San Luis Obispo, known as SLO, is a beautiful city on California’s Central Coast that is perfect for family vacations. I have interviewed a local from the SLO area to help me write this family-friendly San Luis Obispo travel guide. We dive into all the incredible places to visit in San Luis Obispo, best day-trips, tasty eateries and the best hotels in San Luis Obispo to rest your head.
Why Visit San Luis Obispo, California USA?
With its stunning natural scenery, including beaches and rolling hills, there’s plenty to explore outdoors through activities like hiking, biking, kayaking and enjoying the beach. The area is also famous for its wineries and farm-to-table dining experiences. Throughout the year, SLO hosts events and festivals which adds to its vibrant atmosphere. Its laid-back vibe makes it an ideal spot for families to relax and enjoy quality time together.
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Meet our Local San Luis Obispo Travel Guide Expert
This is Valerie! I connected with Valerie through Instagram when I fell in love with her travel content. I reached out to her to see if she would be willing to help me with a local guidebook and she happily agreed!!
Valerie grew up in the San Luis Obispo, California area and still lives in the area today. She was a real estate agent until just recently when she switched careers and is now a top-notch travel content creator. She works with local tourism boards and brands to creatively promote their products and is building her business to inspire other families to travel and see the world.
Valerie loves many things about living in SLO. The topography is a highlight with it being a 10 minute drive from beautiful beaches, wineries and surrounded by mountain trails. She also likes how SLO is centrally located in California being halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Another attraction is how bike friendly the city is and how the city is continually improving the biking system. SLO was also voted the happiest place to live in the U.S. for several years.
Best Time to Visit San Luis Obispo
One of the greatest things about San Luis Obispo California is that temperatures stay moderate all year round (60-80 degrees Fahrenheit) making any month of the year a great time for a visit. Winter could bring some rain and it is a bit colder, but if you are coming from a colder climate, 60 is going to feel heavenly.
If you want to come when there is more hustle and bustle and the city atmosphere comes alive, visit between fall and spring when the Cal Poly’s classes are in session. If you prefer a quieter time of year, the summer is perfect.
Little Eyes Big World
Valerie’s family is passionate about traveling and experiencing other cultures just like ours. If you are interested in family travel tips and destinations for kids with a focus on cultural, luxury and sustainable travel, give her account a follow and share her content with friends and family! You can find Valerie on Instagram @littleeyes.bigworld.
She also has a travel blog, littleeyesbigworld.com, where she has some great advice on some interesting locations such as Marrakech, Budapest, the Sahara Desert, and much more.
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Top 9 Attractions in San Luis Obispo, California
Shop ‘Til You Drop Downtown
SLO has a good mix of boutique shops with other bigger brand shops mixed in. There aren’t an overwhelming amount of shops, so it’s easy to do your shopping in a half day.
Top shops you don’t want to miss:
- Boo Boo Records – This local shop takes you back to the days of vinyl records. Even if you aren’t a vinyl collector, this is a great store to stop in and look around at all the music options.
- HumanKind Fair Trade Store – This beautiful fair trade store offers goods from artisans around the world. The sales of the high quality items ensure living wages, safe working conditions and equal opportunities for women and minorities.
- Junk Girls – The Junk Girls, Jenny and Melissa, create unique art from recycled, repurposed, vintage and antique items found in the USA. Their eclectic space is filled with creative, one-of-a-kind pieces that you will be itching to display in your home.
- Blackwater – Blackwater is THE store to go to for all of your SLO gifts.
Visit Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
The mission is easy to see with it being located downtown. There are better missions in other destinations, but if you are a history buff, this is a great place to go. If not, the location makes for an easy photo opportunity!
Taste Test the Wine in Edna Valley
If you enjoy a tasty glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, visiting Edna Valley should be on your list. California is known for its wine. San Luis Obispo may not be as popular as Napa Valley or Sonoma, but what it doesn’t have in name recognition, it makes up for in quality wine.
Recommended wineries to visit:
- Tolosa Winery – It is the biggest and most popular winery in Edna Valley. It is also the closest to town. Go for their knowledgeable and friendly staff.
- Chamisal – Located only 10-15 minutes from San Luis Obispo in a beautiful tranquil setting. Visit Chamisal for their sustainably produced Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Take Instagrammable Photos in Bubblegum Alley
This instagrammable alley is right downtown making it easy to snap those viral shots. What do you think? Gross or fun?
Wander Around the SLO Farmers’ Market
Enjoy the electric atmosphere of being in a crowd by wandering the stalls at the SLO Farmers’ Market and enjoying the entertainment. Best times to go are Spring and Fall when the Cal Poly students are in town with the best being during Wow Week in September.
Here are the facts:
- Open year round
- Every Thursday except federal holidays or if it rains
- Summer Hours (March–Oct): 6 – 9 PM, Winter Hours (Nov–Feb): 6 – 8:30 PM
- Click here for more detailed info!
- Click here to see vendors and entertainment!
Visit the Unique Madonna Inn
A visit to the world-famous Madonna Inn should be on everyone’s itinerary. Even if you don’t stay in one of their themed rooms, visit mid-day for a slice of champagne cake and admire the dining room.
Notes:
- Valerie doesn’t recommend eating at the restaurant since you can find better culinary options in other parts of the city.
- If you are a male, don’t forget to search for the famous waterfall urinal!
Go for a Hike in San Luis Obispo
There are many excellent options for hiking in the San Luis Obispo area. Here are the best hikes recommended for this San Luis Obispo travel guide:
Easy hikes (good for young kids)
- Terrace Hill Trail (0.9 mile loop trail) – Nice views and good for sunsets!
- Brizzolara Creek Trail (3 miles round-trip) – They call it the Cal Poly graveyard because it is scattered with abandoned unique art.
Moderate hikes (older kids can do these)
- Reservoir Loop Canyon (5.4 mile loop trail)
- Johnson Ranch Loop Trail (3.2 miles loop trail)
Hard hikes
- Bishop Peak (3.3 miles round-trip)
Fun in the Sun – Beach Day in SLO
With San Luis Obispo’s perfect location next to the ocean, there are plenty of places to enjoy a day at the beach. Here are the options with tips and recommendations.
Pismo Beach
This is your quintessential California beach. If you are looking for a laid back Cali vibe with a pier and restaurant options galore, Pismo is the beach for you. This beach is also your most touristy option and can get very busy.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay is where you will find the famous Morro Rock. This distinct landmark is in a lot of Hollywood movies. Morro Bay has a nice beach and is a great place to go kayaking. For a little seclusion, check out the hidden beach behind the rock. If you are lucky, you may even spot some sea otters in the bay.
Avila Beach
Visit Avila beach if you are traveling with your doggo. Additionally this cute beach is also the sunniest in the SLO area. The parking lot is small and it can be a little busy, so plan accordingly.
Cayucos
This charming, sleepy beach town has a cute downtown, pier, nice beach, and is easier to find parking. This makes it Valerie’s favorite in the area.
Pet all the Animals at the Avila Valley Barn
If you are traveling with kids, Avila Valley Barn should be on your agenda. This cute farm is fun for the whole family. The kids can feed the animals lettuce and you can pick berries, pumpkins, apples or wildflowers at different times of the year. Also, the Avila Valley Barn bakes fresh pies, cobblers and other homemade goods that they sell. There’s even a cute ice cream shop!
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Family-Friendly Activities – San Luis Obispo With Kids
If you are traveling with kids, it’s nice to have a few family-friendly options to choose from. Here are Valerie’s recommendations for this San Luis Obispo travel guide.
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
If you are searching for a hands-on learning experience that sparks curiosity, creativity, and exploration in young minds, be sure to check out the SLO Children’s Museum.
- Open Thursday – Monday 10am – 4pm
- Children under 2 are free, $10 dollars for adults and older children
Pismo Beach Sand Dunes or Oceano Sand Dunes
To preserve the ecosystem, the use of ATVs and other vehicles in the dune area is getting phased out. This is good news because of all the accidents dune buggies have caused over the years.
The best and safest way to see the Oceano Sand Dunes is by foot. The access point is The Pacific Dunes Ranch and RV Resort Entrance at 1205 Silver Spur Place, Oceano. There is a dirt lot where you can park for free.
Walk through the RV resort until you see the dunes. This is where the Pismo Beach Natural Preserve begins. There are no vehicles allowed on this section of dunes. This means you will easily find untouched dunes after a short walk. The kids and you will enjoy jumping off sandy cliffs, walking towards the ocean, playing and just having fun! There are some steep dunes too if you want to go sand boarding.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring water to stay hydrated!
The Pad – Climbing Gym
Test out your strength and endurance with a fun climb at The Pad Climbing Gym. This indoor rock climbing gym is a fun activity for all to enjoy. They even have free rental shoes making it super easy to go and give it a try!
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Additional San Luis Obispo Recommendations
SLO Public Market
Visit the SLO Public Market at lunch time and discover a plethora of delicious eateries to choose from. Don’t miss sipping on some boba tea from Sequel Tea and buying local produce and artisan products at the General Store.
SLO Museum of Art
Art lovers will admire a wide range of contemporary masterpieces by California artists at the SLO Museum of Art. Its downtown location and free admission make it accessible for all.
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Best Day Trips from San Luis Obispo
Paso Robles
A day trip to Paso Robles is an ideal place for the family. Below are just a few popular attractions to choose from.
Visit a Winery
Most famous for its wineries where not only the parents are enjoying themselves. Visit Barton Family Wines where children will play with a jumbo Connect 4, cornhole boards or Jenga blocks. There are even friendly cats and chickens to keep them entertained while you sip the delicious wine.
Another excellent option is Castoro Cellars. Here you can taste wine from the 100% certified sustainable vineyard and winery and additionally play the 18-hole disc golf course.
Water Slide Fun at Ravine Water Park
On a hot summer day, what is better than taking the kids to a water park? Whether you enjoy the lazy river or a seven story slide, Ravine Water Park has what you are looking for. Check out their website to buy tickets and for more information.
Mid-State Fair
If you plan on visiting between July 17th-July 28th, 2024, put the California Mid-State Fair on your itinerary. This huge state fair brings in some big concert acts, has fair rides, funnel cakes and even pig races. It is sure to be a fun filled-day!
Hearst Castle
Drive up the coast on Highway 1 for 45 minutes to reach Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Admire the majestic and lavish estate of media tycoon William Hearst. This castle on the hill has incredible panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline while its interior is filled with luxurious decor, magnificent architecture, and extensive art collections for all to enjoy.
Before leaving San Simeon, be sure to look for elephant seals lounging on the beach.
Additional option: Continue driving North up the highway and admire the cliffs and natural beauty of Big Sur.
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San Luis Obispo Restaurant Recommendations
Delicious Local Cuisine
Ox and Anchor – American food is a little tricky since most of it is a melting pot of other cultures. Ox and Anchor offers a good mix of American dishes that will make you want to return night after night.
Top Breakfast Joints
Scout Coffee – With excellent coffee and delicious pastries
Del Monte Cafe – Family owned SLO historic staple that has a cute vibe and full American breakfast options
Seeds – Great option for a healthy bowl or delicious toast
Best Lunch
SLO Public Market – Choose from a multitude of different delicious restaurant options all in one location
SLO Creamery – Another downtown public market and a local favorite!
Notable Dinner
Nates on Marsh – Great for a date night or if your kids are good in higher end restaurants
Novo – Always serves consistent and high quality food with a great variety. There’s even a relaxing patio by the creek.
Brassiere SLO – Find an upscale dining experience at Brassiere SLO located in Hotel Cerro
Giuseppe’s – Very family-friendly Italian restaurant with a great vibe
Piadina – For farm-fresh meals located in Hotel San Luis Obispo
Can’t Miss Desserts
McConnells – Stop into McConnells for their famous ice cream!
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Best San Luis Obispo Hotels
Unique stays – Madonna Inn
Downtown and Chic
Luxurious, No Kids Getaway – Granada Hotel and Bistro
Best Budget Friendly Option – Wayfarer
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