Welcome
to San Luis
Obispo
Meet the SLO Life Coach
Your Official Guide to San Luis Obispo, California
Arts & Culture
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Downtown Restaurants
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Hiking
Beaches in San Luis Obispo
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Breakfast
7 Things To Do On A Rainy Day in SLO
Tours
Things to Do in San Luis Obispo
Hiking, wine tours, beach tasting–where will your best day ever take you?
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.
Happening Around SLO
Concerts in the Plaza
Every Friday | June 20 – September 12, 2025
Join us every Friday night this summer for Concerts in the Plaza—the Central Coast’s largest free summer concert series, now in its 29th season. Hosted by Downtown SLO in beautiful Mission Plaza, this family-friendly tradition brings together locals and visitors for twelve weeks of live local bands, dancing, and drinks right in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo.
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Thursdays
Upcoming Events
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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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.
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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.
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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.