Itineraries for Your Trip to San Luis Obispo
3 Days in San Luis Obispo for First Timers
Some of my favorite places to visit are spots where I can experience a buzz of activity but also enjoy quiet time to relax. The city of San Luis Obispo, on California’s Central Coast, is the kind of town that offers both kinds of activities within a relatively small area. The city boasts a bustling gastronomic scene and historic sites but also has plenty of wineries and beaches where you can give yourself a break and enjoy the scenery. Here are three days’ worth of activities that will give you a perfect first taste of San Luis Obispo (SLO).
SLO has warm summers and cool, wet winters: pack light layers and rain gear.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a drink at the Madonna Inn’s Silver Bar.
Relax into the city’s slower pace of life while exploring downtown. Start with a coffee from one of the many cafes and delis that line the downtown streets near the intersection of Higuera and Broad Streets, take a leisurely stroll past Colonial and Victorian houses, and visit the Museum of Art. In the afternoon, explore the local food scene with a tour of the trendy Mojo District.
Drop by one of the most famous hotels in America, the Madonna Inn, for a pre-dinner drink in their vibrant, kitschy bar. Later, hear the city's spooky stories on a ghost and true crime tour.
Your second day, head just outside the city to nearby Morro Bay. Begin your day with a surf lesson, and you’ll get the gorgeous views of the coast while out in the water.
Afterwards, refuel at one of the area's seafront cafes: Frankie & Lola's Front Street Cafe and Top Dog Coffee Bar are two local favorites. In the afternoon, explore the area on an electric bike tour.
Before you leave Morro Bay, be sure to explore the local trove of vintage shops; they’re perfect for picking up a souvenir or two.
Begin your final day with a soothing, early morning forest bathing session. SLO is surrounded by natural spaces, and spots like the Irish Hills Natural Reserve and Bishop Peak are easily accessible.
For wine lovers, a trip to this region isn't complete without a trip to wineries in nearby Paso Robles. To visit a few, take a hop-on, hop-off tour that lets you choose from over 60 spots.
Alternatively, you can opt for a small group tour that includes a picnic lunch.
If wine isn't your thing, spend the day on a different kind of adventure: hiking the 1,559-foot (475-meter) Bishop Peak, the highest mountain in the Nine Sisters range.
