at Sycamore, Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort is located at the center of the Central Coast. There is so much to do without having to get into a car, while the list of things to do within a short drive is endless.
We have created this guide to 31 Things to Do This Summer at Sycamore Springs, Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo! Explore this list of fun activities, free events, and local hot spots to add to your bucket list!
SUMMER THINGS TO DO AT SYCAMORE SPRINGS
Each season at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa is a different vibe! Summer is all about lazy days in the sunshine and enjoying the summer’s bounty.
1) Dine Alfresco with Fresh Garden Ingredients
Why People Love It: It’s a delicious bite out of summer! Our 2-acre garden is bursting with fresh tomatoes, radishes, and more! Dine with summer vibes on the Old Stone patio at The Gardens of Avila or under the vines in the Secret Garden! For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you (and your pups!) can enjoy a garden-to-table meal alfresco.
Website: https://www.sycamoresprings.com/dining
Price: See menus
Pro Tip: This spot is great for large groups! The tables on the Old Stone patio are modular so they can accommodate groups of different sizes.
2) Book a Stay with a Cool Mineral Tub
Why People Love It: Sycamore Resort has a mineral springs tub in every room. Few people know that some rooms have self-filled tubs so you can fill the tub with cold mineral water! Cool down with the restorative properties of natural mineral water.
Website: https://www.sycamoresprings.com/rooms
Price: Rooms prices vary.
Pro Tip: Specific tub type (i.e. self-fill tubs) requests can be made by phone only. Call Sycamore’s reservation desk (805) 595 - 7302.
3) Have a Mineral Springs Pool Day
Why People Love It: Did you know Sycamore has a big, beautiful mineral springs pool? Grab a cabana and lounge with food and drinks by the pool. They just launched their new “Resort Pool Passes” so non-hotel guests can now reserve pool time.
Website & Price: Hotel guests receive complimentary access. See our $30 pool passes for non-hotel guests.
Pro Tip: Looking for a family pool day? Sycamore Hotel guests have complimentary access to Avila Hot Springs (2min drive from Sycamore), where there’s even a pool slide!
4) Enjoy Fireworks for the 4th of July, But End the Night Relaxing
Why People Love It: Pismo Beach’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks Display is the biggest show in the area and is only 6 miles from Sycamore! After all the action, take a breather in the calm of nature and your mineral springs tub.
Pro Tip: Do you have pups that need a break from the holiday fireworks? Sycamore is a haven for all our sound-sensitive friends who need to escape the hoopla.
5) Take A Full Day for Self-Care
Why People Love It: School’s out and it’s time for full summer mode! Take a day at the spa complete with a yoga class, mineral springs soak, your choice of spa treatment, and a garden-to-table breakfast or lunch.
Website: See the Day Away Package - https://www.sycamoresprings.com/spa/the-spa-at-sycamore
Price: Day Away Package $205-$225 per person
Pro Tip: Save $20 by booking a weekday Day Away Package.
6) Flow through a Summer Yoga Class in Nature
Why People Love It: This secret yoga dome is surrounded by nature! It is one of San Luis Obispo’s most unique yoga studios. Class sizes are small and intimate. Daily classes are open to anyone and yogis of all levels.
Website: https://www.sycamoresprings.com/spa/yoga
Price: $10.00 per class for hotel guests and $20.00 per class for non-hotel guests.
Pro Tip: Starting in July, there will be a NEW Sunday at 10:30am Vinyasa Yoga class.
7) Bring the Crew to a Waterfall Oasis
Why People Love It: Bring 20 people together to a real oasis complete with mineral waters, palm trees, and two waterfalls. Rent it by the hour for a fun group activity for your gal pals or a fun family gathering.
Pro Tip: Stop by the Shoppe for refreshing drinks and snacks to enjoy during your visit to the Waterfall Oasis.
8) Rent a Bike and Cruise to the Beach
Why People Love It: The Bob Jones Trail is beloved by locals and visitors alike as one of the best trails in SLO. It is safe, paved, and leads directly to downtown Avila Beach. Rent a bike at our Shoppe and cruise the beautiful trail.
Price: Standard bikes and cruisers: $15 per hour or $35 per day
Pro Tip: Grab lunch at the Secret Garden and bike down to the Downtown Avila for a special treat like an ice cream cone or smoothie bowl.
9) Dance to Live Music in the Secret Garden
Why People Love It: Free music paired with wood-fired pizzas and plenty of local beer - what more could you want from summer? Stop by for Live Music every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday during our summer season.
Website: Music schedule https://www.sycamoresprings.com/calendar-of-events
Price: Free entry to live music
Pro Tip: Seating is limited. Arrive early to snag a picnic table, or bring your lawn chair or blanket to set up your spot in the garden.
10) Treat Your Sweetheart to a Mineral Tub with Extra Special Additions
Why People Love It: Sometimes, the sweetest way to celebrate your love is just an hour together wrapped in nature, sweet treats, and mineral springs magic. Scented oils, decadent chocolate truffles, and sparkling rose prosecco set the stage for a perfectly romantic summer day.
Website: See the Sweetheart Soak https://www.sycamoresprings.com/hot-tubs/hillside-hot-tubs
Price: $130 for 2 people.
Pro Tip: Bring a towel, a change of clothes, flip-flops, and a wet swimsuit bag for your trip down the hillside hot tub stairs after your mineral springs soak.
11) Watch a Classic Movie Under the Stars
Why People Love It: Bring your crew for a free movie night under the stars every 3rd Friday of the month! From family-friendly blockbusters to cult classics, there’s something for everyone.
Website: See the calendar of events here https://www.sycamoresprings.com/calendar-of-events
Price: Free!
Pro Tip: Even on the hottest days of the year, the evenings cool down significantly. Bring a jacket and a cozy blanket for after the sun sets.
12) Stop Midway for a Hot Tub Soak During Your Highway 1 Summer Road Trip
Why People Love It: Everybody should experience the world-famous summer road trip down the iconic Highway 1. The views on this drive are unparalleled. Whether you start in San Francisco or Los Angeles, the midway stop at Sycamore becomes a unique experience. There’s nothing like soothing your rear in a mineral springs hot tub!
Price: Monday – Thursday $23 per person | Friday, Saturday, & Sunday & Peak Periods: $28 per person.
Pro Tip: Stop during your trip for a hot tub soak on your way; family/group stop at the hot tub.
SUMMER THINGS TO DO IN AVILA BEACH
Want in on a local’s secret? Avila Beach is the locals beach over Pismo Beach. When Pismo gets fogged out in the summer (lovingly called “June Gloom” or “Fogust” in August), Avila Beach is often 5-10 degrees hotter with beautifully sunny skies. It’s the ideal beach for a day lying on the sand and enjoying the summer sun.
13) Vibe Out at the Seasonal Avila Farmer’s Market
Distance from Sycamore: 4min drive west or 15min bike ride on the Bob Jones Trail.
Why People Love It: Where else can you enjoy a live band, ocean views, tasty food stalls, and local farmers & vendors? This is quintessential California summer. This special market runs only from May 2 – August 30. So, block your Fridays from 4:00-8:00pm for a fantastic day at our favorite beach.
Pro Tip: Parking can be challenging. Rent a bike at Sycamore Springs and bike the Bob Jones trail instead!
14) Hang with the Whales
Distance from Sycamore: 4min drive down Avila Beach Drive.
Why People Love It: Gray whales, humpback whales, and blue whales can be seen playing on our shores. It’s exciting to see them breach and spray water from their blowholes! Find a spot with a view or (even better) get up close with one of our amazing whale watching tours that dock from Avila Beach.
Website: https://www.avilabeachwhalewatching.com/
Price: Approx. $125 per person for a 2hr whale watching tour
Pro Tip: Plan ahead for your tour! Tours typically launch in the early morning with calmer seas earlier in the day. Wear layered clothing because, despite warm land temperatures, offshore winds can get chilly.
15) Hike with a Local to the Lighthouse
Distance from Sycamore: 4min drive down Avila Beach Drive.
Why People Love It: The Pecho Coast Trail is known for its panoramic views, native plants, wildlife, and interesting geological formations. Hikers on the special docent-led tour are treated to stunning landscapes while learning about the local history, including the Northern Chumash tribe. If you’re lucky, California gray whales can be seen spouting offshore!
Pro Tip: The hike to Point San Luis Lighthouse is a 3.75-mile roundtrip hike along steep cliffs and coastal bluffs with narrow dirt trails, steep grades (up to 45 percent), crumbling earth, and possibilities of other strenuous hiking conditions. Wear proper hiking shoes and sun protection. But it is worth the journey!
16) Kayak to Secret Beaches
Distance from Sycamore:Dock at Olde Port Pier which is a 6min drive down Avila Beach Drive.
Why People Love It: All levels can paddle around the harbor to see sea otters, sea lions, seabirds, and kelp forests!
Website: https://www.avilabeachpaddlesports.com/
Price: $40-60 for a single kayak, depending on duration.
Pro Tip: Ask a local about the route to the special scenic beach on the way to the lighthouse that’s only accessible by kayak.
17) Go Wine Tasting on the Avila Wine Trail
Distance from Sycamore: Locations vary. Typically a 4-6min drive.
Why People Love It: Follow our small but mighty wine trail! Visit vineyards, including Kelsey Vineyards with their peacocks and Maidenstone Wine. Head to wine tasting rooms in Downtown Avila including Peloton Cellars, Alapay Cellars, and Pierfront Wine and Brew.
Website: See list above.
Price: Varies by location.
Pro Tip: Kelsey Vineyards has peacocks while Sinor-LaValle has local oysters. Go for the wine but stay for the unique finds!
18) Lay on the Sand and in the Sun at Avila Beach
Distance from Sycamore: 4min drive west or 15min bike ride on the Bob Jones Trail.
Why People Love It: While Pismo Beach often gets the June gloom, Avila Beach is often blocked from the fog and can be up to 10 degrees warmer! (DUPLCATE WORDING FROM SECTION ABOVE?)
Website: https://visitavilabeach.com/
Price: Free!
Pro Tip: The pirate-themed playground and swingset on the sand are a local favorite for kids of all ages!
19) Have a Dog Day Afternoon at Olde Port Beach
Distance from Sycamore: 5min drive west on Avila Beach Drive
Why People Love It: This is one of the only beaches that allow dogs to be off-leash! Let your best friend ride the waves, make new friends, and live their best life on the sand.
Pro Tip: Grab breakfast before or dinner after at The Gardens of Avila or grab a wood-fired pizza at The Secret Garden with your 4-legged friend.
20) “Sea” our the Aquarium
Distance from Sycamore: 4min drive west or 15min bike ride on the Bob Jones Trail.
Why People Love It: Kids and marine enthusiasts of all ages will love the hands-on touch tanks, daily animal feedings, shark encounters, and the opportunity to meet over 50–75 indigenous marine species.
Website: https://www.centralcoastaquarium.org/
Price: $10 adults and $8 children.
Pro Tip: This is a fantastic place for a kid's birthday party. Check out their party package, which includes accommodations for up to 12 kids and 12 adults.
21) Bark with the Sea Lions at Olde Port Pier
Distance from Sycamore: 6min drive west or 25min bike ride on the Bob Jones Trail.
Why People Love It: You can’t help but laugh and bark along to these blubbering babes! Watch them sunbathe and fidget with each other to find their perfect spot on the dock among their friends.
Pro Tip: Find a placard on the dock that tells you more about our local celebrities.
22) Find Booty at Pirate's Cove
Distance from Sycamore: 3min drive west down Avila Beach Drive.
Why People Love It: See amazing views as you traverse the top of the bluffs. Multiple paths and views! Uncover Smuggler's Cave. Warning: If you find yourself on the sand, know that this is a clothing-optional beach.
Pro Tip: If you’re traversing the bluffs, wear proper shoes because coastal bluffs are known for steep grades and crumbling dirt paths.
SUMMER THINGS TO DO IN PISMO BEACH & OCEANO BEACH
23) Explore the Famous Downtown Pismo Beach
Distance from Sycamore: 10min drive south
Why People Love It: Pismo Beach was recently awarded the Top Coastal Small Town of 2025 by USA Today. Stroll Downtown Pismo Beach with its retro shops, iconic pier, and tasty bites. Stop by one of the amazing annual events like The Classic Car Show during the summer.
Pro Tip: Just a few blocks further is the Dinosaur Caves Park. It is an amazing park for kids with (we think) the best views of any park in California.
25) Attend a Live on the Rocks Concert at The Cliffs
Distance from Sycamore: 5min drive south
Why People Love It: This year is the 20th anniversary of this free oceanfront concert series! The Cliffs is hosting four concerts this year, including those on the 4th of July and Labor Day weekends.
Website: See their schedule https://cliffshotelandspa.com/cliffs_events/
Price: Free admission!
Pro Tip: Skip the bar lines, enjoy upgraded amenities, lounge at a shaded table, and relax with wait service that provides access to the bar and restaurant menus by reserving one of their VIP tables.
26) Ride an ATV on the Oceano Dunes
Distance from Sycamore: Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is 15min drive south.
Why People Love It: This is a one‑of‑a‑kind thrill on 1,500+ acres of ever‑shifting beach dunes! Riders love carving their own paths on the sand. There’s something magical about speed, sand, and surf all in view! This is the only California State Park where you can legally drive right on the beach.
Pro Tip: Many visitors rent ATVs from local businesses like BJ’s ATV Rentals.
27) Hike one of the Pismo Preserve Trails
Distance from Sycamore: 8min drive south.
Why People Love It: There are 8 different routes to take on foot, bike, or horse! Each one has amazing bird's eye views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean. See the sea from a unique vantage point high above sea level.
Pro Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy with a view. Some trails lead to a special picnic table that’s just calling for a family picnic.
SUMMER THINGS TO DO IN SAN LUIS OBISPO
28) Conquer 3 Hikes in the “Tri Tip Challenge”
Distance from Sycamore: Hikes vary in location. Average 15-20min drive.
Why People Love It: Take on a well known local challenge! Achieve what the local college students call “The Tri Tip Challenge” where you do 3 iconic hikes then top it off with a tri tip sandwich. Learn about it here.
Cerro San Luis Obispo https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/cerro-san-luis-obispo-loop
Cal Poly 'P' Ridge https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/the-p--2
Price: A local’s tri tip sandwich.
Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water and hike early or late when the sun isn’t at its highest.
29) Stroll the Famous San Luis Obispo Farmers Market
Distance from Sycamore: 12min drive north.
Why People Love It: This is one of the largest Farmers Markets in America. Live music and performances, locally grown produce, artisan-made treats, and local restaurants line the streets of Downtown SLO every Thursday. Enjoy the warm summer nights as the market stays open from 6-9 pm.
Website: https://downtownslo.com/farmers-market
Price: Free!
Pro Tip: Parking can get tricky during the busier summer months. Arrive early and park in one of the parking structures. Carefully read signs if you opt for street parking.
30) Go to a Concert at the Historic Fremont Theater
Distance from Sycamore: 12min drive north.
Why People Love It: The iconic pink marquee sign is a landmark of Downtown SLO. Over the decades, Fremont has evolved from a classic cinema into a dynamic cultural hub. It hosts nightly concerts, indie and classic films, and comedy acts. Legends like Yes, Adam Ant, Los Lobos, and Lindsey Buckingham have graced its stage.
Website: https://www.fremontslo.com/
Price: Ticket prices vary.
Pro Tip: The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival takes place every spring and the Fremont is a key venue for movie screenings! It is worth making a return trip for!
31) Jam out to Concerts in the Plaza
Distance from Sycamore: 12 min drive north.
Why People Love It: This is San Luis Obispo’s signature summertime tradition! For over 28 summers (since 1996), locals and guests dance to free, live music every Friday evening in Mission Plaza.
Website: https://downtownslo.com/events/concerts
Price: Free!
Pro Tip: Bars are set up on the plaza featuring favorites from our local wineries and breweries. Grab a souvenir cup to reminisce about your perfect summer day in SLO.
Summer fun and relaxation are all within reach from Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa. Slow down, breathe deep, and let the sunny days unfold.
Make the most of the season with up to $100 OFF Standard Rooms & One-Bedroom Suites now through August 28, 2025. LEARN MORE HERE
