Things To Do - San Luis Obispo
Situated near Big Sur and a short drive from San Francisco and Los Angeles, we love making the trip to San Luis Obispo a couple times a year.
Even though we’ve been here many times, we always find new and interesting discoveries each time we visit.
Here are some of our favorite things to do:
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Also, here are our favorite places to stay in San Luis Obispo.
Bluff Trail Montana De Oro
An easy hike with a huge payoff - this trail is mostly level with some of the most gorgeous coastline views you’ll see in all of California. Some of the highlights include tide pools, pristine beaches, rock islands, sea lions, whale sightings, and massive rocky drops with the Pacific Ocean in the background. For a real treat, try to time your hike to align with sunset to get some of that golden California light.
There are many parking lots along Pecho Valley Road right next to the trail. We picked the lot near Spooner’s Cove, which is a nice beach to hang out at before or after the hike.
Field of Lights at Sensorio
Inspired by a trip to the desert landscape in Uluru, Australia - the artist Bruce Munro imagined a field of seeds bursting to life at dusk under a starry night. Over the years he built this amazing light installation that has been installed in places like Uluru, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and more.
We didn’t know what to expect except for what we saw in photos. Let me tell you that pictures don’t do it justice! Seeing the lights slowly turn on at dusk while they change colors and slightly sway to the wind is an unforgettable experience.
To see it, you’ll have to buy tickets to a nightly showing Thursday through Saturday at Sensorio in Paso Robles.
They sell out a week or two in advance, so make sure to buy tickets in a timely fashion if you want to go.
Another option if you’re in Paso Robles, is to check out all the lovely wineries!
Madonna Inn
One of the most famous hotels in America because of its over the top decoration, colors, and design - the Madonna Inn is on most people’s must visit list when they’re in San Luis Obispo.
You can choose to stay overnight in one of the many themed rooms (which range from dazzling, pink glittery rooms to cave inspired rooms), stop by for dinner in their sensory overload decorated dining room, or have a drink in their signature styled bar.
You’re golden any way you do it as it’ll be a place you won’t easily forget!
Fremont Movie Theater
One of last Streamline Moderne theaters in the world, this historic theater is a shining example of why we need to preserve our past. To think it was going to be demolished in place of a mall in the 1990’s just blows my mind. Luckily, it was saved after public outcry and is now used as a public event space.
Since it wasn’t open when we visited, we admired the architecture from the outside. Make sure to go inside if there is an event going on.
Farmers Market
Every Thursday from 6 to 9 pm, there is a bustling farmers market in Downtown SLO filled with fresh produce, food stands, art, and music. There’s something for everything whether it’s the fresh fruit, delicious BBQ, or lively entertainment!
We loved walking around feeling the energy of the place and ended up just having dinner there, since there’s so many food vendors to pick from.
Morro Bay
Anchored by the stunningly large and somewhat imposing Morro Rock - this lovely beach town is a great place to take a stroll on the sandy shores of Morro Strand State Beach. The beach is very clean and walkable filled with the sounds of the ocean, sea birds, and dogs playing.
Additionally, the city is full of fantastic vintage shops where you can find all sorts of treasures for your house or collection. Some of our favorites were Hwy 41 Antique Emporium, Morro Bay Antiques, and Main Street Antiques. We ended up buy a couple of vintage mirrors and delicate vintage teacups!
Kayaking
Morro Bay is an excellent place to go kayaking. Since there is an abundance of sea kelp in the area, you’ll see sea otters floating in the middle of them and plenty of sea lions hanging out on the rocks.
You can rent your own kayak or go with a guide to take you around. We went with a guide, which was great since he knew so much about all the wildlife and interesting facts about the coastline.
Sand Dunes Oceano
Located one of the few beaches in California that allow cars to drive in, these towering sand dunes are a perfect place for ATV rides or dreamy photoshoots.
Sunset Drive In
For a piece of nostalgia, check out one of the last drive in movie theaters on the California Coast. The Sunset Drive In has served the SLO community the past 70 years and the idea of socially distanced movie watching while outdoors has never sounded so good!
They play a double feature movie every night with tickets costing $10 per adult, rain or shine.
You can check out which movie they’re playing on their Facebook page.
Sunset Drive-In, San Luis Obispo, CA - Home | Facebook
Serenity Swing
There’s a secret swing at the top of hill overlooking the hills of Cal Poly called the Serenity Swing. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but I promise it’s worth it!
To get there, first find parking near ‘Poly Canyon’ and when you enter the Architecture Park, stay to the right. It’s best to use Google Maps or Alltrails to find your way to the Serenity Swing. There’s a bit of an incline and loose dirt scramble once you get close to the swing, but it’s overall pretty safe.
Harmony
This cute little town of population 18 boasts a winery, glassworks studio, ice cream shop, and pottery works. You’ll love how quaint everything feels - it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re driving by!
Blue Sky Center
If you’re looking for a unique glamping experience away from the city lights, definitely make the two hour drive from San Luis Obispo. The wagons are beautifully constructed and there’s a modern kitchen area for everyone to use.
The non profit that runs the whole thing gives free education and usage of the workshops to the local community.
They are one of our top recommendations on our California Glamping guide too!
Wine Tasting Paso Robles
Not many people know about the excellent wine country in Central California and Paso Robles is one of the areas bustling with world class wineries.
You can choose to drive through the area while tasting wine or do a wine tour so can drink responsibly.
Some of our favorite wineries are:
Calcareous - blending excellent views and top notch wine
Eberle - free tours including complimentary wine
Tablas - they have a bunch of Alpacas on site!
Niner Wine - famous for their sustainable wine
Edna Valley
Another winery gem is Edna Valley, which has good number of commendable wineries and beautiful rolling hills.
Here are some of our recommendations:
Talley Vineyards
Chamisal
Niven Family
Claiborne & Churchill
Stephen Ross
Hike Bishop Peak
One of the most popular trails in San Luis Obispo, you’ll get a nice workout from all the chowder you had at Splash Cafe. But once you get to the top you’ll see an amazing view of San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, and the Pacific Ocean.
You should start at the official entrance on Patricia Drive near Anacapa Circle or the entrance at the end of Highland Drive. The hike is about 3.5 miles round trip with decent elevation gain.
Tip: Bring water and wear sunscreen as there isn’t much shade throughout the hike.