San Luis Obispo, often affectionately referred to as SLO, is a fascinating city nestled in the heart of California’s Central Coast. San Luis Obispo is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere and offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city’s historic downtown is a hub of activity, characterized by its tree-lined streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and a lively community. It is no wonder that a weekend getaway to San Luis Obispo is often on people’s must-do lists. Keep reading to discover the many amazing things to do in San Luis Obispo.
Where is San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is located on Highway 101, about three hours away from Los Angeles, three and a half hours away from San Francisco, and about 15 minutes away from the California Coast. Its perfect location puts it right near many popular towns in the California Central Coast wine region, such as Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, and many of the beautiful California Central Coast beach towns. A trip to San Luis Obispo means that a visit to any of these nearby towns can be easily added to enhance an already great weekend getaway to San Luis Obispo.
When is the Best Time to Visit San Luis Obispo
The best time to visit San Luis Obispo really depends on what you would like to do on your weekend getaway. The warm season starts in mid-June and goes through mid-October. During this time, the high is closer to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a great time to include the coastal towns in your visit as the ocean is warmer, and there are many water activities and tours available to do. This is also a great time to see the vineyards in the surrounding region, as they are full of leaves and grapes, making for spectacular views of the vineyards. The harvest season starts in late August and goes through October. This is also a great time to experience events during harvest season.
The cooler season begins around November and goes through March. The coldest month of the year is usually in December. A warm jacket might be in order during this time of the year, especially during December. The cooler season is also a great time to visit as this coincides with the holiday season. There are several events that take place in downtown SLO, such as the daily Musical Light Show and light displays in the Holiday Plaza.
SLO starts warming up in April and gets warmer as we begin the summer month of June. This is a beautiful time in the area as the flowers begin to bloom in the springtime, and the buds begin to break on the vines in wine country.
Every season in SLO has its beauty and charm. With many different activities available throughout the year, you will find that any time is the best time to take a weekend getaway to San Luis Obispo.
How Many Days Should You Stay in San Luis Obispo
There are many things to see in San Luis Obispo and in the surrounding area. It would be very difficult to see everything in two days. You would be rushing through the area, trying to get in as many stops as possible, visiting as many places as possible, and exploring the surrounding area. The minimum amount of days you should stay in San Luis Obispo is three days. You might still not be able to see everything you’d like to, but you could plan a great three-day itinerary for San Luis Obispo.
During our trip to San Luis Obispo, we stayed at the Wayfarer Inn, San Luis Obispo. The hotel was very nice and cozy. If you don’t mind walking, the Wayfarer is about 15 minutes to most of the downtown area. If you would like to see what other hotels are available, you can search for different hotels below.
The Best Way to Get to San Luis Obispo
The best way to get to San Luis Obispo is by driving. You will have the flexibility of being able to get around SLO and the surrounding region without having to rely on rideshare or public transportation. You can make your own schedule and not worry about being on time for a dinner reservation or a wine-tasting reservation.
Can you get to San Luis Obispo by Bus or Train
If you would like to take a bus, you can easily do that from Los Angeles. There is a round trip, non-stop route on the Greyhound Bus to San Luis Obispo. You can take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station or near UCLA. The bus stop in SLO shares the same station as the train and is located at 1011 Railroad Ave in SLO.
One other mode of transportation worth mentioning is taking the Amtrack train to San Luis Obispo. The Coast Starlight has a daily route between Seattle and Los Angeles. The Pacific Surfliner has a daily route between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. Both the Coast Starlight and the Pacific Surfliner have a daily stop in San Luis Obispo, making the trip by train fairly easy. Since both routes travel along the coast for part of the time, this is a great way to enjoy the view of the coast. Taking the train is a great way to start off your weekend getaway to San Luis Obispo and you might also get some amazing photographs of the beautiful California Coast.
Are Uber or Lyft Available in San Luis Obispo
Yes! Uber and Lyft are both available in San Luis Obispo. While having a car to drive is ideal, using a rideshare program can be helpful if you would like to go wine tasting and not have to worry about driving. You can also take a wine-tasting tour and leave the driving to a tour guide. Also, if you traveled to SLO by bus or train you can get around town using either Uber or Lyft.
Is San Luis Obispo Walkable
Absolutely! One of the best things about San Luis Obispo is that there is so much to see in the downtown area. This is really like the hub of the town, and it is very walkable. You can spend a day visiting many of the sites and not need a car to get around. You will also easily find places to grab a bite throughout the day. San Luis Obispo is one of the best towns to explore by foot.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is a college town. Its cultural scene is enriched by the presence of California Polytechnic State University, better known as Cal Poly. The university brings a mix of students and infuses the city with vibrant energy. Having Cal Poly in the area contributes to a thriving arts, food, and music community.
Spend Some Time in Downtown San Luis Obispo
Downtown San Luis Obispo is lined with shops, cafes, ice cream shops, cultural venues, museums, and restaurants. You will find a large selection of different cuisines to choose from. There are many craft breweries and venues with live music for your enjoyment. Whatever type of culinary experience you are in the mood for, you will find it in downtown San Luis Obispo. Exploring downtown is a great way to start your weekend getaway to San Luis Obispo.
Because of SLO’s perfect location in central California and its proximity to numerous wineries in the region, you will find several wine-tasting rooms and wine bars in the downtown area. This is very convenient as you can enjoy and taste many of the local wines from California’s Central Coast without having to drive all over the region. These are a few places that stand out and are worth a try.
Have a Taste at Region Wine Bar
Region Wine Bar is more than just a wine bar, it is a tasting experience. The tasting room at Region Wine Bar has wines from 25 wineries in San Luis Obispo. You can order wine by the taste, glass, or bottle. This is a great place to taste the different wines from the San Luis Obispo area. Region Wine Bar also offers cheese board appetizers and selections for lunch and dinner.
Visit Breweries in San Luis Obispo
While exploring the downtown area, you will no doubt notice that there are several breweries throughout town. You will find many breweries in SLO offering their best hand-crafted beer. These are a couple of our favorites, however, there are many more to explore.
Libertine Brewing Company
Libertine Brewing Company has been brewing its beer in San Luis Obispo for over ten years. They have many varieties of beer on tap and have an extensive menu for lunch and dinner. You will not go wrong by visiting Libertine Brewing Company. They are located at 1234 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo.
Central Coast Brewing
Central Coast Brewing has been brewing its beer in San Luis Obispo for over 25 years. They offer a wide variety of beer and food at their new location in the Hub. Central Coast has excellent hand-crafted beer, and it is worth visiting this special SLO brewery. Central Coast Brewing is located at the HUB at 1701 Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo.
Visit Slo a’ la Mode – One of San Luis Obispo’s Best Ice Cream Shops
Slo a’ La Mode is hands down one of the best ice cream shops in San Luis Obispo. If you are craving ice cream, I recommend stopping by and getting a cone. There are many flavors to choose from, including several Vegan flavors.
Making a decision on what flavor to try can be challenging as there are many flavors, and everything looks delicious. When I was there, I tried the Kitty Kitty Bang Bang, which is a cheesecake ice cream with a raspberry ripple, oreo cookie crumble, and chocolate chunks. It was creamy, perfectly balanced, not overly sweet or cloying, and simply amazing. Reya is partial to coffee and fall seasonal flavors, so she decided on a double scoop. She tried the Exhausted Parent, which is a bourbon-spiked espresso ice cream swirled with bittersweet chocolate chunks. If she could have taken a tub home, she would have. Her second flavor was Pumpkin, which is a spiced pumpkin ice cream flavored with pumpkin puree. Which she loved and described as an elevated spiced pumpkin latte.
You will find Slo a’ La Mode downtown at 860 Higuera Street. They are open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Exhausted Parent
Kitty Kitty Bang Bang
Visit the San Luis Obispo Public Market
SLO Public Market is a family-friendly public market. There are several buildings on the grounds where you will find many restaurants to choose from, including specialty shops. You will find artisan cheeses at Central Coast Creamery and specialty chocolates at Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates. You can also unwind and have a cup of coffee at Kraken. On the second floor of the main building, there is a children’s play area, making this a family-friendly venue. The SLO Public Market is located at 3845 S. Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo.
Visit the Court Street Mall
The Court Street Mall is an outdoor European-style mall. There are a few stores and cafes with outdoor seating. The Court Street Mall is located in the heart of downtown and is a great place to take a break from exploring the downtown area. There are lights strung between the shops, which creates a nice atmosphere while you sip a cold beverage or a cup of coffee. The Court Street Mall is located on Court Street, which is a pedestrian-only alley that connects Monterey Street and Higuera Street.
The Creamery Marketplace
The Creamery Marketplace is an outdoor public market with many eateries and artisan shops. This is a great place to grab a bite to eat, as the choices are diverse, and the ambiance is fantastic. If you are familiar with Cow Parade, you will find one of the artistic cows at the Creamery Marketplace.
Take in a Show at the Fremont Theatre
The Fremont Theatre is a classic art deco theatre that has been in San Luis Obispo since 1942. You will quickly recognize The Fremont Theatre if you drive by, as its pink exterior will catch your eye. This is hands down one of the coolest theaters in the area. While in the past movies were shown in the theatre, nowadays you can enjoy live music shows and comedians. Taking in a show at the Fremont Theatre is a great way to spend an evening.
Visit the Murals Behind Behind the Fremont Theatre
There are a couple of murals that are worth looking for during your visit to San Luis Obispo. The walls on the back side of the Fremont Theatre and the Laird Building have murals painted on them that are part of the Art in Public Places program sponsored by the City of San Luis Obispo and the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. The murals are colorful and hard to miss. The paintings represent the seven sisters, which are central coast peaks that extend over 40 miles from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay. The peak in Morro Bay is one of the most well-known peaks known as Morro Rock.
You can find the murals on the 1000 block of Higuera Street between Santa Rosa Street and Osos Street.
Visit Bubblegum Alley
Bubble Gun Alley in San Luis Obispo is one of the oddest attractions located in downtown SLO. It is very popular and highly photographed. Bubblegum Alley is considered art to some people and a type of graffiti to others. Some might even call it an Instagramable location. Bubblebum Alley is fairly long, stretching between both streets that run perpendicular to it. You are free to add your own bubblegum to the alley wall. I thought it was interesting and didn’t spend too much time there as it kind of turned my stomach. You will probably need sanitizer if you decide to stick your gum to the wall. Let me know what you think of the alley! Bubblegum Alley is located at 733 Higuera Street, between Broad Street and Garden Street.
Visit the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art – One of the Best Free Things to Do in San Luis Obispo
The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo on the west end of Mission Plaza. The museum offers different exhibits throughout the year.
The museum has teamed up with the City of San Luis Obispo to develop the Art in Public Places program. There are many art pieces throughout the city which you can look for. The art installations are a special touch that adds to the ambiance of the San Luis Obispo downtown area. One of those pieces is the Seven Sisters mural behind the Fremont Theatre that I mentioned earlier. The Museum is open to the public from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, Thursday through Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday the museum is closed for school and group tours only. One of the best things about the museum is that there is no charge for admission. A trip to the museum is definitely one of the best free things to do in San Luis Obispo.
Visit the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is one of the kid friendly things to do in San Luis Obispo. The Children’s Museum offers many hands-on exhibits for kids that are sure to keep them entertained for a few hours. There are three floors worth of exhibits and an outside play area. The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is perfect for children ages 2 through 10. The museum is located at 1010 Nipomo Street in downtown SLO, about a block away from the Museum of Art.
Explore the San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market
If you are in San Luis Obispo on a Thursday night, you should include a visit to the San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market. The farmer’s market is the perfect place to stock up on locally grown produce and fruits. You will also find many other artisan products, such as olive oil, honey, and specialty breads. There are a wide variety of vendors selling food. The farmer’s market is a great place to share and savor different items with your family. There is nightly entertainment which changes from week to week as well. The farmer’s market makes for a great time and is the perfect opportunity to stroll through downtown while experiencing the culture and vibrant atmosphere of San Luis Obispo’s downtown area.
The Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday night from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm during the winter season, November through February, and from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm during the summer season, March through October. The Farmer’s Market is held on Higuera Street between Broad Street and Chorro Street.
Take a Photo of the San Luis Obispo Cows from CowParade
CowParade, one of the world’s largest public art exhibits, came to San Luis Obispo in 2016. During this time, over 100 cows were painted and/or sculpted by artists from San Luis Obispo and placed around SLO. After the public art exhibit, the cows were auctioned off however, you can still find a couple of the cows in San Luis Obispo. You will find one at the Creamery Marketplace and another at the Madonna Inn. The cows are very colorful and worth photographing.
Visit Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
One of San Luis Obispo’s most famous landmarks is the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a beautifully preserved Spanish mission that dates back to 1772. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is within walking distance from the downtown area. When you visit the Mission, you can take a tour of the mission on your own or go on a docent-guided tour. The entrance to the museum is through the gift shop. The Mission Museum is open year-round, Sunday through Thursday, from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. You can purchase many souvenirs, such as crafts and books at the gift shop. There are also religious items available for purchase. Services are also offered daily. You can check their website for times for all services. These are a few of our favorite San Luis Obispo wineries.
Visit Wineries in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is at the heart of California’s wine country, making it an ideal destination for visiting vineyards and wineries. The Edna Valley and Paso Robles wine regions are nearby. You will find many world-class wineries where you can savor award-winning wines and enjoy breathtaking vineyard views. If you are a wine lover, exploring a few of the many wineries in the area would be the perfect addition to your weekend getaway to San Luis Obispo.
Edna Valley Vineyard
Edna Valley Vineyard has been producing wines for over 30 years. They have a large collection of wines which include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, a selection of other wines. Reservations for the tasting room are recommended. If you decide to walk in you risk the chance of not being able to taste the wines if the tasting room is busy. Edna Valley Vineyard is located at 2585 Biddle Ranch Road in San Luis Obispo. They are open every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards
Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards is a great winery to visit. They have a wide variety of wines to select from, such as Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They also have a delicious sparkling Chardonnay. Along with their wines, they have a selection of hard ciders. No reservations are required, and the last seating for tasting is 30 minutes before closing time. Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards is open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. They are located at 1947 See Canyon Road in San Luis Obispo.
Autry Cellars
Autry Cellars has a large variety of wines, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. Their white wines include varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier. As an added treat, they also offer several types of brandy. Autry Cellars is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last seating at 4:00 pm. They are open Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The last seating on Sunday is at 3:00 pm. While they do take reservations for tasting, walk-ins are welcome. They are closed on Mondays. Autry Cellars is located at 5450 Edna Road in San Luis Obispo.
Visit the San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens
The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden has 150 acres of land, of which 10 acres are currently used for the botanical garden. You can take a self-guided leisurely stroll through the gardens and enjoy the many varieties of flowers and plants. There are also docent-led tours available. The Botanical Garden is open Wednesday through Sunday at 10:00 am. Admission to the botanical garden is $10.00 for adults, children 12 and under are free. The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is located in El Chorro Regional Park at 3450 Dairy Creek Road in San Luis Obispo near Highway 1.
Watch a Movie at the Sunset Drive-In Theatre
Drive-in movie theatres are a nostalgic part of American history. Years ago it was easy to find a drive-in theatre and spend an evening enjoying a movie. Nowadays, drive-in theatres are hard to find. But, the enjoyment of seeing a movie in your car at a drive-in remains. Luckily, there is a drive-in theatre in San Luis Obispo where you can catch a movie and relive this part of American history. Grab some snacks, a thermos of coffee, some sodas, and a blanket, and enjoy the movie, The Sunset Drive-In shows current movies. They are located at 255 Elks Lane in San Luis Obispo.
Visit the Madonna Inn
The Madonna Inn is located off the 101 freeway in San Luis Obispo and is a short drive from Downtown San Luis Obispo. The Madonna Inn has over 100 guest rooms, which are uniquely themed. Each guestroom is defined by its own kitschy decor and colorful artwork. Guests can select the room they would like to stay in by viewing and selecting the guestroom on their website.
The Madonna Inn also has a spa, three different shops, a bakery, and multiple dining options on the property. For the outdoor enthusiast, local hiking trails, horseback riding, and tennis are available as well.
Visit Laguna Lake
Laguna Lake Park is located alongside Laguna Lake. This is a great place to have a picnic and spend time with family. There is a playground for kids, and the trails are dog-friendly. There is also a dog park for your fur baby.
Hike the Trails at Laguna Lake Park
Laguna Lake Park is a large area with a vast open space. There are a couple of trails that you can hike during your visit to the lake park.
Laguna Lake Upper Trail
The Laguna Lake Upper Trail is a 2.3-mile loop around the park. This trail is relatively easy and can be completed in a little over an hour. There is very little shade, so bring sunscreen and a hat. The trail can be muddy if there has been recent rainfall, and if there has been excessive rain, the trail can be closed. The trail is dog-friendly; however, you should keep your dog on a leash.
Lakeside Trail to Allen K. Trail
The lakeside trail is a 1.4-mile loop around the open area of the lake park. The trail is considered easy and can be completed in 30 minutes. There is little shade so having sunblock and a hat is a good idea. The trail is dog-friendly; however, you should keep your dog on a leash.
Hike Bishop Peak Natural Area
Bishop Peak is a great area to hike and one of SLO’s most popular hiking destinations. Bishop Peak is a volcanic plug and is the tallest of the nine sisters that stretch across San Luis Obispo County to Morro Bay. It is located about 13 minutes from San Luis Obispo, off Highway 1. There are several trails to hike at Bishop Peak. The trail to the summit is moderate to challenging and you will be rewarded with a great view of the surrounding area. This hike is about 4 miles round trip. There is also an easier hike, the Felsman Loop, which is a 1.7-mile loop trail that is considered easy to moderate.
Hike Irish Hills
Irish Hills is a great place to hike, with fantastic views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you will be able to see the coast and Morro Rock. There are several trails you can hike in Irish Hills. These are a of notable trails at Irish Hills.
Irish Hills Open Space Loop
Irish Hills Open Space Loop is the longest hike at 8.8 miles round trip. The hike is moderately challenging and will take a little over four hours to complete. There is little shade, so bring sunscreen and plenty of water.
Froom Canyon Loop
Froom Canyon Loop is a 4-mile hike. You will find the trailhead at the end of Madonna Road. The hike is considered moderately challenging and takes about two hours to complete. Part of the hike is rocky, while another part follows Froom Creek and is pretty level.
Visit Avila Valley Barn
If you decide to include the coastal town of Avila Beach on your weekend getaway to San Luis Obispo, then a stop at Avila Valley Barn should be included as well. Avila Valley Barn is on Avila Beach Drive off Highway 101 about 10 minutes from San Luis Obispo. You will be driving past it on your way to Avila Beach. Avila Valley Barn is a family-owned farm with many activities for the whole family. You can purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables, and fresh pastries. The kids can enjoy visiting the petting zoo. You can also have a delicious lunch at the Chicken Shack and Smokehouse. Avila Valley Barn is a great place to stop and stretch your legs while driving to the coast.
Take a Drive to California’s Central Coast Beach Towns
If you have additional time on your weekend getaway to San Luis Obispo, you should take a drive to one of California’s Central Coast Beach towns. There are several coastal towns close to San Luis Obispo, most within a 30-minute drive. One of my favorite beach towns is Avila Beach which is about 15 minutes from San Luis Obispo. Avila Beach is a picturesque, laid-back, seaside escape. It is a tranquil beach town with beautiful coastal views. Another wonderful town to visit is Morro Bay. Morro Bay is about 16 minutes from San Luis Obispo, has a small-town vibe and is a relaxing town to visit. Morro Rock, a volcanic plug, and one of the nine sisters, is located in Morro Bay.
San Luis Obispo Weekend Getaway
You can read about the 6 Top California Central Coast Beach Towns to Visit if you would like to know more about the beach towns along California’s Central Coast.
Is San Luis Obispo Worth Visiting
Yes, San Luis Obispo is definitely worth visiting! You can explore museums, enjoy live performances at local theaters, and enjoy many outdoor activities. San Luis Obispo’s natural surroundings are captivating and offer many opportunities to enjoy activities such as hiking the nearby Irish Hills and Laguna Lake. If you are a beach lover, the stunning Pacific coastline is just a short drive away, with beautiful spots like Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay offering sun, surf, and outdoor adventures. San Luis Obispo is the perfect weekend getaway destination that will leave you wishing to return time and time again.
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