It all started with a question: “Can you bottle a place?”

While taking on this challenge in the newest SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) series, Tapped Into SLO CAL, Firestone Walker’s brewmaster enjoyed kayaking along the salty coast, visiting a local winery and listening to live music at a neighborhood bar. Along the way, it was made clear that what pairs best with life on the Central Coast is a local brew.

Watch the video series to get a taste of the region and how it influences local beer. Then, head to SLO CAL to enjoy custom pairings with Firestone Walker Brewing Company beers and answer the question of, “What beer would pair with this popular SLO CAL activity?” Enjoy some of the best activities SLO CAL has to offer and top off the experience with a Firestone Walker beer that matches the vibe.

Episode 1 Tapped Into SLO CAL

Surfing (or kayaking) + 805 Cerveza

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View on flat water and horizon of three kayakers with the tip of a kayak seen from photographer

After a day in the water or at the beach, sip on a refreshing 805 Cerveza and let the coastal air add the perfect hint of salt to every sip. Firestone Walker’s 805 beer line is arguably one of their most well-known and widely consumed beers, named after the local area code of San Luis Obispo County.

For surfboard rentals, head to Shell Beach Surf Shop in Pismo Beach. Need a lesson? They got you covered there too. If surfing isn’t your thing, Central Coast Kayaks offers a variety of kayak tours (from wildlife to cave tours), as well as rental gear. Or just chill on one of the coastal beaches from Cayucos to Oceano. The best part? Beaches in these parts are often sunny and empty—with lots of room to spread out.

Suggested Pairing

  • Activity: surfing
  • Beer style: lager brewed with lime

Wine Tasting + Parabola

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Two people tasting wine in green vineyard with hills and blue sky in background

This might be a guide to beer pairing, but no visit to SLO CAL is complete without a stop in wine country. Firestone’s annual parabola release is the perfect match, as it also has unique, small batch vintages and uses barrel aging.

Excellent wine tasting can be found throughout the region from downtown tasting rooms to rural estates. The two most popular wine areas are Paso Robles and Edna Valley. Book a private tasting experience with Scar of the Sea & Lady of the Sunshine with wines made from their vineyard in Avila Beach. Or for convenient pairing, head to Paso Robles and enjoy a glass or two before visiting Firestone Walker Brewing Company’s tap room. Or follow up a winery tour with a brewery tour, starting at Firestone Walker’s Visitor Center.

Suggested Pairing

  • Activity: wine tasting
  • Beer style: imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels

Live Music + Electric Eagle

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Musicians playing guitar and singing at bar with person watching from a table with a beer

In collaboration with Earnie Ball, headquartered in San Luis Obispo, this limited release beer is perfectly paired with live music concert. Who knows, the musician on stage might just be playing on an Earnie Ball guitar or on Earnie Ball strings!

Situated between LA and San Francisco, and as a university town, the city of San Luis Obispo often attracts larger acts than one may expect.

Local venues such as Rod & Hammer Rock, Frog & Peach, Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo, Fremont Theater and more offer regular tickets and non-ticketed music events. Check out the event calendar to see what show is on while you’re in town.

Suggested Pairing

  • Activity: concert
  • Beer style: west coast India pale ale (IPA)

Gateway to Big Sur + Union Jack IPA

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Cheers to a West Coast IPA while watching the sunset on the iconic, coastal Highway 1. Sunset over the Pacific Ocean? Check. Seasonal waterfall onto a black sand beach? Check.

The Plaza at Ragged Point Inn is the perfect spot to pick up a brew and enjoy it with endless views of the coast. Ragged Point is a landmark destination on the way to Big Sur with million-dollar views. Stretch your legs and walk around the coastal paths and lawn. Don’t forget your camera to capture the sky as it turns to pastels as the sun dips below the horizon.

Suggested Pairing

  • Activity: sunset chasing at Ragged Point
  • Beer style: west coast IPA

Hiking + Mind Haze Lemonade Rage

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A young woman hiking on Pine Mountain in Atascadero, surrounded by scenic views and natural trails.

Get the blood pumping with a hike. SLO CAL has some beautiful trails to discover. And after working up a sweat, reward yourself with a refreshing lemonade beer with Firestone’s Mind Haze Lemonade Rage.

Without an open container law, you can explore Atascadero with your beer in hand. Hike Stadium Park and then have a picnic at Sunken Gardens with Historic City Hall as the backdrop. For the picnic basket, stop for sandwiches and a beer at Colony Market & Deli—just a short walk away from the garden.

Suggested Pairing

  • Activity: hiking
  • Beer style: turbo Radler

Boating + Cali Squeeze

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Spend the day boating on Lopez Lake and after a day of fun in the sun, enjoy a refreshing Firestone Walker Cali Squeeze, with real fruit in each beer. The Lopez Lake Marina rents pontoon boats, waverunners, canoes, fishing boats and more. 

Mustang Waterpark, located in the heart of Lopez Lake Recreation Area, opens annually during the summer. You’ll find water slides, half-pipe innertube ride and a kiddie pool if you’re traveling with youngsters.

Cali Squeeze blood orange is also a common tap found throughout the county, so no matter where you belly up to the bar it’s easy to find when you’re in the mood for easy drinking, crowd pleasing (for those over 21) beverage.

Suggested Pairing

Horseback Riding + Bramblin’ on my Mind

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group horseback riding on a trail in Santa Margarita

Firestone Walker’s Barrelworks collection features a variety of rustic wild ales, some fitting into the sour ale category. For a wild, rustic activity with coastal cowboy influence, pair this beer with horseback riding in SLO CAL.

Horseback riding options include saddling up on a Clydesdale at Covell Ranch, a ride through the vines at Central Coast Trailrides or ride on Cerro San Luis Obispo with Madonna Inn Trail Rides.

Suggested Pairing

Sandboarding + 8ZERO5

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Firestone Walker’s non-alcoholic beer 8ZERO5 takes their traditional 805 blond ale flavor profile and makes it enjoyable for any occasion and for those looking for the flavor without the alcohol effects. It pairs perfectly with any activity and is highly sessionable.

Sandboard rentals are available at Oceano Surf Shack. Grab a board and explore Oceano Dunes State Park from beginner to advanced sand dune hills.

Suggested Pairing

  • Activity: sandboarding
  • Beer style: non-alcoholic blond ale
Brewmaster opening fermentation tank in a Firestone Walker Brewery with steam coming out

There’s always something new brewing at Firestone Walker, including seasonal offerings and limited releases. So, grab a taste of SLO CAL by ordering up one of their award-winning brews. And don’t miss trying the limited-release SLO CAL beer available exclusively at Firestone Walker’s Tap Room in Summer 2026. Try one of these activity beer pairings or answer the question for yourself and discover what Firestone Walker beer pairs best with your favorite SLO CAL activity. Cheers!


Please check with locations for specific beer availability and drink responsibly.