Solvang is a sweet little Danish village right along the route — ideal for pastries, people-watching, and pretending you’re on a mini European vacation before the weekend festivities begin. Also! Hiroshi learned how to tie his shoes there as a child many many years ago.... :)
If you’re driving in, we highly recommend a stop at the iconic Madonna Inn along the way. It’s delightfully over-the-top, wonderfully quirky, and impossible to miss. Pop in for a bite, grab a slice of their famous champagne cake, or just wander around and soak up the pink velvet, themed rooms, and general kitsch magic. A fantastic gift shop too! Even a quick stretch-your-legs visit is worth it — consider it part of the adventure!
Our favorite sandwiches! They specialize in dutch crunch bread...You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. There is also a location in Los Osos (close to Morro Bay) !!
If you have time to explore, we highly recommend a visit to downtown San Luis Obispo. Higuera Street and Monterey Street are full of charm, with vintage bookstores, local shops, and great spots for creekside dining. Be sure to stop by the Mission San Luis Obispo, check out the art museum, and don’t miss the famous Bubblegum Alley for a truly local experience.
Lauren worked the graveyard shift at this donut shop in college. We might be biased but these are our favorite donuts in the world. We recommend the Boysenberry cream cheese and buttermilk donuts.
Montaña de Oro is a state park in Central Coastal California, six miles southwest of Morro Bay and two miles south of Los Osos. It consists of 8,000 acres of cliffs, seven miles of shoreline, sandy beaches, dunes, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including the 1,347-foot Valencia Peak.
If you like fish tacos/burritos, you've gotta check it out- Makes a great lunch! Hiroshi and Lauren love the salmon fish tacos / burrito!
We suggest checking out Morro Bay during your stay. It’s just minutes from Cayucos and the Embarcadero offers great dining, waterfront walks, and beautiful views of Morro Rock. Bonus points if you spot a family of otters.