These 9 Things To Do In San Luis Obispo Will Take Your Breath Away

Stroll Around Downtown SLO

A fantastic activity in SLO is exploring downtown by taking a stroll along its many restaurants, cafes, and shops. The downtown area is easy to walk around, and I’d recommend starting your journey at Higuera Street. This is the main street of downtown full of markets, art boutiques, shops, and plenty of dining options.

Or book a Downtown Walking Food Tour to get a Taste of SLO

Hike Bishop’s Peak

The Bishop Peak Trail From Patricia Drive is a gorgeous hike that is 3.7 miles out-and-back. This trail is considered to be hard with an elevation gain of over 1,100 feet. This is one of the best hikes to do in the area and you gain some truly stunning views of the surrounding mountains and SLO down below. 

Visit Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is a city nearby known for its many beaches, wineries, and Monarch Butterfly Grove. If possible, I recommend visiting this area in the winter between October and February to see thousands of monarch butterflies migrating through the area. 

Visiting in warmer months? Book a surfing lesson and experience standing up on your first wave.

Explore Wineries In San Luis Obispo

The county of SLO is a paradise for wine lovers. This area is home to two wine regions, Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande, and offers an array of 280 wineries. Make your way to Adelaida in nearby Paso Robles, one of the best wineries in the area for delicious drinks and awesome views.

Book a Paso Robles Wine Adventure Tour with pickup from SLO

Support Local Businesses At The San Luis Obispo Farmers Market

I love Farmers Markets and always have to stop by when I pass one. Downtown comes alive every Thursday evening with an open-air market featuring over 100 vendors. You can explore numerous local produce stands, enjoy live music, indulge in street foods, purchase arts and crafts, savor baked goods, and much more. It’s an excellent opportunity to support local businesses and mingle with both visitors and locals alike. 

Spend A Few Nights In San Luis Obispo Camping

There are a few different campgrounds surrounding the SLO area including North Beach Campground and Oceano Campground – Pismo State Beach. Both of these are incredible options if you wish to ditch typical hotel accommodations and would rather stay in a tent or RV by the ocean. This is a great way to spend time in nature and enjoy the outdoors while in the area.

Walk Down Bubblegum Alley

Spanning 70 feet long, Bubblegum Alley is an alley filled with chewed bubblegum along the walls. While its exact origin remains unknown, it stands as one of the most talked-about attractions in the area. Grab a piece of bubblegum and participate in the tradition by adding your own gum to the wall!

Stay at The Madonna Inn

The world-famous Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo isn’t like any hotel you’ve ever seen. This California hotel has 110 rooms and each room is uniquely decorated to a different theme. They go all out with every detail of the room which provides a special experience for each visit. I actually saw Madonna Inn on a TV show back in 2008 and planned a whole California road trip just so I could stay here – my room was a jungle theme with a waterfall shower 🙂

📍Book Your Stay at The Madonna Inn

Visit Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is an iconic historical landmark not to be missed on the California Coast. The estate was created by William Randolph Hearst, an American publisher who created the nation’s largest newspaper chain, and is now a museum open for the public to tour. It’s also a California State Park!

📍Hotel San Luis Obispo, also referred to as Hotel SLO, is one of the best hotels in the area. It’s known for its rooftop bar with spectacular views and for its incredible location, walking distance to many of the city’s top attractions including Bubblegum Alley and Mission San Luis Obispo. 

📍Another fabulous option is Hotel Cerro. This hotel is located in the same area as Hotel SLO and walking distance to a handful of the most popular attractions. Besides its terrific location, Hotel Cerro is known for its chic and modern rooms, its excellent fitness center, and beautiful pool.

📍The Cliffs Hotel and Spa is not exactly in San Luis Obispo but worth adding to the list because of its close proximity and prime location in Pismo Beach. This hotel has spectacular views of the ocean and is famous for its spa, fitness center, and restaurant. It’s a short 12-minute drive to the heart of SLO, making it a quick venture if you would rather stay by the beach.

What is San Luis Obispo best known for?

San Luis Obispo is best known for its wineries, unique attractions, and quaint downtown area. 

What is there to do in Cal Poly SLO?

There are many activities to do in Cal Poly SLO including hiking, camping, exploring downtown, and visiting the nearby beaches.

How far is San Luis Obispo from the ocean?

San Luis Obispo is about 10 miles from the ocean and takes about a 15-minute car ride.