Great weather. Farm-fresh food. Endless new things to see and do. It’s no wonder every day in San Luis Obispo feels like Saturday. And when the midweek is just as good as (and sometimes even better than) the weekend, we think that’s worth celebrating. So, meet the MidWeekend: an oh SLO sweet reward for visiting and staying here overnight, Sunday through Thursday.
MidWeekends bring you face-to-face with the best of the Central Coast. Go with the flow, take a hike, shop ‘til you drop, dine on farm-fresh food, sip on sun-soaked wines and more. Make us your launchpad to iconic California destinations – we’re your homebase away from home. And as a thank-you for making us your homebase away from home, midweek travelers can earn a $100 gift card bundle to use at local SLO businesses. (Terms and conditions apply.)
Looking for more reasons to visit during the MidWeekend? We’ve got you covered. Check out our sample MidWeekend Itinerary and read on for more trip inspiration.
We’re All Yours
Why should weekends get all the fun? In San Luis Obispo, the MidWeekend holds its own: fewer crowds, quiet streets and better rates on stays near all the action. You’ll have nine neighborhoods – each delightfully walkable and traffic-free – all to yourself. Whether you’re flying solo, traveling with friends, embarking on a romantic getaway or bringing the whole family, the MidWeek offers all the breathing room you need to relax and recover.
We Keep It Fresh
The weekly Thursday Night Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market is a beloved local pastime and the crown jewel in your MidWeekend must-do list. Packed full of just-picked produce, sweet n’ savory bites, handmade goods and live performances, it draws up to 7,000 people each week in the summer months (so you know it’s awesome). When you visit in February and March, you can skip the crowds and enjoy all this farm-fresh goodness at your leisure.
We’re a Foodie Paradise…
Hungry after reading that last one? You’re in luck: San Luis Obispo is home to hundreds of cafes, diners, coffee shops and date night spots. We’ve got surf, turf and fresh-from-the-earth options for vegans and vegetarians alike. We’ve got classic Central Coast cuisine as well as dishes from around the world. And if you’re looking for a truly memorable dining experience, don’t miss our selection of critically acclaimed eateries, like Nate’s On Marsh and Ox + Anchor.
…and a Wine Enthusiast’s Heaven
Here in the heart of Central Coast wine country, San Luis Obispo is famous for its sprawling vineyards and palette-pleasing pinots. (Plus chardonnays, syrahs, merlots, cab savs…) You could easily spend your entire MidWeekend touring wineries and tasting the latest creations to come out of local legends like Chamisal, Malene and Edna Valley. Not sure where to start? Check out our sustainable wine tour itinerary for a closer look at our SIP-certified vineyards.
Art Takes Center Stage Here
From downtown murals and bustling galleries to theaters and museums, SLO is full of things to see, hear and experience. Keep an eye open for colorful pops of public art as you stroll downtown. Book tickets to live performances at the SLO Repertory Theater or Cal Poly Arts. Drop into a brewery or tavern to catch shows from local musicians. You can even get hands-on with public workshops at the SLO Museum of Art or the SLO Children’s Museum.
There’s More to Explore Outdoors
You don’t have to leave the city to get a workout. We’re full of green spaces where you can SLO your stroll, get your morning stretch on and hang out with furry friends. Elevate your visit at Irish Hills Natural Reserve or Cerro San Luis, or keep it casual at dozens of local parks and walking trails. Wheels are welcome, too – with so little traffic, the MidWeekend is a great time to saddle up and bike your way through SLO.
We Budget for Fun
With less demand on weekdays, everything tends to be a little less expensive from Sunday night to Thursday night. That means you’ll save on hotel rooms, skip the waits for your favorite dinner and generally find plenty of free or nearly-free things to do. You don’t have to spend a lot of cash to have a great time in San Luis Obispo – check out our handy guide for budget-conscious travelers.
Green Is Our Middle Name
Okay, it’s “Luis,” but you get the idea. Living sustainably is an essential part of the SLO Life. Initiatives like SLO Car-Free and Carbon Neutral by 2035 help us keep the city a beautiful place to live and visit. Just staying in town helps: the Keys for Trees program ensures that for every room night booked, a portion of your room charge goes toward planting trees all over town. Check out our progress and learn how you can be a part of our sustainable future.
Families Are Welcome
When we say we’re a family-friendly kind of place, we mean that we go above and beyond to make families feel welcome and at home when they’re here. Our restaurants cater to every member of the family — and not just by plopping some chicken nuggets in front of the kids. Enjoy outdoor dining, international cuisine, California BBQ and more with our guide to the perfect 72-hour trip to SLO for families.
We’re Down for Whatever
Yes, weekends can get a little busy around here, especially when spring and summer are in full bloom, but when it comes to the MidWeekend, you can call your shots like Babe Ruth pointing toward the upper deck of Wrigley Field in the 1932 World Series. Long story short, whatever you’re feeling in the moment, go for it during a midweek stay in SLO. Want to do an impromptu wine tasting or hike along an uncrowded trail? Be our guest. This guide to playing it by ear will help you find the perfect thing to do on a random midweek morning or any time of the week.
Visit our trip planning hub to get useful travel tips, browse stays and find your homebase away from home. And once you’re in town, be sure to tag your MidWeekend moments with #ShareSLO!