Blog

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 usually at least one free concert in San Luis Obispo County that is for the public. On June 15, 2025 (Father's Day), Talley Vineyards is having a live performer from 1PM - 4PM. It's free music entertainment but wine purchase is required for entry and they encourage you to bring your own picnic food to enjoy! Here's an image of me enjoying a local concert around Five Cities.
     
   • There is a Daddy & Me Kids Workshops for 2025 are usually announced as they get closed to June. I will post them here when there is more information.
   • There is a Family Dance every year in Arroyo Grande. This event is for anyone 4 years old and older. You would have to register at the City of Arroyo Grande's website to book for this. Address: 126 S. Mason St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. See the family-friendly events list to see all upcoming events and the Father's Dance is posted there as well if it's been announced.
   • Paso Robles Children's Museum often plans an event for dads in June. Museum admission is required and RSVP is also required when they have special events. To RSVP, call them at 805-238-7432. Address: 623 13th St., Paso Robles, CA 93446
     


2. Avila Valley Barn - Open every day from 10AM - 6PM, Avila Valley Barn has a storefront that is considered a grocery store so they have remained open during the pandemic. You can feed the animals, walk around the farm and buy some local goods. Parking is always free so you can just stroll around without spending a buck, unless you want to buy some food for the goats. Address: 560 Avila Beach Drive San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
   


3. Beach Day at Pismo Beach - There are many beautiful beaches here in San Luis Obispo County, including our most popular one, Pismo Beach.
   
   As a local, I still love coming to this beach because there are so many restaurants nearby. I love seeing visitors come here and enjoying my county. Some of the restaurants offer clam chowder, sandwiches and ethnic cuisines so the choices are plenty. Parking can be difficult but if you don't mind walking a few blocks away, it is very doable. If you prefer a much more relaxed beach vibe, I suggest visiting Cambria, which is located in the northern part of San Luis Obispo County.


4. Monarch Butterfly Grove (Grover Beach to Pismo Beach) - Monarch Butterfly Grove is a state park so it's open year round and always a big tourist spot. I come here for the trails behind it and I suggest planning a longer walk to take advantage of its proximity. You can get to the ocean this way! It is such a beautiful walk through the trails but it's not very accessible for the disabled. However, the main Butterfly Grove area is spacious and allows room for those who need accessibility and strollers. You can also get to the Monarch Butterfly Grove from the Grover Beach side off of Grand Avenue using the Meadows Trail.
   


5. Go to a Water Park - There are two water parks that are only open during the summer in San Luis Obispo County: one is in Paso Robles (Ravine Waterpark) and one in Arroyo Grande (Mustang Waterpark at Lopez Lake). The Ravine Waterpark is much bigger with a lot of wineries within a short drive. There's even a tasting room across the street from it.
   The Mustang Waterpark is smaller but it's located at a state park so if you have a camper/RV, this might make more sense to you. Since Father's Day always takes place on a Sunday in mid-June, you can expect the waterparks to be open on Father's Day every year! I've rented a cabana at both Ravine Waterpark and Mustang Waterpark before. See bullet points below for links to my personal reviews.
   • Read my full review of Ravine Waterpark in Paso Robles.
   • Read my cabana review at Mustang Waterpark in Arroyo Grande.


6. Creek Walk Stroll in Downtown - Whenever we are in downtown San Luis Obispo, we try to walk through it via the creek walk that's adjacent to Higuera St. It's a very easy walk and it actually goes right under the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church, a famous landmark, as well. This walk is so enjoyable to me and you can get to so many other businesses by going up and down the creek as an alternative route to the busy sidewalks. There are restaurants in Downtown San Luis Obispo with a view of the San Luis Obispo Obispo Creek. See a short video of my visit at Sidecar (adult bar) with a view of the creek below.



7. Take Him to a Winery or Wine Tasting Room. There are about 2 dozens wineries in Edna Valley (San Luis Obispo City proper) and hundreds of tasting rooms in Paso Robles, a wine country within San Luis Obispo County. So, the options are many! As a local, I've personally visited over 50 of them. See my top 10 favorite wineries/wine tasting rooms in San Luis Obispo County area and the pictures I took during my visits. Many tasting rooms have a unique vibe and scenery. Sometimes I like going to the wineries and tasting rooms just to check our their awesome architecture and fantastic views. See two video shorts from a couple of my wine tasting room visits below.
   

To see many pictures of restaurants that I've visited in San Luis Obispo County, go to the Restaurants Page.