Its adorable and has a wide selection of loose leaf teas which make the perfect thing to take home with you. All year long, Avila Beach is host to a number of events and cultural exhibitions. Sensorio was supposed to be a temporary exhibit, but the website currently says it's been extended through January 2022. Its one of the Instagram places in San Luis Obispo county and for good reason! A Satellite of Love is a vintage shop tucked away off Higuera Street, and its the perfect spot to find treasures for your home, closet and book shelf. 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. 16. You never know what youll find and thats the fun part. Both brick-and-mortar shops in Downtown SLO are relatively new, and right next to one another near Scout Coffees Garden Street location. It was meant to mimic European opera houses and concert halls and is filled with more than 100 feet of decorative murals depicting flowers, women, and steeds across ceiling and walls. Same thing here in San Luis Obispo County. Address: 250 Avila Beach Drive, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States. Looking for wineries nearby for tastings, lunch and great views. Programs are constantly occurring throughout the year and regular visitors get to apply for memberships, too. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Things to Do in San Luis Obispo County - Tripadvisor Among all these places to visit, youll have the most fun with the Central Coast Model Railroad, a fully-scaled, 1,200-square-foot model railroad! As long as it isn't raining or a major holiday, you'll find SLO's finest farmers, fishers, chefs, and other vendors in full force. She is originally from Phoenix, where she earned her B.A. Its an honor well-earned, though, as its easily among the most beautiful missions in the state of California. A chic, airy and modern coffee shop downtown that clearly was a local favorite. 35 Best Things to do in San Luis Obispo California - An Offbeat Getaway Its a good spot for elevated San Luis Obispo nightlife. Ventana Big Sur: The best campsite in Big Sur! That doesnt mean there arent some left, though, and in the 1990s old bells were restored and replaced along the road. San Luis Obispo is a beautiful city in the Santa Lucia Mountain foothills, known for being Americas Happiest City. A number of different gardens are located in this quiet spot, which sits between Californias Morro Bay and the rest of the city. This is the life. Scout Coffee opens at 6:30am for fellow early birds (heyo!) Aka the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), the dunes stretch for miles and miles. Delightful setting with outdoor seating and peacocks ! It is home to a wide range of different displays, artifacts, information, and models that show off a lot of different topics. Ghost & True Crime Tour in San Luis Obispo, Taste of SLO - Downtown Walking Food Tour, Smartphone Driving Tour between Santa Maria & Monterey 'Big Sur', Semi-Private, Modified Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour from San Luis Obispo & Pismo, 4-Day California Dream Vacation Package from San Francisco to Los Angeles, Paso Robles Wine Adventure with pickup from Pismo Beach, CA, Private Tour of California's Central Coast (San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Cambria), Essential Downtown SLO: A Self-Guided Audio Tour, Private Sidecar Winery Tour through San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles Wine Adventure with pickup from San Luis Obispo, CA, Winery Tour: Private Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour. You can also check out SLO County's events page to see what fun concerts and things they have coming up. Strangely, the Dorn Pyramid stands isolated and alone, separated from the rest of the structures on the grounds. Now onto all my favorite things to do in the town of SLO itself! If youre lucky you may even spot horses grazing nearby. 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. Chino Valley board boots superintendent, votes on transgender rule The Mission continues to be in operation today, with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, regular Mass, and special events held in turn throughout the year. Enjoy a romantic stroll on that picture-perfect pier, where you can usually spot the surfers bobbing around and under it between rides. Pull up your kayak up on the sand and hike the trail to the Point San Luis Lighthouse. Grab some tasty treats and stop by the gift store to grab some souvenirs for your friends and family. Its on the outside of town on the way to Avila Beach but the short drive is worth it for the bakery, fresh produce and lunch menu from their Smoke House. I know I say this a lot, but the Pismo Beach Dunes are possible one of the coolest things in California. "Bike! Its wild. Many lived with harsh discrimination and received no congratulations for their monumental contribution to the railways that would further the development of America. Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Luis Obispo. Address: Mission San Diego de Alcala, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States. I graduated IN Social Sciences IN 1994, barely, but I have a degree. The California Highway One Discovery Route stretches from San Francisco to Los Angeles, but somewhere down the middle, there rests San Luis Obispo County. 198 followers. I recommend coming at sunset! Morro Bay California, United States Ways to tour San Luis Obispo County Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Luis Obispo County. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Input your search keywords and press Enter. Reviews on Fun Things to Do at Night in Downtown, San Luis Obispo, CA - Puzzle Effect - San Luis Obispo, Downtown SLO, Junk Girls, Sunset Drive-In Theater, Circus Vargas, The Movie Experience - Downtown Centre Cinema, Palm Theatre, Frog & Peach Pub, Fremont Theater, San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre Standouts include the hunting lodge, gold glitter, Old Mexico, and the magnificent Jungle Rock, decked out in faux tree branches and vines. Chino Valley Unified teachers must tell parents if their child . Its big, beautiful and a haven for wildlife. The Best Things to Do in New Haven, Connecticut - Cond Nast Traveler 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. Its the tallest peak of the Nine Sisters in SLO County! All the 100+ rooms here are decorated differently (one looks like Barbies pink heaven, another looks like the Flinstones lived there, and so on). Outdoor stands are often operated by local restaurants, live music provides some entertainment to shoppers, and a festive atmosphere makes a trip here quite a joyous occasion. 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. Best Things to Do in San Luis Obispo for Couples Its where students of design, architecture, and engineering have left their structures built over many decades. 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. Rent a kayak in Avila and paddle about a mile to a secret beach. The overall service, the wine, the views and the staff are simply stellar! Speaking of bubblegum, the candy store you should buy Bubble Yum at is worth a stop even if you dont plan on visiting the alley. If you're just stopping by (more fool you), you should visit the all-pink steakhouse, the copper-accented caf and bakery, and the rose-tinted Silver Bar for a bite and a drink. This was one of my favorite things to do in San Luis Obispo at night. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art San Luis Obispo Museum of Art The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is a small art museum that showcases sculpture, photography, and painting exhibits by artists from around the Central Coastal region and beyond. Right downtown is Libertine Brewing Company which is an airy brewery that focuses on sour beers. Or who are the giants that stuck their gum up 15-ft high? If you do plan the trip, heres a list of some of the best things to do in Fresno! Best Places To Stay In San Luis Obispo. Yes, theres a Museum of Art downtown! There is also a theatre, a tennis court, a pool, trail rides, a cafe and bakery, a steakhouse, and a bar. Near-infrared night vision. Sure, this city might be more than 170 years old, but the youthful energy of its university infuses the colorful community. It covers 4,200 acres of forest area and 22 miles of beach shoreline, packed with campgrounds, picnic spots, and all sorts of things to see in the flora and fauna. We got to see a couple of horses on our hike up to the graveyard and it was magical. The Sunset Drive-In Theatre is a nostalgic trip back in time to the retro days of America, showcasing movies on a large screen in a family-friendly, drive-in setting, with kids discounts and nightly double features. This small but well-curated museum focuses on contemporary pieces, often shining a spotlight on living and contemporary makers from across the state. The shoreline is perfect for sunbathing, the boardwalk is delightfully flanked by palm trees, and there are lots of restaurants and shops that line the beachfront. You know how there is Napa County (aka Napa Valley) but also the town of Napa? . This is such a memorable and authentic experience for tourists to America! While they mostly sell produce, as a visitor you can totally shop things like olive oils or honey to bring back home. Grab your boo and some popcorn for a throwback date night in the car. 1. But you can also come in the night for beer, wine or cocktails. If youre lucky, youll get to Pismo Beach during event times. This is just a very cool area, outside of the Mission, with walking paths leading off from it. I grew up going to the drive in however my husband has never been." more 2. Experience a farmers' market like no other: enjoy five blocks of fresh produce, famous BBQ, delicious meals, live music, entertainment, and more! All year long, Pismo Beach maintains a pleasurable temperature, only rising in July and August. Texas is using disaster declarations to install buoys and razor wire on Come to the Central Coast hungry, thats all I can really say. I recommend booking tickets for dusk entry so you can watch all the lights slowly turn on. California schools chief Tony Thurmond booted from school board meeting on transgender rule. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in San Luis Obispo - Tripadvisor It has a fascinating history; the road itself was designed to connect the 21 missions established during Californias Spanish Colonial era. This mission is one of the first wave, built in 1771, and nicely restored in several phases over the past 75 years. Lifeguards are present in these busier months. (Plus 25 Athflow Outfits We Love), Im a sucker for botanical gardens and the, Comfy shoes for walking and wine tasting (. Address: 1940 Santa Barbara Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States. We really appreciate you and will see you very soon! opened in 1996, this 1300 seat theater draws world class entertainments, great performers. Your efforts will be rewarded by continuously improving views as you ascend one of the the Nine Sisters of San Luis. Theyre always changing the tap list so its hard to recommend the best, but I did love the Peach. San Luis Obispo County really reminded me of Wisconsin, where I grew up. The main emphasis of the museum is on current living California artists. It's an intermediate trail as you get closer to the top with the winding trail and the large rocks. ts a relatively small museum, with only some pieces of a very large archive and artifact collection being displayed at any given time. The alleys concept is marginally gross, covered entirely with bubblegum that has been used and stuck onto the wall. To travel the California Highway One Discovery Route gives you the true untamed, relaxed SLO experience. Reviews on Things to Do in San Luis Obispo, CA - Bubblegum Alley, Sunset Drive-In Theater, Downtown SLO, SLO Creek Farms, Margarita Adventures, Madonna Inn Trail Rides, San Luis Obispo Saturday Farmer's Market, Battle Axe SLO, Bishop Peak, Leaning Pine Arboretum Visitor Guide | Things to do in Downtown San Luis Obispo RECOMMENDED: Guide to exploring California. 5 Sustainable Ways to Experience San Luis Obispo It's impossible to say how many pieces of gum now stick to the 15-foot-high and 70-foot-long walls, but residents and visitors have been sticking globs of multicolored gum onto this alleyway since the early '70s. If youd like to go on a bit of a walk after, youll find that the Avila Valley Hiking Trails are well worth the effort. Like hats and clothing, jewelry, boho-chic home decor and candles. A post shared by ember (@emberrestaurant). 11 Best Things to Do in San Luis Obispo Right Now - Time Out 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. Visitors looking for a relaxing beach day can head to Pismo Beach or Avila Beach - and visit Avila Valley Farm on the way back for pony rides, ice cream and fresh fruits and vegetables. Address: 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, United States. Even if you're not hitting the waves yourself, the 17 miles of shoreline and sun-dappled cliffs are enough to make you consider diving into the wateror at least a move to SLO. For an overnight visit, stay at the newly opened Hotel Cerro. Ice cream, homemade baked goods, vegetables and fruits, fudge, candy, barbeque, roasted corn, and more all line up at the barn to provide yummy offerings to all. The staff here is super friendly! Bubblegum Alley has continued to exist, mostly untouched, ever since. Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when youre feeling flush). Offering more than350 campsitesand even cabins available for rentthis is one of your best bets for roughing it in nature. There are lots of ways to have fun at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area of San Luis Obispo. 24 hour surveillance. Head to the Downtown SLO Thursday Farmers' Market or hike (or bike) your way up a local mountain. Theyre carefully designed to encourage and promote creativity, curiosity, and imagination. The coolest event on the Central Coast!! There were 16 of us on a girls weekend for a dear friends birthday. Located about a mile hike from campus is a field full of bizarre structures all built by former students. (MMU), Nevada-Yuba-Placer (NEU), Shasta-Trinity (SHU) and San Luis Obispo (SLU) they hope the tool will . A picnic area and a playground make for some family-friendly enjoyment, especially if youre here in the summer. Wrecking ball-sized buoys on the Rio Grande. The Madonna Inn is a very strange but incredibly famous hotel and restaurant, inspired by the Swiss Alps and built by Phyllis and Alex Madonna in 1958. When the lights go down and the neon flips on, downtown's Art Deco movie house draws cinephiles for classic and contemporary screenings. The Gould Rotary Kiln was invented not. The Sunset Drive-In Theatre of San Luis Obispo is one of the states last few functional drive-in cinemas. 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. Within the Madonna Inn, youll find a whopping 109 rooms, each one with unique names and matching themes, all lavishly decorated in what most would consider very poor taste. Theres just so many hidden gems and special things to do on the Central Coast! By MtDavid. Yes, yes I did. Every Thursday night from 6-9pm, blocks of downtown shut down to make way for more than 120 stalls of locally grown produce, jams and jellies, to-go foods like hummus and baguettes, live music, fresh-pressed juice, pizza, poke, handmade pasta, BBQyou get the idea. The snacks are really reasonably-priced too. San Luis Obispo County was once a great source of cinnabar, an ore of mercury. Address: Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States. The top attractions to visit in San Luis Obispo are: The best outdoor activities in San Luis Obispo according to Tripadvisor travelers are: The best day trips from San Luis Obispo according to Tripadvisor travelers are: The most popular things to do in San Luis Obispo with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Note that forum content are individual perspectives of forum posters and not the opinion of Tripadvisor, Things to Do in San Luis Obispo, CA - San Luis Obispo Attractions. Pismo Beach is a lovely, laid-back, relaxing town, near San Luis Obispo at just a quarter-hour drive away. There are many things you can do in San Luis Obispo, but it is also close to other must-visit attractions on the Central Coast. Anyways, I found that pretty much all over SLO County you can find bangin restaurants that serve up deliciously made farm-to-table meals. In reality, the Spanish were colonizers who stripped the local Salinan and Chumash people of their land, brought in diseases that killed them and forced them into slavery to build these Missions in the first place. Buffalo Pub and Grill: Trivia Night Starts at 7:30 p.m. Mother's Tavern . Its fun to browse their selection and place an order for what you want! The 15 Best Things to do in San Luis Obispo, California Even until now, the Fremont Theatre is one of the few star-studded San Luis Obispo attractions. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Pack accordingly! Laidback vibes, awesome surfing, scenic beauty and local artistry pack our list of best things to do in San Luis Obispo. We ate a lunch in Cuyucos and stopped to see the Elephant Seals. Reviews on Fun Things to Do at Night in Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA - Sunset Drive-In Theater, Puzzle Effect - San Luis Obispo, Circus Vargas, Junk Girls, The Movie Experience - Downtown Centre Cinema, Downtown SLO, Frog & Peach Pub, San Luis Obispo Children's Museum, San Luis Obispo Elks 322, SLO Wine & Beer Company Check out the stunning San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden! Sit back and enjoy the finest in solar-powered entertainment. The San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum is a train museum with a simple mission: to preserve and showcase the history of Californias railroads. Youll never run out of things to do and ways to spend your time! Discover the spectacular nature and wildlife that surrounds Santa Margarita on a guided off-road tour. 1010 Nipomo Street. As automobiles began their ascent in the state, developers and relevant clubs teamed up to improve state roads, leading to its birth. 20 Things to do in San Luis Obispo In 2023 - Travel2Next She went above and beyond. berry picking. These workers have often been called the silent spikes, but this statue at the San Luis Obispo Amtrak station gives them a new name. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Santa Margarita - Tripadvisor Many different roads were referenced this way as missionaries traveled along the coast of what would become SLO. Avila Beachs relaxed ocean environment makes it a great spot for beginners to surfing and bodyboarding, though other activities like fishing, sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also viable. Its a unique choice among local tourist attractions, spanning 1,200 acres in a state park of interesting coastal terrain that features five miles of beach and open sand dunes as high as a hundred feet. Definitely one of the weirder roadside attractions in all of California, this near-hidden alleyway between Broad and Garden streets is its own sort of graffiti wall. Join us as we embark. Its also equipped with amenities like a picnic area, a childrens water slide, cabins, and camping sites. The museum and grounds are nice too. Thursdays Downtown Farmers Market runs for three hours starting at 6 p.m. and features over 120 different stalls. Terrific wine tasting venue. If you do plan the trip, here are some of the best places to visit in Solvang and some top things to do in Irvine! Visual displays will inform you about the impact of the railroad system on the citys community and how each train and rail lived its life. I wasnt brave enough to try that, but I did stock up on candy to bring home. in journalism and M.A. 20 Best Things to Do in San Luis Obispo, California! Top 10 Best Fun Things to Do at Night in San Luis Obispo, CA - Yelp Come ready to take photos! Located on Higeruia Street near Garden Street is Bubblegum Alley, which is actually older than the one in Seattle. It's also the "center" of the old part of town. 1. 20 Unique Things To Do In San Luis Obispo: Your Complete City Guide To SLO Address: 1035 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States. OMG Im still drooling over the food and cocktails at Brasserie SLO. The grounds and activities include a scenic pool, trail rides, live theatre, and a hot-pink tennis court. Its a restaurant and a store stocking some of the most amazing curated food goods from around the world (I took home a bottle of olive oil from Italy.) 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. Puzzle Effect - San Luis Obispo 81 Escape Games Do note that it only accepts cash, so come prepared. We tried several and they were devoured by the group. Thanks for subscribing! Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. But theyre ocean side and at some points, you can see the water and waves crashing in the distance. But . Its a family tradition for us and I cant imagine a trip to Avila without stopping at the barn! Mussoorie. Depending on the season, youll find different kinds of goods here, ranging from food to handicrafts and beyond. Why not check out Fresno? 24 Best & Fun Things To Do In San Luis Obispo (California) - Busy Tourist As long as it isn't raining or a major holiday, you'll find SLO's finest farmers, fishers, chefs, and other vendors in full force. 4. We toured the Farmers Market one evening. Lets start with where to stay. Things to Do in San Luis Obispo Explore all Things to DO Experience the SLO Life You'll never run out of things to do in San Luis Obispo. San Luis Obispo Children's Museum. Ive never seen anything like the California Polytechnic State Architecture graveyard before. Theres also a little gift shop packed with unique souvenirs. San Luis Obispo | Hotels, Things to Do, Restaurants & Events - SLO CAL It has plenty of outlets and wifi is you wanted to hole up and do some WFH with a cup of coffee. SLO attractions include many locally-owned businesses with one-of-a-kind clothing and . San Luis Obispo is everything you want from a small town on the California coast. 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. Its bright neon sign and huge screen can be seen from Highway 101! The oranges and strawberries we purchased were very good. On-site restaurant Ox + Anchor offers a modern take on a classic steakhouse with an impressive menu, while Piadina serves casual Cal-Italian fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. San Luis Obispo botanical garden. Forks Twilight Guide: I Found All The Book & Movie Filming Locations! Lopez Lake is an incredible spot among San Luis Obispos places to visit. Worth the early wake up call! San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. To help you choose between them, here are our picks for the 24 best and fun things to do in San Luis Obispo, California. While I found the town to be rather sleepy during the weekday, during this event it gets lively and has a block party feel. Plus, a massive Central Coast Model Railroad is being developed in the museum. Looking for romantic things to do in San Luis Obispo? For the most part, the Museum of Art focuses on contemporary works, though many different styles and backgrounds add diversity and interest to the permanent collection. I want to go for sunrise one day! By SLOnative. 26 Things to do in San Luis Obispo, California Monday. Its an officially recognizes site by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, too! Kids will get to interact with animals at the farm or participate in hayrides and pony rides on weekends. Like wondering how more than two million pieces of gum could stand the test of time on the 70-ft wall in Downtown SLO. The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is one of the main points of interest in the city, despite being one of a significant number of traditional Spanish missions that are scattered throughout the general area. Franciscans made the road in such a way that it took a mere day on horseback to get to settlements. It is part of the California Polytechnic State Universitys large campus, covering 5 acres of land along its northern side. Its on the outskirts of Paso Robles and only happens at night. Camp, ride horses, fish, surf, bird-watch, swim, hike, and relax! Theres a classic drive-in movie theater here! On the same block is Ambiance Boutique, another cool local store. Beyond there, you can head to the Life Celebration Garden, where memorial engravings can be purchased in celebration of loved ones who have passed away. The staff will pull the jars and put your tea in a takeaway bag. We visited during whale migration and were treated to some whale watching, too! The coolest rooms at Madonna Inn are competitive to book (and during high season its not exactly a cheap hotel) so its ok if you dont book a stay here. The unofficial center of the Central Coast, San Luis Obispo is a student city of activity that knows when to down tools and relax. Address: Patricia Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, United States. Travel by vintage open-air Hummer around the ranch town and into the Santa Lucia mountains. There was a variety of options and we will return if we get the opportunity.