Plan Your MidWeekend SLO Getaway
SLO is for everyone–but for travelers that are 65+, there’s no better getaway than San Luis Obispo. A MidWeekend getaway is the perfect time to slow down and soak up all that the SLO Life has to offer. Enjoy fewer crowds as you explore the walkable downtown, enjoy the beautiful beaches, discover restaurants you’ll only find in SLO and sip your way through nearby wineries.
Let’s Plan Your Trip
Think of this itinerary as your personal guide to living the SLO Life. Whether you’re looking to sip, stroll or simply slow your roll, San Luis Obispo has everything you need for the perfect MidWeekend getaway. From solo adventures to group outings to romantic getaways, the midweekend has something for everyone.
What Experiences Are You Looking For?
Solo Activities
Traveling solo means the freedom to explore SLO your way. Wander through the tree-lined streets of downtown as you explore the town’s unique shops, boutiques, museum and the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Savor some fresh cuisine and restaurants you’ll only find on the California Central Coast or enjoy wine tasting in Edna Valley. And don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with a local. In SLO, there are no strangers, just friends you haven’t met yet.
Group Activities
The SLO Life is even better when you share it with friends and family. Spend the day exploring downtown SLO’s local shops, grabbing coffee at a local café or browsing art galleries made by local artists. Book a wine tour through Edna Valley or enjoy a day at the beach. If you’re in town on a Thursday night, be sure to check out the downtown San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market for live music, locally-grown produce and handmade goods everyone will love.
Couple Activities
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or are looking for a romantic getaway, San Luis Obispo is a great destination for couples. Stroll hand in hand down SLO’s historic downtown streets, pamper yourself with a couple’s massage at a local spa or toast the day with a glass of local wine in Edna Valley. And with so locally loved restaurants to choose from, every meal feels like a moment worth savoring.
Stay, Stroll, and Settle In
Plan Your TripReady to make it official? Find your perfect place to stay, explore local deals, and map out the moments that make a SLO getaway unforgettable. Your next MidWeekend adventure starts here.
Which Hotel Meets Your Needs?
San Luis Obispo offers a home away from home for every type of traveler and every budget. Choose from pet-friendly hotels, quaint inns, budget-friendly motels, corporate retreats, family-owned bed and breakfasts and SLO-style homestays. We’ve put together a few recommendations to help you find the right stay for your MidWeekend getaway.
Best Hotels in San Luis Obispo with Loyalty Programs
Get rewarded for your stay in SLO. Many hotels offer loyalty programs that let you earn points with each stay, so you can live the SLO Life more often. Stay at nationally known brands that have SLO vibes, like the Quilty Suites San Luis Obispo, Courtyard By Marriott, Embassy Suites By Hilton, Hampton Inn & Suites and more. Be sure to sign up for their loyalty programs so you can earn points with each stay. Many hotels are also more affordable during the week, giving you another reason to plan a Midweekend getaway.
Luxury and Boutique Hotels in San Luis Obispo with Spa Services
Looking for some pampering on your SLO getaway? San Luis Obispo has several boutique and luxury hotels that offer on-site spa and wellness services. Check into the whimsical Madonna Inn to enjoy massages, facials and luxurious body treatments, plus world-class dining and the Madonna Inn Bakery—all just minutes away from downtown and the Central Coast Wine Country. Unwind at Hotel San Luis Obispo, a modern urban resort featuring the full-service SOL Spa. There you’ll be able to enjoy the SLO Life with a wide selection of massages, skin care, waxing and more. Or indulge at the luxurious Hotel Cerro. Located in the heart of downtown SLO, their 4,000-square-foot eco-conscious spa offers everything from massages to facials to scrubs and wraps.
Hotels Close to San Luis Obispo Wineries and Vineyards
In San Luis Obispo, wine is a food group. They just forgot it on the food pyramid. Crazy, right? Luckily, when you stay in SLO, you’re never far away from some of the best wineries and vineyards on the California Central Coast. Choose from boutique inns in downtown SLO like The Butler Hotel, Apple Farm Inn or Hotel Cerro, all within a short drive to Edna Valley and Paso Robles. If you’re looking for a familiar stay with all the amenities you love, stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites or La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham. These hotels offer easy access to wine country as well as downtown SLO. Some hotels even offer wine packages or shuttle services. Plus, when you book a MidWeekend getaway, you’ll be about to enjoy fewer crowds, giving you more time to toast the SLO Life.
Getting Around SLO
Car Rental Options at San Luis Obispo Airport
Looking for the perfect ride for your MidWeekend getaway? Once you fly into the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), you’re only steps away from four rental counters: Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz, all located in the main terminal. While renting a car can make it easier to explore SLO’s beaches and wineries, you don’t need a car to enjoy the SLO Life. San Luis Obispo’s downtown is very walkable and many people get around on bikes, public buses, shuttles, rideshares and even the charming downtown trolley, which is just 25¢ for seniors.
Learn more about car rentals at the SLO airport.
Get The Most of SLO With This 5-Day Itinerary
In San Luis Obispo, we move at a more relaxed pace. Here, you’ll spend your days strolling down downtown’s tree-lined streets, exploring the California Central Coast’s beautiful beaches and unwinding with a glass of local wine. It’s a place where you can slow down, breathe deeply and make every day your best day.
Ready to start planning your MidWeekend adventure in SLO? We’ve put together a five-day itinerary, specifically for visitors 65 and older. Learn more about the SLO Life.
Day 1: Arrival & Downtown SLO
Welcome to San Luis Obispo! Those flying will arrive in SLO via the San Luis Obispo Regional Airport (SBP). Pick up your rental car, if you choose, or go car-free with one of SLO’s many public transportation options. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, spend the rest of your day strolling through the historic downtown San Luis Obispo. Browse local shops, boutiques and art galleries and visit our beautiful Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of SLO’s downtown restaurants before heading back to your hotel to unwind for the evening.
Day 2: Farmers Market & Cultural Exploration
For your first full day in SLO, ease into your day with a cup of coffee at a local cafe or a breakfast burrito from Charlie’s Place (a local favorite). Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Bob Jones Trail. This 3-mile paved pathway is mostly flat, making it ideal for wheelchairs and leisurely walks. Or pamper yourself with a spa treatment at the Madonna Inn, SOL Spa at Hotel San Luis Obispo or at the eco-conscious spa at Hotel Cerro.
If you’re in SLO on a Thursday evening, be sure to check out the San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market. This full-on foodie festival spans five blocks of downtown San Luis Obispo from 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. each week. Wander through the local vendors selling fresh, locally-grown produce, farm-to-table dinners, handmade crafts and jewelry while you enjoy the live entertainment.
Day 3: Wine Country & Unique Experiences
Day three of your SLO getaway is all about savoring the good life at San Luis Obispo’s wineries. Head out to the scenic rolling hills of Edna Valley for a day of wine tasting and vineyard tours. If you’re here during the midweek, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and a more relaxed wine tasting experience. Between sips, stop by only-in-SLO attractions like the whimsical Madonna Inn or the Avila Valley Barn. End your day at one of the many SLO restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal at a casual restaurant or looking to indulge in a fine dining experience, it’s the perfect way to close out the day.
Day 4: Wellness & Relaxation
Now that you’ve spent a few days exploring, day four is all about slowing down and embracing the SLO Life. Start your morning with a spa treatment or a yoga class. Take a quiet midmorning walk through SLO’s scenic trails as you soak up the views or take a dive to a local winery you didn’t get to visit the day before. End your day at a boutique or fine dining restaurant. Discover more ways to relax and recharge with San Luis Obispo’s wellness offerings and check out SLO’s outdoor activities.
Day 5: Coastal Adventures & Depart
The last day of your MidWeekend getaway. Spend your final morning soaking up the views of California’s Central Coast with a short drive to Avila Beach, Morro Bay or another nearby coastal spot. SLO’s beaches are a great place for a picnic, exploring tide pools, spotting marine life and taking in the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. On your way back, stop by a local boutique or shop to buy a souvenir as a reminder of your SLO getaway. When it’s time to head home, check out of your hotel and return the rental car at the SLO Airport, if you rented one.
Don’t want your vacation to end so soon? San Luis Obispo puts you in close proximity to many other great attractions on the coast. Explore the Central Coast from SLO.
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No, you don’t need a car to get around San Luis Obispo. SLO is known for its walkable downtown streets and many visitors easily get around on foot, by bike or even on roller skates. You can also hop on the Old SLO Trolley, which only costs $0.50, or look into other car-free transportation options.
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Yes! Amtrak is a fun (and scenic) way to get to San Luis Obispo. The main train station is just minutes from downtown SLO and there is also a Cal Poly bus station. Whether you’re coming from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Barbara or another city, Amtrak is a relaxing, car-free way to make your SLO adventure memorable.