1) For Resort Lovers: With many luxurious, oceanfront resorts and spas offering gourmet cuisine, kids clubs, pet friendly rooms, infinity pools, beach access and more, Pismo Beach has lodging choices to make resort vacations possible for every style of traveler and budget.

2) For Beach Lovers: Surfing, kayaking, swimming, volleyball, as well as building sandcastles and welcoming the family dog on the beach, is what makes Pismo Beach enjoyable for all. The pristine seashore will enchant every child and adult. Dolphins are spotted off the coast daily and the sunsets are majestic.

3) For Food & Wine Lovers: With over 30 world class and award winning wineries in the Edna Valley and three fabulous tasting rooms downtown, Pismo Beach offers the perfect pairing of wine and waves. Local restaurants feature locally grown Wine-Country-inspired cuisine complemented by their extensive wine lists and cellar collections.

4) For Nature Lovers: Home to the world’s largest Monarch Butterfly Grove, these fairylike creatures seek shelter from the freezing northern winters here every year from October through February.  From the grove, you can walk the boardwalk that travels along the estuary of Pismo Creek to be mesmerized by a myriad of wildlife.

5) For Sport and Outdoor Activity Seekers:  With numerous challenging activities, the outdoor enthusiast will always find something to do. Golf next to the ocean on one of three picturesque courses; hike and bike the wine country back roads; ride horseback on the shore; pier and surf fish; surf and boogie board; kayak; and kite surf.

6) Festival & Cultural Activities: Whether it’s to kick off summer with Wine Waves & Beyond, or to celebrate the autumn harvest with SAVOR the Central Coast, there’s always something to celebrate in Pismo Beach. Farmers Market is every Wednesday on the historic pier where farmers offer their seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, olive oil and other artisanal foods. Art In the Park, a seasonal outdoor art exhibit from local artists and craftsmen, is held the 1st Sunday of the month from May through November.

7) For Campers: Pismo Beach offers two campgrounds, each offering it’s own unique topography and ecosystem. Pismo State Beach North Beach Campground is walking distance from the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area sits on the beach and offers the ultimate extreme “dune-ing” experience.

For more information on where to stay and what to do in Pismo Beach, visit the City’s official website, www.classiccalifornia.com.

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 Destination weddings at a vineyard or winery are becoming extremely popular in the US and locally. Many people decide to celebrate their special day with the lush backdrop of a idyllic vineyard scene.  There are over 250 wineries in San Luis Obispo County and over two-dozen who host weddings in the area. Here are some tips to make sure your big day is a success.

Things to consider in choosing your wedding venue include the estimated size of your wedding, onsite venue facilities, catering options, inclement weather plans and cost.  Some destinations are set up very well for weddings and even offer their own wedding planner. Other locations may offer the space but little else in terms of planning your event. Be aware that a vineyard ceremony can be a beautiful experience, but generally requires more preparation and attention to be the perfect wedding.

First off you need to find potential wedding locations in your area. There are online resources for this, including the local vintners association websites that often will show wineries and vineyards that are available for weddings. Also ask caterers or florists whom they would recommend.

Once you find a few suitable venues that meet your criteria, be sure to visit in person with a list of questions from both the groom and the bride (and the future mother-in-law’s).  Ask what happens if it rains. Are there indoor or tent options?  How late can music be played? Are there enough bathrooms or will you have to rent porta-potties? Is the parking suitable and are there enough spaces for your guests. Are there non-paved pathways that will challenge those in high heels? How are table and chair rentals handled?

When visiting be sure to check on all the facilities including bathrooms, bride’s dressing areas and the kitchen. Check on accessibility issues for your older guests, and how they handle parking. Also, you need to know if they only work with a select group of caterers. Some wineries have a very short list of who can offer their services. And remember, you will most likely be limited to the winery’s wine to serve, so make sure you like it.

As with all outdoor weddings, be aware of where the sun will be shinning at the time of year of your big event, and how hot or cold it can be. Another consideration is how sound will travel if un-amplified. A beautiful service that few can hear can be a disappointment for your guests.<

It’s not too soon to start planning for your vineyard wedding. Many venues book up early. Enjoy the process and take care to make sure your big day is a success.