Enjoy an Alcohol-Free Weekend in SLO CAL

Kick off your dry trip weekend with creative mocktails stirred up in SLO CAL. Yes, everyone can enjoy awesome refreshment! Find your seat at the hip, dimly-lit Nightcap lounge in downtown San Luis Obispo, home to an impressive menu of no and low-alcohol mocktails designed for wholesome indulgence. Cocktail haven Sidecar offers up another tried-and-true downtown stop for thirsty travelers—simply ask for a virgin concoction at this creekside oasis.

Slip into a swanky speakeasy at Eleven Twenty-Two in Paso Robles, where handcrafted Golden Age libations promise zero-proof fun—like the refreshing Orange Julius, made with fresh OJ, Vanilla Bean ice cream and fizzy egg white. Meanwhile, neighboring hotspot The Alchemists’ Garden is known for its handcrafted mocktails, including a no-booze twist on the classic Negroni. Known as a wellness wonderland, SLO CAL is sure to delight teetotalers of all walks of life: Wherever you roam, enjoy an alcohol-free sip. 

Wine without the buzz: Intrigued by SLO CAL’s alternative wine offerings? Enjoy stellar non-alcoholic and zero-alcohol wines courtesy of local purveyors like Oceano Wines or Ariel by J. Lohr. Expect the same depth of flavor and complexity you’d expect from traditional wines, just without the buzz. 

Ready to find your happy place? Treat yourself to a day of pampering at one of SLO CAL's luxurious hot springs or spas. SLO CAL welcomes all to enjoy a calm, alcohol-free oasis. Unwind with a soothing massage, soak in mineral-rich bubbles or indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments like body wraps, aromatherapy and facials. After a day strolling Avila Beach, kick back at Sycamore Hot Springs, where you can book a private hillside tub or a group-sized lagoon complete with trickling waterfall (be sure to ask about hydrating offerings from the refrigerated case!).

For a full glow-up, SLO CAL offers up a range of incredible spa experiences like Ritual Skin & Body Care in Arroyo Grande, where visitors can indulge in a facial or healing massage. Need a break from the everyday? Ideal for peaceful retreats and couples' escapes, Sandalwood Spa in Nipomo is a wonderland complete with semi-private hot tub garden, serenity lounge and dreamy eucalyptus steam room. 

Get your beauty rest: End your rejuvenating spa day at SLO CAL’s best boutique hotels, boasting private balconies, soaking tubs, fireplaces, gyms, rooftop pools and more. Plus, many SLO CAL stays offer spa treatments, too: At the famously pink Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, your kitschy includes access to an onsite spa and heated pool.  

Discover wine country, sans the wine. Yep, anyone can savor SLO CAL’s gourmet culture with an olive oil or cheese tasting! Perfect for families and dry trippers alike, enjoy the wine country hospitality without a drop of wine. Sample locally-produced olive oils at SLO Olive in downtown San Luis Obispo or stroll the shaded groves at Pasolivo in Paso Robles, home to small-batch EVOO picked and bottled on site.

When it comes to cheeses, no wine pairing needed: Explore imported and regional fromage at Vivant Fine Cheese in Paso Robles (a helpful cheesemonger will even pack an epic picnic basket for you). For a shockingly good vegan cheese selection, head to the Vreamery at Paso Market Walk, where crumbly, creamy and blue plant-based offerings await. Enjoy your provisions at a scenic picnic spot, from Templeton’s green vineyards to Prefumo Canyon’s hilltop vista overlooking hills, sky and Morro Rock. 

More to explore: Rally the troops for an action-packed wine country experience in SLO CAL. With unique events unfolding at local wine tasting rooms, dry trippers can choose from live music nights, paint-and-sip events—even zip-line through vines! 

Uplevel your alcohol-free journey with SLO CAL’s vibrant farm-to-table culinary scene. From Morro Bay oysters to “micro-seasonal” plates at Brydge in Cambria, enjoy farm-fresh meals paired with thoughtfully-crafted virgin libations (yum!). Fans of classic Americana eats will appreciate Spoon Trade’s elevated creations, while global fusion foodies are sure to vibe with Luna Red in downtown San Luis Obispo. Savor Eggs Benedict topped with house made hollandaise and local Bautista Farms spinach at La Bodega Tapas in Pismo Beach or bite into a crave-worthy sandwich at Beerwood in Los Osos (don’t let the name fool ya).

Gluten-free blue corn waffles topped with local fruit provide a tasty mid-day snack at Hidden Kitchen in Cayucos, where endless mimosas are replaced by hot coffee and superfood smoothies. For a truly hands-on culinary experience, forage for seaweed along the rocky coastline, visit family-owned farm stands in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley or stroll SLO CAL’s abundant farmer’s markets, sampling juicy goodies as you go. 

Dinner and a show: Redefine “nightlife” in SLO CAL with a drink-free date night. Known for lively bars and craft breweries, SLO CAL is also home to world class venues showcasing intimate acoustic acts and headlining concerts. Plus, make room for unique after-dinner activities like ax-throwing, comedy shows and trivia nights. 

Sun’s out, fun’s out! Be sure to stretch your legs in the great wide open during your dry trip excursion. Experience SLO CAL's breathtaking natural beauty with popular outdoor activities like surfing, biking, hiking or simply lounging on the beach. There’s always more around the bend: From Cyldesdale rides in Cambria to kayaking Pismo Beach’s ancient Dinosaur Caves, all ages can enjoy unexpected activities under the SLO CAL sun.

Thrill-seekers: motor an ATV over the undulating Oceano-Nipomo dunes, fly high in a classic by-plane in Oceano or even book a hot air balloon in Paso Robles. Looking for a mellower outdoor adventure? Try a sunrise vineyard yoga class, stroll the SLO Botanical Garden, hit the Morro Bay dog beach, explore Montaña de Oro’s coastal hiking paths or rent a bike to zip from forest to sea along Avila’s peaceful Bob Jones Trail. Truly, the sky’s the limit to good clean fun in SLO CAL. 

Welcome the wild: Delight folks of all ages with a dry trip safari along the coast! SLOCAL is home to a fascinating menagerie of wildlife, from fluttering Monarch butterflies and Elephant Seals to mysterious zebras (which can sometimes be found grazing along National Scenic Byway Highway 1). Keep your eyes peeled as you go! 

Pour up time-traveling fun. With an amazing collection of historic sites, museums and cultural gems to enjoy, it’s easy to observe the past, present and future of SLO CAL. Taking in these cultural sights remains one of the area’s most popular alcohol-free activities, allowing everyone to come together to explore. Step back in time at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in downtown San Luis Obispo, survey ancient fresco murals at Mission San Miguel or visit the lovingly-restored Dana Adobe & Cultural Center in Nipomo, a rare window into early rancho life.

Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Victorian homes and storied streets in Cambria, marvel at railway heritage at the Oceano Train Depot or cross the antiquated swinging footbridge in Arroyo Grande. From native Chumash territory to an enchanted “castle” once occupied by the late William Randolph Hearst, SLO CAL's roots run remarkably deep. 

Art for all: Check out SLO CAL’s arts scene! Catch an eyeful at San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA), discover locally-crafted surf culture at Forever Stoked in Cayucos or take in a vaudevillian performance at the Great American Melodrama theater in Oceano, where audiences are encouraged to cheer, jeer and sing together.