San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is a small town on The Central Coast, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. I was lucky to live in SLO for 5 years and loved it so much that I returned for my PT school internship a few years after moving to San Francisco. Despite my love for this little town full of California history, I rarely visit. After our last visit, I expect that will change.
SLO is a place where anyone can find something to enjoy. From hiking the chain of peaks known as the Nine Sisters to exploring the coastal tidepools, outdoor activities abound. For the less adventurous, SLO's downtown is fun to wander with small boutiques, cozy coffee shops, and history and culture found at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, and The Children's Museum of San Luis Obispo. SLO is an agricultural area with a growing wine scene where visitors can taste wine or hang out with farm animals and local food producers.
About to get splashed at Morro Strand State Beach
FAmily Friendly Activities
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: Founded in 1772, Mission San Luis Obispo is the fifth California mission to be established. Beautiful murals adorn the church walls, where you can still attend daily mass. Stop by for a daily tour of the gardens, grounds, and museum or grab a spot on a garden bench and enjoy the surroundings!
Mission San Luis de Tolosa
Tours are held daily at 1:15
Children's Museum of San Luis Obispo: One of the most highly rated experiences of our recent trip (by my five-year-old)! The Children's Museum of SLO is an interactive space whose mission is to inspire learning through play. Top exhibits this visit included a trip to Mars on a rocket, a virtual bus tour through SLO, and the play kitchen with an ice cream shop. Remember to check their hours when planning your visit, as they are only open Thursday-Monday during the winter months.
Children’s Museum of SLO
Blasting off to Mars!
Madonna Inn: No trip to SLO is complete without a stop (or stay) at The Madonna Inn. This landmark motel, built in 1958, is known for its 110 individually themed guest rooms, quirky design, and a plethora of pink decor. If you're not planning to stay, stop by for a peek or grab a bite at The Copper Cafe.
Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House
Stop by to see the opulent decor at The Madonna Inn.
Avila Valley Barn: Avila Valley Barn is a favorite spot among locals and visitors. For over 30 years, the Smith Family has been welcoming guests to their farm. The farmstand features locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey. Each season offers a different activity, from pony rides during summer to hay rides in the fall. Pick up an Olallieberry pie to enjoy for dessert, and grab a head of lettuce to feed the farm animals while you wander around.
Rooftop Ralph
Don't miss Rooftop Ralph, a resident goat who towers above his pals on his rooftop perch!
Bob Jones Trail: Grab your bike or a scooter and hit the Bob Jones Trail. This paved trail is excellent for all levels of hiking and biking. Located next to San Luis Creek, the trail meanders behind Avila Valley Farm for 3 miles until it reaches the Avila Beach Pier.
Farmer's Market: The thing to do on a Thursday evening! Held weekly on Thursdays from 6pm-9pm, the Downtown SLO Farmer's Market extends five blocks and hosts over 100 vendors offering fresh produce, the region's famous BBQ, baked goods, and more.
Hiking
Hiking in SLO
The view from the South Hills Open Space
Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in SLO. Once you reach a summit and see the area's beauty, you'll understand why. With hundreds of hiking trails to explore, SLO is known for The Nine Sisters, a series of volcanic peaks that extend from SLO to Morro Bay. Five of the sisters have hiking trails to climb. My favorite SLO hikes? That's easy–Bishop's Peak and the infamous Poly Canyon hike to the "P" behind Cal Poly, of course!
Coffee
While the names and places have changed since my time in SLO, the town still has a strong coffee culture. Some favorites on this trip included:
Scout: With three locations, including one on Cal Poly's campus, and another on the way, I loved everything about it so much that I bought a sweatshirt!
Scout Coffee on Garden Street
Enjoy a morning treat!
Field Day: Hit up this spot for a coffee right as you pull into town, or wing by in the afternoon to enjoy a glass of natural wine
Nautical Bean: A coffeehouse and cafe where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch at one of three locations.
Food
Some of my old-time favorites are still around, but we enjoyed a few spots I'd never been to!
Firestone Grill: Opened the year I landed in SLO, Firestone Grill is a great spot downtown to grab a burger or some BBQ. The vast space has outdoor tables and an inside dining area to watch a game on TV.
Buona Tavola: For over 30 years, Buona Tavola has been a great spot in Downtown SLO for Italian food. The staff and service are lovely too!
Del Monte Cafe: Formally a corner market, The Del Monte Cafe has served customers since 1981. I love coming here for breakfast–don't miss the Huevos Rancheros!
While there are two locations of Taco Temple, the original in Morro Bay is a must-see! Swing by on your way to Morro Strand and enjoy one of their famous fish tacos or a burrito. Beware–the portions are enormous, and your eyes may be bigger than your stomach! The staff is warm and attentive and hosts a friendly coloring "competition" for kids, displaying their art along the restaurant's walls.
A fun place to stop for lunch or a drink on the Port San Luis Pier in Avila Beach. We came on a rainy day and grabbed one of only a few tables inside. On a nice day, diners can sit on the deck outside and enjoy views of the water and maybe even spot a sea otter or sea lion.
We packed a lot into our week visit this winter, but a weekend trip is a great place to start!
