The old adage, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” is never more apparent than when you’re driving on Highway 101 through Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
The drive itself is pure eye candy. Magnificent mountains, ocean views, wildflowers and rolling hills lined with vineyards are only the beginning. Almost every exit offers a copious amount of things to see, do, sip and savor.
And don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars. The beaches, wineries and wildlife are picture worthy. Dolphins, elephant seals and whales are frequently seen.
Each community along this stretch of heaven offers experiences for every age to enjoy. Avila Beach, located just 10 miles south of San Luis Obispo, is at the top of the list of must-experience beach towns.
On a recent trip to Avila, some friends and I checked out a cool little wine bar called PierFront wine & brew, at 480 Front St., which offers one of the best views on the Central Coast. The staff makes every visitor feel right at home. What could be better than meeting friends at PierFront or chatting it up with locals on the waterfront?
Adorning the walls is mermaid artwork from local resident Ana Greene, while the floor plan features a number of couches in sea foam green and subtle blues. Avila Beach competes with Newport Beach in terms of grace, but still maintains an element of charm that is all its own.
The selection of wines at PierFront are predominantly from the local Paso Robles wine region. Try a glass of the fruit-forward DAOU Vineyards & Winery’s Pessimist, a real crowd pleaser.
It was about this time that PierFront owner Britaney Bagliazo brought out the cheese board covered in an array of amazing-looking Cambozola, Manchego, Gouda and white cheddar, which were plated with colorful dried fruits and crackers. This was an impressive display of charcuterie platter.
“I wanted to create a place for locals to hang out and enjoy the sea breeze,” Bagliazo explained. “I love owning this place in paradise. Tourists come in and we’re able to share some places to visit that they typically wouldn’t find.
“Plus, my staff is incredible.”
When another couple happened to enter with their dog, a large, goofy golden retriever, Bagliazo kindly brought out water for it as she took their order and returned inside to help other customers. The couple told us it was their first time visiting Avila Beach and joked that they may never go back home to Los Angeles.
If timed correctly, you can sip in blissful satisfaction while watching the sun make its graceful descent, turning the sky glorious shades of blue, red and orange.
Our new friends ended up joining us out on the patio, where they shared details of their day and how much they enjoyed walking the Bob Jones City-to-Sea Trail.
For the uninitiated, the trail is a three-mile walk to the Avila Pier from the trailhead parking lot at 7009 Ontario Road north of Avila Beach Drive. It winds through beautiful oak trees and the Avila Beach Golf Resort with a river’s curvaceous silhouette.
If you are a bird watcher, you’re in for a special treat. You will most likely see great blue herons and snowy egrets, which are frequently seen in North American wetlands.
Personally, my absolute favorite part is when I am near the golf course and walk on the green suspension bridge over San Luis Obispo Creek. Relaxing and just watching the cadence of the river can spontaneously inspire gratitude for the simple pleasure of being there.
Are you hungry? The pier at the end of the road in Avila, is Harford Pier at Port San Luis. I’ve been going there for years and can guarantee that you will see seals frolicking in the water and lying on huge platforms, squawking and basking in the sun.
Harford is one of the best destinations on the coast, with a visually spectacular bay, where wildlife is abundant and the pier itself is the place to buy seafood moments after taken off the boat. It is common to see crab cages being loaded onto the pier and dumped into huge bins.
At the tip of the pier, you’ll find Olde Port Inn, at 3993 Avila Beach Drive, which offers delicious food and fine, but casual, dining, with views that can’t be beat. The tables are situated so you can see straight through to the ocean below as you dine. Try the cioppino and crab cakes.
In the course of my travels, it still surprises me when I experience new emotions in familiar places and how nature can truly sooth the soul.
Life is short. Get out there with friends and wine, dine and explore. No matter how busy you are, there is time for a half-day, mini vacation on the beautiful Central Coast.
— Donna Polizzi is a travel writer and founder of Keys 2 the Coast, a trusted travel resource for the Central Coast and beyond, including sharing favorite places to “Wine, Dine and Explore.” She can be contacted at news@noozhawk.com. Connect with Keys 2 the Coast on Facebook. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are her own.