San Luis Obispo County may be blessed with a dreamy location—halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco—but as any SLO CAL local can tell you, if you find yourself in this lovely area, there’s little reason to leave. With a stunning shoreline, restaurants where farm-to-fork is a given, and light-jacket weather that makes living easy, you’ll want to stay awhile.
Make the most of your time in SLO County by diving deeper than the go-to spots. After you’ve visited the jaw-dropping castle, the quirky pink inn, the must-see rock, and the elephant seals, shake things up by exploring these 21 gems.
The Hive Supply Co., Arroyo Grande
Boutique owner Tracy Sonny hand-picks every item at The Hive Supply Co. to ensure it has a story to tell. Browse among small wonders like chili-infused honey, hand-woven beach blankets, herb-scented candles, and potted succulents—all crafted by local SLO County artisans.
Ephraim Pottery West Coast Gallery, Cambria
You’ll find all sorts of one-of-a-kind treasures—pottery, tableware, art tiles, and even wood items—at this delightful outpost in Cambria’s artsy West Village. This shop is perfect for the nature lover in your life, evidenced by pieces such as the Call of the Bat ceramic pottery vase or the Petite Poppies ceramic pottery tile.
Lopez Canyon Trail, Nipomo
With countless acres of rolling farmland, this region’s wildly rugged forests are often overlooked. Don’t make that mistake: Hike the Santa Lucia Wilderness through the 6.6-mile Lopez Canyon Trail, complete with stone-step river crossings that add an element of adventure and massive oak trees that provide plenty of shade.
Pickleball in San Luis Obispo County
Fans of this fast-growing pastime will be happy to hear there are several places in SLO where they can master their dinks. InPickleball Magazine recommends French Park’s seven pickleball courts and SLO Pickleball Club for its round-robin-style tournaments. Just outside of Paso Robles is one of the largest pickleball facilities in the state at Templeton Tennis Ranch. With eight lighted courts, nets, and amenities, it places players according to skill level, with a “challenge” court dedicated to players wishing to take on opponents of another level. Nonmembers can drop in for a small fee to play.
Eleven Twenty-Two, Paso Robles
With 280-plus local wineries in SLO County, there’s always another bottle to try—but if you’re in the mood for a more potent potable, head to downtown Paso Robles for what Venue Report named one of the best speakeasies in the world. At Eleven Twenty-Two, walk through a secret entrance to enjoy drinks finished table-side with mixologists offering flourishes in the form of fire and smoke.
Concerts in the Plaza, San Luis Obispo
Every Friday from late June through early September, San Luis Obispo’s Mission Plaza hosts this series of free, family-friendly outdoor concerts. A singer-songwriter showcase is at 5 p.m., followed by the main act at 6 p.m. Bring a blanket, grab a bite and a drink from the on-site purveyors, and enjoy your SLO summer evening.
Hotel Cerro, San Luis Obispo
Hotel Cerro strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and luxurious. Relax on the patio under the shade of a mission fig tree as you sip an herb-based cocktail from the hotel’s garden and spirits from the house distillery. The rooftop pool with 360-degree views of the surrounding hills offers one of the best vantage points in San Luis Obispo.
Town of Harmony
The population of the miniature town of Harmony is a mere 18 residents. Despite the fact that this is a one-block, 2.5-acre tiny town, there’s a whole lot to explore. Try a cone of small-batch ice cream at Harmony Valley Creamery, shop for a work of art created locally at Harmony Glassworks, or find your new favorite vase at Harmony Pottery Studio & Gallery.
Coon Creek Beach, Los Osos
This hike-in-only beach rewards the on-foot effort with long stretches of sand all to yourself, sea caves big enough to walk through at low tide, and even a blowhole if you know where to look. Start at the 8,000-acre Montaña de Oro State Park in Los Osos and take the Point Buchon or Bluff Trail. Keep going until you reach the shore, and keep your eyes peeled for diverse wildlife such as black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher.
Secret Garden Organic Herb Shop, San Luis Obispo
The only way to enter this secluded little shop in SLO is through a shaded garden, home to hummingbirds, frogs, and butterflies, wedged right between two buildings off the main drag. Once inside, you’ll find dozens of loose-leaf teas, including custom-made blends, plus big jars of bulk spices and digestive herbs.
Pro surfing events, Morro Rock and Pismo Beach
Surfers of all levels can gain inspiration from watching top male and female waveriders compete at two annual World Surfing League qualifying surfing events along the San Luis Obispo coast. The SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay and the SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach are both weeklong competitions open to North American surfers, held in December and January, respectively.
Surfing schools, various locations
Professors of the pointbreak at beachside operations such as Central Coast Surf School in Pismo Beach, Avila Beach Surf School, and Shell Beach Surf School will have you popping up on your board and on your way to carving up waves in no time. In addition to expert guidance, all provide board and wetsuit with lessons, and all offer surf camps in the summer as well.
The Shell Shop, Morro Bay
Montana de Oro State Beach is an ideal spot for tide pooling and beachcombing but if you’re looking for a souvenir to take home, head to The Shell Shop in nearby Morro Bay. This family-owned shop truly excels in shells. It opened in 1955 and boasts the largest collection on the Central Coast—including decorative shells and corals, jewelry, handcraft, and just about everything else you could imagine.
The Carrisa, San Luis Obispo
A new addition to the SLO dining scene, The Carrisa has deep historical roots. Housed in the building once home to the Carrisa Cattle Company and later SLO Brew, The Carrisa serves Mexican-inspired cuisine, local beers, and craft cocktails. Relax in the airy dining room, curl up on a rattan chair around a fire pit, or play a round of pool in the super chic upstairs game room.
Kynsi Winery, Arroyo Grande
Built on a 1940s-era dairy farm in Arroyo Grande, this off-the-beaten-path winery speaks to the SLO-paced tradition of working in harmony with the land. Kynsi is the Finnish word for “talon,” a nod to the barn owls who prevent gophers from eating the vines. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the flavors of Edna Valley. Don’t miss the popular red blend, Hutash.
Negranti Creamery, Paso Robles
Tin City in Paso has a reputation as a sterling wine-tasting destination—but it’s also home to a very unusual creamery. Family-owned Negranti Creamery is the only purveyor in the United States specializing in 100-percent sheep’s milk ice cream. Try the four-scoop sampler to taste unique flavors like blueberry-lavender and apricot crisp, paired with a signature waffle chip.
Six Test Kitchen, Paso Robles
Also located in the Tin City makers’ market is Six Test Kitchen, an intimate 12-seat restaurant that offers a seasonally-driven, multiple-course tasting menu each evening. Unsurprisingly, to take in a Michelin-starred experience here will require some planning—places at the kitchen-facing bar are by reservation only.
Fall colors, various locations
When fall arrives in SLO County, it’s impossible not to revel in the fiery display of colors. At Los Osos Oaks State Reserve, oak trees show off a brilliant display of fall foliage, while Montaña de Oro State Park is the place to go to see fall foliage in a coastal setting. Experience a classic fall activity at SLO Creek Farms, where you can pick crisp green apples across its 44-acre organic apple orchard every October, and immerse yourself amid the farm’s three acres of organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers as well. Wine lovers will want to plan their trip to coincide with early November’s Harvest on the Coast Festival, when local wineries and restaurants celebrate the fall. Typical peak season: late October through November
SLO CAL Sustainable Wine Trail
Embrace a greener way to savor the Central Coast’s wine bounty along the SLO CAL Sustainable Wine Trail. Though there are more than 250 wineries along this roughly 70-mile stretch of Highway 101 that traverses the SLO Coast and Paso Robles wine regions, less than 50 of them have been selected for this trail thanks to their commitment to sustainable viticulture. Indulge in relaxed tastings, learn about eco-friendly practices, and relish stunning vistas, all while supporting sustainability. Not a big wine drinker? You can have a sustainable cocktail thanks to San Luis Obispo City’s Rod & Hammer's SLO Stills distillery, which uses desalinized water to cut their spirits.
The Restaurant at Justin, Paso Robles
Even in a heavyweight culinary area such as San Luis Obispo, The Restaurant at Justin stands out as the only one to have earned both a Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star for sustainability. Savor such courses as ocean trout tartare and Maple Leaf Farms duck, all paired with wines from Justin Vineyards’ cellars.
Leaning Pine Arboretum, San Luis Obispo
In a hidden spot on the Cal-Poly campus, Leaning Pine Arboretum packs a number of trees, succulents, and palms from all over the world into one tranquil space. Head to the Poly Plant Shop and you’ll find a path leading to a little sanctuary, complete with wooden gazebo, tropical greenhouse, dwarf garden, and more.
Margarita Adventures, Santa Margarita
Ten miles north of downtown San Luis Obispo, Margarita Adventures offers a range of adrenaline-filled experiences, from six different ziplines to off-road nature and foraging tours to an escape room. Located on Santa Margarita Ranch, this family-owned business emphasizes sustainable practices and takes pride in highlighting the cultural history and native wildlife of the Central Coast.
Oceano Dunes State Recreational Vehicular Area
At this state-run park, OHV (off-highway vehicle) visitors can swim, surf, camp, and hike, but the main attraction is driving across the dunes and along the beach, weather and tide conditions permitting. If you don’t have an OHV, one can be rented from several agencies in nearby Pismo Beach.
Before you explore, be sure to visit our Responsible Travel Hub, which includes helpful Travel Alerts.
