Cal Poly Homecoming Weekend

Where to Go on the Central Coast

In town for Homecoming? The Mustangs host San Diego on Saturday, Sept 19. The game is only part of the trip. We're fifth-generation locals, and these are the places we send friends. Each one is a short drive from San Luis Obispo.

Cayucos: The Untraveled Beach Town

A small beach town on the north coast that moves at its own pace.

• Cayucos Coffee: Start your morning here.
• Hidden Kitchen: Order the blue corn waffles.
• Duckie's Chowder House: Classic fish and chips.
• Antique shopping: Three shops, close together on Ocean Avenue.
• The pier and the beach: End with a stroll on the pier or the shoreline.

Where to stay: The Pacific Motel on South Ocean Avenue. Our favorite stay in Cayucos, steps from the beach.

Santa Margarita: Small-Town America

Just over the Cuesta Grade, and a step back in time.

• Ancient Peaks Café: Lunch and a wine tasting in one stop.
• The Giddy Up: The best vintage finds, plus gifts and goods.
• The Range: The best Elk Medallions you'll ever have. Cash or local check only, so plan ahead and make a reservation!

Atascadero: Downtown Worth the Stop

Most visitors drive past on the way to Paso. Don't.

• Barley & Boar: Kitchen, brewhouse and distillery. A favorite of ours.
• Nana's Ice Cream & Coffee: Coffee in the morning, ice cream in the afternoon. Both are excellent.
• Colony Market & Deli: A great stop for sandwiches.
• Tres Hermanos Coffee: Also has a Templeton location.
• Atrium Mercantile is our favorite furniture store in town!
• Lebbers Pizza: Probably the best wine selection!

Templeton: You'll Want to Move Here

A small town with a strong local food scene.

• Tres Hermanos Coffee: Our go-to coffee in Templeton.
• Templeton Farmers Market: Saturday mornings.
• Tin City: Just north of town off Ramada. Craft beer, cider, and wineries in a cluster of industrial buildings.
• Etto Pastificio: Locally made pasta, in Tin City. Their restaurant is fantastic!
• McPhee's: Dinner. Trust us, it's worth it. Reservations recommended.

Westside Paso Robles: Home to 240+ Wineries

Rolling hills, winding roads, and some of the best tasting rooms in the state.

• Whalebone Vineyard: A relaxed wine tasting, and they have the cutest bulldog.
• Halter Ranch: The best burger in town, and great wine too.
• DAOU: Come for the views. Stay for the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Downtown Paso

Centered around the city park.

• Cattlemen's Bar: Chef Charlie Palmer's bar at the Paso Robles Inn. Right up our alley, with great weekly specials.
• EMRE the new Mediterranean restaurant at the Ava Hotel
• Della's for light bites and great pizza
• General Store: Local goods and specialty foods, and gifts too!! 
• Nectar Supply Co.
• Ambiance: A women's boutique.

Creston: Off the Beaten Path

For the real backroads, head east of Paso into ranch country.

• The Loading Chute: One of the best-known steakhouses in our area.
• Longbranch Saloon: Casual outdoor dining with burgers and beer.

Live Music This Weekend (Sept 18–20)

On the Central Coast, live music usually comes with good food, wine or beer.

FAQ

How far are these towns from Cal Poly? Santa Margarita is closest. Atascadero, Templeton and Paso Robles run north along Highway 101. Cayucos is on the coast, and Creston sits east of Paso.

Where should we stay? The Pacific Motel in Cayucos is our pick for a coastal stay. The Ava Hotel in Paso Robles is great-their new Mediterranean restaurant the EMRE is fantastic too.

Do I need reservations? We recommend them for McPhee's and Barley & Boer.

Which spots are cash only? The Range in Santa Margarita takes cash or local checks only.

Thinking About Staying Longer?

Plenty of weekend visitors start picturing a life here. If you have questions about the area, from historic San Luis Obispo homes to larger properties with space and room to roam. We can help you call San Luis Obispo County Home.

Lane & Jane Karney | REALTORS 925-286-8981 | [email protected] DRE 02165892 & 02165893