SLO CAL is a beautiful getaway destination for those young in love or growing old together. When I moved to SLO CAL 5 years ago, I quickly found my passion in the wedding and events industry. For the last 2 years, I have found my place as the Content and Community Manager at The Wedding Standard, a local wedding blog and vendor directory. I work to promote the talented wedding industry professionals in SLO CAL as well as guide couples to their dream team of vendors. As we enter into the month of love and romance, I wanted to share some lovely options for your dream romantic getaway to SLO CAL. Our little slice of heaven has so much to offer!
Wine Tasting
Fall in love all over again in our favorite wine countries because love, like wine, gets better with time.
Photo credit: Acacia Productions
I implore you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse your senses in the sights, smells and tastes that are the SLO Coast Wine Region. Take a romantic drive into the Edna Valley of San Luis Obispo to enjoy tastings at Biddle Ranch Vineyard, Baileyana, Tolosa, and Edna Valley Vineyard! When you’re not quite ready to leave the wine country but need a bite to eat, pop into Sextant Winery at the Old Edna townsite for some lunch at their deli. Venture into the Paso Wine Country to be wowed by some incredible tasting locations where you can see vineyards as far as the eye can see. Some romantic options are lunch and wine tasting at Niner Wine Estate with views of Heart Hill, an afternoon of card games paired with incredible wine and Instagram-worthy landscapes at Daou Vineyards, or being treated to a food and wine pairing for an ultimate tasting experience at Villa San-Juliette. The options for exquisite wine are endless.
Spa Day
SLO down and unwind at some of our favorite Spas
Located in downtown San Luis Obispo, unwind during a luxury spa service at Spa Cerro. They offer everything from deep tissue massages to facials and even body wraps and scrubs. Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo and The Cliffs in Pismo Beach also offer incredible spa services that include all-day pool access. These pools offer a wide variety of specialty cocktails, light bites and stunning views. When the sun sets, spend your evening soaking in a naturally heated mineral spring hot tub at the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa. Their spring water is sourced from over 100 natural underground resources with soothing features.
Brunch
Did someone say mimosas? Sunday mornings are made for sleeping in and heading to brunch!
Photo provided by: Chulos Cafe Cantina
Some of my all-time favorite brunch spots are Thomas Hill Organics in Paso Robles for a farm-to-table experience, Novo in San Luis Obispo with a view of SLO’s downtown creek, Lido at Dolphin Bay Resort and Marisol at The Cliffs in Pismo Beach for bottomless mimosas, and Hidden Kitchen in both Cayucos and Cambria, their blue corn tacos are a must-try!
Luxury Picnics
Over the past couple of years, pop-up picnics have popped up!
Photo provided by: Mae Meadows Photography
Who wouldn’t dream of a luxury picnic at a romantic location that has been completely customized to you and your loved one? SLO CAL is home to a variety of local companies to choose from that stretch along the coast such as Cayucos Picnic Co. and Mimi’s Picnics. Pop some bubbly with one of these boutique picnic companies! If you’re wanting a more DIY picnic, grab a grazing box from Cured and Cultivated or a picnic box from Farm & Harvest! They offer a variety of delicious options. These grab-and-go's are ideal for a sunny beach day or at a resting point on the many hikes and trails in SLO CAL.
Farmers Markets
If you’re a foodie, I highly recommend taking a stroll down one of our many farmers' markets to be immersed in the craft of local small businesses
In SLO CAL, you can visit a farmers market just about every day of the week, rain or shine. Many of these farmers' markets take place in downtown areas where you can taste light bites and sweet treats from local restaurants and shops! Downtown San Luis Obispo’s farmers market was just named the best Farmers Market in California! Stroll in on a Thursday evening to see what all the buzz is about.
Outdoor fun
To the outdoors lovers, SLO CAL has many great hikes, outdoor activities and beaches
Spend an early morning hiking some of the many mountains and trails to watch the sunrise on the coast. Some locally loved hikes are Cerro San Luis, Pismo Preserve, Montana de Oro State Park, and the Ontario Ridge Trail. If hikes are not quite your speed but you still want to get outdoors we highly recommend renting bikes from either Wally’s Bike Rentals or Bolt About and taking a ride down Bob Jones Trail. The trail ends in Avila Beach where you can spend an afternoon grabbing lunch at one of the many beachfront restaurants. Speaking of beaches, the sunset on the pacific ocean is a sight to see so grab a blanket and soak in the cotton candy skies.
Tour Tin City
Venture into a world of its own in Tin City
Photo credit: @fetterhops
Located in a small warehouse district off the 101, you will enter your one-stop shop to craft wine, beer, and spirits. Spend the ultimate SLO CAL afternoon date day by tasting room hopping, clinking cocktails, and enjoying a game of cornhole and food truck bites at Barrel House. Tin City is the perfect blend of fun that offers something for everyone. You can even bring the pups out!
Luxury Date Night Experience
Get help planning the ultimate SLO CAL luxury date night 
Photo provided by: Bay Cruisers
Project XO is a unique date night company that you can hire to up the ante on your romantic night. Owner and date night extraordinaire, Hannah Lique Naitove offers services that vary from setting up romantic decorations in your hotel room before you arrive to curating a completely personalized and extravagant night. We’re talking hot air balloons, helicopter rides, and yacht dinners. Set sail on a Morro Bay yacht charter to indulge in life's luxuries. This dinner package that she’s calling “Toast the Coast” is a yacht charter in Morro Bay that includes a private chef, a 4-course menu, a 2-hour cruise in harbor, floral arrangements, chocolates and a tablescape complete with the essentials.
Header image photo credit: @poppyandvinephoto
