Adventure lurks around every corner in SLO CAL, especially on Saint Patrick’s Day! Craving a festive green beer at an Irish pub or an exploration of SLO CAL’s flush green Irish Hills? This is your guide to getting your Irish on and celebrating St. Patrick's Day in San Luis Obispo County.
1. Take a Green Hike
Technically spring doesn’t officially arrive for a few days, but SLO CAL’s hills and fields are ready. Check out San Luis Obispo’s Irish Hills Natural Reserve and get lost in the beauty of the green rolling hills. You’ll feel like you are in the heart of Ireland. For the best views of the hills, consider hiking Cerro San Luis Obispo for a high vantage point and to cast your eyes on the Los Osos Valley below. Or perhaps take a drive up Prefumo Canyon road.
Even further out, is Montaña de Oro State Park, whose name literally means Mountain of Gold. Summit the park’s Valencia Peak, or check out the miles of Bluff Trails. See if you can imagine yourself along the cliffs of Ireland. Travel up Highway 1 to Morro Bay’s Black Mountain, the ADA-compliant Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria for a walk along gorgeous green bluffs or stop outside Ragged Point Inn and visit the "Portal to Big Sur” for the most iconic Irish-esque vista.
Also, try out Atascadero’s beautiful Three Bridges Trail with five different trails that provide the moderate difficulty necessary for a quality workout. Explore the 103 acres, there is a lot of green to be seen. For a lighter stroll through the greenery, consider Cal Poly’s Arboretum. Here you’ll find plants from the world’s Mediterranean climates with textures and blooms, unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Remember, all these trails are moderate in difficulty, so make sure to wear appropriate clothing and bring water.
2. Spring Flowers and Plant Shopping
Are you looking forward to spring cleaning? Consider cleaning the air with a houseplant bought in SLO CAL. When you leave the Arboretum, you’ll probably have parked in front of the Poly Plant Shop. This nursery has limited hours but offers miniature succulents, cacti and other varietals.
Over in downtown San Luis Obispo find Blackwater, a local gift shop selling modern home goods with a grand focus on plants and flowers. Meanwhile, the iconic Cambria Nursery will entertain you for hours as you walk their gardens and select the plants you’re interested in taking home. Don’t miss strolling through the Cambria Pines Lodge next door, where you will probably want to consider staying or eating after gorging your eyes on green leaves.
3. St. Patrick Themed Treats
Corned beef and cabbage specials are aplenty, but if you're craving a sweet treat (maybe you need a donut for your drive to Ragged Point) check out the special St. Patrick's day themed donuts from SloDoCo. They have options from green vanilla dipped donuts, donuts decorated with Lucky Charms and even double-decker donuts for maximum sugar intake. These confectioners are always on the latest theme and craze, so stop in for their mind-blowing selection!
5. Wear Your Green and Head to The Pub!
Did you know some SLO CAL bars open at 6 am this day every year to celebrate? Check out Paso's traditional Irish pub, Pappy McGregor’s. An extensive drink menu including five different Guinness brews pairs perfectly with the Blarney Burger or Patty Melt. For a classic San Luis Obispo St. Paddy’s day, check out McCarthy’s Irish Pub or Frog & Peach Pub. Across the County green beers are on special with Irish-themed food menus all day.
Note: If planning on enjoying drinks in downtown San Luis Obispo, consider using a driver service such as SLO Safe Ride which often offers a free St. Patrick’s Day shuttle into downtown San Luis Obispo.
4. Head to Downtown SLO for a Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt
Hit the San Luis Obispo Thursday night farmers' market for a St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt! This themed night at the market will provide kids ages 3-12 with secret clues to find the missing leprechauns hidden down Higuera Street. Participants can collect all the lucky coins and receive a prize! After completing the scavenger hunt, hit the farmers market for mouth-drooling food, fresh produce (don't forget your greens) and sweets to enjoy.
6. Rock Out with Live Music
Looking for a party? Head to Cal Coast Beer Co. in Paso Robles for green galLAGER beer, live music and shenanigans. Over in San Luis Obispo, check out Libertine's morning show - music, tasty bites and fine beers on draft. If you're in the mood for a Celtic music, head to Club Car Bar for a live music show. And for an evening of music and dance fit for Ireland, Riverdance over to the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande.
7. Create Something Vibrant and Festive
Not up for hitting the pubs, but want to celebrate with friends at your own creative pace? Head to one of the St. Patrick’s Day creative events happening in SLO CAL throughout the weekend. Create your own masterpiece at numerous studios - try your hand at pottery, painting and more. Or go enjoy creations by the experts at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art.
Looking to extend the St. Patrick's Day party? The annual potato party (you read that right) will be held at Harmony Cellars every year around St. Patrick's Day. Expect an afternoon of live music, great wine and, or course, potatoes!
