As a transplant and not having any family around, we've attempted to find a babysitter before for date nights. When the kids were babies and toddlers, we were lucky if we had a date once or twice a year! As they've gotten older, it's been much easier and more fun for our kids to use local organizations for Kids Night Out or Parents Night Out as a chance to have a date night. Here are some options in San Luis Obispo County:

1. Central Coast Gymnastics - Every month, Central Coast Gymnastics in San...

Continue reading ...

With the Barbie movie getting a lot of hype and a lot of people are dressing up in their pretty pink, I couldn't help with recollect places that I've visited that reminds me of Barbie.
(I ordered a pink drink at the Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge at Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo.)

Here's my list of Suggested Barblie-like Things To Do in San Luis Obispo County:

1. It's a no brainer for my first pick. The pretty pink boutique motel called Madonna Inn is our iconic Barbie place to be in San Luis Obispo. ...

Continue reading ...

Kanpai Sushi is one of the best three top sushi restaurants that I've had in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County.

Over the weekend, we walked into Kanpai Sushi in Shell Beach for dinner without a reservation for two on a whim (kids were at a last minute kids' only event). The only reservations available left on Kanpai Sushi's website were 8PM and later so we decided to take our chances and walked in around 6:15PM to see if there were room at the sushi bar, which usually requires no reservation. Luc...

Continue reading ...

We had a movie date over the weekend in Downtown San Luis Obispo Obispo at The Movie Experience, also known as Downtown Centre Cinemas on Google!

What made this date stood apart from the rest was that I had an awesome dinner while we were watching the movie in the movie theater and my dinner is not hot dogs and popcorn. The movie theater doesn't blatantly say you can bring your own food and drinks to the movie theater, but it also doesn't say you can't. So, I ordered a California Burrito (tha...
Continue reading ...

Mistura does everything right! Located in Downtown San Luis Obispo, Mistura's ambiance is sleek, the service is sharp and the food and drinks are stand outs!

For a belated Valentine's Day celebration, my husband and I made a reservation online for Mistura for a Saturday.

We arrived about 15 minutes before our reservation after finding a metered parking spot. Luckily, we had coins because the meter we parked right by didn't not use the parking app that the other spots use in San Luis Obispo....

Continue reading ...

My husband surprised me with an anniversary SLO staycation in Downtown San Luis Obispo!

He had presented me the reservation date and details on our actual anniversary day in an envelope as a gift but I had to wait a few weeks to experience it, when my mother-in-law was able to come to visit and watch our precious kids for us! It was a gift with big anticipation and he executed it well! Our staycation was extra unique as it was on a Monday night in December. It had rained earlier in the day bu...

Continue reading ...

While I was in college at San Diego State University (SDSU), I worked at a seafood buffet and worked on Thanksgiving Day. [You can skip my college story and just scroll down or jump straight to the list of 23 restaurants in San Luis Obispo County that will be open on Thanksgiving Day and serving a turkey dinner.] It was by choice as I got better tips and only had to work for 5 hours and could still go home and spend time with my parents and sibling. I'm a native San Diegan but I live here in ...
Continue reading ...

I had a very memorable date night with my husband earlier this month in Pismo Beach. We went to three different places on Price St, which is 2 blocks parallel from the Pismo Beach Pier. [ If you're looking for a date night suggestion for Downtown San Luis Obispo, read about our Date Night in Downtown SLO. ] 

First Date Stop in Pismo Beach: Tastes of the Valleys Review

There is a quaint wine bar in Pismo Beach on Price St. named Tastes of the Valleys. It stays open until 7PM on Saturdays so w...

Continue reading ...

My husband works a shift work schedule and I work intermittently from home as a contractor for other companies.

In the rare occasion that my husband is home during the week while the kids are at school, we'd take advantage of our proximity to fantastic places around San Luis Obispo County and do something a couple of tourists would mostly do.

Here is a list of things that I'd like to do in my spare time, besides watching shows and movies, with my husband around SLO County:

• Eat at a nice and hig...

Continue reading ...

I've been to three Mother & Son Dances so far: one on the East Coast and two on the West Coast.

Below is a table on Pros and Cons on Going to a Mother and Son Dance based on my personal experiences and feelings, and I hope this will help you if you're on the fence about going to one.
 

Pros and Cons on Going to a Mother and Son Dance

Pros
You get to bond and spend special time with your son(s). It can be fun to dress up according to the theme of the Dance or dress up nicely. The k...

Continue reading ...

There's only 6 weeks left for the school year and I'm starting to look back at how much has happened for my two kids.

For the first half of the year, all of the kids were required to wear masks. It feels like that was so long ago but it was only a few months ago that the masks mandate was lifted for the kids around this part of town. 

It never bothered my kids that they had to wear masks. Since the start of the pandemic, I sewed their fabric masks with 100% cotton fabric, as I've read it's ...
Continue reading ...

This weekend is going to be a very eventful Easter weekend with my husband's birthday tomorrow and Easter happening on the following day.

I had put in an order for a small Lemon Coconut Cake at the Madonna Inn online a month ago for pick up today at 11AM. I had a few things to do today so I decided to pick up the cake last to avoid any melting frosting. 

First, I went to Ross, a block away from Madonna Inn, to pick up some small chocolate bunnies as it is Easter Day on Sunday and I still need t...
Continue reading ...

Jump to SLO Easter Brunch List

Easter Season for 2023 is over! To see other upcoming familly-friendly events besides Easter egg hunts all over San Luis Obispo county throughout the year, go to the Family-Friendly Events page.

2023 Upcoming Egg Hunts:

(I took this picture at the Egg Hunt event at Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach) 

• April 1, 2023 (Sat) - Easter Carnival at Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church from 11AM - 2PM. Egg hunt, petting zoo, cake walk, bounce house, pizza (for purchase)...

Continue reading ...

Upcoming Teen Events

August 26, 2023 (Sat) - Teen Crafternoon at Morro Bay Library from 2PM - 4PM. Free event. This is for ages 11 - 18 years old. Craft will be origami kusudama. Address: 625 Harbor St, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Here is a list of Teen Centers and places for teenagers to thrive in San Luis Obispo County, year round:

1. Colony Park Community Center Teen Center for 6th - 12 graders. Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday from after school - 6PM. $10 yearly membership fee (scholarships availa...

Continue reading ...

As I'm getting more familiar with finding things that are gluten-free and dairy-free for a family member, I feel so fortunate that San Luis Obispo is so understanding on dietary needs at restaurants and grocery stores. I think if I were in a different town, in a different state, it would be a very different and difficult journey.

Here's a list of grocery stores that I've found to have gluten-free snacks in San Luis Obispo County so far:

1. Grocery Outlet - The Grocery Outlet that we frequent is...

Continue reading ...

This summer, we took my sons to the Boomers in Santa Maria for the first time. It was a drive to the next county over but we always enjoy going into a big town again.

There's never an admission fee to go inside however you have to pay for the rides, mini golf and playing on the arcades. I think that if the kids are still little, they can skip the rides and just enjoy the indoor arcade. They also serve food so you don't have to worry about being hungry last minute. They have burgers, pretzel...
Continue reading ...

I was happy to hear that Circus Vargas debuted in San Luis Obispo this summer and we got the chance to watch a performance the day before Independence Day at the beautiful Madonna Inn property.

I've attended a Circus Vargas show twice! Jump to a list of my tips on going to Circus Vargas with little ones. 

It was a sunny day and we caught the 4pm showing. Parking right by the circus tent was $10 cash, which we gladly paid instead of parking far away. I had an elderly family member with us and th...
Continue reading ...

Read our blog entry about our recent experience watching Circus Vargas perform on July 3, 2021 via this link.

Read my tips and experiences on going to Circus Vargas in SLO with kids.

Continue reading ...

My collage below is a collection of photos taken by me at AJ Spurs in Grover Beach, California.

AJ Spurs is located right off Highway 101 so it's a quick exit in Grover Beach. It's pricey, quirky and great for a special occasion.

We've actually dined at the AJ Spurs in Buellton (part of Santa Barbara County) before we dined at this Grover Beach location (in San Luis Obispo County). The decor is similar but I feel like this place feels much bigger! The parking situation is much easier as well....
Continue reading ...

We did a staycation at La Quinta in Downtown San Luis Obispo about a year after the pandemic started.

It was a short 17 hour staycation. Our main motivated was we wanted to be able to use our 1865 Craft House & Kitchen gift card that we've been hoarding and since it's located right next door from the La Quinta Inn in Downtown San Luis Obispo, we decided to have a relaxing tourist experience as locals as well. Since traveling far was not advised during the pandemic, we opted for staycations ins...
Continue reading ...

Here's a list of summer camp options for kids that are usually available in the summer throughout San Luis Obispo (SLO) County below. Most places don't post information until a couple of months before summer break begins.

2023 Summer Camps for Kids in San Luis Obispo County Availability

1. Summer School Camp from City of San Luis Obispo Youth Services They call it KidVENTURE! They have weekly themes for ages 5 - 12 years old, separated by 3 groups. They usually don't post information until a coupl...

Continue reading ...

Every year, we have Mother's Day as a special day to celebrate. Sometimes I love this holiday even more than my birthday as I feel like I'm celebrating it with all of the moms in country.
(My sons playing a game at a local Mother Son Dance that they attended with me during Mother's Day weekend)

Here are some tips on how to celebrate Mother's Day in San Luis Obispo County for 2023:

1. Go to a special event. There are special Mother's Day themed events around San Luis Obispo County. You can check o...

Continue reading ...

Earlier this month, my family decided to celebrate our son's birthday by planning a surprise staycation at the Madonna Inn! Madonna Inn is a famous California boutique motel property where every room has a different theme, meaning no two rooms are alike! 

Now that the stay-at-home order has been lifted and back to a tier level, we felt that our son deserved something extra special. He missed traveling like we used to do when things were more normal and had always enjoyed staying at hotels so w...
Continue reading ...

There are many ongoing events around San Luis Obispo County, the 3 most largest light displays are:

• Holiday Plaza with Christmas Lights in Mission Plaza has Santa available for pictures until Dec. 24, 2022. However, the lights will be up longer than that (until Jan 2, 2023). It's free to visit here in the day and the evening to just see the Christmas decorations or watch the lights at night. See my most recent downtown SLO date night instagram video reel to get a small glimpse of some of the...

Continue reading ...

To see upcoming Halloween and Fall Events and a list of pumpkin patches throughout San Luis Obispo County, go to our Halloween & Fall Events in SLO page.

See our video reels on my instagram to see other pumpkin patches that we've visited:

IG Video reel of our visit at The Pumpkin Patch in Edna Valley

IG Video reel of our visit to the pumpkin patch at SLO Creek Farms

IG Video reel of our visit to the pumpkin patch at Tar Creek Ranch

Major Haunted Houses in Southern California for 2023

L...

Continue reading ...

Every year, we take the kids to visit the Spirit Halloween Store in San Luis Obispo. They always have new costumes for the Halloween season. Some of my favorite ones were Marshmello, baby costumes and family themed costumes. For 2023, the Spirit Halloween Store in San Luis Obispo is now open and is located at the Former Bed Bath & Beyond Store: 317 Madonna Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93405  
Continue reading ...

Stating tomorrow, San Luis Obispo County will move into Phase 3 of reopening and today is the last day of phase 2. A lot has happened since my past post during phase 1. 

The kids are done with distance learning now so we have a bit of free time and I can make more fabric masks for them for their growing faces. See my DIY fabric face mask blog post.

We're also able to enjoy the beach again now.


Picture of Phase 1 reopening at Pismo State Beach is above.

We've been to the beach three times since th...
Continue reading ...

Doesn't it seem like there are more events around the area for Mother's Day than Father's Day? Here are some ideas on what to do around San Luis Obispo County that could help make it a more memorable Father's Day.

1. Go to a Special Event.
   • There is one free concert in Grover Beach (part of San Luis Obispo County) that is for the public on June 18, 2023 (Father's Day). It is part of the Grover Beach Summer Concert Series at Ramona Park in Grover Beach on Sundays from 3PM - 6PM. It's free music e...

Continue reading ...

During the pandemic, school districts around San Luis Obispo County offered free meal pick ups for kids during school closures.

Locations of schools offering free breakfasts and lunches for all children and teenagers during school closures against Coronavirus Covid-19 would be posted on each school district's website below.

Please check with each school for any recent updates and changes.
Website for San Luis Coastal Unified School District
Website for Lucia Mar Unified School District
Website for...
Continue reading ...

Jump to SLO Easter Brunch List

2023 Egg Hunts:

• April 1, 2023 (Sat) - Easter Carnival at Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church from 11AM - 2PM. Activities include Easter egg hunt, petting zoo, cake walk, bounce house, pizza trolley (for purchase) and games! Egg hunt schedule: 11AM: ages 2 & under, 11:40AM: ages 3-4, 12:10PM: ages 5-7 and 12:40PM: ages 8-12. Address: 1235 N Thompson Ave., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• April 1, 2023 (Sat) - Kids Day 2023 and Egg Hunt at Nipomo Community Park from 11AM -...

Continue reading ...

Two days ago, I went to the SLO Craft Beer Fest at the Alex Madonna Expo Center at the famous Madonna Inn property in San Luis Obispo, California.

We decided to go with the Friday ticket versus the Saturday ticket because it was significantly cheaper and we're hoping it would be less crowded. It was a steady crowd but not overwhelming and we enjoyed ourselves with unlimited tastings and food samples too. We didn't have to bring any extra cash for food and drinks because our ticket included al...
Continue reading ...

As a Valentine's Day celebration, my husband and I used the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa gift card that he gifted me last November for our 7th anniversary yesterday.

We had our very first couple's massage together at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. After our spa time, we had brunch at The Gardens of Avila Restaurant, also part of Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa's property. When we came here for the first time, we were a bit clueless on how things work around here and hop...
Continue reading ...

One of the more popular things to do in San Luis Obispo County is visit the Monarch butterflies at Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach. It's free to visit and free to park.

It also leads to a walking trail that is parallel to the ocean. You could go towards the Grover Beach side and see amazing views of Grover Beach and Pismo Beach by going on the Meadow Trail or go North and walk near the RV's and continue along that route until it leads you to the boardwalk and Pismo Beach Pier. Either d...
Continue reading ...

Located about a 5 minute drive from the famous Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo is a very family-friendly, pet-friendly and picnic-friendly park called Meadow Park. There are a few benches spread throughout the park which makes Meadow Park a really great option for kids' birthday parties.

With a lot of green grass and playground, you'll find a lot of activities happening here. With trails all around the park, you can take an easy stroll or exercise. Read about a few Moms Exercise Groups for San ...
Continue reading ...

Every year, there is a lot of family-friendly and free Christmas events in San Luis Obispo County that are planned by the community and local city governments. Sometimes, you may also find free Santa Photo opportunities!

2023 Christmas Event List in San Luis Obispo County

• November 24, 2023 through December 25, 2023 - Holiday Plaza & Santa's House in Downtown San Luis Obispo at 12PM. Free event. See my video from last year when Mission Plaza is transformed into Holiday Plaza with Christma...

Continue reading ...

Wineries and San Luis Obispo county go hand in hand. If you're a wine enthusiast, you're definitely in for a treat when you visit SLO! The wine culture here is amazing.

Just the drive to Tolosa Winery from the entry point towards the parking lot in Edna Valley has always wowed me. The vineyards engulf you as you continue towards the parking lot. Here's the video that I took (non-edited and not a boomerang-type effect) from our drive from entering the road.

I've been to this winery almost a d...
Continue reading ...

My first-born is starting kindergarten next month. Back in May, he had his Kindergarten Round-up (something that they have around San Luis Obispo county for the little ones who are about to start kindergarten in a few months) where they tested him on at least 10 things: like drawing a picture of himself, writing his name, counting to 20 and more! I was surprised that they were testing them on all that because I was expecting a 'round-up' to be like an orientation. My son passed all of it, tha...
Continue reading ...

There is just something really refreshing about street food that makes eating out so exciting. Although street food is illegal around here, like you know bringing out your pots of food and selling it on the corner of a street type, the many city-run farmers markets around San Luis Obispo area and the authentic little restaurant stands give the very same exciting feel.

You get to eat out on the streets or buy it and take it home while it's still piping hot. Here some of the great street food fi...
Continue reading ...

Arroyo Grande is a city located in San Luis Obispo County on the Central Coast of California. Only 10 minutes inland from Pismo Beach and Grover Beach, this more suburban city has charm with the Arroyo Grande Village and historic area right in the heart.

Things To Do in Arroyo Grande

There in The Village of Arroyo Grande is a swinging bridge that pedestrians can walk on. See the short video below to see how long this bridge is.

Usually the parking lot next to this swinging bridge is easy ...

Continue reading ...

When visiting the San Luis Obispo Library in downtown San Luis Obispo, you would either have to park along the street or park in a parking structure so be ready to have coins or money handy to pay for parking in downtown, even if you're just going to the library.

Unless you're within walking distance or using public transportation, you'll most likely have to pay to park. There are a few parking structures that allow you to park for the first hour for free but in my experience, I've never stay...
Continue reading ...

First 5 Preschools are all over the San Luis Obispo County (8 different schools) and they're free to the public.

First 5 Preschools, also known as Early Learning Centers are funded by the San Luis Obispo First 5 Children and Families Commission
> Open to preschool children between 3 to 5 years old. 
> Priority to 4 year olds who will be entering kindergarten soon. The free preschool programs for ages 3 - 5 are held at six different schools in San Luis Obispo county including: San Gabriel Eleme...
Continue reading ...

Over the weekend, we had special visitors and decided to take them to the kid-friendly Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards in San Luis Obispo.

The most extraordinary part about this vineyard is that they have beautiful peacocks roaming around. Enjoying a taster in their large outdoor patio while listening to the peacocks was a very interesting experience! Address of Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards: 1947 See Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. 

See more pictures that SanLuisObispoMom.com took from the ...
Continue reading ...

On the Central Coast of California, in the county of San Luis Obispo, is a small beach called Grover Beach. It's part of the Pismo State Beach area but there is only one direct beach entrance in, through Grand Avenue. West Coast, at its finest, you can ride your vehicle onto the beach here if you drive right on through the toll (for a small fee).

You could always just walk to Grover Beach from the Pismo Beach or Oceano by just simply walking on the sand towards Grover Beach as it's located ri...
Continue reading ...

As locals, we like to go to San Luis Obispo Children's Museum's "Moonlight Hours" where anyone could come visit that night from 5pm - 8pm for FREE (Now, they've shortened this to 5PM - 7PM)! Here are the photos that we took from our free San Luis Obispo Children's Museum visits below. They usually have the Moonlight Hours event every month so check out their website to see when their next one is. 



With three floors, my 4 year old and 2 year old sons were so excited and thrilled! We started wi...
Continue reading ...

Here are my recommended Asian Restaurants in San Luis Obispo County from my experiences:

Kumi Ko - Located in San Luis Obispo that's a couple of blocks from the SLO airport is Kumi Ko, a Japanese restaurant with sushi and other Japanese dishes. It's my favorite place to eat Japanese food when I am in San Luis Obispo City. The sushi is fresh, the bento boxes taste delicious and the service is reliable with good standards. You can them ahead to order take-out but it will take about 45 minutes. I...
Continue reading ...

August 2023 Update

Storytime times are free at all the libraries locations in the San Luis Obispo County. If you can't make it to the times of the library closest to your home, you can always venture out a little bit and go to another time and day at another library. The story times for a few libraries seems to be on hold during the summer time when not many kids are not in town. During the school year, there is a fuller schedule.

Here is the weekly story time schedule below for libraries in Sa...
Continue reading ...