When it comes to large group celebrations, the wonders of the Central Coast abound in SLO CAL. From the dunes of Oceano to the vineyards of Paso Robles, groups of any size can find a variety of unique adventures to satisfy any craving. So enjoy a few ways to make your occasion extra special and make memories that last a lifetime in SLO CAL!

 

Fly High in Santa Margarita

Ziplining
Photo credit: HoneyTrek

Take your celebration to epic heights with a zipline tour at Margarita Adventures. The fun begins with a guided tour of the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, during which you’ll learn about sustainable winegrowing, local wildlife, and more. Then, prepare to take to the skies! You’ll take a heart-pounding walk across a deep canyon on a 300-foot suspension bridge before soaring over acres of valleys and vineyards on six ziplines. Ride tandem with a friend or brave the more than 7,500 feet of zip line on your own. It’s fun for the whole family and a perfect choice for birthdays and bachelorettes, or even corporate team building. Be sure to dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear. This excursion includes two moderate unassisted hikes and lasts about 2 - 2.5 hours.

 

Charming Charters in Morro Bay

A harbor cruise is a novel way to explore the beautiful Morro Bay Harbor. Enjoy a public or private charter with Chablis Cruises on their 50-foot, two-story riverboat. You’ll get an up-close and personal view of the famous shadow of Morro Rock and view unique wildlife like sea lions, harbor seals, egrets, and more. The two-hour Chowder Cruise includes a cup of awarding-winning chowder, salad, and a sandwich. Or upgrade to the ultimate brunch cruise, complete with a family-style meal, bottomless mimosas, and a back bay view of the Nine Sisters peaks. Chablis even offers complete wedding packages for parties of up to 45 guests. They’ll take care of every detail from the cake and catering to the DJ, flowers, and linens with hassle-free planning. Your big day will be one to remember.

Need a smaller barge? The never stops with Estero Adventures by Estero Inn. Beach or boardwalk, they’ve got you covered. Be the captain of your own adventure with an electric pontoon boat rental for up to 8 people. Then chase the SLO CAL sun in one of their kayaks or fat tire beach cruiser bikes. Stay at the Estero Inn and receive 20 percent off all rentals.

 

Wine Lover’s Delight

group event at winery
Photo provided by: Highway 1 Discovery Route

Breakaway Tours & Event Planning has been serving up deliciously fun, educational wine tours in Paso Robles and SLO Coast wine country since 1995! So whether you’re a party of two or a crew of 200, Breakaway is ready to help you drink in all the best experiences Central Coast wine country has to offer. Let them plan your private wine tours; shared group wine tours; distillery tours; culinary & specialty tours; in-depth wine experiences; and private winery dinners and events. 

Do you have a specific wine tasting route in mind? No problem! Breakaway’s fleet of private transportation will drive you to drink at your favorite spots. In Edna Valley, you can sip rosé all day at Malene Wines, ponder pinot noir at Chamisal Vineyards, or play a game of bocce ball at Baileyana. If big reds are more your style, head to Paso Robles. Take in the views from York Mountain at Epoch Estate Wines or throw on a record from the selection of vinyl in the exclusive wine cave lounge at the hip Booker Wines.

And with more than 50 certified sustainable wineries along the SLO CAL Sustainable Wine Trail, there’s more than one way to drink responsibly. Download a wine trail map, and soon you’ll be sipping organic at Stephen Ross Wine Cellars and charging your electric vehicle while you taste at Niner Wine Estates. Going green never tasted so good. 

 

Get in the Spirit: Bring on the Beer

beer flight at barrelhouse
Barrelhouse beer flight. Photo by: fetterhops

SLO CAL may be known as a wine lover’s delight, but it’s also where beer lovers and spirit enthusiasts unite! Along the SLO Distillery Trail, you’ll find farmers, brewers, bartenders, and chemists handcrafting world-class whiskey, gin, flavored vodkas, and more. If brews are your preferred beverage, you’re in for a treat. From south county to north, and from pale ales to IPAs, there’s a plethora of malty, hoppy, goodness to discover on the SLO CAL Brewery Trail. Wine country isn’t just for wine anymore. 

 

Taste and See in San Luis Obispo

Wine and cheese plate from Talley Vineyards
Photo credit: Acacia Productions

If you’re a foodie with a penitent for exploring new places on foot, we suggest you take a bite out of San Luis Obispo with a Taste of SLO walking food tour. This 3-hour gastronomical escapade is sure to leave you feeling full and filled with knowledge about local culture and history. Public tours of Uptown and Downtown San Luis Obispo run on Friday evenings and all day Saturday and include stops at five exciting destinations. Along the way, you’ll sip, nibble, nosh, and taste generous portions of everything from sparkling wines and fair-trade chocolates to local produce and California fusion! Tours are suitable for all diets (just note your preferences at booking). Private treks can accommodate groups of almost any size. Come hungry!

 

South County Brain Teaser

Don’t feel like going out? Why not get Locked Inn? Grover Beach’s only escape room is an interactive and challenging game of wits and skill that will require the brainpower of your whole group. Together you’ll search for clues and puzzles hidden within a locked room (don’t worry, there’s an emergency exit) and work to solve a mystery to escape the room in less than 60-minutes. There’s no scare factor, but you’ll definitely be feeling the suspense. Only the most clever escape artists get out in under an hour without any additional hints from the innkeepers. Will you? Themed rooms can accommodate groups of up to 13 guests.

 

Unmatched Outdoor Entertainment

Vina Robles Amphitheater
Photo credit: @travelpaso

Looking for music, entertainment, and wine in one place in North County SLO CAL? Check out Vina Robles Amphitheater. This world-class outdoor concert venue is located on Highway 46 East and is just three miles from downtown Paso Robles and Highway 101. Grab a slice of pizza or a burger and a beer at the arena’s Plaza Bistro & Bar, or share a bottle of estate-grown Vina Robles wine over dinner with friends at the Terrace Club before the show. Premium box and tabletop seating are available, or bring a blanket and relax on the lawn. There’s not a bad seat in the house.

 

Rock out with SLO Brew Rock

couple eating at SLO Brew Rock
Photo credit: Acacia Productions

SLO Brew has been churning out good food, cold beer, and rock n’ roll since 1988. An offshoot of the original ’88-established brand, SLO Brew Rock is one of the largest venues in San Luis Obispo County and perfect for corporate functions, weddings, and other celebratory events. Home to a 30-barrel brewhouse, a tasting room, and a taproom restaurant, this indoor/outdoor space is one of the most unique event spots on the Central Coast. Tour the brewery, visit the distillery, or catch a concert! Then grab some Zs at SLO Brew Lofts, their sister property of five luxury accommodations in downtown SLO. Book a short-term vacation rental for a few, or block out all five lofts and enjoy unbeatable urban lodging for up to 32 guests. 

 

Party Concierge in Avila Beach

Jonesing for the ultimate beach day? Avila Beach is where it’s at. This quaint town tucked away in the San Luis Bay will keep you busy all day long with an array of activities and attractions. Tour the lighthouse, rent a standup paddleboard, and go for a run from the city to the sea along the scenic Bob Jones Trail. Or let Butlerz Event & Beach Rentals set the mood while you relax on the sandy shore. Browse their inventory and find everything you need to outfit your wedding, picnic, party, or casual family gathering of any size. Avila Beach Golf Resort is also home to top-of-the-line music entertainment. Their annual “Concerts at the Cove” summer concert series is a can’t miss way to play.

 

Mix and Mingle in Tin City

If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, why not spend the day at Tin City Paso Robles? This ever-evolving industrial style makers market is a hub for all things super cool in one of the hottest spots in SLO CAL. Nestled among the oaks on the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, Tin City is home to a motley mix of more than 30 local artisans, winemakers, beer brewers, and even Michelin Star restaurant Six Test Kitchen. So park your car and take a stroll. Whether you’re in the mood for small-batch distilled spirits or Negranti Creamery’s sheep’s milk ice cream, your crew is guaranteed to find unexpected delights along the way.

 

Barbecue’s Best in Paso Robles

chef cooking steaks on wood-fired grill at Jocko's Steakhouse
Jocko's Steakhouse. Photo provided by: Highway 1 Discovery Route

Need to feed an army? Everyone is invited to Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ in beautiful downtown Paso Robles. This barbecue grub hub is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, and their expansive back patio is dog friendly, so bring Fido and your appetite. Be sure to grab an order of their award-winning “Paso Mac & Cheesesteak” or try their signature smoked tri-tip, pulled pork, and house-made bacon. Located in the Norma’s Way alley, half a block from the Downtown City Park.

If you just can’t get enough of the good grill stuff, don’t worry! There’s more to be had. Other places to seek out local-fare barbecue include Jocko’s Steakhouse in Nipomo, The Rib Line in Grover Beach and San Luis Obispo, MO’s Smokehouse BBQ in Pismo Beach, Firestone Grill in San Luis Obispo, Hoagies in San Luis Obispo, Old San Luis BBQ in San Luis Obispo, and McPhee’s in Paso Robles and Templeton.

 

Arrive as a Group

Group brunch on a farm
Photo credit: Acacia Productions

With so much to do in SLO CAL, you’re going to need some way to get around. So leave the driving to the experts and just enjoy the ride. Whether you need a lift to or from the airport or want to check out SLO CAL’s nightlifeSLO Safe Ride offers 24/7 expert charters for all your SLO CAL travel needs for up to nearly 100 people at a time. Elegant Image Limousine has got the perfect vehicle for you. Book your executive bus, wedding limo, or black car service, and they’ll take care of the rest. And for your smaller scale, 15 or 20-passenger event, consider Hop On Beer Tours. This service will have you tailgating to and from your concert or festival in comfort and style. More importantly, you will all be traveling together as you tour SLO CAL on your perfect group outing.