A day in San Luis Obispo: Top Things to do
San Luis Obispo, or SLO as locals call it, is a small college town near California’s Central Coast. Home to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), SLO combines youthful energy with historic charm and unique sights.
While SLO is not exactly on the coast, it is only a 15-minute drive from the coast, be it Morro Bay in the west or Avila Beach in the south. With the occasional Hwy 1 closures, most folks on the SF to LA road trip pass through SLO on the inland Hwy 101 route between Monterey and Pismo Beach.
I have visited and stayed in SLO a couple of times, either as a weekend getaway or as an overnight stop on our way to Southern California.
Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or planning an overnight stay here, you’ll find plenty to explore in this small but very walkable college town.
Top things to do in San Luis Obispo
Even though it’s a small town, I find San Luis Obsipo has plenty to do and see to have a fun-filled day. It has a beautiful downtown area and several amazing restaurants. Plus, the hotels here are cheaper compared to Pismo Beach for an overnight stay.
Downtown San Luis Obispo
Start your day by exploring downtown SLO. The area is known for its unique shops, art galleries, and historic sites. Higuera St is the main drag here, where you’ll find the most restaurants and shops. It’s always fun to walk around here.
Don’t miss the famous Bubblegum Alley, a quirky landmark where visitors have been leaving their gum for decades. I had to see this one to believe it! I found it gross, to be honest, but it is a very popular thing to see in SLO. Well, I could not bring myself to add to the wall here, but my kids did.
The Network Shopping Center has many boutique stores to browse. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is free to visit and showcases art from local and regional artists.
If you’re traveling with kids, San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is packed with fun exhibits and hands-on activities to keep little ones entertained.
San Luis Obispo Creek Trail
This scenic trail runs parallel to Higuera St through the heart of downtown, and I find it really unique.
There is a gentle creek flowing next to a well-maintained walking path surrounded by trees and complete with a bridge. It’s peaceful and relaxing to walk here, and even some quiet spots to sit and unwind.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, founded in 1772. This beautifully preserved mission offers a glimpse into California’s rich history.
Explore the serene gardens, historic church, and informative museum to learn about the area’s cultural heritage. Daily and weekend masses are held here, and docent-led tours to learn more about the mission.
Farmers Market (Thursdays Only)
The Downtown SLO Farmers Market is a must if you’re visiting on a Thursday evening. It is held on Higuera St in the heart of downtown SLO.
It’s one of the best in California, featuring farm-fresh produce, delicious local eats, crafts, and live music. It’s a great way to get a feel for the community and try some of the area’s local foods.
Drive-In Cinema
For a dose of nostalgia, catch a movie at the Sunset Drive-In, one of the last remaining drive-in cinemas in the state. They have daily shows at around 7 PM and 9 PM. I have yet to experience this, but it sounds so much fun!
Horseback Riding
For something more adventurous, explore the rolling hills of Central California on horseback. Guided rides are available through local stables and include scenic views.
We did a 1 hour horseback riding session as a family when we stayed at Madonna Inn. It was a great beginner-friendly experience. More information about the tour we did can be found here.
Hiking at Bishop Peak
For some adventure, hike up Bishop Peak, the tallest of the Nine Sisters volcanic peaks between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. The trail is challenging with a steep elevation gain but rewards you with sweeping views of SLO and surrounding landscapes.
How to Spend a Day in San Luis Obispo
Below is a sample itinerary to make the most of your day in SLO:
Morning
- Eat a diner-style breakfast at Louisa’s Place, a family-friendly joint with hearty dishes. If you are more of a coffee and pastry person in the morning, try Scout Coffee Co.
- After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through downtown San Luis Obispo, which is very walkable with boutique stores and art galleries.
- Visit Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and maybe take a docent-led tour.
Afternoon
- Take a 1 hour horseback riding tour at Madonna Inn, followed by lunch at Madonna Inn’s very pink restaurant. Don’t forget to try their pink champagne cake and maybe buy a water goblet from their gift store upstairs. Firestone Grill in downtown SLO is also great for lunch, with a good selection of burgers and fries.
- Alternatively, you can head to Morro Bay or Avila Beach for some relaxing time on the beach. In Morro Bay, you can also go on a kayaking tour.
Evening
- Have a nice stroll along San Luis Obispo Creek before or after dinner.
- For dinner, there are several good options to choose from. We tried Flour House once, and it had great Italian food and desserts. Novo has a nice outdoor patio along the creek and has several vegetarian options. Giuseppe’s near the Mission is another popular Italian restaurant with great food and outdoor seating.
Where to Stay in San Luis Obispo
If you are staying overnight, there are several good hotel options in SLO. Here are a few of my favorites:
Madonna Inn (mid-range) – A famous landmark hotel known for its uniquely themed rooms and very pink decor in the lobby and restaurant area. It’s a short drive from downtown and offers dining, pool, and spa services on-site. We have stayed here once in a Paris-themed room, and it was really nice!
➡️Check out my review of our stay at Madonna Inn.
Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo (budget) – We stayed overnight at Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo once to break our SF to LA drive, and we really liked the hotel and the free hot breakfast they offer. The pool area was really pretty, too. Great value for the affordable room rate. The room was a suite with a living area.
Hotel San Luis Obispo (luxury) – A luxury hotel in downtown San Luis Obispo with restaurants, bar, pool, and spa.
What else is nearby
If you have extra time and want to explore more of the Central Coast, here are a few great destinations near San Luis Obispo:
- Morro Bay (15-minute drive): Visit this quaint coastal town known for the iconic Morro Rock, waterfront dining, and a wide beach perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding.
- Avila Beach (15-minute drive): A small beach town with a family-friendly vibe, a scenic pier, and natural hot springs for relaxation.
- Pismo Beach (20-minute drive): A popular beach town famous for its wide sandy beach, surfing, plenty of seafood restaurants, iconic pier, and the chance to go ATV riding on the nearby Oceano Dunes.
- Hearst Castle (50-minute drive): Tour the grand estate of media magnate William Randolph Hearst, set on top of a hill with breathtaking views of the coast.
- Paso Robles (30-minute drive): Wine country in Central California, home to over 200 wineries, along with shops and restaurants downtown. Also home to the Paso Robles Field of Lights art installation, which is a must-see!
These places make for easy day trips or add-ons to your SLO itinerary!
Final Takeaways: Top things to do in SLO and Itinerary
San Luis Obispo is a great destination to spend an afternoon, overnight, or make it your base to explore the Central California Coast. It is always fun to be here with its walkable downtown, plenty of restaurants, and hotels. Plus, there are so many places nearby that you can explore!
⭐ Got questions about your trip?
Join my private Facebook group – California Travel Advice & Tips! It’s the perfect spot to connect with me and other California locals, as well as past visitors. It’s a great growing community and the quickest way to get answers for your visit!
