Set on a bluff overlooking Pismo Beach, the Cottage Inn by the Sea is a good base for vacationers to explore Central California's famous wineries, especially ones famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. The beach near the hotel is nirvana for fans of ATVs, horseback riding, beachcombing, surfing and snorkeling, parasailing, surf and pier fishing, kayaking, Jet Skiing, and biking. Guests are 12 miles from the San Luis Obispo Airport.

Dramatic oceanfront bluffs and long open beaches frame this two-story retreat, which features 79 guestrooms with country décor, fireplaces, refrigerators, microwave ovens, coffee, and movie channels. The Inn features an oceanfront pool, spa and terrace right on the bluffs, wireless Internet access and a winding path to the beach.

Exclusively non-smoking, the Cottage Inn by the Sea, where flip-flops are the shoes of choice and surf wear dominants, provides romantic couples with that certain ambience that mixes with views of the dramatic central California coast to create dreamy vacation memories, especially in an area that stays a mild 60 to 80 degrees throughout the year.