I take a trip up to Pismo Beach/SLO at least three times a year. If you're into wine, the Solvang area is great. I believe you were told to stop at Los Olivos which is a good bet. It was made famous due to the film "Sideways" and although it's been several years since the film was released, you'll still see businesses/tours trying to promote themselves because of it. Both Solvang and Los Olivos will have vineyard maps (or you could look online). There are a ton and vary in price per tasting and selection. If you're around Solvang on a weekend, I recommend stoping at
Cold Spring Tavern for a tri-tip sandwich lunch, cold beer, and live music. It's a big biker hangout and a lot of fun. If you're not familiar with Santa Barbara, head over to downtown and walk along State St. I'll let the SB people give you more detailed recommendations as I tend to stick to a few places I know for food/drinks since most of the time I'm in that area I'm a friend's place near Montecito. I will say that if you like ice cream you need to try McConnell's. Damn. North past Solvang is a pretty empty stretch until you get up to Arroyo Grande. I've really found little to do there except stop at the Trader Joe's to stock up on beer/wine/snacks. Pismo itself is pretty sleepy but is where I always stay. There are several decent hotels along the cliffs but I find myself always going back to the Kon Tiki. Simple rooms that each have their own balcony and every single one faces the ocean. Great pool/jacuzzi and a guest pass to the gym next door (which is great after walking down two blocks to Old West for cinammon rolls). A bit further north and along the coast is Avila Beach, a quiet "resort" town. I usually head over to neighboring Port San Luis for dinner on the pier which is easily the best seafood in the area. SLO has a great small-town feel. I recommend Firestone's for an incredible tri-tip sandwich and a good selection of local beers. While Apple Farm is like walking inside a Thomas Kinkade painting (yeah...), their prime rib dinner is outstanding. Hearst is always good for a couple of hours. Keep heading up PCH for a great scenic drive. Lucia Lodge (in Lucia, CA) is a decent ocean-view restaurant and I think it was picked as having some of the best fish and chips in the US for a seaside spot. I wouldn't doubt it. Not much to do in Big Sur unless you're going to go hiking. Still a pretty drive. Plenty to see and do in Carmel/Monterey, even if only driving around. Make sure to see the aquarium. Not hard at all to find a great place to eat in Carmel.
(they don;t have a tongue in cheek smiley do they?)
