Friends call us SLO, and once upon a time we were called Barrio del Tigre (that’s “Tiger Town” in Spanish) but you can just call us your homebase away from home. Because in San Luis Obispo, you get all the cozy comforts of local living with easy access to the best of the Central Coast region.
Day trips to Cayucos’ best surf spots? You bet. Drop-in seafood lunches at Pismo Beach? Right this way. Spur-of-the-moment Hearst Castle tours? You’ll be back in time for dinner at one of SLO’s farm-to-table restaurants. Let your sense of adventure – and your taste buds – be your guide to nearby beaches, state parks, famous landmarks, eateries, vineyards, and more.
Dine for Days
Pack your appetite. Geographically, San Luis Obispo is the heart of the Central Coast. We’re also the belly, with abundant wineries, orchards, and working farms scattered throughout the region.
Paso Robles (30 min to drive from San Luis Obispo) is a wine aficionado’s paradise. With tons of award-winning wineries, this lush green city boasts over 200 vineyards, where you can taste, tour, and even blend your own. Our recommendation: anything red, like a Cab Sav or Zinfandel.
Morro Bay (20 min to drive from San Luis Obispo) is where surf meets turf meets plate. This quaint fishing village offers some of the freshest seafood on the coast, like locally caught fish, oysters, and crab – plus awesome views of the harbor and Morro Rock.
Cambria’s (40 min to drive from San Luis Obispo) reputation as the dessert destination of the Central Coast is well-earned: the East Village is chock full of cafes, bakeries, and specialty shops. Sample artisanal chocolates, cheese, and more as you explore the Monterey Pine-lined coast and take in sweet Pacific breezes.
Out & About
Here in SLO, where the weather is mild all year long, we make the most of our natural spaces. Explore thousands of acres of coastline, protected parks, beaches, and trails on foot or by bike.
Just west of San Luis Obispo, you’ll discover Montana de Oro State Park, a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers of all ages. Wander secluded beaches and the scenic Bluff Trail, where you might see sea otters and dolphins.
Back up north in Cayucos, the beach scene is a little more fast-paced. Surf and paddleboard to your heart’s content, and when you’re ready for a breather, look for colorful tide pools along the shore. Estero Bluffs State Park nearby offers panoramic ocean views.
To the east, Los Padres National Forest is ideal for long hikes and all-day backpacking trips. Here, you’ll encounter diverse ecosystems ranging from oak woodlands to chaparral – perfect for selfies, nature photography, and birdwatching.
Living History
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is just the beginning. In and around SLO, you can get up close and personal with the Central Coast’s unique, unexpected, and sometimes downright wild history.
In nearby San Simeon, you can tour Hearst Castle, the opulent home of the newspaper magnate that inspired the film Citizen Kane. Along with grand architecture, lush gardens, and breathtaking art, the property boasts stunning views of the surrounding country and coast.
Avila Beach’s Point San Luis Lighthouse is a breezy, beautiful day trip that brings you face to face with local maritime history. Built in 1890, the lighthouse offers guided tours, panoramic views, and even trolley rides to the site if you’re not up for the hike.
If you loved learning about our namesake Spanish mission, head over to San Miguel. Mission San Miguel Arcangel was established in 1797 and features amazingly preserved frescoes, a museum, tranquil gardens, and a peek into the Central Coast’s colonial past.
Come for the SLO Life, stay for everything the Central Coast has to offer. Find more one-of-a-kind experiences, plan your trip, and post your next adventure with #ShareSLO.