This Paso Robles business rents sporty 3-wheeled cars for open-air tours of SLO County
Looking for a new way to explore the roads of San Luis Obispo County and beyond?
California Coast Adventures, based in Paso Robles, rents three-wheel, open-air vehicles for people to drive on self-guided tours.
The Polaris Slingshot is a two-seat vehicle that sits a mere 5 inches off the ground. It is classified as a motorcycle, but anyone with a driver’s license 27 years old or older may drive the vehicle.
Drivers and passengers can feel the thrill of the wind and rush of the road while enjoying stunning Central Coast scenery from Morro Bay to Big Sur, according to California Coast Adventures owner Jon Barnett.
“It’s like going from a kid driving a golf cart on a mini golf course to driving a car on the road,” Barnett said.
People can rent out Slingshots starting at $229. The price varies based on how long guests will have the Slingshot and the tour destination.
Each Slingshot comes with one full tank of gas, Barnett said, which is more than enough for a full day’s adventure.
How California Coast Adventures got started
Originally from Orange County, Barnett worked in construction sales for more than 20 years. He moved to Paso Robles a few years ago.
Once in San Luis Obispo County, Barnett said he wanted to develop an adventure tourism concept while integrating the coastline and scenic roads.
“I realized the beauty of the area and all the roads,” Barnett said, explaining that he’s always had a passion for the California coast. “Everything is a scenic drive.”
California Coast Adventures is the only Polaris Adventures outfitter on the Central Coast, according to Barnett.
On the day of their tour, guests arrive to the California Coastal Adventures office in Paso Robles wearing comfortable clothes and shoes. They’re encouraged to bring sunblock and extra layers of clothing.
Guests undergo an orientation session telling them about safety and features on the Slingshots, Barnett said, and they are fitted for helmets with eye protection.
Barnett said while the Slingshots are sporty vehicles and capable of speed, guests must follow rules for safety. No donuts are allowed, and while Slingshots are legal to drive on the freeway, Barnett said guests must keep them off Highway 101.
Each Slingshot is equipped with GPS technology for guests to follow pre-planned routes with California Coast Adventures’ tours.
This technology tells guests exactly where to go, Barnett said, avoiding Highway 101 and providing directions to back roads that not all people may be familiar with.
According to Barnett, one popular trip is the Morro Bay adventure.
As Slingshot drivers and passengers head southbound out of Paso Robles, they cruise by wineries and ranches and into Cayucos. From their vehicle, they can see the scenic hills above Cayucos and Morro Rock.
Once the travelers arrive in Baywood-Los Osos, the entrance to Montaña de Oro State Park, they can relax at Spooner’s Cove before turning back around to Paso Robles.
Before they return their Slingshots, Barnett said he encourages customers to stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Central Coast Adventures launched with its first ride in April, and as summer begins, more people are booking tours, Barnett said.
“People are leaving with smiles and they’re coming back with big smiles,” Barnett said.
For more information on how to rent a Slingshot, visit californiacoastadventures.com.
