Guys Weekend Trip Ideas in SLO CAL for Every Travel Style

For friend groups that plan around finding the region’s best barbecue and tap lists, this weekend leans into SLO CAL’s famous flavors: red oak-fired barbeque paired with locally crafted beers, the makings of a perfect guys trip. 
 

Day 1 

Set up basecamp at the Paso Robles Inn, located just off the downtown square and within walking distance of tasting rooms and local shops. Once settled, kick things off at Firestone Walker Brewing Company for a guided tasting flight. From signature IPAs to barrel-aged specialties, their lineup is a strong introduction to the region’s craft beer scene. 

Before dinner, spend the afternoon exploring downtown Paso Robles at your own pace. That evening, claim a table at Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ. Known for slow-smoked meats and a lively patio, Jeffry’s serves brisket, ribs and pulled pork packed with bold, smoky flavor. Pair your plate with classic sides like their fan-favorite mac-n-cheese or coleslaw as a solid way to end the night. 
 

Day 2 

Head south to San Luis Obispo for breakfast burritos at Hoagies, a casual local favorite that fuels you for a full day ahead. Start your brewery tour at Central Coast Brewing Co. on Higuera Street. With a rotating tap list, spacious seating and bar games like pool and shuffleboard, it’s an easy place to post up and sample a few beers. From there, drive along Highway 1 to Three Stack and a Rock Brewing Company in Morro Bay. Their waterfront patio offers views of Morro Rock and the bay, a scenic backdrop for small-batch pours. Continue along the coast to Shell Beach Brewhouse in Pismo Beach, where house-brewed beers and pulled pork sandwiches come with ocean air just a few minutes away. 

For dinner, make your way to Jocko’s Steakhouse in Nipomo for a true Santa Maria-style barbecue experience. What makes this style of barbeque unique? The cuts of meat are grilled over red-oak which gives it a distinct flavor, the grills are specifically designed to be adjustable to have precise temperature control and it is traditionally served with pinquito beans,  fresh salsa and garlic bread. 
 

Day 3 

Grab some breakfast and coffee at Bru Coffeehouse in Atascadero to start your final morning of the perfect brews and BBQ guys trip. After fueling up for the day, head to Battle Axe for a little friendly competition. Here, test your aim and axe throwing skills with a guided axe-throwing session to keep things lively.  

Before wrapping up the weekend, stop at Humdinger Brewing in Arroyo Grande for lunch and one last round. Feeling adventurous? Try the Peanut Butter Falcon, a brown ale with a sweet peanut butter candy flavor. With a diverse tap list, it’s a fitting sendoff to a weekend built around bold flavors and local brews. 

If your ideal guys getaway weekend includes sand, surf and a little adrenaline, this itinerary is for you! SLO CAL’s coastline delivers fresh air and wide-open views. From traversing coastal landscapes to exploring what the ocean has to offer, this itinerary makes the most of what the region’s shoreline has to offer, perfect for enjoying with friends. 
 

Day 1 

Pick your accommodation based on your preference for water views. SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel in Pismo Beach puts you above the waves while Anderson Inn in Morro Bay sits you right on the bay. After settling in, head to Lumpia Bros Cafe for lunch and a taste of Filipino comfort food favorites like lumpia and adobo bowls.  

Next, rent e-bikes from Coastal Vibes and cruise along Pismo State Beach and the Oceano Dunes. Fun fact, this strech of coast is the only drivable beach in California where you can take a personal vehicle onto the sand! The shoreline is wide and flat, easy to cover on two wheels (or four) with plenty of spots to stop, take in the view and dip your feet in the ocean. As evening approaches, head to Wooly’s adjacent to the Pismo Pier for a dinner bite. Grab a table on their patio to catch a view of the pier and watch the sun go down over the Pacific as you indulge in their seafood and tropical cocktails. 
 

Day 2 

Wake up bright and early and head to Avila Beach for coffee and bites from Kraken Coffee Company before heading to the harbor for a half day fishing trip with Patriot Sportfishing. They offer flexible trips, ranging from 5 hours to 12 hours and even private charters. Whether you’re reeling in rockfish or just enjoying the ride offshore, it’s a fun bonding experience with your crew. 

After returning to land, take the scenic drive north along Highway 1 toward Cayucos for lunch at Schooners where you can pair a delicious burger with an ocean view. For the rest of the afternoon, find a spot on Cayucos State Beach to relax and unwind. If you’re feeling adventurous, book a surf lesson with Cayucos Surf School to paddle out and try catching a few waves. 

Once hunger strikes, pack up and head to San Luis Obispo. On the way, take in more of the coastline by pulling off at Morro Bay to see the sea otters huddled around Morro Rock. For dinner, Honey Belly’s all-you-can-eat Korean barbeque menu is sure to be filling after an activity packed day. This spot offers an extensive selection of premium meats and drinks, making it a great option to accommodate even a picky eater’s palate. 
 

Day 3 

Start your final day on the coast with another ocean adventure by booking a morning excursion with Avila Beach Whale Watching. Depending on the season, you have a chance of spotting whales, dolphins, sea lions and other sea creatures while cruising along the Central Coast shoreline. Once back on land, wind down with lunch and a drink on the patio at Mr. Rick’s before heading home. Overlooking the Avila promenade, it’s a relaxing place to enjoy a sandwich and recap the weekend. 

With 15 different courses across the region, SLO CAL offers plenty of options when it comes to scenic fairways and flexible tee times. From coastal courses with ocean breezes to rolling inland greens surrounded by vineyards, golfing groups can build a weekend that balances friendly competition with great views. 
 

Day 1 

Take your pick of lodging accommodation that is a convenient base for exploring courses in the region, such as the Carlton Hotel in Atascadero. Once you’re checked in, head north to Paso Robles to fuel up with brunch at Hunter Ranch Bar and Grill. Once fueled, step onto the greens of Hunter Ranch Golf Course. Known for its sweeping vineyard views and elevation changes, this course offers a challenging but rewarding round for golfers of all levels. Don’t forget to book your tee time ahead of time to secure your spot. 

In the evening, make your way to Templeton for dinner at Jack’s Bar and Grill. A longtime local favorite, the restaurant serves classic American dishes in a lively environment. 
 

Day 2 

Start the morning in Arroyo Grande with breakfast and coffee at Sidewalk Cafe, a cozy spot offering seven different breakfast burrito options and other breakfast classics. Next, book an early tee time at Monarch Dunes Golf Club. Designed to be reminiscent of the true links-style courses found in Scotland, the course is known for its wide fairways surrounded by windswept dunes and eucalyptus trees. Morning tee times often bring cool coastal air and peaceful conditions on the course. 

After your round, take a scenic drive through Edna Valley, one of SLO CAL’s five American Viticultural Areas (AVA). Stop for a tasting at Wolff Vineyards or the nearby Baileyana Tasting Room to unwind after a day on the greens. If you still have the energy, reserve an evening game spot at Swing Time at Dairy Creek Gold Course. The interactive driving range features Toptracer technology that tracks your shots and lets you play virtual courses or compete in games with friends. Order dinner from Marcerro while you play for a fun, tech-driven golf experience. 
 

Day 3 

Start the final morning with a little recovery at Surfside Sauna. Alternating between the sauna and cold plunge is often known to boost cardiovascular health and speed up muscle recovery, the perfect wellness ritual after a weekend on the greens. Then, grab a healthy bite to eat at The Neighborhood Acai & Juice Bar, a place known to whip up nutritious acai bowls and protein smoothies. 

Before heading home, stop at Sea Pines Golf Resort for one last round on the resort’s short but thrilling 9-hole course. If you’re in the mood for something different, the property also offers foot golf and disc golf as a way to end your weekend golf getaway. 

For guys groups that like to plan their getaways around the flavors of region, SLO CAL offers no shortage of standout dining experiences. From coastal tastings and local farm-raised beef to wood-fired dinners and late-night music, this itinerary highlights some of the region’s most flavorful stops. 
 

Day 1 

Start by checking into a hotel right in the heart of the local food scene. Both Granada Hotel & Bistro and Madonna Inn offers central proximity to restaurants, tasting rooms and nightlife throughout the county. From there, head north along the coast to San Simeon for a tasting at Hearst Ranch Winery. The oceanfront tasting room pours wines produced from vineyards in Paso Robles and pairs them with bites featuring grass-fed beef from the historic Hearst Ranch, available through Seaside Foods. 

After sampling a few local flavors, stretch your legs with a tour of Hearst Castle. The hilltop estate offers stunning coastal views and a glimpse into California history through its grand architecture and art collections. 

In the evening, drive inland to Paso Robles and stop by BarrelHouse Brewing Co. for craft beer and live music. The brewery sits in the middle of Tin City, a lively industrial district filled with tasting rooms, breweries and casual eateries, making it easy to explore nearby options for dinner before heading back for the night. 
 

Day 2 

Begin the day with breakfast at The Nest, a family-run favorite known for generous portions and a menu that blends traditional breakfast classics with Spanish-inspired dishes. Next, head to San Luis Obispo and put your group’s teamwork to the test at Puzzle Effect Escape Rooms. Solving puzzles and racing the clock adds a fun change of pace between meals and tastings. For lunch, grab a table at Goshi Japanese Restaurant. Widely known for its high-quality sushi and traditional Japanese dishes, the restaurant delivers an elevated but relaxed dining experience. 

Spend the afternoon unwinding with a tasting at Copia Vineyard & Winery, a family-run boutique winery known for its premium Rhône-style wines. Their flagship bottle, “The Source,” is a Syrah-driven blend layered with notes of violet, blackberry and spice. Find dinner downtown at The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar. Recognized in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant specializes in wood-fired cooking, serving everything from rotisserie meats to seasonal small plates, commonly paired with a thoughtfully curated whiskey selection. 

If the group is still going strong, cap off the night with live music and drinks at Club Car Bar, a Central Coast venue known for its intimate atmosphere and late-night music performances. 
 

Day 3 

Start off your final foodie day with brunch at Cambria Cafe, where the menu features a mix of Mexican, American and Tex-Mex breakfast favorites. Try favorites like the classic breakfast burrito or opt for something more unique like a chipotle shrimp omelette. Need a midday pick-me-up? Stop by Mojo’s Village Bean for locally roasted coffee and fresh New York–style bagels for the road. 

Before heading home, take a short drive north along Highway 1 to visit Elephant Seal Vista Point. The viewing area offers a chance to watch hundreds of northern elephant seals resting along the shoreline, a memorable final stop on a weekend built around great food and Central Coast experiences. 

Are you looking for a thrill-seeking guys trip itinerary? SLO CAL offers plenty of ways to get active. This itinerary pairs the region’s rugged landscapes with experiences that celebrate the outdoor thrills. 
 

Day 1 

Check into The Agrarian Hotel in the Village of Arroyo Grande, a convenient stay for exploring both the coast and inland adventure spots. After dropping your bags, head straight for the sand at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. Bring your own off-road vehicle or rent an ATV from Arnie’s ATV Rentals and spend the afternoon climbing dunes, carving through sandy trails and taking in the ocean views. 

After a full evening on the sand, head to dinner at Ada’s Fish House in the Pismo Beach, a family owned restaurant serving up fresh seafood and dishes like creamy seafood pasta and tasty fish tacos. 
 

Day 2 

Start the morning with a hearty breakfast at Beachin’ Biscuits. Their biscuit sandwiches and breakfast plates provide plenty of fuel for another active day. Next, drive up Cuesta Ridge for adventure driving and sweeping panoramic views of the Central Coast. The ridge road winds through forested terrain and open viewpoints overlooking SLO CAL. See if you can spot all of the Nine Sisters, a chain of 9 volcanic plugs stretching from Morro Bay to San Luis Obispo. A high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the drive. 

Next, bring out your group’s competitive side with a paintball match at Gladiator Paintball Park. The park offers multiple fields and equipment rentals, making it easy to jump into a fast-paced game whether you bring your own gear or not. Afterward, grab lunch at Jonnyboy’s Bagelry, where fresh bagel sandwiches and deli-style classics offer a quick midday break.  

In the afternoon, head to Margarita Adventures for a zip line tour across scenic ranchland. The course sends riders soaring over oak-studded hills and vineyards, giving you a unique and thrilling way to see the SLO CAL scenery. 

For dinner, switch things up by trying a cuisine you may not have experienced before. Enjoy Peruvian flavors at Coya or opt for Mediterranean dishes at Jaffa Cafe. 
 

Day 3 

Before wrapping up your action-packed weekend, saddle up for a scenic ride with Covell Clydesdale Ranch. Perfect for riders of all experience levels, these guided horseback rides offer riders the unique experience of riding beautiful clydesdales through the hills with views out to the ocean. After your ride, swing by Pig Iron for a well-earned lunch and refreshing drinks before heading home.