LGBTQ Travelers Choosing SLO CAL as 2025 Must-Visit Destination

With thrilling events and exciting new openings, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for SLO CAL on California’s Central Coast. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming:

2025 SLO CAL Open - (January 20-26, 2025)

The 2025 SLO CAL Open in Pismo Beach is a week-long event that will bring elite World Surf League surfers to California's Central Coast to showcase their skills against a backdrop of stunning ocean views.

Sensorio: FOSO - (Opening February 14, 2025)

The Sensorio Field of Lights in Paso Robles, an iconic 15-acre and world-renowned art and light installation turned permanent exhibition from artist Bruce Munro, is set to debut its latest masterpiece over President’s Day Weekend: FOSO (Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra), an awe-inspiring art installation by renowned artist Bruce Munro. Featuring 32 columns of fiber optic lights synchronized to a spellbinding score by award-winning composer Nainita Desai, this innovative exhibit promises to captivate visitors. With FOSO joining five other installations, Sensorio now boasts the largest collection of Bruce Munro’s works in the United States.

Grace & Rose - (Opening Spring 2025)

In Paso Robles, the culinary scene is set to flourish with the opening of Grace & Rose, a farm-to-table restaurant housed in a charming 108-year-old farmhouse. A collaboration between Robert Gilson of Hotel Cheval and Julie and Justin Fischer of Paso Robles Wine Merchant, Grace & Rose will feature a creative menu celebrating local farms and wineries. Inspired by family and community, this new dining destination promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of wine country.

First Motel 100th Anniversary

Known for its road trip heritage, SLO CAL is home to the world’s first motel inn, which opened in Dec. 1925 as the Milestone Mo-Tel (a portmanteau of motor hotel) and will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. While not operational today, the landmark historically serves as a road trip destination for SLO CAL and the legacy continues as many of the county’s historic roadside motels have been and continue to be revitalized for a retro-chic stay. Stay along the coast in the renewed and revitalized Pacific Motel in Cayucos, which was originally built in the 1920’s bungalows and moved from Camp San Luis Obispo in the 1950s, now thoughtfully redesigned into seven guest rooms and 13 additional rooms, recently opened The "Salty Tiger" speakeasy, offering beer, wine and wine-based cocktails in a playful yet polished atmosphere. Complementing the speakeasy, the new "Sandbar" food truck on property serves beer, wine, baguette sandwiches, ice cream and popsicles. Owners of The Pacific Motel, Ryan and Marisa Fortini, recently purchased the Cayucos Motel and have exciting plans to remodel and rebrand the property. The full renovation and rebrand are expected to begin until 2025. Adding another property to the continuous upcycling of motel properties in the county, Paso Robles’ iconic Paso Robles Inn is set to reopen in 2025 with stunning upgrades, including expanded venues accommodating up to 250 guests. Highlights include a sophisticated new ballroom, a serene secret garden for outdoor events, and a revamped Cattleman’s Lounge offering an elevated dining and cocktail experience. 

Ava Hotel - (Opening Summer 2025)

Paso Robles is raising the bar on luxury with the upcoming debut of The Ava Hotel, set to become a centerpiece of downtown. Named as a nod to the wine region’s office moniker, the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area, or AVA, this sophisticated retreat will feature a stunning rooftop pool with sweeping views, a variety of dining options to suit every palate and versatile spaces for meetings and events. Perfectly located in the heart of Paso Robles, The Ava Hotel promises to offer visitors a blend of upscale comfort and vibrant local charm, making it a must-visit destination in California’s Central Coast.

Photo Credit: Visit SLO CAL