Coastal Cowboy: Experience SLO CAL's Unique Blend of Ranch Life and Ocean Views

Dive into SLO CAL's diverse shoreline where you can gait, paddle and play.
 

Hit the Surf or Hop on Horseback: 

Feel the rush of the ideal wave at Pismo Beach, where cowboy country meets quintessential California surf culture. Local surf schools welcome all skill levels — rent equipment, take a lesson and hang ten with the locals! The easygoing atmosphere embraces newcomers and veterans alike, making this the prime spot to embrace your own inner wave rider. 

Next, saddle up for beach and bluff rides along SLO CAL's most spectacular coastal trails. Traverse Montaña de Oro State Park's sandy shores with guided horseback tours that unite sweeping ocean views with a true coastal cowboy excursion. Or hop on a gentle Clydesdale in Cambria and trot undulating hills with views of historic ranch lands and the sparkling Pacific beyond. 

Paddle and Discover: 

Glide through Morro Bay's bustling harbor by kayak, viewing the iconic Morro Rock while playful otters pop up to greet you. Watch sea lions bark from the dock at Harford Pier in Avila Beach as pelicans soar overhead — the ultimate hangout for families and photographers capturing wildlife encounters. Float atop crystal-clear tides, where gentle, protected waters create excellent conditions for coastal cowpokes of all ages. 
 

Adrenaline Adventures: 

For those craving heart-pounding thrills, SLO CAL delivers exciting alternatives to traditional horsepower. Race across Oceano's dramatic dunes in roaring ATVs, carving tracks through white sand formations. Soar high above Santa Margarita Ranch with Margarita Adventures, where ziplines carry you over ancient oak groves and vineyard rows. For a truly memorable coastal cowboy experience, take to the skies in a vintage biplane in Oceano, where panoramic views reveal how dramatically ranch lands and ocean shores converge. 

Here, ocean mist meets fertile soil, creating ideal conditions for everything from vineyards to veggies. 
 

Explore Farm-Fresh Treasures: 

Discover a variety of farm stands throughout SLO CAL. Visit Avila Valley Barn where fresh produce, homemade treats and friendly farm animals await just a short drive from the sandy shore. Watch your kids feed goats and chickens while you select sun-ripened fruits, savor savory barbecue with a hint of sea salt or pick up fresh-baked seasonal pies. 

Harvest your own coastal cowboy memories at Jack Creek Farms in Templeton, where you can pick seasonal treasures including olallieberries, giant sweet onions and more than 100 varieties of pumpkins and winter squash. Or, take a scenic drive to See Canyon where SLO Creek Farms invites you to harvest organic apple orchards while soaking in views of the coastal foothills.
 

Wine Country Meets Cowboy Country: 

Toast casually in denim, boots or flip-flops — SLO CAL winemakers welcome you to a whole new way to wine taste! 

Swig wines from SLO Coast vineyards that thrive on the same salty air that refreshes coastal cowboys on sweltering days. Explore the Edna and Arroyo Grande Valleys' verdant vines nearby amazing beaches — sample exceptional coastal chardonnay and pinot noir, then catch a dreamy seaside dinner, all a stone's throw away! 

Cruise Paso Robles' vineyard-lined Highway 46 to the coast, stopping at tiny Harmony, CA (population 18, counting cows). You'll soon hit Highway 1, where coastal cowboys are sure to find elephant seals, historic lighthouses and authentic oceanfront dining. Be sure to stop at Hearst Ranch Winery in San Simeon, where you can sip award-winning wines while ocean spray sprinkles your skin. 

For a delicious coastal cowboy romp, explore Paso Robles wine country on horseback! Saddle up for awe-inspiring rides weaving through emerald hillsides and sun-drenched valleys to rustic, chaparral-dotted backroads. Trot through a landscape where over 200 welcoming tasting rooms await, many with winemakers personally pouring their creations. Central Coast Trailrides offers guided tours tailored to riders of all experience levels, with knowledgeable guides who share fascinating insights about the region's viticulture along the way. After your ride, belly up to a tasting bar in your riding gear — the region's grape-growing heritage is world class, but the vibe remains refreshingly casual. 
 

Savor Coastal Cowboy Cuisine: 

SLO CAL's culinary scene combines hearty ranch fare with ocean-fresh seafood — often on the same plate. 
 

Sink Your Teeth into Ranching Royalty 

The legendary Hearst Ranch in San Simeon preserves acres of historic coastal ranchland once overseen by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, whose famous Hearst Castle stands as a monument to the region's grandeur. Today, grass-fed cattle still graze these ocean-view pastures. Sink your teeth into this legacy at local eateries featuring Hearst Ranch Beef — where sea-kissed grasslands translate to mouthwatering flavor on your plate. From upscale restaurants to casual cafés across SLO CAL, these sustainably-raised steaks and burgers offer a direct taste of the region's ranching heritage. 
 

Dig into Ranch-Style BBQ 

Save room for Santa Maria Style BBQ — the quintessential coastal cowboy meal featuring tri-tip beef slow-roasted over fragrant red oak coals. Developed on ranches dotting the central coast landscape, this regional specialty once fueled cowboys after long workdays. Today, sample this distinctive cuisine at a range of restaurants from casual, family-style spots like Firestone in San Luis Obispo to the rural Loading Chute in Creston. 
 

Devour Local Oysters 

Move over cowboy caviar: Slurp fresh oysters harvested from Morro Bay's calm waters — the signature coastal cowboy snack. These briny gems, often served with a glass of local wine, connect you directly to SLO CAL's maritime heritage. Waterfront eateries in Morro Bay and Avila Beach serve them by the dozen, perfect for sharing while watching fishing boats return with the day's catch. 
 

Savor Surf & Turf Specialties 

Pull up a chair at old school SLO CAL steakhouses like Paso Robles Inn, The Range in Santa Margarita and Jocko's in Nipomo — gathering spots where generations of ranchers have shared hearty meals. Appreciate massive cuts of local beef, family-style sides and no-fuss atmospheres where your cowboy boots fit right in. When it comes to seafood, longstanding ocean view eateries like Sea Chest Oyster Bar in Cambria and Tognazzini's in Morro Bay offer up a splash of just-caught goodness. 

Get the party started: Clink glasses at historic watering holes like The Merrimaker in Baywood Park and Paso Robles' Pine Street Saloon, where SLO CAL's friendly saloon culture lives on as surfers and cowboys mingle over local brews. 

Join the festivities throughout the year as SLO CAL celebrates its one-of-a-kind western heritage. 
 

Mark your calendar for these signature SLO CAL Coastal Cowboy events: 

• California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, fusing livestock exhibitions with coastal cool energy every July
• Cayucos 4th of July celebration, featuring a western parade before spectacular beach fireworks 
• Cal Poly’s Break a Wave competition in Pismo Beach takes the rodeo to the beach with a breakaway roping competition right on the sand 
• Best of the West Antique Equipment show, hosted at historic Santa Margarita Ranch provides a hands-on look at antique ranch equipment 

Entertainment with Coastal Cowboy Flair: 

Discover SLO CAL's wild west history hiding in plain sight. Outlaw Jesse James once laid low at the Paso Robles Inn, while San Luis Obispo earned its "Barrio del Tigre" nickname when ranch hands thundered into town seeking rowdy entertainment. Today, that spirited energy lives on in SLO CAL's dynamic entertainment venues where you can sip locally-crafted whiskey and kick up your heels to live country, reggae, jazz and rock. 
 

Shop Coastal Cowboy Style: 

Outfitting your coastal cowboy closet is a breeze! Pick up a locally made bolo tie with a pendant crafted from surfboard resin waste, or browse Boot Barn in Paso Robles, where turquoise-accented belt buckles and leather cowboy boots sit alongside pearl-snap shirts ready to transition from vineyard tours to sunset bonfires. 

For beach-bound days, locally-loved surf shops dot the coastline from Oceano to Ragged Point, offering everything from board shorts and polarized sunglasses to flip-flops that pair surprisingly well with that straw cowboy hat! 

Be sure to look for one-of-a-kind treasures along Cambria and Cayucos' charming Old West main drags, where historic facades offer bygone treasures galore. Or travel inland and explore amazing antique barns from Templeton to Arroyo Grande. Who knows, you just might find that perfect pair of vintage wranglers or artisan-crafted Mother of Pearl jewelry! 

Immerse yourself in the coastal cowboy lifestyle at luxury ranch retreats to beachfront glamping. 
 

Unwind at Coastal Retreats: 

Wake to the sound of rolling surf from San Simeon to Morro Bay. SLO CAL's unparalleled coastal stays range from historic inns to contemporary boutique hotels, combining easygoing luxury experiences with easy ocean access — the epitome of coastal cowboy living. 
 

Rest up in Wine Country & Ranch Retreats: 

Relax in Paso Robles' wine country cottages surrounded by rolling vineyards and sweet birdsong. Sink into rustic-chic décor while enjoying all the modern comforts, sip evening wines on wraparound porches or gather around your own Santa Maria-style barbecue for a fitting SLO CAL shindig. For a truly authentic Western experience, book a stay at Camatta Ranch, where guest ranch adventures include horseback riding, cattle drives, campfire cookouts and guided trail rides across 32,000 acres of pristine ranchland. 
 

More Cool Coastal Cowboy Stays in SLO CAL: 

• Farmhouse B&Bs serving breakfast with locally-farmed fare 
• Vineyard camping and glamping experiences combining stargazing with local wine, vintage trailers or tricked-out tents 
• Boutique hotels with western flair are prefect for the cowboy who enjoys modern comfort and amenities 
• Vacation rentals complete with pools, beach access or firepits for fun family gatherings 
• Scenic coastal campgrounds throughout SLO CAL offer everything from rustic sites to full hookups, with options for magnificent ocean views and easy beach access 

Keep it casual! It's all about feeling light, breezy and confident to take the road less traveled. 
 

Layering Basics: 

• Lightweight base layers that breathe in SLO CAL's changing temperatures and microclimates 
• Flannel shirts or light sweaters to tie around your waist 
• Wide-brimmed or cowboy hat — perfect for beach sun protection 

Footwear for Every Adventure: 

• Flip-flops for morning beach walks and casual dining 
• Cowboy boots for vineyard tours and evening entertainment 
• Comfortable hiking shoes for coastal bluff trails 

Signature Coastal Cowboy Style: 

• Western-style shirts that transition from beach to dinner 
• Board shorts to pair with cowboy hats 
• Sunglasses for horseback rides and tide pool exploration 
• Light jackets for cool evening bonfires and outdoor wine tastings