San Luis Obispo Travel Guide: A Charming Coastal Town in California

Time of Year

Located along California’s Central Coast, San Luis Obispo is temperate, with mild and pleasant temperatures year round. Spring in SLO runs from March to May and brings beautiful blooms, mild weather, and longer daylight hours. With temperatures in the 60s – 70s Fahrenheit, hiking, biking, and wildflower peeping are popular activities to enjoy this time of year.

Despite CalPoly students being off for the summer, the months of June to August are a popular time in San Luis Obispo. The weather is warm and pleasant at around 70s-80s Fahrenheit, making it the perfect time for beach outings, outdoor festivals, and al-fresco dining at one of SLO’s many farm-to-table restaurants. Just keep in mind that certain sights and accommodations may be more crowded during this time of year!

Trip Length

San Luis Obispo is a popular California road trip stop and can be explored in 1-3 days, all depending on your trip priorities. However, I recommend no less than 2 full days to really SLO down and explore all that this Central Coast gem has to offer.

How To Get There

My preferred way to reach San Luis Obispo is by car. And located just 3 hours from LA and 3.5 hours from San Francisco, it’s a popular stop on any California road trip! SLO can be reached via three possible routes:

• California Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, which leisurely runs north and south along the California coast, making it ideal for sightseeing and long roadtrips.
• U.S. Highway 101, which also runs north and south, sometimes intersecting with Highway 1. The 101 is great to take if you have a shorter roadtrip with fewer stops in mind.
• Interstate Highway 5, I recommend this route only if you’re going straight to San Luis Obispo without making any roadtrip stops in between! It’s a straight shot across the state, but is far from scenic. From I-5, head west to San Luis Obispo on State Highways 41, 46 or 166. 

Alternatively, if you’re not within driving distance, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport makes it easy to travel by plane and even offers direct flights from major airports like Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Portland and Seattle.

And if you prefer to travel by train, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight trains stop daily at SLO’s Amtrak station, located near downtown.

Neighborhoods

San Luis Obispo has a few key neighborhoods to consider when deciding where to stay. For your first time in SLO, or if you’d like to minimize driving after arrival, I’d recommend staying Downtown near Higuera Street, a lively and walkable area with shops, restaurants, bars, and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

Alternatively, if you want to stay central but avoid college town nightlife, look a hotel along Monterey Street or in the SLO’s Old Town or Railroad Historic District.

Finally, if your top priorities are relaxation and nature, look instead for an accommodation in Edna Valley or near Laguna Lake. A great option to consider is San Luis Obispo’s famous Madonna Inn, known for its kistchy, pink decor.

Bubble Gum Alley

Bubblegum Alley is a quirky narrow alley that’s been adorned with thousands of colorful gum globs since the 1950s. Whether you find this type of spot whimsical, gross or both, it’s become a tradition for locals and visitors alike to contribute to the alley, leaving behind their mark in the form of sticky, chewed gum.

Entry Costs: Free*

Hours: 24/7

Dallidet Adobe and Gardens

Built in 1856 by a French settler, Dallidet Adobe and Gardens was both a private residence and a community gathering place. Today, its original furnishings, family heirlooms, and intricate architectural details offer a glimpse into the lives of the Dallidet family in early Central California.

Entry Costs: Free*

Hours: 12 – 4PM on Saturdays and Sundays

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Founded in 1772 by Father Junipero Serra, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is one of the many religious outposts, or missions, that the Spanish built in their colonization of Alta California. Located near downtown, the adobe-style Mission includes a church is still active today, a history museum and a garden courtyard.

The museum itself is definitely worth a visit, with the highlight being its large collection of Indigenous Chumash artifacts and wall drawings of Native American life.

Entry Costs: Free to visit; visitor donations are encouraged*

Museum Hours: 11AM – 4:30PM on Wednesdays – Sundays. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Restaurants

Guiseppe’s – Upscale Italian

• If you are vegan/vegetarian, dairy or gluten-free, I only recommend Guiseppe’s for drinks. Guiseppe’s allergy-friendly options are few and far between!

High Street Deli – Sandwiches

• High Street’s Dutch Crunch Bread is a must-order for any sandwich! Just make sure to ask your server about the ingredients first if you have any food restrictions.

Madonna Inn Copper Cafe – Diner-Style American Cuisine

Mistura – Peruvian Fusion

Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe – Breakfast/Brunch

The Oak Grill – Modern Californian

• A wonderful place to get brunch in Downtown SLO!

TASTEslo – Burgers and American Fare

Edna Valley Wine Tasting

Cadre – Sustainable Winery

Chamisal– Organic Winery

• I loved Chamisal’s 60-minute Estate Patio Experience! It’s a wonderful tasting experience for organic wine fans. Plus: if you’re into olive oils, Chamisal has some samples of Brightland Olive Oil on tap for patrons to try!

wolff – Sustainable Vineyard

Shops I Recommend Exploring:

Ambiance – Women’s Clothing

Blackwater – Home Goods and Gifts

• I found a locally-made Pirate’s Cove-scented candle and some beautiful green drinking glasses here!

Len Collective – Jewelry Store

Idyllwild Floral Co. – Florist, Gifts, Novelties

The Hangout – Vintage Clothing + Home Goods

Tails Pet Store – Pet Food, Treats, Supplies

Pismo Beach

A short 15 minutes south of San Luis Obispo is Pismo Beach, a coastal town with sun-soaked shores and a lively atmosphere. Explore the iconic Pismo Pier, wander along expansive sandy beaches, or venture into nearby state parks for outdoor adventures. Embrace local clamming traditions or indulge in coastal cuisine at downtown eateries. With a calendar brimming with events and easy access to renowned wine country, Pismo Beach promises the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for your coastal escape.

Distance from SLO: 15 Minutes

Hearst Castle

Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle is symbol of the opulence and grandeur of California’s Gilded Age. Explore the estate’s grand rooms, lush gardens or tranquil cottages via one of 7 guided tour options, each of which provides insight into the fascinating history and anecdotes behind this iconic landmark.

Distance from SLO: 1 Hour