Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Monday. The museum is extensive, featuring three floors that promote all sorts of options for indoor excitement and learning. What more could we ask for? For an overnight visit, stay at the newly opened Hotel Cerro. The building was almost lost as the 20th century drew to a close, as developers wanted to tear it down to put in a multiplex. Why not do it the old-fashioned way at one of the citys more fun tourist attractions? The route was not especially distinct or at least, not as much as it sounds. See all Paso Robles Deluxe Sidecar Wine Tour 14 Spring Break from Mild weather, great scenery and fun little towns to stop in. The Iron Road Pioneers was revealed in 2003 after being made by artist Elizabeth MacQueen. A breezy but uphill hike of 1.7 miles and back down again, Bishop Peak Trail lets you conquer a volcano well, sort of. This produce stnad has been turned into a country wonderland for kids of all ages. Chez Panisse alum Brian Collins packs his wood-fired, New American restaurant with hand-formed pizza dough, local produce, ethically raised meats, and Central Coast wines. It's also the "center" of the old part of town. Forum posts were selected by looking for forum titles asking specific questions and taking the top showtopic page by total pageviews as the optimal topic. I suggest getting a smoke artichoke and pulled pork sandwich! Forks Twilight Guide: I Found All The Book & Movie Filming Locations! The alleyways use for its current purpose being filled with chewed-up bubblegum started sometime in the 1950s for reasons somewhat unknown. There are plenty of things to do in San Luis Obispo at night, so make sure you don't sleep on SLO when the sun goes down! Bubblegum Alley is a rather odd attraction, and yet visiting it just to see it once is one of the best things to do in San Luis Obispo. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is a serene recreational location and is one of the best things to do in San Luis Obispo, California if you drive an off-highway vehicle. With all the available options, how can you pick the must-see spots and must-do things in this town? This story was . Couchsurfing. She went above and beyond. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The three-screen Palm Theatre in downtown San Luis Obispo has been a beacon of arthouse and alternative cinema in SLO CAL since the 1970s, in addition to film festivals and special events. 20 July 2022 Updated on May 30th, 2023 - This post may contain affiliate links. Rooms are bright and airy with pour-over coffee for breakfast that you can take to your outdoor patio. Like wondering how more than two million pieces of gum could stand the test of time on the 70-ft wall in Downtown SLO. I graduated IN Social Sciences IN 1994, barely, but I have a degree. Morro Bay is famous for their giant Morro Bay Rock, which is very similar to the Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach in Oregon. Hope you loved this 3-day travel guide with all the deets on things to do in San Luis Obispo! Hike to Big Falls We bet you didn't know that SLO CAL had a waterfall. All the 100+ rooms here are decorated differently (one looks like Barbies pink heaven, another looks like the Flinstones lived there, and so on). The oranges and strawberries we purchased were very good. Weve already mentioned its beach as one of the places to visit as a day trip, but its also fun to head further into the valley and discover what else it has to offer. Sunset Drive-In Theater 252 Drive-In Theater "What a horrible night, this is supposed to be a night have fun a date night with me and my fiance." more 3. Why not visit Berkeley and Malibu? Going down was a lot more challenging than going up and since I and my husband don't usually hike, we took our time. But, if your favorite restaurant, hike, etc didnt make the list, please drop a comment below so everyone can see. Dining opportunities offer romantic, tranquil meals, day trips bring you to rustic and rural areas, and exploration reveals unique and fascinating tourist attractions. Known for its lively downtown, historic Spanish mission, hiking trails, museums and art galleries, great eateries, and wine and craft beer tasting rooms, San Luis Obispo has something for every type of traveler. Thursday Night Farmers' Market Thursday night farmers' market | Sandra Foyt / photo modified San Luis Obispo is famous for its Thursday night farmers' market, which is considered one of the best in California.Crowds flock to this weekly event on Higuera Street downtown.. Locals come to shop for fresh produce, and out-of-town visitors enjoy the street food. This was one of my favorite things to do in San Luis Obispo at night. How to Do SLO Nightlife | Find San Luis Obispo Night Activities - Visit SLO What are the most popular things to do in San Luis Obispo with kids? San Luis Obispo: How To Spend A Perfect Day - TravelAwaits JULY 22 MILLER FARR PASSES Miller Farr, a record-setting three-time AFL All-Star cornerback, has passed away at the age of 80.Farr, a native of Beaumont, eventually also starred in the NFL. Its where students of design, architecture, and engineering have left their structures built over many decades. A gentler hike can be found at Felsman Loop, which is 2.7 miles in length for a round trip and provides a lower elevation. Address: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, United States. Usually, California Missions are way on the outside of town but the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is smack in the heart of downtown. There are lots of ways to have fun at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area of San Luis Obispo. Snap a Selfie in Bubblegum Alley. Seasonal menus with local ingredients, tons of wine, endless outdoor recreation and even some bizarre spots, like a 70-year-old bubble gum alley. It's an intermediate trail as you get closer to the top with the winding trail and the large rocks. Lopez Lake is an incredible spot among San Luis Obispos places to visit. I just cant stay away, so its finally time for me to put together my SLO travel guide for you guys! I recommend booking tickets for dusk entry so you can watch all the lights slowly turn on. A post shared by ember (@emberrestaurant). Looking for more fun outside San Luis Obispo? Its a family tradition for us and I cant imagine a trip to Avila without stopping at the barn! Travel Agency. Looking for wineries nearby for tastings, lunch and great views. Theres a classic drive-in movie theater here! Looking for a more hands-on experience? Keep an eye out for a rope swing to your left its sturdy and overlooks the Pacific Ocean!! There are over 350 campsites at the lake as well as a number of rentable cabins, and you dont need to worry about supplies thanks to the marinas equipment shops, general store, laundromat, eatery, and vehicle rental options. A good place in the botanical garden to begin your sightseeing is in the Preview Garden, which is an impressive five acres and provides you with sights of the plant life from all five major climate zones in the Mediterranean. Theyre carefully designed to encourage and promote creativity, curiosity, and imagination. Franciscans made the road in such a way that it took a mere day on horseback to get to settlements. 109. Bike Night began back in 2000 when some friends got together after Farmers' Market for a fun bike ride through Downtown San Luis Obispo. Avila Valley Barn is like, THE farm stop that locals and visitors alike love. You know how there is Napa County (aka Napa Valley) but also the town of Napa? All year long, Pismo Beach maintains a pleasurable temperature, only rising in July and August. So many cool things to do in SLO, I know Ill be back soon. This is just a very cool area, outside of the Mission, with walking paths leading off from it. Top 10 Things To Do In san luis obispo - California 2023 We also bought some cookie dough and caramel candies which were both very good. There are countless trails you can opt for, varying in length and difficulty, so theres something for everyone as you explore forests, scrublands, and creeksides. As you walk, youll view many different plant collections, some regional, some national, and some from across the globe. A medium-hard hiking trail with the reward of sweeping views of the coast. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and Mission San Miguel up the road will tell visitors they lived in peace with local Indians, employed them and even were thought of as saviors of helping them with things like killing local bears. 121 San Luis Obispo, CA Date Ideas | TripBuzz It is an Art Deco-style building with Streamline Moderne architecture, designed by S. Charles Lee, a famed theatre architect. The main emphasis of the museum is on current living California artists. Youll see exhibits dedicated to the Pacific Coast Railway, the Pullman La Cuesta Caf/Observation Car and its gorgeous dining space, the Amtrak, surfing, the Santa Maria Valley, and the Southern Pacific Boxcar of 1926. Its also equipped with amenities like a picnic area, a childrens water slide, cabins, and camping sites. Families grill out on the shore while others windsurf, kayak, jetski, and fish in the reservoir. We felt we were in a paradise, sipping our wine and listening to nature. The Avila Hot Springs and Hiking Trails are part of the titular Avilla Valley, a small rural area close to San Luis Obispo, California. This site of land was chosen for the mission because of its good climate, proximity to fresh water, and the friendliness of the Chumash tribe of the region. Address: 560 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, United States. Required fields are marked *. 26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Greensboro (North Carolina), 25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Cheyenne (Wyoming), Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Frankenmuth (Michigan), 21 Best & Fun Things To Do In Athens (Georgia), 31 Best & Fun Things To Do In Bentonville (Arkansas), 20 Best & Fun Things To Do In Tybee Island (Georgia), 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Jackson (Mississippi). DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and Ill be happy to help! Come either for lunch or swing by for a happy hour to try local wines. 20 Things to do in San Luis Obispo In 2023 - Travel2Next Today, the El Camino Real route that once spanned 700 miles isnt really what it was, but you can still find some of the bells lingering behind. I loved the colorful murals on museum buildings and totally snapped some shameless Instagram selfies here. Wrecking ball-sized buoys on the Rio Grande. Pull up your kayak up on the sand and hike the trail to the Point San Luis Lighthouse. The vintage palm flooring and retro pink-shaded exterior add to the overall glamor. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in San Luis Obispo - Tripadvisor Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo is everything you want from a small town on the California coast. Its a good spot for elevated San Luis Obispo nightlife. SLO attractions include many locally-owned businesses with one-of-a-kind clothing and . Follow me on Instagram for even more inspiration! Grab a bite or drink and lounge in the stylish lobby or outdoor terrace, then head to Sol Spa, a modern space that offers a full menu of treatments, an indoor-outdoor relaxation lounge, salt sauna, pool, jacuzzi, and meditation room. Read our disclosure. Grab some ammo from the nearby SLO Sweets (formerly Powell's Sweet Shoppe), then add to it yourself. Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande produce more than 40 grape varieties, thanks to that crisp marine air, the rolling hills and shaded valleys, and the year-round Mediterranean climate. Check out the stunning San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden! The unofficial center of the Central Coast, San Luis Obispo is a student city of activity that knows when to down tools and relax. The Downtown SLO Farmers Market is run by the San Luis Obispo County Farmers Market Association, which holds a total of five different markets during the week. When you visit San Luis Obispo, skip a hotel on the outside of town and stay here. Ive never seen anything like the California Polytechnic State Architecture graveyard before. We really appreciate you and will see you very soon! Check out the growing list of weekly San Luis Obispo night time activities, events and offerings: San Luis Obispo Nighttime Activities. This is one of the oldest communities in the state, after all, but there is always something new and exciting cooking in this proverbial kitchen. 1010 Nipomo Street. Youre going to love this cute downtown SLO hotel as much as I do!! SLO County starts at the Southern end of Big Sur and stretches until Santa Maria / Los Padres National Forest. With world-class vineyards, a booming farm-to-table food scene, and a buzzing downtown, San Luis Obispo boasts the best of Northern and Southern California, without the traffic. Wonderful line up of shows at the PAC SLO. Visitor Guide | Things to do in Downtown San Luis Obispo Be aware, in the summer there can get to be a lot of poison oak on the trail so keep watch if you go! >> Got a question about the SLO? San Luis Obispo is famous for its beautiful beaches and year-round Mediterranean climate, but don't overlook the city's vibrant historic sites and culturally significant attractions. Dj vu! There are just many wineries for tastings for day trips from Downtown SLO. RECOMMENDED: Guide to exploring California. My friend Elise has a great list of restaurants in SLO! The best things to do in San Luis Obispo celebrate all that makes this place unique. We tried several and they were devoured by the group. Walking Tour. 14. The Dorn Pyramid certainly looks eerie, and open its front you can read its inscription, stating DISTVRB NOT THE SLEEP OF DEATH. You can also check out SLO County's events page to see what fun concerts and things they have coming up. The founder, Shannon Len, is the designer of Len Designs Jewelry, and you can take a peek at what they offer online as well! Many different trails are available for different skill levels at Bishop Peak. Zoos & Aquariums in San Luis Obispo County | Things to Do - SLO CAL Lots of farmland, winding backcountry roads, homes with large gardens. Bishop Peak earned its name as a result of its shape, which resembles a bit of a crown of rocks, somewhat like the miter of a bishop. If you're anywhere in the San Luis Obispo region, you're surrounded by miles of farmlandand this is one of the best restaurants to taste the fruit of the land. Pasta, BBQ, hummus, juice, baguettes, poke, pizza youll find that theres no shortage of things to snack on as you wander! Such a cool activity. Went off the path for some wine tasting, just a great weekend. Got questions? This is one of those special places and my favorite of the hidden gems in San Luis Obispo. Rent a kayak in Avila and paddle about a mile to a secret beach. Surfing Lessons from $82.06 per adult 1-Hour Pedego Electric Bike Rental 2 Rentals from $45.00 per adult Smartphone Driving Tour between Santa Maria & Monterey 'Big Sur' Audio Guides from $7.99 per group (up to 15) Winery Tour: Private Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour Spring Break from $199.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Address: Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States. Seasonal menus with local ingredients, tons of wine, endless outdoor recreation and even some bizarre spots, like a 70-year-old bubble gum alley. Address: Higuera Street and Elks Lane, Oddfellows Cemetery, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States. Many different roads were referenced this way as missionaries traveled along the coast of what would become SLO. Technically, Avila Beach isnt in the city, 15 minutes out from it despite being in its titular bay. Address: 1035 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States. $10 for each person 2 and up. I recommend swinging by the candy store down the block to pick up some Bubble Yum so you can blow your own giant bubble and add to the wall! The first few bells, mounted upon shepherd staffs, appeared beginning 1906 to mark certain areas of the path, somewhat inconsistently. If youre planning to stop by, be sure to triple check their hours and theres tons of free street parking around. The History Center of San Luis Obispo County is one of the citys key points of interest for its own preservation of culture, heritage, and history. 15. It is generally believed that its creation may have been sparked by a rivalry between students from California Polytechnic State University and San Luis Obispo High School. Right downtown is Libertine Brewing Company which is an airy brewery that focuses on sour beers. Termed as one of the top vacation spots, Bishop Peak is a part of the Morros mountain range, also referred to as the Nine Sisters. Based on the present $15.50 minimum wage and agricultural overtime law, that means the salary for year-round 24/7 goat herders would be $191,425 per year, or $15,925.08 per month almost four . It is home to a wide range of different displays, artifacts, information, and models that show off a lot of different topics. Address: Poly Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States. We were visiting and bought tickets to return next month for a dance performance . Fremont Theatre is San Luis Obispos go-to entertainment hotspot. While they mostly sell produce, as a visitor you can totally shop things like olive oils or honey to bring back home. 1. Of course with a California influence no oceans in Midwest. Basically, its worth the trip out of the city! Im still daydreaming about the tomato salad I had here it was fresh with balsamic, ponzu cheese and sourdough and ohhh I think I need to drive back down the coast right now to order it again *sobs in foodie*. Its one of the most fun things to do in San Luis Obispo, California, for families. It was formed over 20 million years in the past as a result of volcanic magma, making it technically a volcano, in a way. Texas is using disaster declarations to install buoys and razor wire on Address: San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, United States. The staff will pull the jars and put your tea in a takeaway bag. Address: San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States. That being said, I find it important to point out the blatant lies all California Missions, but especially the ones in SLO, have around the Native peoples. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Embrace it. Your email address will not be published. Over the course of the year they also hold seasonal hayrides, sell pumpkins, Christmas Tree farms and more! With more than 22 miles of shoreline and 4,200 acres of wildlife, campgrounds, trails, and prime picnic spots, Lopez Lake is one of SLO's best ways to experience the great outdoors.