If you'll be arriving before Thursday night, we highly recommend taking to trip to the downtown SLO farmer's market! The market runs from 6-9pm on Higuera Street, and hosts local produce alongside an endless variety of snack and dinner options. It's a true local gem.
San Luis Obispo hosts a free concert series every Friday evening through the summer. Stop by for some live music and a glass of local wine or beer before going out to dinner downtown!
Downtown San Luis Obispo is full of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, and boutiques. It's hard to go wrong while wandering around downtown, but below are a few of our favorite spots: Hands Gallery- Art gallery showcasing works from local (and distant) artists. Excellent place to buy a unique gift or just look around. Blackwater- Eclectic shop selling unique plants, local apparel & art, and vintage items. SLO Olive- Olive oil and vinegar store with an incredible variety of different flavors. Sample a few different options during your visit and buy a bottle or two to take home and enjoy.
San Luis Obispo is surrounded by beautiful beaches. Below are some options if you decide to enjoy the ocean while you're here. Pismo Beach- Located ~20min south of SLO. Pismo has classic Americana summer beach vibes and a nice large pier. Our favorite spots include Old West Cinnamon Rolls and Brad's Restaurant, but you can't really go wrong with clam chowder or fish 'n chips wherever you go. Avila- Located ~20 min south of San Luis Obispo. Avila is on the smaller side, and has a clean, upscale vibe. Due to the surrounding coastline, this beach tends to remain sunny when the surrounding areas are fogged in. Morro Bay: Located ~20 min North of SLO. Morro Bay hosts nice sandy beaches and good restaurants along the water, but also provides a unique opportunity to kayak with sea otters. There are numerous companies that provide cheap rentals for a fun outing in calm waters.
We aren't exactly what you'd call avid hikers, but the area is known for some amazing trails. If you've never hiked in SLO before, we recommend the below hikes: Madonna Mountain- Relatively short hike that rewards you with amazing views of the city. Avila Ridge Trail- Perfect option for enjoying sweeping ocean views.
The central coast is renowned for its vineyards. We highly recommend stopping by a winery or two (or three!) while you're in the area. Below are a few of our favorites: - Tolosa Winery - Claiborne & Churchill Winery - Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards
The area is known for it's amazing food and wine, so it's hard to pick a bad restaurant. If you'd like a little guidance, below are some of our favorites: Nice Sit-Down Restaurants: Flour House- Authentic Neapolitan style pizza in a high-end setting Luna Red- Spanish restaurant serving a rotating menu of tapas and paella Novo- Innovative, fusion restaurant with an amazing back patio For something on the more casual side, we recommend the below: Petra- Mediterranean food and pizza (both excellent), with a huge beer selection Black Sheep- We recommend enjoying some mac 'n cheese and mozzarella sticks with a drink on the patio