Things To Do
Downtown SLO Farmers' Market
If you’re in town on a Thursday evening, this is the local event we always recommend. Every Thursday around 6 pm, downtown San Luis Obispo shuts down Higuera Street for blocks of vendors selling fresh produce, food, flowers, BBQ, and local goods, with live music that gives it a fun, festive energy. This is not your typical farmers market. It feels more like a community street party and is a great place to people watch, grab dinner, refill groceries, and soak in the town’s vibe.
San Luis Obispo Public Market (SLO)
This is a great spot if you want lots of options in one place. It’s very kid-friendly, with a variety of food stalls, treats, and open space to explore. For beer lovers, Bottlecraft inside the market offers an awesome selection of local, domestic, and international craft beers and wine, both on draft and by the bottle. Located about a 5 minute drive from downtown SLO.
SLO Ranch
This is a great spot if you’re looking for something laid back and family friendly. There’s ice cream, pizza, sushi, and beer, plus lots of outdoor space to hang out and let the kids run around. Their Corral area is especially fun for little ones, with hayrides, a bounce house on weekends, animals to visit like goats, donkeys, and alpacas, and plenty of cute photo spots. It’s about a 5 minute drive from downtown San Luis Obispo and a perfect place to spend an afternoon outside.
Avila Valley Barn
Avila Valley Barn is a fun little farm and market with fresh produce, bakery treats, and a few easy grab and go snacks. It’s also a great spot to bring kids because you can see the farm animals and hang out outside for a bit before heading to the beach. If you’re hungry while you’re there, don’t skip The Chicken Shack & Smokehouse (right at the barn) for a super casual lunch. Our favorite is the Nashville fried chicken sandwich.
Sycamore Mineral Hot Springs
If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation moment while you’re here, Sycamore Mineral Hot Springs is such a fun treat. It’s built around natural mineral spring water that’s known for being super calming and wellness focused. You can rent a private hot tub by the hour (fits up to 8 people), which makes it a great option for couples or a group. You can also book resort pool passes or reserve a cabana if you want more of a pool day vibe.
Swing Time (Toptracer) at Dairy Creek
A Topgolf style experience with games, shot tracking, food, and drinks served to your table. Great for kids and groups. Book about 2 weeks ahead for larger reservations.
High Bar
A fun rooftop spot for drinks, pizza, and appetizers, located at Hotel San Luis Obispo. High Bar is one of our favorite places to take friends and family when they’re in town.
Oak and Otter Brewing Co.
A small but popular local brewery with great craft beer, some outdoor seating, and limited indoor space. In addition to beer, they offer a casual food menu with shareable bites, flatbreads, sandwiches, tacos, sausages, and vegetarian options.
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is a classic Central Coast beach town with wide, sandy beaches and a fun, laid back vibe. It’s a great spot for a beach walk, hanging by the pier, or catching a sunset. If you want to get in the water, there are plenty of local shops for wetsuit, surfboard, and bodyboard rentals, and surf lessons are available seasonally. Just north of downtown, Shell Beach is a beautiful change of scenery with rocky coastline, bluff-top views, and great tide pooling at low tide. For ocean view dining, we recommend Vista Steak and Seafood, Ventana Grill, Oyster Loft, and Lido at Dolphin Bay (especially for brunch). About a 10 to 15 minute drive from Downtown San Luis Obispo.
Dinosaur Caves Park
Great for kids or if you just want a chill spot to bring lunch and soak up the sunshine! Dinosaur Caves Park is a beautiful coastal park in Shell Beach with wide open grassy areas and stunning ocean views from the cliffs. It’s an easy stop for a quick walk, a few photos, or just relaxing for a bit. The playground is especially fun and has adorable dinosaur themed features that kids love.
Margarita Adventures (Zipline Tours)
If you want something fun and a little adventurous while you’re in town, Margarita Adventures is such a great option. They offer a few different zipline experiences, including their classic Zipline Tour, Zip and Sip (ziplining plus wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery), and a Sunset Zipline Tour (seasonal June through October) with amazing golden hour views over the vineyard. They also have escape rooms, which can be a really fun option if you’re looking for something to do with a group or with kids. About a 10 to 15 minute drive from Downtown SLO.
Paso Robles Wine Tasting
Just north of San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles is a popular wine-tasting destination located about a 30–40 minute drive away. With hundreds of wineries and tasting rooms, a relaxed, laid-back vibe, and beautiful scenery, it’s a great option for guests looking to explore wine country while in the area.
Giuseppe's Cucina Rustica
One of our absolute favorites and a place Caleb and Jen always take Jen’s parents when they’re in town. They do not take reservations and it is usually packed, but the food is well worth the wait. There is also a Pismo Beach location.
Cool Cat Café | San Luis Obispo
Caleb and I used to live just around the corner from here, and it’s become one of our favorite date spots over the years. It’s not fancy, but it’s special to us and a place we’ve celebrated a lot of memories. This is also a great spot to bring kids of all ages. There’s also a second location in Pismo Beach.
High Street | Market & Deli
Hands down one of the best and most well-loved sandwich shops in SLO. Expect a line!
Ember Restaurant
A standout in the Central Coast dining scene, Ember features seasonal, wood-fired, farm-to-table cuisine in a warm, industrial-rustic setting that’s both inviting and memorable. The restaurant has been recognized by the Michelin Guide. Ember is located in Arroyo Grande, approximately a 15–20 minute drive from downtown San Luis Obispo.
Kreuzberg California
For the coffee lovers, this is a great go-to spot downtown. They have excellent coffee and a solid food menu, and they also serve beverages like mimosas. It’s an easy, relaxed place to hang out right in downtown San Luis Obispo.
Scout Coffee Co.
A favorite stop for good coffee and a chill vibe. They also have really cute little gifts and treats, so it’s fun to pop in whether you’re grabbing your morning latte or browsing for something special.
Nautical Bean
A local favorite for great coffee and food. It can get busy, especially during peak hours, but they also have classic video games inside, which makes it a fun stop if you’re bringing kids or just want something a little different with your coffee.
Solvang
About a 50 minute drive south of San Luis Obispo, Solvang is a charming Danish-style town with windmills, bakeries, boutique shops, wine tasting rooms, and great places to eat. Because it’s a smaller town, many shops and restaurants tend to close earlier in the evening, often around 5 to 6 pm, so it’s best to plan accordingly. If you’re interested in exploring more of the area, Santa Barbara is located south of Solvang and is about a 40 to 45 minute drive, making it an easy addition to a day trip.
Santa Barbara
About a 90 minute drive south of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara offers a mix of beautiful beaches, great dining, shopping, and wine tasting. With its coastal setting and walkable downtown, it’s a great option for guests looking to extend their trip along the coast. It’s also accessible via a direct Amtrak train from San Luis Obispo for those who prefer not to drive.