California - Things to do in San Luis Obispo

We are planning to visit San Luis Obispo, CA this spring. We have never been there before; therefore, any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I have only been there once but there is always lots going on at Cal Poly. You can check their website or head over to campus once you get there. Also, Madonna Inn is probably worth a brief visit possibly for lunch.

Not too far away is Morro Bay. Check their calandar here for activities that you may enjoy: http://morrobay.org/cm/Calendar/Home.html

The activity planner is also worth checking.

Of note (borrowing from Wikipedia): Morro Rock is the best known of the Nine Sisters of San Luis Obispo County, a series of ancient volcanic plugs which line the Los Osos Valley between the cities of Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo.

If you enjoy wine, there are a couple of very worthwhile wine tasting regions less than an hour away in both the north (Between Atascadero and Paso Robles) and to the south (between Santa Ynez and Santa Maria) - as well as a few wineries right in the midst of the SLO area. Personally, I feel that from the perspective of a person who enjoys fine wine, this Central Coast region of California - especially the southern section - is at least as interesting as Napa Valley, and much less pretentious.

Definitely lots of good wine in the area. Might want to check out the Mission in SLO. The other beach communities in that area (Morro Bay, Avila Beach, etc) are nice, and you're not far from Cambria and Hearst Castle.

Agree with all the above. The Madonna Inn is eclectic but not worth too much time (much of the charm is in the individual rooms, which are all decorated differently). However, do check out the famous men's restroom (http://www.urinal.net/madonna/). ;)

The only thing I might add is that SLO has a very nice, well-preserved downtown (in the area of the mission, which is definitely worth a visit). Just walking through the streets, pedestrian malls, and along the creek is very relaxing. There are lots of specialty stores and art galleries (blown glass, jewelry, etc.) that make for fun browsing. (Also, the Apple Farm at the north end of town is also a nice place with a nice store that sells crafty sort of things, and they have a decent restaurant with standard old-time Americana food; make sure to check out the water-wheel-driven ice cream maker out back and the world's first motel just up the street.)

I'd give SLO maybe two nights and one full day to really enjoy the lovely town in a relaxed manner, although you could see most of what's interesting in half a day. The next day, head out and see some of the surrounding area--some of the wine country mentioned above, Morro Bay, or even up the coast to Hearst Castle (WELL worth a full day's visit!).

Check out the Wikitravel article on SLO, and be sure then to check out the "Get Out" links at the bottom of that article:

http://wikitravel.org/en/San_Luis_Obispo

They have a great farmer's market street fair type thing every Thursday night that I'd highly suggest going to if you get the chance. As others have said, Morro Bay is worth checking out and Hearst Castle isn't that far away either.

an excellent restaurant we went back to each time we've visited:
www.bigskycafe.com/

they are open for breakfast (my fave dish was devil's mess), lunch, dinner (I really enjoyed the pozole) and Big Sky Cafe has a very good wine list.

I went to college there and now live an hour away. My wife and I love going to SLO for a visit. As mentioned, the Farmers Market is a must-see. It's every Thursday evening. A Google search will give you details. Walking around the downtown area is really nice.....lot's of nice shops and restaurants. If you're into hiking there are many spots around. Bishops peak is nice, as is Montana De Oro (a 10 or 15 minute drive). There is a nice performing arts center at the college there (Cal Poly). May be worth it to check to see if there's an event going on while you're there. SLO has a great laid-back college atmosphere to it. You'll enjoy it.

Not sure if you've already made your plans, but I was just down there this weekend with my family and stayed at the Cliffs in Shell Beach (10 min south of SLO on the "Cliffs" of the Pacific). Got a great deal - check out the promo code on travelzoo (http://last-minute.travelzoo.com/san-francisco/768285). We had an ocean view room for $109...typically $200++.

I went to school there as well, and get down there frequently from the SF Bay Area. The first thing that always comes to mind on the drive to SLO is FOOD...here are just a few of our favorites:

- Firestones (SLO - order the tri-tip and a basket of fries)
- High Street Deli (SLO - California Turkey...best sandwich ever)
- Taco Temple (moro bay, phenominal fish tacos, great carnitas too)
- Zorros (breakfast in Shell Beach - Chiliquilles, banana pancakes, machaca, juevos rancheros...its all good)
- Jocko's (Nipomo, 25 min south of SLO - rib-eye steak)
- Splash Cafe (Pismo...or new one in SLO...but go to Pismo. Bread bowl of chowder, nothing else)
- Tio Albertos (SLO - Burrito) or Tonitas (SLO)

Thats just for starters.

Plenty of great hikes...food...scenery...and people. I would just take a couple of laps around down town (during farmers market if you can) and enjoy.

Have fun...think I'm going to move back. :D

I love McLinktock's--great barbeque, ribs, sandwiches, etc--both in San Luis Obispo and the one in Shell Beach. Great atmosphere, great food, and the like. However, they have different menus at each location and the menu at the Shell Beach location is much better. The SLO location is more of a saloon while the one in Shell Beach is more of a sit-down restaurant type feeling.

There's also the hot mineral water tubs nearby, some fine dirt road driving (not technically difficult but can be psychologically scary) if you have a 4WD, rental of a dune buggy on Pismo Beach, and a great sand dune walk in the non-vehicular part of the park.

Great hikes in SLO without investing too much time include San Luis Mountain, Bishop Peak and the hill behind Cal Poly (with the "P" on it.) Avila Beach is a great side trip to a small, warm beach.

It would be interesting if the OP responded and let us know whether this trip has been taken yet or what he/she thinks of the suggestions.

I often wonder why someone posts a question like this, asking for information, and then never acknowledges the responses or let's people know what was done and how it worked out.

It would be interesting if the OP responded and let us know whether this trip has been taken yet or what he/she thinks of the suggestions.

I often wonder why someone posts a question like this, asking for information, and then never acknowledges the responses or let's people know what was done and how it worked out.

I agree Jerry, especially if I've commented in the thread. It helps me know if I'm making comments that are helpful.

The OP may not have looked back, but I'm flying to LAX and looking forward to spending the weekend in SLO

May good tips posted above. I already have a lot planned for the weekend, but its GREAT getting food tips in advance.


Now off to hunt FT for a good place for Dinner in L.A., rather than sitting in traffic during rush hour

After a fun weeekend, I wanted to thank those who posted some great idea's


Splash Cafe - YUM! I wasn't hungry enough for the bread bowl, but what a fun time.
a fun find was Bon Temps (http://www.bontempscreolecafe.com/) theh food was EXCELLENT, but the service is barely even ok. Slow, and forgetful, but GREAT food.