El Niño dampening your travel plans? Maybe you just need to rethink your itinerary. California’s Central Coast is famous for beautiful outdoor activities, but the good news is that’s not the only thing going for this part of the state.
Allow us to present… the El Niño Loop! Atascadero, Cayucos and Morro Bay each possess a surprising number of awesome things to do indoors. We challenge you to come up with your own itinerary based on your wishes and those of your traveling companions. But of course we have some ideas for you:
We’ll start in cozy Cayucos… because, of course, we wouldn’t want you to arrive there after Brown Butter Cookie Company closes its doors at 6pm. Grab some cookie samples and a delicious seafood-y bite to eat at Schooner’s or Duckie’s Chowder House. If it’s up your alley, spend some time in Cayucos’ many antique shops. You’ll be surprised how much time will pass without you realizing it.
If art is your thing, don’t bypass the Green Room Gallery, a collection of local art, handmade items and vintage gifts. Or to enjoy the sound of rain with a glass of wine in hand, stop by Cayucos Cellars or Full Moon Tasting Room for some seaside wine tasting.
Ready to move on to something a little bigger? Hop on Highway 1 and head south to Morro Bay, which offers a different array of activities. Morro Bay is home to some fun indoor museums and sea centers including the Museum of Natural History, the Skateboard Museum and the Estuary Nature Center. For Morro Bay-specific shopping, California Images has colorful gifts and colorful children’s clothing, and the Shell Shop holds the Central Coast’s largest collection of seashells.
If you didn’t get your wine tasting fix in Cayucos, check out one of Morro Bay’s tasting rooms or wine bars. You can find a full list here.
Ready to complete the El Niño loop? Jump back in the car and take Highway 41 over to Atascadero. If it’s before 5pm, you’ve made it in time to see the historic Atascadero City Hall, originally constructed in 1914. (Sign up in advance to secure a docent-led tour!)
There’s another reason we saved Atascadero for last. State of the art Galaxy Theatres is large, comfortable and the perfect way to end a rainy day in plush stadium seating. Buy some popcorn, even wine and beer in the VIP louge, and sit back to enjoy the feature presentation of your choice.
Of course, there are many other indoor activities in these locations you could choose to enjoy instead. We invite you to do some research and plan an itinerary that will be a memorable and relaxing vacation for you and your traveling companions, no matter the weather!
