Central Coast Summer Bucket List

Adult life often feels centered around work and sleep. We miss out on the fun when we’re trying to stick to our weekly routine, and while it’s nice to have a routine you enjoy, it’s also important to get out and enjoy the place you live. Now that the days are longer and the weather is warmer, it’s the perfect time to make our summer bucket lists. This summer we’re outside. Winter had us trapped indoors for too long, so it’s time to make the best of the hot days ahead. Whether you live in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, or Paso Robles, there is so much to do just outside your house. Here are a few ideas to get your bucket list started. 

1. Kayak in the ocean

The Central Coast is full of water sports. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing are a few activities you can do this summer. For folks who aren’t comfortable swimming in the ocean, kayaking can be a good place to start. Take a tour around Morro Bay or Shell Beach to enjoy the local wildlife. It’s perfect for beginners because you paddle through calm waters, so you won’t have to worry about paddling over rocky waves. If you’ve kayaked before and feel comfortable in the ocean, try out the caves excursion tour, where you’ll paddle through caves and see beautiful rock gardens. You can do all three tours throughout the summer as you gain more confidence paddling through the water. It’ll be an unforgettable experience that you can enjoy with friends and family. Central Coast Kayaks offers all three tours, and they’re available now that the season is open. You can visit their shop in Pismo Beach to book a tour or book online through their website. 

2. Visit the Central Coast Zoo

Did you know we have our very own zoo on the Central Coast? It resides in the small town of Atascadero, and it’s home to over 60 species and 200 animals. It’s the only zoo that’s accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums on the Central Coast, which means the animals are held to preserve their species and wild habitats. You’ll be able to see red pandas, radiated tortoises, black-handed spider monkeys, and more. They’re open every day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The zoo is small, so you don’t have to spend your entire day there, and the admission is extremely affordable. General admission is $15. Student and senior admission is $13. Children under 12 are $10. 

3. Go to the Mid-State Fair

You're never too old to enjoy the fair, and Paso Robles always kicks off summer with the Mid-State Fair. This year, the fair is July 15-26th. It’s tailored perfectly for adults. If you’re not a fan of the fair rides, enjoy the food and alcohol set-ups in the Paso heat. The days get really hot, so remember to take your sunscreen, sunnies, and hats. You can also enjoy live music and visit the animals to have the most fun. You can buy concert tickets for one of the nights and see a new artist you’ve never seen before. You’ll have to buy concert tickets before they sell out. However, admission to the fair is available on the day you go or buy your tickets ahead of time. Daily admission at the gate is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for youth. Wristbands and tickets for the fair rides are sold separately. 

4. Hot Air Balloon in Santa Ynez

Take in the Central Coast from a different view with a hot air balloon ride in the Santa Ynez Valley. Take a ride above and see how much wildlife you can spot, from deer to wild boar to foxes. The Sky’s the Limit Ballooning company has flown hot air balloons since 1994, and their crew has years of experience, so you’ll be safe and comfortable flying with them. You’ll be able to take in the wine country and see many gorgeous estates, including Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. They have three packages to fit your needs: a morning ride costs $250 per person, an evening ride costs $300 per person, and private rides for up to 14 people range from $2,000 to $4,500. 

5. Wine Tour in Paso Robles

Experience the Central Coast through its vineyards with a wine tour. Paso Robles is home to over 400 wineries, so you have a lot to choose from for your tour. You can book a private tour with a winery company or wine hop through many tasting rooms in downtown Paso Robles to get a taste of everything. Paso Robles Wine Tours offers custom packages for every party if you don’t want to plan where you want to go; they plan everything for you and take you where you need to go. They also pick you up right outside your hotel or Airbnb, driving you to every tasting they book for you and your group. Over 6 hours, you’ll visit up to six wineries, and you can swap a winery for a brewery or olive oil tasting. They are incredibly flexible and tailor everything to your group’s needs and wants.