4 Ways To Celebrate "Eat Outside Day" In Pismo Beach

The central coast of California is known for beautiful weather, enticing locals and visitors to enjoy the outdoors all year-round. Just for fun, August 31 is Eat Outside Day—and we can’t think of a better place to celebrate than Pismo Beach. Whether you prefer picnics or patios, classic BBQ or seasonal local dishes, here are four ways you can greet the outdoors while enjoying a meal under the sun.
 

1. PACK A PICNIC IN PISMO BEACH
   Located on the grounds of the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel, Willow Kitchen and Cocktails offers many to-go items that are perfect for a picnic on the beach. Choose from a variety of deli sandwiches, meats and cheeses, salads, and cold drinks to grab on your way down to the sand. And don’t forget to pick up a bottle of local wine from their incredible collection. Alternatively, take a five-minute drive north from the SeaCrest to DePalo & Sons Market—a local Pismo Beach favorite stocked daily with a smorgasbord of delicious picnic staples. Stop by for fresh-made Italian sandwiches, deli salads, and snacks to-go. The fresh mozzarella is some of the best in town. From here, you can walk down Solano Road to Spyglass Park and snag an ocean view picnic table or follow the signs to the sandy beach below. The park is equipped with BBQ areas, free parking, restrooms, and a playground for the kids.
    
2. DINE AL FRESCO ON A RESTAURANT PATIO
   There’s no shortage of restaurants with outdoor seating in and around Pismo Beach. Looking for a healthy breakfast before you hit the beach? The centrally located Honeymoon Cafe serves up coffee and locally-sourced ingredients on a sun-drenched patio. Vegetarian and vegan options are a bonus for the herbivores. In the mood for laid-back Mexican food? Grab a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner under a canopy of festive umbrellas at Zorro’s Cafe & Cantina. For a romantic dinner date, head to Ember in nearby Arroyo Grande or The Spoon Trade in Grover Beach for unique menus consisting of eclectic and seasonal dishes served under twinkle lights. Wherever you choose, you can’t go wrong with the local culinary scene.
    
3. WORK FOR IT WITH THE TRI-TIP CHALLENGE
   What is the Tri-Tip Challenge? If you guessed three hikes followed by a meaty tri-tip sandwich all in one day, you guessed correctly. The Tri-Tip Challenge is perfect for anyone who prefers an active adventure over a leisurely beach day. The challenge entails hiking San Luis Obispo’s three iconic trails—Bishop Peak, Cerro San Luis (also known as Madonna Mountain), and the Cal Poly “P”—before indulging in a sauce-smothered tri-tip sandwich from the popular Firestone Grill in San Luis Obispo. Prepare for a full day of breathtaking views and mouth-watering bites. Don’t forget to pack your camera and plenty of sunscreen, water, and snacks for the trail.
    
4. BBQ ON THE BEACH
   Of course, no Pismo Beach vacation is complete without a beach BBQ. Pack your favorite hot dogs, fixings, and s’mores supplies and set up for an evening under the stars. Keep in mind that open fires aren’t allowed on Pismo Beach so bring a portable BBQ grill. If you want to build a real bonfire, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) is the place to be. Here, you can bring firewood or collect driftwood from the beach to burn. Better yet, plan your stay at the SeaCrest and use one of our ocean view patio gas grills and make it a beach BBQ to remember. Can you feel the late summer breeze? Load up your beach chairs, make your restaurant reservations, and book your oceanfront hotel room for your next Pismo Beach getaway. The ocean is calling.