What's New in SLO CAL 2017/18

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Relax and unwind in SLO CAL, San Luis Obispo County, located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California's Central Coast. Enjoy new reasons to SLOw down and take it all in during your visit this summer and fall. From new and renovated hotels to a Highway 1 whale trail, San Luis Obispo County is a bustling hub of culture, foodie and outdoor activities. Stay a weekend or plan a week with all the new adventures highlighted below.

For more trip-planning information, itineraries and lodging, check out www.SLOCAL.com.

New Air Service

SLO CAL is now more accessible than ever with new nonstop flights to the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport from Seattle, WA and Denver, CO. The Seattle flight is offered daily via Alaska Airlines and began service in April 2017. The Denver flight will be offered daily via United Airlines starting June 8, 2017. The SLO Regional Airport is also in the process of building a new, $35.4M terminal, set to open in fall 2017.

New Lodging Properties, Stunning Renovations

Shore Cliff Hotel (Pismo Beach), was transformed from the Best Western Plus Shore Cliff Lodge into an upscale boutique hotel in December 2016. The 100-room oceanfront hotel offers assistance in coordinating docent-led hikes in the 900-acre Pismo Preserve, a bocce ball court and seaside tennis courts.

The Landing at Morro Bay has opened on the beach! Located just one block from the water, The Landing at Morro Bay offers guests easy access to The Embarcadero. Sandy beaches, delicious restaurants, unique shops and more are just steps from their hotel door.

Campers at Lopez Lake in Arroyo Grande will have the opportunity to stay in one of the area's new log cabins, opened in May, 2017. Installed by the San Luis Obispo County Department of Parks and Recreation the four cabins are now available for reservations. Cabin rentals range from $95 to $195 per night, and each sleep up to six campers. 

Just in time for summer, Pismo Beach's Sandcastle Inn is showing off all-new oceanfront guest rooms. With completely renovated bathrooms and bedrooms, including plush new bedding; bold, bright decor; views for days and the sound of waves crashing - the beach vibe is only getting stronger.

Hilton Garden Inn (Pismo Beach) has recently completed a property-wide million-dollar renovation. The Pismo Beach hotel updated all 130 guest rooms to include new paint, carpets, linens, window coverings, furnishings, fixtures and electronic locks. In addition, they have updated the commercial space; renovated the bar and restaurant; and refreshed all landscaping.

Construction is underway on the 104-room hotel in Pismo Beach, called the Inn at the Pier. This luxury hotel is scheduled for completion during summer of 2017. Just footsteps from the beach and boardwalk, The Inn at the Pier is currently taking reservations starting in mid-October.

Activities to Explore for All Ages

The CA Highway 1 Discovery Route (H1DR) invites visitors to marvel at the Pacific Ocean's amazing marine life from the shores of six new Whale Trail sites. The H1DR is comprised of 10 coastal towns along Highway 1 and the Whale Trail is a series of 90 sites along the Pacific Coast where visitors can see orcas, as well as other cetaceans and marine mammals from shore. New locations along the H1DR Whale Trail are: the Avila Beach Pier, Cambria,  Cayucos, San Simeon, Oceano and Nipomo, in addition to Montaña de Oro State Park in Baywood Park-Los Osos.

Construction of the new Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center was completed in December 2016. This $2.5M facility provides community and park visitors with new educational opportunities. The exhibits highlight the District's natural and cultural resources and diverse recreational activities. Visitors will learn about the culture of the Chumash Native American tribe, the famous Pismo clams, the dune habitat, shorebirds, the Dunites and the legacy of off-highway vehicles.

Culinary Delights Waiting to be Discovered

Tolosa Winery (San Luis Obispo) is in the final stages of a multi-million dollar renovation of their production facilities and hospitality spaces. The cellar has undergone a complete metamorphosis and the member room adds seating to showcase the stunning vineyard views. The new Barrel Loft overlooks the production areas where guests sample single vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in barrel. Additional seating was added to the outdoor area, surrounding a kinetic wind sculpture to complement Tolosa's modern tasting room.

The Atascadero North County Farmers Market has moved locations and showcases its local produce and vendors every Wednesday from 3-6pm at the Sunken Gardens. The farmers market features more than a dozen stands from fresh fruits and vegetables, to honey and artisan olive oil, and is one of twelve weekly markets held year-round in SLO CAL.

Edna Valley Vineyard (San Luis Obispo) recently re-opened their doors after a four-month renovation of their tasting room. The renovation included an expanded panoramic view of the vineyard through the new floor-to-ceiling windows, and a wall was removed to create one large, open tasting room. The main tasting bar will be open to the public, while a smaller section will be reserved for club member table service.

Catch Seafood Bar and Grill is a new restaurant in Paso Robles from well-known local chef Chico Mora. The restaurant, formerly Chico's Café, is newly styled with an open kitchen so guests can watch their food being prepared right in front of them. Catch is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and weekends for brunch.

The new Café Fiero is a fast-casual café on Fiero Lane in the city of San Luis Obispo.  The café offers breakfast and lunch on weekdays and is home to a commissary that will create products for all five of its sister restaurants.

Mint + Craft opened in the April of 2017 in downtown San Luis Obispo. Mint + Craft, located on Monterey Street in the new China Town development, is a high-end café and mercantile. Mint + Craft is open every day, featuring quality quick-order and pre-packaged items and comfortable patio for al-fresco dining.

The Lunada Garden Bistro and the Lunada Coffee Bar are now open in Cayucos seven days a week. The Lunada Garden Bistro serves lunch and dinner with a wide-ranging menu. The restaurants are joined by an extensive garden area and outdoor structure, called "Gazebo Garden," which expand the restaurants' seating for large parties and events. 

Willow Market, a restaurant and full-service bar, has partnered with the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel in Pismo Beach, and will open this spring following the completion of a full property remodel. The upscale eatery will provide catering and room service to guests of the hotel; and will serve lunch and dinner daily in the 7,000-square-foot dining room and patio. The location will also include a high-end grocery market, coffee bar and deli.

More to Explore

There's so much to explore in SLO CAL, we can't mention it all, but do think these new local favorites are noteworthy. Check out the new Street Side Alehouse or the Byblos Mediterranean Grill, recently opened, both in Atascadero. Dine at the new Flagship in Pismo Beach, featuring spectacular ocean views, local fare and refreshing drinks. Treat your palate at the new Vine Restaurant in downtown Paso Robles or go just around the corner to Somm's Kitchen, offering a journey of food and wine with sommelier Ian Adamo. Finally, Thomas Hill Organic Kitchen has opened a second location in San Luis Obispo, combining local foods with local wines.

For more information on what's new in SLO CAL click here, or plan your trip at www.SLOCAL.com.

SOURCE Visit SLO CAL

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