This itinerary introduces you to San Luis Obispo’s historic downtown and its landmarks, its spectacular botanic garden, and the vibrant, youthful spirit that infuses the city.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa 1772, Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Downtown, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Scout Coffee Co., Garden Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Big Sky Cafe, Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Hotel San Luis Obispo, Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Garden Street Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel, Garden Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Piadina, Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Ox and Anchor, Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Giuseppe's, Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Novo, Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Luna Red, Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Nate's on Marsh - A NRL Food Group Restaurant, Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
High Bar, Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Madonna Inn, Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Hotel Cerro, Garden Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Petit Soleil, Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Downtown SLO Farmers' Market, Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Flour House, Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
SLO Provisions, Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
San Luis Creek Lodge, Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Splash Café, Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Best Places for Breakfast in the San Luis Obispo area
Scout Coffee Company
In a small and friendly space that’s almost always packed with diehard local fans, Scout Coffee Company bakes its own mouthwatering pastries in house every day and serves delicious craft-roasted coffee and coffee drinks. Teas and tea drinks are also delectable; try the matcha or chai latte for a tasty flavor bomb.
Big Sky Cafe
Local artwork adorns the walls of the locally beloved Big Sky Cafe, in a lofty downtown space just off Higuera Street, a block from Mission Plaza. It’s been serving tasty farm-to-table fare for decades. Try the Devil’s Mess (scrambled eggs + more), a hearty breakfast burrito, or shaksouka. Big Sky is also open for lunch and dinner daily.
Best Things To Do in the Morning in the San Luis Obispo area
Best Places for Lunch in the San Luis Obispo area
Lunch places abound in downtown SLO and environs. In addition to Novo and Luna Red (details below), consider Splash Cafe and SLO Provisions (budget), and Piadina (at Hotel SLO), mid-range.
Luna Red
This lively social gathering spot next to the creek in Mission Plaza draws crowds with its craft cocktails, regular live music, and creative, globally inspired dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Try the bacon-wrapped dates, signature paella, street and specialty tacos, or a zesty ceviche.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in the San Luis Obispo area
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Founded in 1772, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is an integral part of California’s cultural heritage. Try to time your visit to join a docent-led tour. They happen Mon.–Sat. at 1:15 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. You can also follow a self-guided tour: explore the lush garden, captivating exhibits, and the gift shop.
Downtown SLO
Take a leisurely stroll through downtown SLO. Follow the peaceful paths along San Luis Obispo Creek, and explore locally owned shops and galleries. Don’t miss famous Bubblegum Alley, off Higuera Street. Spending 2-3 hours here gives you a good taste of the local culture.
Best Places for Dinner in the San Luis Obispo area
You have plenty of options for delicious dinners in downtown SLO. In addition to Nate’s on Marsh and Ox + Anchor (both lauded by Michelin Guides and highlighted below), consider Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica, Flour House, and Piadini (at Hotel SLO), all mid-range. And if you didn’t get to Big Sky Cafe or Splash Cafe or SLO Provisions earlier in the day, try them for dinner!
Nate's on Marsh
California’s Central Coast flavors shine at upscale-casual, cowboy-Italian-inspired Nate’s on Marsh, in a renovated 1908 home with several dining areas, plus a patio. Full bar, extensive wine list. Start with charred octopus, move on to housemade pasta, then continue with a pork chop, steak, or fish. Save room for affogato or spumoni ice cream cake.
Best Places to Stay in the San Luis Obispo area
Lodging options also abound in this college town, where relatives come often to move their offspring hither and thither, and spend a few days getting to know the community where their offspring might just settle. In addition to Garden Street Inn (mid-range) and Hotel SLO (luxe), highlighted below, you might want to consider San Luis Creek Lodge or Petit Soleil Bed & Breakfast (relatively affordable), or Hotel Cerro or Madonna Inn (mid-range to high-end).
Hotel San Luis Obispo
The modern-urban Hotel San Luis Obispo, with 78 rooms in the heart of downtown SLO, a block from the mission, has an on-site spa, pool, two restaurants, two bars, friendly service, and a lively atmosphere. Contemporary California artists’ works line the walls throughout the property.
After Dark in the San Luis Obispo area
Thursday Downtown Farmers' Market
The SLO community gathers downtown every Thursday at 6 pm (until 8 or 8:30 pm, depending on the time of year) to nosh on great food at numerous booths set up by local restaurants and vendors, listen and/or dance to live music, shop for gourmet food items, arts and crafts (and fresh fruits, veggies, and other food items, of course). Try to time your visit to experience this wonderful event, the soul of SLO, on five pedestrian-friendly blocks of Higuera Street, blocked off from motorized vehicles during the event.
Avila Beach, A Perfect Day