A meeting in the Central California Coast is aspirational in the most literal sense: It will give attendees a place to aspire to returning to someday. A magical land where wine country, the mountains, the beach and food to die for converge, not to mention a wave of meeting property renovations, the central coastal stretch of the Golden State is a dreamy destination for groups.
San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County, nicknamed SLO, is iconic for Hearst Castle, a slew of great wineries and world-class golf.
“San Luis Obispo County is evolving as a major meetings destination because people like experiencing unique venues that lend to more intimate and memorable meetings,” says Tatum Adair, marketing and event coordinator at the San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau. “Between the haven of sandy beaches and open spaces, abundant vineyards and vibrant cities, San Luis Obispo County is a completely rewarding and fresh meetings destination with something for everyone.”
For a true taste of the county, groups can head to historic Santa Margarita Ranch, where they can zip line over sustainably farmed vineyards and then go wine-tasting at nearby Ancient Peaks Winery.
Known for its clams, its golf, California’s only drive-on beach and one of the nation’s largest colonies of overwintering monarch butterflies, Pismo Beach has many claims to fame.
“Groups want to work hard together and later play hard together,” says Suzen Brasile, executive director of the Pismo Beach CVB. “We have Hummer sand dunes tours, horseback riding on the beach and many championship golf courses. Our 27 surrounding wineries and tasting rooms make for a wonderful ‘wine and waves’ after-hours or extra day experience.”
Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is the winter home of around 25,000 butterflies each year from October through February.
Top-notch local golf courses include Cypress Ridge Golf Club, which offers a 2,250-square-foot hall and several larger outdoor spaces.
The Cliffs Resort offers 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. Next door, Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa can host groups as large as 250. Meanwhile, Best Western Plus Shore Cliff Lodge, which recently completed renovations, has 100 guest rooms.
The small town of Morro Bay is situated on a picturesque estuary dominated by a striking volcanic rock formation. A popular tourist destination, Morro Bay is a great base for all sorts of coastal adventures, including kayaking, whale watching, surfing and horseback riding on the beach.
The recently renovated Inn at Morro Bay is a top group choice.
The tiny community of Avila Beach has long been a favorite with holiday-makers due to its beach, which is protected from winds and therefore warmer than many others in the region.
Set within a 30-acre park, the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse makes a wonderful group outing.
The world-class Avila Beach Golf Resort can host events as large as 1,000. PageBreak
The curative waters of Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort have been renowned for more than a century. The property offers several meeting spaces.
Instead of chain stores, the streets in the town of Cambria are lined with locavore eateries, wine-tasting shops for local wineries and even a microbrewery. Groups can explore Piedras Blancas Light Station on a guided tour and view elephant seals on the beach nearby.
“Cambria ultimately embodies the relaxing pace of California’s Central Coast, where rolling hills, rugged shores and remarkable air quality set the tone,” says Mary Ann Carson, executive director of the Cambria COC. “Visitors to the area are enchanted by its historic architecture, distinctive shops, art galleries and walking trails along the beach.”
Cambria Pines Lodge, Cavalier Oceanfront Resort Best Western and Pelican Inn & Suites, which recently completed renovations, are popular meetings properties.
County seat and home to California Polytechnic State University, the city of San Luis Obispo nurtures a diverse art scene. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, built in 1772, is well worth a visit.
Madonna Inn Resort & Spa, a colorful landmark for more than 50 years, recently unveiled new tennis courts in its signature color of hot pink. The property also added a 20,000-square-foot expo center in 2005.
Embassy Suites San Luis Obispo offers 15,000 square feet of meeting space. An 84-room Hampton Inn & Suites opened earlier in 2012. Another newer property, Courtyard San Luis Obispo, offers 5,000 square feet of meeting space.
Tell groups to arrive hungry in Paso Robles. It is a mecca for epicures and oenophiles.
“A burgeoning destination for both leisure and business travelers, Paso Robles offers an authentic California experience boasting untouched natural beauty, a bounty of farm-fresh cuisine, 200-plus wineries, and first-class shopping, wine-tasting and dining, golf and entertainment,” says Maryann Stansfield, marketing director at the Travel Paso Robles Alliance.
Groups can get into the local spirit with a group winemaking seminar at Steinbeck Winery’s Crash Courses. Interesting new trends for foodie groups include progressive farm and dining adventures. Several farms welcome groups behind the scenes to learn how artisan olive oil and cheese are made.
Group-friendly eateries include fine seafood restaurant PasoTerra, which offers private winemaker dinners for as many as 30. Groups as large as 50 will enjoy dining on the covered patio at Thomas Hill Organics, which serves seasonal fare grown on its very own farm.
One of the nation’s earliest planned communities, Atascadero is inland from the coast and therefore enjoys warmer temperatures than the seaside towns.
“Atascadero is an up and coming city with a modern theater, historic buildings, excellent golfing, good restaurants and a fascinating history,” says Steve Martin, director of tourism at the City of Atascadero. “Currently a $38 million restoration of the double-domed historic administration building is under way.”
Pavilion on the Lake, situated in picturesque Atascadero Lake Park, can host events as large as 400. PageBreak
Santa Barbara County
With a mountainous interior and winds from the coast, Santa Barbara County is ideal country for wine growing. From upscale and exclusive to friendly and accessible, its communities furnish memorable venues and activities for all types of groups.
The only problem with hosting an event in Santa Barbara is that attendees never want to leave.
“Santa Barbara is an aspirational destination in that visitors and attendees alike desire to return or eventually live in Santa Barbara,” says Cat Puccino, national sales manager at the Santa Barbara CVB. “People enjoy the small-town vibe that offers a wide range of experiences, from cultural heritage and a lively music scene to diverse culinary and wine-related experiences and outdoor adventures.”
A host of new and unique food-related group activities makes the destination even more attractive. The Painted Cabernet invites groups of 20 and more to enjoy a private painting class in a relaxing setting while sipping local wine.
Groups can also embark upon an Eat This, Shoot That! tour. An expert guide leads as many as 30 through tastings at restaurants and a winery and coaches them on improving their travel photography in between foodie stops.
Good Land Organics, the state’s only coffee grower, offers three-hour tours of its coffee and exotic fruit farm followed by a picnic lunch.
Larger event spaces include the 35,000-square-foot Earl Warren Showgrounds, Bacara Resort & Spa and Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.
The small town of Los Olivos is renowned for its wine, and the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail starts here.
The small and luxurious Fess Parker Wine Country Inn and Spa can accommodate executive retreats and board meetings in its library, the private dining room of its restaurant Petros and the VIP barrel room of Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard. The property completed renovations earlier this year.
Known as “California’s Little Denmark,” Solvang brings a taste of Scandinavia to the Santa Ynez Valley.
Solvang Festival Theater recently renovated its 700-seat outdoor amphitheater.
Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort is a top group property in town. The resort boasts a variety of meeting and event venues, a golf course and numerous outdoor adventure activities.
Hotel Corque is another group favorite, in addition to Santa Ynez Valley Marriott in Buellton.
A wave of new and upgraded meeting space and the special Santa Maria style barbecue are just two reasons to hold an event in Santa Maria.
“Santa Maria is very affordable in many ways, and there is no end to the day trips you can enjoy from our centralized hub,” says Gina Keough, VCB manager at the Santa Maria Valley COC and Visitor and Convention Bureau. “We are within minutes of the Pacific Ocean and beautiful Santa Barbara County Wine Country. You can host your event at a winery or at a unique venue such as a flight museum or local park. The possibilities are endless.”
Santa Maria Fairpark, one of the largest event venues in the area, has transformed its horse wagering facility into the 8,000-square-foot Fountain Pavilion, which joins its 42,000-square-foot arena and 14,000-square-foot convention center. Radisson Hotel Santa Maria, which can host groups as large as 400, completed renovations this year. The recently upgraded Historic Santa Maria Inn can host events for up to 30, and the new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott offers a 400-square-foot boardroom. PageBreak
Ventura County
Known as California’s “Gold Coast,” the soul of Ventura County is both carefree and luxurious.
A laid-back California beach atmosphere awaits groups in the city of Ventura.
“The warm locals, eclectic atmosphere and beach vibe give Ventura a unique, real California experience for meeting attendees,” says Annie Campbell, group sales manager at the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau. “Planners have really begun to see it as a wonderful option for their clients who also want a ‘locals experience’ destination along with their conference.”
Ventura Beach Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton Harbor Resort and Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach are three of the city’s largest meetings hotels.
Groups can take to the waves with a surfing class or a private harbor cruise. Art is another local passion, and groups can take a private painting class at the Red Brick Gallery.
The small town of Ojai has a strong culture of health, art, spiritualism, organic food and ecology. Its retreats and resorts are wonderful choices for small groups in search of reinvigorating their minds, bodies and meeting agendas.
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa offers two ballrooms and a 4,000-square-foot pavilion. Zimmer Conference Center at Camp Ramah can accommodate groups as large as 1,000.
A wave of newly refreshed meetings hotels combined with Oxnard’s perennial attractions makes it a big win for groups.
“Oxnard is a seaside destination filled with interesting museums, historical attractions, beautiful and uncrowded beaches and diverse restaurants,” says Janet Sederquist, president and CEO at the Oxnard CVB. “It’s located just 12 miles from the Channel Islands National Park, allowing for all types of outdoor recreation.”
The recently renovated Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort offers 16,000 square feet of meeting space.
Two other recently renovated, meetings-ready properties are the Residence Inn by Marriott, located on River Ridge Golf Course, and the Courtyard by Marriott.
Groups as large as 150 can take a scenic cruise of Channel Islands Harbor on the Scarlett Belle paddlewheel riverboat.
Kelly Crumrin is a freelance travel writer based in San Francisco. She enjoys exploring California’s quirkier outposts in her spare time.
