Things To Do
Hiking
San Luis Obispo offers a variety of hiking options for all levels. Right behind the Madonna Inn, you'll find Cerro San Luis, a great spot for a short hike. For those seeking a more challenging climb, Bishops Peak is a popular option. If you prefer something flatter and easier, the Bob Jones Trail is a paved path that winds along a creek and leads to the beach. Other excellent trails include Johnson Ranch (easy), Islay Hill (moderate), Pismo Preserve (moderate), Irish Hills (moderate), and Reservoir Canyon (difficult). For a quick hike with a rewarding view, head to Terrace Hill, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of San Luis Obispo — perfect for a sunset picnic.
Beach Day
Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, and/or More.
Montana de Oro State Park
A state park featuring rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, scenic trails, and stunning ocean vistas.
Wine Tasting
The Central Coast is renowned for its wineries, and Chamisal is one of Adrian's mom's top picks. It's also a nominee for Wine Enthusiast's American Winery of the Year Award. The address for Chamisal is provided above.
Avila Valley Barn
A family-friendly farm offering fresh, local produce, tasty baked goods, and ice cream from their shop. They also occasionally host hayrides and provide opportunities to pick your own produce straight from the fields.
Drive-In
We have one of the few remaining drive-in movie theaters in the country. If they’re showing a kids' movie, it makes for a fun family-friendly experience. Fun fact: Adrian and I started dating here on August 21, 2021.
Axe Throwing
Enjoy some rockin' tunes and high-energy fun! Axe throwing is perfect for all skill levels. They have 8 indoor axe-throwing lanes!
Horseback Riding
Trail rides are available to both hotel guests and day visitors, with options for riders of all skill levels. The onsite rides take you along the hillside paths behind the Madonna Inn, offering breathtaking views of the local landscape, guided by experienced wranglers on gentle horses.
Pickleball
Where you can play: French Park: address shown above Meadow Park: 2333 Meadow Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Madonna Inn: if you stay there *Adrian's mom has four pickleball paddles and balls if you need to borrow some. Need help navigating SLO Pickleball? Use this email for any questions: slopickleballclub@gmail.com
Kayaking
A kayak and stand-up paddleboard service offering rentals and guided tours, featuring opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Electric Boat
At Bay Cruisers in Morro Bay, you can rent an electric boat and bring along your own cooler with drinks and food. The boats accommodate up to eight adults, making it a fun small-group activity to relax, chat, and enjoy snacks or a picnic lunch while cruising the bay.
Chablis Cruises
Chablis offers scenic lunch and brunch cruises around Morro Bay.
Bowling
CalPoly has a bowling center called Mustang Lanes.
Rock Climbing
Indoor rock-climbing gym
Vista Lago Adventure Park
Outdoor attraction features high ropes courses, zip lines, and a bar and grill.
Margarita Adventures
Thrill-seekers can soar over vineyards and mountains on ziplines at this scenic operation.
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
If you’re into plants.
SLO Art Museum
Downtown Farmer's Market
Thursdays from 6-9 pm
Theater
CalPoly Performing Arts Center - https://www.pacslo.org/ Clark Center - https://clarkcenter.org/ Melodrama - https://americanmelodrama.com/ SLO Rep Theater - https://www.slorep.org/ Improv - https://centralcoastcomedytheater.com/
Local History
SLO Mission tour and museum - https://missionsanluisobispo.org/visit/ Dana Adobe – A historical ranch from 1837 https://www.danaadobe.org/ SLO History Museum - https://www.historycenterslo.org/
Day Trip Ideas
Hearst Castle – A historic estate created for William Randolph Hearst, the famous publishing tycoon, with beautiful architecture, art collections and sprawling gardens. The castle is perched on top of a hill in northern San Luis Obispo County with a breathtaking view of California’s Central Coast. https://hearstcastle.org/ Santa Barbara Day Trip – Santa Barbara has a cute downtown shopping area and nice restaurants. There is also a zoo, historical mission, local history museum and beautiful coastline. It’s an hour and a half drive so it makes for a good day trip. Solvang – Quaint Danish village with boutique shops, restaurants, wine tasting and a historic mission Pinnacles National Park - https://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm
Central Coast Archery
