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SLO CNN Best Towns to Visit 2024

Your Official Guide to San Luis Obispo, California

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Hotel Cerro's garden patio area.
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A rainbow over the vineyard at Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo.
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Things to Do in San Luis Obispo

Hiking, wine tours, beach tasting–where will your best day ever take you?

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mission plaza

What is The SLO Life?

Small-town California, big-time charm–that’s San Luis Obispo. (But you can call us SLO). We’re carefree and colorful. We’re a breath of fresh Central Coast air.

And when you’re here, you’re a local. Hit up the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market, taste your way through SLO’s renowned wine region, and visit Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. In short, live the SLO life.

Trip Inspiration

Happening Around SLO

SLO Film Fest 2025
SLO International Film Festival
Cabbage, Beets, Turnips, Carrots, and Green Beans on a table at the Downtown SLO Farmer's Market
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
SLO Film Fest
Upcoming Events

SLO International Film Festival

April 24-29, 2025

San Luis Obispo International Film Festival is a highly regarded regional film festival that celebrates international and local cinema on the Central Coast. This multi-day event features over 100 films, engaging panels with industry leaders, and a variety of mixers, parties, and events that highlight the transformative power of film.
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Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market

Thursdays

A trip to San Luis Obispo would not be complete without a stop at the world-famous Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market. Food is something to celebrate in San Luis Obispo, and the farmers’ markets scattered around the county are where local farms get to share the fresh, flavorful produce they grow all year-round.
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Upcoming Events

There is no shortage of events in San Luis Obispo! San Luis Obispo upcoming events include art and gallery walks, several concerts, beer fests and more. The best way to experience San Luis Obispo, CA is to live it like a local. Explore SLO’s laidback culture through our local happenings.
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SLO – Your
Homebase Away From Home

The city of San Luis Obispo, home to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly),  is just one part of San Luis Obispo County, along with Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Paso Robles and other Central Coast destinations. Go where your heart (or your taste buds) take you: luxe wineries, beautiful beaches, panoramic hikes, and landmarks like Hearst Castle. It’s all less than an hour’s drive away.

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Getting Here
Stay out all night. Sleep in all day. Wake up and tackle the closest mountain to your hotel, or wander into town for a farm-to-table brunch. You might get stuck in Bubblegum Alley, caught up at a live Mission Plaza concert or charmed by local art galleries, sculptures and murals. When you visit San Luis Obispo, every day can be your best day ever.
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Our
Neighborhoods
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SLO Life Tip

Have Your Best Day Every Day

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Keep Our Hills Picture Perfect

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Embrace Sticky Situations

Family-Friendly Fun
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SLO Life Tip

Be the First to Say “Hi!”

Live Like a Local

Your Guide to the SLO Life

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Vibrant Valentine’s Dates in San Luis Obispo

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Flavors, Stories, and Community: A Delicious Dive into SLO Restaurant Month

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SLO Restaurant Month: A Whole Month of Foodie Fun!

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San Luis Obispo FAQs

  • San Luis Obispo is where laid-back charm meets endless adventure. Nestled in the easygoing Central Coast, SLO is known for its vibrant downtown, historic architecture and outdoor experiences ranging from hiking to surfing to biking and more. Explore local wineries, help yourself to farm-to-table dining and soak up the friendly local atmosphere.

  • San Luis Obispo is about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles: roughly 200 miles north of L.A. and 230 miles south of San Francisco. Driving from either location takes around 3.5 to 4 hours (depending on traffic) and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway delivers amazing views all the way through. If you prefer wings to wheels, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) has direct flights from major cities.

  • Start your morning with local coffee and a stroll downtown, where you’ll find historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and charming boutiques. Hike up Islay Hill for panoramic views, then refuel with fresh, farm-to-table fare at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore nearby wineries or head to nearby beaches to take in coastal sunshine. Check out these San Luis Obispo day trips for more inspiration.