Location: San Luis Obispo
Top Things to do in San Luis Obispo
10 Things to Do in San Luis Obispo That You Shouldn't Miss
Halfway between San Francisco and L.A., San Luis Obispo can be a relaxing getaway or a buzz of activity. For serenity, pack a lunch and head to one of dozens of wineries or take a drive to the beach for a leisurely swim. For a dose of history, visit the heart of the city at the beautiful Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Kids will love the Children’s Museum or Skate Park. Be sure to stroll along the creek downtown, where there are breweries, wine bars, restaurants and shopping for all tastes.
Restaurants in San Luis Obispo
1. Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Every Thursday night through out the year, the city hosts a delightful outdoor market/festival where local farmers sell the freshest fruits, vegetables and produce while local musicians and performers entertain the crowds.
Reviewed By Val W - Cayucos, California
Get to know the town and it’s people. Great bargains on farm fresh foods and fun entertainment on nearly every corner.
2. Margarita Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 389 reviews
At Margarita Adventures, we offer a uniquely thrilling perspective on true California landmarks-the historic Santa Margarita Ranch and Santa Margarita Lake. Our guided kayaking tours will take you on a serene and beautiful excursion to Santa Margarita Lake, where you are sure to see an abundance of birds and wildlife. Tour includes lunch. On our zipline tours, you will embark on six distinct ziplines spanning more than 7,500 total feet, starting with an epic 2,800-foot tandem line. Flying next to a friend or partner, you depart between two legacy red oaks, then soar over a steep canyon forested with blue oaks. Next, you crest over a high ridge and conquer a broad valley at heights reaching 160 feet before finally landing on the distant mountainside, completing an epic journey that you’ll never forget.You'll end your tour with an epic 1,800 foot flight over the vineyard! Tour - Along the way, you will learn about the ranch's remarkable natural features and role as part of California's famed Mission Trail. Your tour concludes in the historic hamlet of Santa Margarita, where you have the option to sample wines from the ranch. Advance reservations are required. Nature - During your tour, you will experience the remarkably diverse natural environment of Santa Margarita Ranch, which spans five distinct soil types and numerous habitats across 14,000 acres. Sustainability - Santa Margarita Ranch is a testament to how native ecosystems can be nurtured and even restored within a working ranch and vineyard environment. During your tour, you will learn about the numerous sustainable practices that are making a difference in the land and what it produces. History - From early Native American inhabitants to Spanish padres, Mexican generals and colorful outlaws, Santa Margarita Ranch boasts an illustrious cultural and historical pedigree that is unrivaled on California's Central Coast. Wine - Santa Margarita Ranch's sustainably farmed vineyard is the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA). During your tour, you will discover why Sunset Magazine called Paso Robles "the West's most exciting wine region." With our six ziplines, we aim to change your perspective, both literally and figuratively. Our tour is designed to accentuate our larger mission: to promote a deeper appreciation for our natural surroundings, and to ultimately see things a bit differently while providing a thrilling experience along the way.
Reviewed By phil_sllvn - London, United Kingdom
Did ziplining for the morning - so much fun. The staff were really friendly and informative over the drive there and back, and it was all very organised and focused on safety. I'd definitely do again next time I'm in California - thanks Margarita Adventures!Thanks so much Phil hope to see you again
3. California Polytechnic University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By frtw - Ann Arbor, Michigan
I took my masters degree in engineering from this wonderful institution. Sciences - particularly in agriculture and architecture - and engineering are Cal Poly's strong suits, but their other program are also renowned (for instance, their business school is now a rising star). The campus is very lovely and located in a medium-sized city within California's Central Coast, just minutes from the beach. It's the toughest of the CSU school to be admitted to: the students here are very smart and they work very hard. It's all worth it though!
4. Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By Gene H - Los Osos, California
This is a 1.5 to 4-5 mile walk or jog depending on how far you go. It is very scenic and can be crowded later in the day. We recommend early morning and a food break at the Market or Avila Gardens
5. Bishop Peak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Named because it resembles a bishop's hat, the highest peak of the Morros range is heavily used by hikers and bicyclists. The climb to the top will take anywhere from one to two hours depending on your fitness level.
Reviewed By Robin R - Hillsborough
Two trailheads: Patricia Drive trailhead has switchbacks and takes you gradually uphill with some shade from beautiful oaks. The Highland Drive trailhead puts you on a very steep, short hike to Summit Trail. We saw two hikers on hands and knees finishing it. Felsman Loop is a lovely hike on good trails. Summit trail has lots of boulders and rocks to climb over, so consider your ability to climb rocks without falling before you take this portion of the trail to the very top.
6. Avila Valley Barn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By Jon R - San Luis Obispo, California
Sometimes I really want a half-star option between each rating level. In this instance I’d post a 3.5 star rating, because this place is better than "average" but calling it "very good" is a bit of a stretch. The pluses are the animals on display for little children. There are goats (lots of goats), sheep, horses/ponies, a cow, chickens, a couple of emus, and a coupe of turkeys. You’re allowed to feed some of the animals certain types of food. There is a nice selection of fruits, vegetables, nuts, olives, pickles/tapenade, jams, salsas and sauces. There is also a deli for sandwiches, ice cream and fudge/candy. They sell yummy roasted corn at certain times.
Another plus are the pre-made but not cooked pies, cobblers and crisps. Grab one, take it home, put it in the oven, and enjoy it. They are very good.
The minuses are the animals being kept in very poor and cramped housing conditions. The animals display lethargic and repetitive behaviors common to those that don’t have enough of the right kind of space in which to live. The fruits and vegetables for sale are nice, but this region has a lot of farmer's markets that offer as many if not more selections that seem fresher. This place can get very crowded for the people, too. It also seems a little rundown and in need of some freshening up.
I may return, for a pie or a cobbler.
7. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 576 reviews
Founded on September 1, 1772, this is considered one of the most beautiful missions in California and still serves as an active church in the community.
Reviewed By martinezcm - Kansas City, Missouri
This is one of the nicest and user friendly of the California Missions. It is still working as a functional church and the attached displays of mission time history well documented and easy to visit.. The staff is extremely friendly and happy to assist with tips on the surroundings. It is a nice quite place by the river and a couple of inviting restaurants and coffee shops. As it should be it has not changed and ceased to charm since our first visit in 1972. Now parking is in a public parking a couple of minutes away and very cheap. Great place for a family stopover.
8. Highway 1 Discovery Route
Overall Ratings
5 based on 62 reviews
Roam this 101-mile stretch of Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) where you'll find 10 uncrowded beaches, 12 state parks, Hearst Castle, three bountiful wine regions, farm-to-table cuisine, and unique wildlife habitats. Wherever you roam along the Highway 1 Discovery Route, you will find the best of Highway 1!
Reviewed By pastorroger8 - Simi Valley, California
Cayucas was a part of my wife's family vacation for many years. This was my first time, and I will go again...for sure. It is all about slowing down and enjoying simpler things. A wonderful experience.
9. Performing Arts Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 83 reviews
State-of-the-art performance center is maintained by three important entities: California Polytechnic State University, the City of San Luis Obispo and the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center.
Reviewed By David G - San Luis Obispo, California
This performance venue, created by a unique collaboration of Cal Poly University, the city of San Luis Obispo and the community, has been successful beyond the creators' wildest dreams. That success has been because of the overall excellence of the facility. Everything about this place--the architecture, the sightlines, and especially the acoustics--are absolutely first-rate. This didn't happen by accident. The key players had to fight the "value engineers" every step of the way to preserve quality. The building ended up over budget, and the multi-million dollar "acoustic clouds" had to be postponed, so amplified performances didn't sound as rich as concert music. But, recently even this weakness had been cured by installing the latest digital acoustic technology. Now, everything sounds great, from symphony concerts, to single person recitals to touring Broadway shows. You won't be disappointed.
10. Sunset Drive-In Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Auntie_LaLa81 - Paso Robles, CA
With drive-in theaters disappearing around the country, it is nice to have Sunset Drive-In still left in San Luis Obispo. Though it obviously isn't as inexpensive as it once was, it still is a better deal than a traditional theater. There are no longer any sound boxes available to plan on having some sort of radio available to be able to hear adequately. We try and go a few times a year, when we're interested in both movies playing.
The only thing I've noticed that I'm not a huge fan of is they often play a more kid-friendly movie as the second feature rather than the opening one. I have trouble staying up to see both movies during the summer when the sun sets so late, so I can't imagine trying to occupy children during a less appropriate film or get there late enough to start with the second movie if I had little kids.
Love that I can bring in outside food that my family enjoys instead of having to purchase overpriced concessions at the standard theater. Like most places, they could use more women's bathroom stalls as the line is often ridiculous in between films while the men walk in without issue.
Overall, I've always had good experiences at the Sunset Drive-In and am glad this little slice of classic Americana still exists locally.
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