Top 10 romantic spots in SLO County
Ah, romance.
While February is the month of love, there's no reason to limit your affection to Valentine's Day. After all, the best way to connect with your loved one is not through a generic card and boring box of mass-produced chocolates.
Show your other half how much they mean to you by taking them to one — or two or three — of the most romantic spots in San Luis Obispo County.
No. 10: Take a soothing soak at a spa
Tribune photo by Laura Dickinson
There's nothing more relaxing— or more romantic — than a soothing soak, followed by a couples massage and chilled champagne. Dip your toes at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort in Avila Beach, where hillside hot tubs offer a lovely view of the lush woods, or savor an afternoon at the serene River Oaks Hot Springs and Spa in Paso Robles. You can also book a deluxe spa room at the historic Paso Robles Inn or go for a massage and then dinner at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo.
No. 9: Go wine tasting
Courtesy photo
Raise a glass to San Luis Obispo County's wonderful wine country, home to hundreds of delicious vintages. Whether you and your sweetheart prefer potent pinot noir, zesty zinfandel or buttery chardonnay, you're sure to find something to your liking. You can sip your favorite finds while drinking in the verdant vineyards and scenic backroads dotting areas such as the Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo, Templeton and Paso Robles.
No. 8: Visit the California Mid-State Fair
Tribune photo by Joe Johnston
You'll have to wait until summer, but get planning now for a great date night at the California Mid-State Fair. At the annual celebration of summer, you can sneak a smooch on the Ferris wheel, hold hands as you purchase a deep-fried Snickers bar or take in a concert by a top-name act. At night, the illuminated Ferris wheel can be seen from the stands at the main arena, offering a country contrast to the action on the stage.
No. 7: Hike Montaña de Oro
Photo by John Lindsey
Go for a scenic hike or horseback ride at Montaña de Oro State Park south of Los Osos, known for its shady eucalyptus groves, rugged cliffs, rolling sand dunes and rocky tidepools teeming with life. (The park's name means "Mountain of Gold" in Spanish.) Valencia Peak offers some of the best views of the area, which includes Spooner's Cove and Point Buchon, where part of 1977's "Pete's Dragon" was filmed.
No. 6: Explore California Valley
Tribune photo by David Middlecamp
Savor the sunshine and solitude of the California Valley and the Carrizo Plain National Monument, about 50 miles east of Santa Margarita along Highway 58. Spring is the best time of year to visit this remote region, when colorful swaths of wildflowers carpet the plain. If you're lucky, you might spot some local wildlife, including Tule elk, pronghorn antelope and San Joaquin kit foxes, on your way to Soda Lake and Painted Rock.
No. 5: Visit the missions
Tribune photo by Joe Johnston
You don't have to be a history buff to appreciate the beauty of these old buildings. Stroll together through the beautiful walkways surroudning Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in downtown SLO. Make a wish and throw a penny in the bear fountain out front. Or take a drive up to Mission San Miguel. Historians say it is the only California mission with its original interior paint — boldly colorful designs that were probably applied before 1821 by Native Americans under direction of an artist from Monterey. Those designs survived a major 2003 earthquake, which prompted years of reconstruction and retrofitting. As you browse the rooms of the museum, keep an eye out for men in brown robes: The Franciscans are still in residence. If you really want to get off the beaten path, head to Mission San Antonio de Padua, which is surrounded by Fort Hunter Liggett.
No. 4: Paddle the waters of SLO County
Tribune photo by Laura Dickinson
In these hectic days, sometimes it's difficult just to find a little face-to-face time. But if you rent a kayak, you'll have plenty of it — while gliding on water. You don't have to be an Olympic swimmer or a boat captain to do this — paddling a kayak is a fairly lightweight activity — and you can avoid potential scary waves by choosing a rental place near calmer waters. There you can spot wildlife, see your reflections in the water and soak up the sun. For starters, check out the Lopez Lake Marina or the state park marina in Morro Bay.
No. 3: Drive the back roads of the Central Coast
Tribune photo by Joe Johnston
Take a scenic drive off the beaten path. Chances are you've been on the scenic stretches of Highway 1, but there are many great road trips that you probably haven't experienced. You can start with a trip through the Santa Lucias en route to Mission San Antonio to the north or Hi Mountain, near Lopez Lake, to the south. Bring a camera, plenty of good traveling music and a picnic lunch — there will be plenty of great places to stop and take it all in.
No. 2: Take the train
H. Lorren Au Jr./Orange County Register/MCT
Enjoy a different view of the coast — without having to keep your eyes on the road. Amtrak's famous Pacific Surfliner route, traveling south alongside the ocean, is one of the most scenic train trips in America. A train trip to San Diego would offer a perfect opportunity to catch up while romantically riding the rails as lovers have done for decades. Twelve trains run this route on weekends, taking passengers through cities such as Santa Barbara, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente.
No. 1: Watch the sun set over the Pacific
Tribune photo by Laura Dickinson
Is there anything more romantic than a long walk on the beach? Pack up a picnic dinner or get takeout from a local restaurant and head to the white sands of the Central Coast. Listen to the waves crash while you eat, then take a stroll as the sun disappears into the Pacific. Share a kiss after the last bit of sunlight dips behind the horizon, then walk back to your car under the reddish glow of the sky.
This story was originally published February 6, 2015 at 11:21 AM with the headline "Top 10 romantic spots in SLO County."