Josh & Susie
Things To Do
South Palisades Park
A great spot to see the ocean views and go down to the beach. At low tide there are tide pools to explore. Dogs welcome! There is a grassy area for picnics and sunset watching as well.
Splash Café Pismo Beach
A must is the famous clam chowder bread bowls from Splash Cafe. Susie grew up eating here after a surf sesh with her friends and family in Pismo Beach. Lines can be out the door! But it's totally worth it. Of course Susie had to take Josh here, & he was not let down. Josh has exclaimed multiple times that this is THE best clam chowder he's ever eaten. Josh recommends adding crab and green onions on top.
Pismo Beach Pier
Take a walk along the pier, head down to the beach and then check out the shops along the main drag, like Ponchos Surf Shop, Hotlix Candy Shop and Splash Cafe for the best clam chowder you've ever had. Susie grew up learning how to surf here with her mom and sister.
Hotlix Candy Store
From salt water taffy to coffee & hot chocolate to scorpion suckers and chocolate bugs, if you're feeling adventurous or want any "gifts", after checking out Pismo Beach stop by Hotlix for some hot cocoa and a side of bug candy.
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
A beautiful Resort & Spa with private hillside bungalow hot spring tubs that you can rent out per hour. Don't let the name fool you, you can rent out your own hot spring for $22.50 per person on weekends. Less during the weekday! You can also stay at their resort which come with In-Room hot tubs. Bob Jones Bike Path is easily accessible from here!
Bob Jones City to the Sea Bike Trail
Susie grew up going on bike rides down to Avila Beach with her family along this beautiful nature trail. Perfect for relaxing afternoon strolls and picturesque rides. If bike riding is your thing, this is a must! Trail level: easy
Ontario Ridge Trail
A must for hike lovers! Can be hard to find the trail head but this loop has amazing coastal views. Start at the neighborhood, go up along the ridge, pass the swings and down the steep hill to end at pirates cove caves. Loop back to the car through the neighborhood. There's plenty of scenic views and two swings you can take your time enjoying. Make sure to say hello to all the warm locals and their dogs. Trail level: moderate to challenging
Pirate's Cove Beach
If you're feeling adventurous you can go down to the beach, beware you may encounter some clothing optional sunbathers as this is a notorious nude beach. I've only seen like 1 or 2 myself, and I've been there a lot! When you hike down from the parking lot, turn left for the beach, or turn right for the Pirates Cove cave. Usually we like to do this awesome hike that goes up and over the ridge and ends at the Pirates Cove Caves. See Ontario Ridge Trail for more info. Very pretty coastal views!
Avila Hot Springs
Perfect place for the kids to get wet and entertain themselves on the water slides while you soak in the mineral hot springs. $12 for adults, $10 for kids. $8 for a morning or evening session.
Avila Valley Barn
Fun place to bring the kids or experience the full on Central Coast rural experience. A favorite spot to stop off and buy the freshest fruit and vegetables grown locally, pick up a pie or bakery treat, stop off for lunch from our deli or get an ice cream on the way to Avila Beach. There are hayrides, farm pets and U-Pick. Avila Valley Barn is truly a place built for the whole family in mind.
Point San Luis Lighthouse
One of the original and oldest light houses still in tact in Southern California with a unique history, amazing views and well preserved artifacts. If state and local history is your cup of tea, Josh definately recommends that you take the trolley ride up to the light house and enjoy the tour. We toured this historic monument as a potential wedding venue, but ended up not choosing it in the end. They only allow 75 people!
SLO Brew Rock
Perfect place for brunch & a brew. Their original location is downtown SLO where you can watch live music shows. Susie would often go to SLO Brew to catch some of her fave artists in concert.
Kreuzberg Coffee
Good spot for coffee. They also have food, beer, wine, cocktails, strong wifi, lots of outlets, cozy seats, and an European atmosphere to enjoy it in. Great place to start and then meander around Downtown SLO afterwards.
Bishop's Peak Trail Head
A beautiful hike up to the top of Bishop's Peak. Hike level: expert. It can be steep at times, climbing over boulders in the end. The view is worth it!
Madonna Inn
Built in 1958 by a construction magnet Alex and Phyllis Madonna, it is a kitchy French Alps themed motor inn. Famed for its various themed rooms, bakery and restaurant, as well as the notorious waterfall urinal in the men's bathroom. (It's such a attraction women are allowed to go in and see it)
Atari-Ya Japanese Restaurant
Hands down THE best sushi in the area! Japanese owned and operated, the fish is always fresh and the atmosphere is traditional and fun. Susie grew up eating here on special occasions with her family. They have karaoke and the Mayers would all get up and sing 'Happy Together' by The Turtles.
Solvang
Not only did Susie grow up here, but believe it or not, Solvang has two generations of history with the Choi family. When Josh and his father, Warren Choi, were teenagers they went up to Solvang for family road trips. Most notably Josh remembers the local cuisine. His favorite were the danishes and pea soup from Pea Soup Anderson's. For Susie, growing up in a small tourist town was not as fun as visiting one on vacation. Wineries and wine tasting rooms have popped up over the years, making it more fun as an adult. She remembers when the wineries were cattle fields! If you're hungry, try a panini from Panino's. Also, aebleskivers.
Mortensen's Danish Bakery
See where Susie had her first job and eat some delicious danish pastries while walking around the Danish Capital of America. I can't recommend just one thing, it's all good! Fruit cheese danishes, anything with marzipan, pistachios, mmm...
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Susie grew up going here on field trips. If your lucky the local bird preservation society will bring live hawks, Falcons, and other birds of prey to see up close. Josh really likes the giant whale bones in the front of the museum and really cool bird and animal displays from the local eco systems.
Deep Sea Tasting Room
We went here on a date. Wine tasting on the wharf during the sunset.. can't get any better than that! Susie recommends The Octopus Merlot.
Helena Avenue Bakery
Lovely brunch spot that recently opened up, everything we tried was amazing. Josh recommends the Green eggs and ham breakfast sandwich.
Santa Barbara Winery
Head to the funk zone to wine taste until your heart is content. We like this spot for the chill atmosphere, dogs friendly vibes and wine!
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Another one of Susie's favorite field trip spots when she was young, this is a beautiful nature reserve of the local fauna. If you love easy nature walks, this one is for you.