Location: San Luis Obispo
Top Things to do in San Luis Obispo
What to do and see in San Luis Obispo, California (CA): The Best Things to do
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. Highway 1 Discovery Route
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 156 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 D4283UWwendyh
This is a wonderful road that for many mikes is along the Pacific coast. Do not use it as a freeway, it is not. Great scenic drive with lots to see and do along the way. Most is one lane in each direction, but the scenery is not something that you will want to speed past.
2. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 680 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 716sachink - Plainview, United States
It is a Spanish mission founded in 1772 by Father Junípero Serra in San Luis Obispo, California. Named after Saint Louis of Anjou, the bishop of Toulouse, the mission is the namesake of San Luis Obispo. It offers tours of the beautiful church, gardens, school and small museum that holds a collection of its artifacts. It is open to the public every day of the year. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting this place, when in the area.
3. Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 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 russellsr2018 - Santa Barbara, United States
Love the farmers’ market in SLO. It’s a street party every week! Be sure to check it out if you’re in the area.
4. Bishop Peak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 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 SimonG103
2 hours round trip for our family for great views and meeting friendly hikers helping each other up the (optional) rocks at the summit. Not an easy hike but we saw small kids doing well and lots of dogs. The view Is great all the way up and it’s well work the work. No bathrooms so take care of business before.
5. California Polytechnic University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
Reviewed By pdcirclem - San Luis Obispo, United States
Cal Poly is my Alma Mater. The campus is gorgeous, especially in the Spring. Green rolling hills, and crops in full bloom. The Dairy Science students held a covid safe drive thru ice cream and cheese sale last weekend. (The best ice cream and cheese ever) Today, all students have been told to go home immediately. COVID-19 is off the charts and kids are REALLY sick. Dorms are shut down. We've lost family and friends with no pre-existing conditions. Covid-19 is real and it kills. Please be safe and think about others.
6. Edna Valley Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By carolinenF3524LM
Nice wine tasting. Informative and relaxing. Interior space had clean lines and rustic appeal. Great outdoor area for warmer weather.
7. Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
We are a family owned winery known for our award winning wines, our beautiful creek side views, and being both family and dog friendly. Visit us with a camera and take advantage of the 130+ peacocks that roam the property and love to eat out of your hand! Located between San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach, right by Avila Beach, please stop by and see why we have consistently been rated as one of the best local wineries in the Central Coast.
Reviewed By SueK167 - Laguna Woods, United States
What a great setting for tasting some delicious and reasonably priced wines. Friendly, attentive staff. Fun, funky atmosphere. Be sure to visit an apple farm while you're in the canyon. Looking forward to my Hot Tub wine!
8. Avila Valley Barn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
Reviewed By JilleH - San Luis Obispo, United States
Avila Valley Barn is a great stop for parents with grade school age kids or smaller. They have pony rides $6, Hay rides, roasted corn to eat, great fresh baked pies, and breads, produce, and specialty items. You can buy a bag of lettuce and let your kids feed the goats or the chickens which are in their pens. The kids really get a kick out of it. If its foggy at the beach it is usually warm and sunny there. Spending time wandering around and looking at the animals and getting a snack is fun for all. At pumpkin time your going to be amazed at how many there are to choose from, all different varieties and sizes,( great photo ops). Lots of parking available and a very popular stop for the locals.
9. Sunset Drive-In Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By 259lyndseys - Dereham, United Kingdom
Great value at $10 per person to see 2 films. Really good sound out of the radio. When we went there were only a few other cars on a Monday so not busy but I imagine in the summer it’s heaving. Take blankets and snacks with you or buy your snacks there.
10. Bubblegum Alley
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 915 reviews
Want a piece of ABC gum? Head to this fascinating, if somewhat unsanitary, walkway that features walls covered with gum of the "already been chewed" variety.
Reviewed By 531BH - Los Angeles, United States
During our visit to SLO, we explored the downtown area. Bubblegum alley is a fun (if not a bit ....interesting) place to check out. Its just a short alley with tons of old bubblegum stuck to the walls.
