Things to do in Central Coast
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Passionfish
Passionfish is one of the finest fish restaurants in the region. Fresh, sustainable seafood is served in any number of inventive ways; there are also slow-cooked meats and locally grown vegetables. Owner Ted Walther has built up a passionate following that extends well beyond PG.
reviewed
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Electric Sierra Cycles
Cycling along West Cliff Dr provides million-dollar views, especially at sunset, and it’s a great way to get around town on crowded summer days. Electric Sierra Cycles rents electric and pedal-powered bikes by the hour and day, starting at $8 per hour.
reviewed
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McWay Falls
California's only coastal waterfall, the 80ft McWay Falls drops straight into the sea - or onto the beach, depending on the tide. Dare you to take fewer than a dozen photos. To reach the waterfall viewpoint, take the short Overlook Trail heading west and cross beneath Hwy 1.
reviewed
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Esalen Institute
About 10 miles north of Lucia is the new-agey Esalen Institute, famous for its esoteric workshops and ocean-view hot-springs baths. With a reservation you too can frolic nekkid in the latter - but only from 1am to 3am ($20, credit cards only). It's surreal.
reviewed
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San Luis Obispo Art Center
Mission Plaza is bounded by the gentle San Luis Obispo Creek, which is lined with public art and is a nice spot for respite or a picnic. It leads straight to the San Luis Obispo Art Center, a showcase for local artists as well as visiting exhibits from around California.
reviewed
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El Paso Robles Area Pioneer Museum
Sample local history - of the non-earthshaking variety - at the El Paso Robles Area Pioneer Museum. Lots of stuff that would have been carted away as junk just a few years ago has now found a home in this interesting compound, which puts the area's history into context.
reviewed
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Jack London's
In a walkway off Dolores St, Jack London's serves hot food until midnight. A Carmel mainstay since 1973, it pairs upscale pub grub (burgers, ribs) with a selection of microbrews and potent mixed drinks. With a cozy fireplace, the bar is a good place for just a drink.
reviewed
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Bottles & Bins
Vince Poma's liquor store is the peninsula's top spot to pick up wine and nonstandard beers - lots of Belgians and Pacific Northwest microbrews - and in the corner his spirited wife Karlen serves up her love-infused deli sandwiches from 10:30 to 15:00 weekdays.
reviewed
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La Purísima Mission State Historic Park
Follow Hwy 246 about 15 miles west of Hwy 101 to La Purísima Mission State Historic Park. Completely restored, it's one of California's most evocative Spanish-colonial missions, with flowering gardens, livestock pens and adobe buildings.
reviewed
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Art Cafe
Many of the good smells at this cute place come from the in-house bakery that produces treats such as spice white pepperjack bread and famous muffins. Omelettes, salads, sandwiches, steaks and such at night complete the menu. Art by patrons adorns the walls.
reviewed
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Carmel Valley
Go about two miles inland on Carmel Valley Rd and you'll hit sun almost every time. This Mediterranean-feeling valley is home to organic farms, upscale gated communities and posh garden shops. Scenic mountain roads lead over the hills to the Salinas Valley.
reviewed
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Lillian’s Italian Kitchen
Nothing-fancy Lillian’s serves terrific homemade American-Italian dishes, including a knockout ‘Sunday gravy’ – a slow-cooked, tomato-based meat sauce – using an old family recipe. Great paninis at lunch. No reservations.
reviewed
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Intermezzo
Foodies take note: the swank and stylin' little sister of the Wine Cask serves a less formal menu - cheese plates, lamb kibbes, club sandwiches - that's every bit as gratifying. Same chef, same kitchen, way lower prices. Great for cocktails too.
reviewed
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Monterey Whale Watching
You can spot whales off the coast of Monterey pretty much year-round. The season for blue and humpback whales runs from May to November, while gray whales pass by from mid-December to April. Monterey Whale Watching boats leave daily on three-hour tours.
reviewed
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Montrio Bistro
Inside a 1910 firehouse, this classy restaurant's tables are covered in butcher paper with crayons for kids. Seasonal New American cooking and Monterey County wines satisfy.
reviewed
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Ristorante Avanti
Mom-and-pop Avanti’s Cal-Italian menu features earthy pasta dishes; chicken cacciatore is the specialty, but look for seasonal knockout specials that use local produce. Casual vibe, good wines. Families welcome. Make reservations.
reviewed
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Square One
Postmodern Californian cuisine reaches stratospheric heights of inventiveness, piquing even jaded palates with the likes of grapefruit gelée and avocado mousse laid atop seafood. Sculpted desserts are challenging. Svelte wine bar.
reviewed
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O'Mei
It's pricey for Chinese, but everything is fresh and preparations are spot-on. The crisp-fried sweet potatoes and red-oil dumplings both merit a special trip - some drive all the way from San Francisco for them. Make reservations.
reviewed
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Press Room
Tiny but raucous Press Room can barely contain the locals, Brooks photography students and European travelers that cram the place to its seams. But there's no better place to catch the game or quaff some views with your tastebuds.
reviewed
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Tillie Gort
This veteran goes back to the '60s and still is true to its hippie roots. There are lots of vegetarian items on a menu with global inspiration. Portions are hearty and the desserts are rather decadent. It's close to the aquarium.
reviewed
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Natural Bridges State Beach
- Santa Cruz, USA
- Sights › Beach
Further west, this beach bookends a scenic coastal drive or cycle, about 3 miles from the wharf. There are tide pools for exploring and leafy trees in which monarch butterflies roost from October through February.
reviewed
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Lulu Carpenter's
If you wear your collar up and like to spread out with the Sunday Times, you'll dig this clean-hands café with brick walls and casement windows. There's outdoor seating on Pacific Ave or in the garden. Free wi-fi.
reviewed
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Novo
Novo spins out hit-or-miss Mediterranean, Brazilian and Asian-inspired tapas, with an eye towards freshness and presentation. Pick from dozens of international beers, wines or sakes, and savor the view from creekside decks.
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SLO Brewing Co
A popular brewpub whose homemade beers go well with the burgers, barbecue and grilled seafood served upstairs for lunch Wednesday to Sunday, and dinner Tuesday to Sunday. Downstairs there's billiards and live music and DJs.
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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park harbors California's only coastal waterfall, 80ft-high McWay Falls, which is reached via a quarter-mile stroll. Perched on a cliff are two walk-in campsites.
reviewed