We've booked rooms at a cool little hotel in Avila Beach, the Inn at Avila Beach, 805-595-2300‎, www.avilabeachca.com. The other hotel we really like in Pismo Beach, Cliff's Resort (http://www.cliffsresort.com), is only taking waiting list requests.

The Inn is about 40 miles from Wine Tasting (Lone Madrone) in Paso Robles, and about 7.5 miles North of the Pismo Pier. The Inn at Avila Beach had one more room remaining, so we booked that for friends if they decide to join us.

About 1.7 miles away is a funky little water park / hot springs / spa called Avila Hot Springs (250 Avila Beach Dr) www.avilahotsprings.com. It's a large mineral water swimming pool with water slides (our daughter will love it!). We may try to get over there on Thursday afternoon / eve for a few hours.

There is a beautiful bike path through Avila Beach if you want to bring your bikes. Avila Lighthouse Suites rents bicycles (805-627-1900, www.avilalighthousesuites.com) They have beach cruisers, and BMX style bikes ($8/hour, $25 for full day), and a 2 seat and a 4 seat surrey (4 seat surrey $75/half day).

We're also thinking of going to McFee's Grill in Templeton Thursday night. Nice steak house that requires reservations, www.mcphees.com.

On Friday, July 4th, there are Fireworks on the Pismo Pier & a concert. The manager at the Inn suggested we view the fireworks from the grassy area at Dinosaur Caves Park (www.dinosaurcavespark.org), just a few miles north of Pismo. He said Pismo gets really crowded on the 4th (though "crowded" by SLO standards may be fine for us). Our hotel has a really cool rooftop lounge, so we can do some hanging there before and after.

Saturday, we will probably sneak up to Lone Madrone for some wine and "Chicken Chasing" - they have a cool little farm yard and organic herb garden.

Then a leisurely ride home Sunday morning.