Conquer finals week with these study spots and cafes outside of San Luis Obispo
Picture yourself in the midst of finals week. Most familiar study nooks — Scout Coffee, the University Union, SloDoCo — are overfilled with students. As Kennedy Library’s five floors have been closed for months, options both on and off campus dwindle in our small town. The mere thought of studying at home also feels suffocating, trapped within the confines of four walls overflowing with work.
A change of scenery wouldn’t hurt. According to an article by Absolutely Studying, varying study locations can enhance information retention. With the Central Coast’s springtime scenery and warm weather making a comeback, why not hop in your car, put on your sunglasses, and cruise down Highway 1 to see what else is out there? Break free from cabin fever and discover these charming cafes outside San Luis Obispo next time you’re in need of a study spot.
Scorpion Bay Coffee Co. — Pismo Beach
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m Friday-Sunday, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday
The bustling downtown of Pismo Beach is the home of many local businesses, including Scorpion Bay Coffee Co. Just a five-minute walk from the shore, Scorpion Bay Coffee is nestled on the corner of Dolliver St. and Hinds Ave.
Stepping inside, you’re enveloped in a quiet atmosphere of dark allure, illuminated by ambient lighting and adorned with rich, deep-toned furnishings. The seating options are diverse, ranging from plush couches to high-top tables and a snug booth. The cafe also serves an assortment of pastries and coffee drinks.
Steaming Bean — Shell Beach
Hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday
Nestled just up the street from the sparkling blue waters of Shell Beach, Steaming Bean offers a vacation-like escape with an array of drinks and complimentary Wi-Fi. In addition to the usual coffee and tea selections, they serve smoothies and feature daily kitchen specials.
The outdoor patio is perfect for working on a sunny day, where you can almost catch the scent of sea salt from the nearby ocean. Inside, the cafe radiates the same vibrant energy as the outdoors with its bright walls and plants. An additional unique feature of the cafe that makes it even more of a hidden gem is its shelf of books for children and adults to pick out and read.
Luna Coffee Bar — Cayucos
Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Monday
This cafe stands out with its unique layout, evoking the charm of a speakeasy. Upon entering, you discover the cafe nestled within a garden. Initially, seating may seem limited in the garden area, but walking along the path leads to a spacious indoor patio behind the cafe, offering an abundance of seating and complimentary water.
After a productive study session surrounded by flowers and mermaid statues, you can reward yourself with a quick trip to the beach just across the street.
The Rock Espresso Bar — Morro Bay
Hours: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday
While small in size, The Rock Espresso Bar is full of surprises. Their menu is short and sweet, with curated items such as their “rock sando,” a bagel of your choice filled with your preferred meat, cream cheese, salsa, green onions, cilantro, avocado and cheddar.
However, the real magic is outside in their outdoor garden oasis. The seating area is adorned with beautiful artwork, rainbow decals, wind chimes and lush greenery, creating a serene, nature-filled sanctuary that’s perfect for studying or relaxing.
Kraken Coffee Company — Avila Beach
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Sunday
With ocean views and greenery draped across the walls, Kraken Coffee Company makes your workspace feel like a desert island. This cafe sits on the corner of Avila Plaza, overlooking the waters. And the inside of the cafe is just as serene as the views.
The spacious interior features an upstairs seating area, bustling with conversation and productivity. Adorned with pictures of octopuses, lush plants and ambient lighting, Kraken Coffee Company is the perfect escape for work or relaxation.
