Cruise a few hours south on Highway 101 to San Luis Obispo County for a relaxed vibe, estate wines, and stunning views. Completed in late 2019, Vespera Resort on the Pismo Beach boardwalk brings casual luxury to this vintage beach town plus an oceanfront location that can't be beat.

Within easy walking distance of downtown surf shops, restaurants, and the iconic pier, Vespera's upscale, pet-friendly property boasts 124 well-appointed guestrooms, most with private balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean. From valet parking to yoga sessions in the sand, and access to boogie boards and beach chairs, the resort has plenty of ammenities for a stylish, low-key getaway. In collaboration with Central Coast wineries, Vespera recently launched a monthly Vintner Dinner series with packages starting at $639 for an overnight stay, coastal cuisine, and premium wine.

Four-legged friends get a grand welcome here, plus the pleasure to romp—with a leash—on the 26-square-miles of a gorgeous beach just beyond the resort doors. If a day of tasting in the Edna Valley is on your list, Biddle Ranch, Claiborne & Churchill, and Baileyana Tangent wineries welcome pets.

Some of Pismo’s best food and drink establishments surround the centrally located resort. Famous for their big buttery pastries, Old West Cinnamon Rolls has been drawing crowds for over forty years. When it's time for a decadent seafood lunch, Splash Cafe is one of the best, famous for their clam chowder served in bread bowls. Down the block, Pismo Fish & Chips piles seafood high—everything from halibut to shrimp to oysters. It’s the perfect spot for beer battered cod and fries, or a crab Louie salad. Five minutes up the road, Shell Beach’s gourmet deli, De Palo & Sons, has everything you need for a gourmet picnic.

After an afternoon hiking on the Discovery Trail or looking at thousands of butterflies in the Monarch Grove, soak your sore muscles in Vespera’s jacuzzi pool, then kick back in an Adirondack fireside with a craft cocktail. Take in a spectacular sunset before dinner at Somerset Grill, where Executive Chef Frank Barajas showcases the Central Coast's finest ingredients in his signature dish, Miso Salmon with caramelized lentils, French green beans, and foraged mushrooms.