San Luis Obispo: the Central Coast’s Unhurried Hub of Food, Wine, and Culture
Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on California’s Central Coast, San Luis Obispo (SLO) is a charmed destination. Nestled among rolling hills just minutes from the beach, this vibrant college town boasts a laid-back vibe and perfect weather.
In downtown, you’ll find a mix of locals, visitors, and Cal Poly students lingering at café tables, browsing shops and record stores, strolling the streets with bubble tea and ice cream cones. On Thursday evenings, a lively farmers’ market fills Higuera Street with more than 100 vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts beneath the glow of string lights. Critically acclaimed dining options in SLO include upscale farm-to-table fare, a kaleidoscope of mouth-watering ethnic food, and some of the best burgers and barbecue in the West.
Downtown is also SLO’s cultural and historic center. The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, which was founded in 1772, gave rise to the city. Over 250 years later, it remains a hub of activity. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a tour of the mission and explore the museum’s collection of Native Californian and mission-era artifacts. Outside, the Mission Plaza is an inviting gathering spot that also hosts seasonal pop-ups and free summer concerts.
More museums are just a stone’s throw away, including the History Center of San Luis Obispo County, the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, and the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum. For live music, check out the line-up for the iconic Fremont Theater, which features a wide range of touring acts. Upcoming shows include The Robert Cray Band, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Father John Misty.
While SLO’s urban charms abound, the mountainous peaks surrounding the town beckon visitors to enjoy the great outdoors. You’ll find great hiking and mountain biking trails with stunning vistas just minutes from downtown. In the nearby coastal towns of Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Morro Bay, and Cayucos, you can surf or paddleboard, explore the tide pools, or just take a stroll along the beach.
Wine country is also easily accessible from SLO. The region’s unique topography and soils combined with its Mediterranean climate and long growing season yield premium grapes that translate into award-winning wines. With over 250 wineries, San Luis Obispo County is the third largest producer of wine in California, surpassed only by Sonoma and Napa counties. Just south of downtown SLO, you can taste the coastal influence in the fine Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs of the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley. North of town, in Paso Robles, the warmer days produce critically acclaimed reds with bold, dynamic flavors.
Where to Stay
Garden Street Inn
Located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, the historic Garden Street Inn offers old-world charm with modern amenities. Original colorful stained-glass windows greet you as you climb the steps to this stately mansion. All the guest rooms are uniquely curated with antique furnishings, beautiful fabrics, and stunning chandeliers. Some of the rooms also feature fireplaces and private decks. Grab a book from the well-stocked library and relax on the communal deck beneath the trees. In the morning, you’ll wake to the aroma of a chef-prepared breakfast.
Granada Hotel & Bistro
It’s whispered that the historic Granada Hotel & Bistro was once a bordello. Lovingly restored, the 1920s-era hotel exudes a hushed romantic atmosphere with a timeless, industrial-chic design. Each of the 17 guest rooms features exposed brick walls, hand-crafted steel windows, velvet drapes and loveseats, Persian rugs, and original hardwood floors. The walls of the hotel are a gallery of contemporary photography and original art from both local and international artists. Drink and dine at Granada’s celebrated Bistro or retreat to the intimate Nightcap lounge serving small bites and exquisitely crafted cocktails.
Hotel Cerro
Among the newest luxury boutique hotels in downtown SLO is Hotel Cerro. Head to the rooftop terrace and pool to enjoy craft cocktails and small bites with stunning views of the surrounding hills. For the ultimate in relaxation, book a spa day at Spa Cerro. Enjoy tea by the fire amid the cascading water features of the pre-treatment room, steam baths, and a range of massage, facials, and body treatments. The hotel’s Oak Grill serves California coastal cuisine with hand-picked ingredients from their own edible gardens. Stylish rooms overlook the gardens and the surrounding hillsides.
Hotel San Luis Obispo
Hotel San Luis Obispo is a vibrant, upscale addition to San Luis Obispo’s historic Chinatown district. The modern urban resort features airy, light-filled spaces that invite the outdoors in and blur the lines between the two. Infused with a boho-chic style, the interiors feature hand-woven rugs, natural wood furnishings, and pops of color. Relax by the hidden swimming pool or inside the lavish Sol Spa. Enjoy a round of bocce and craft cocktails on the rooftop terrace. The hotel also offers two incredible restaurants. Piadina serves wood-fired Californian cuisine with an Italian flare while Ox + Anchor puts a modern spin on the classic steakhouse.
Petit Soleil
Building upon its European-inspired charm, the newly revamped Petit Soleil blends nostalgic design elements with wit and a modern sensibility. Guests will find bold wallpapers, retro telephones, thoughtfully designed custom furnishings, and gorgeous new baths. The rooms also feature elevated minibars with local wines and house-made bottled cocktails. Relax in one of two cobblestone patios with trickling fountains or the swanky new lounge. You’ll be treated to a complimentary apéritif hour each evening and a delicious house-prepared breakfast each morning. The boutique hotel is conveniently located between Cal Poly and downtown San Luis Obispo.
San Luis Creek Lodge
The beautifully redesigned San Luis Creek Lodge near Cal Poly blends modern farmhouse design with an easy-going surf-inspired aesthetic. Led by Los Angeles-based interior designer Nina Freudenberger, the design for the 25-room lodge emphasizes natural materials, coastal-inspired color palettes, and a mix of vintage and modern elements. Guest rooms are stylishly appointed with rattan chairs and grasscloth wallpaper, bold artwork, sleek lighting, large flat-screen televisions with state-of-the-art movie systems, and luxury bed and bath amenities. Some guest rooms feature gas fireplaces. Fresh coffee and pastries are delivered to the room each morning.
How to get there
Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco along Highways 1 and 101, San Luis Obispo has long been a stopover for roadtrippers. EV charging stations are readily available at most hotels or you can easily find charging stations in parking garages scattered around downtown.
Taking the train to San Luis Obispo offers a stress-free travel experience with stunning views of the Pacific Coast. The Amtrak station in San Luis Obispo offers daily train service via the Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner. The train station is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown.
With a growing list of direct flights, the San Luis Obispo County Airport makes it easier to plan a weekend getaway to SLO. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and United offer non-stop flights from Portland, Seattle, Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix, Denver, and other destinations.