate, however the Lemon Grove Loop is the easier of the two. The M trail loop leads you to the large M on the hillside and requires gaining more altitude. They both take you through the historic lemon grove. The trails are closed after heavy rain because they are too muddy.
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| Historic Lemon Grove |
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| Lemon Loop |
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| M Loop |
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| The View of the City |
*Apple picking at SLO Creek Farms. Review
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| Apple Picking |
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| SLO Creek Farm |
*Restaurants: High Street Deli is an awesome sandwich place with the best lettuce wrap job I have seen. 5 Guys is a chain, but its a great burger and we don't have one in SB. Tahoe Joe's is a good steakhouse (also a chain but a fav of my in laws). Mo’s Barbeque is tasty and met our need for barbecue (since Santa Barbara is lacking). Doc Burnsteins is the place to go for ice cream.
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| High Street Deli |
* Places we would like to visit post-COVID: SLO Children's Museum
Avila Beach is home to the hot springs.
* Avila Valley Barn is fun with hay and pony rides (not currently operating). You can feed farm animals and buy sweets. It is especially fun at Halloween and Christmas. Review
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| Avila Valley Barn |
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| Feeding the Animals |
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| Pony Rides |
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| Christmas Tree Lots |
* You can soak in natural hot springs at the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. While you can stay overnight, they can also be rented by the hour. It is a bit stinky but relaxing. You can also swim or soak at Avila Hot Springs and this is a cheaper night's stay.
* Places we would like to visit post-COVID: Central Coast Aquarium (Currently open Thursday Friday 12-3 and Saturday/Sunday 1-4), the hike to the Port San Luis Lighthouse and Avila Beach.
Pismo has many sights to see for families.
* Pismo Monarch Preserve traditionally has more butterflies than the Goleta one and it has the bonus that if you follow the nature path you walk out to the dunes for a great nature walk (we looped back along the beach--no ATVs here-- and it was still less than 2 miles). There are no docents there right now, but they recorded their info for field trips and such.
* Pismo Monarch Preserve traditionally has more butterflies than the Goleta one and it has the bonus that if you follow the nature path you walk out to the dunes for a great nature walk (we looped back along the beach--no ATVs here-- and it was still less than 2 miles). There are no docents there right now, but they recorded their info for field trips and such.
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| Butterfly Area |
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| Butterfly Area |
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| Path to the Coast (Boardwalk) |
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| Dunes |
* Dinosaur Caves Park is a great park with a unique playground for all kids (it may merit its own post someday). There are many climbing areas, swings, a merry-go-round and a spinning dome (like at Wallis Park).
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| Climbing Areas |
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| Climbing Web |
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| Swings |
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| Dino Eggs |
* Elmer Ross Beach is a tiny beach that can be amazing at low tide! We walked down toward the Inn at the Cove just before low tide and saw a wonderland of crabs, sea anemones, hermit crabs, and a few sea urchins.
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| Caves |
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| Crab |
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| Sea Anemone |
*Restaurants: Mo’s Barbeque is tasty and met our need for barbecue (since Santa Barbara is lacking). 5 Guys is a chain, but its a great burger and we don't have a location in SB. We really wanted to try House of the Rising Buns for sandwiches, but they were out of bread.
* Places we would like to visit post-COVID: Pismo Pier and Promenade complete with a surrey ride and the Pismo Preserve (this is closed on the weekends for now).
Other spots nearby
* Oceano has the Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville Review (currently closed). It is truly campy, but fun with 3 acts (normally a melodrama--boo, hiss, cheer--in two parts, then the song and dance vaudeville review). Oceano also has the Rock and Roll Diner is in a train car (food is meh, but the location is unique).* Arroyo Grande has chickens roaming in Centennial Park and Heritage Square Park with a walking bridge in between. And another Doc Burnsteins on Branch Street. There is the amazing ice cream, but also a huge train set all around the upper interior. There is also Mustang Water Park (currently closed).
* If you are willing to drive a bit further north, the Elephant Seals in San Simeon are worth it especially in December through March.
Related Posts:
Avila Valley Barn
SLO Creek Farms
Easy Day Trips
Easy Day Trips
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