Plan Your Fun-Packed Family Adventure in SLO
The best memories are made when you live the SLO Life—together. Plan your next family adventure in San Luis Obispo (SLO), where exciting, all-ages activities and experiences make every day feel like your best day ever. Stroll at your own pace through downtown, explore hands-on attractions, tackle an easygoing trail and refuel with casual dining the whole crew will love in the MidWeekend Capital of the World. With easy arrivals via SLO County Airport (SBP), you don’t even need a rental car to explore nearby beaches, museums, and more. It’s never been easier to make the most of your family getaway.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in SLO
There are endless opportunities for family adventures in San Luis Obispo. Get outdoors and go strolling—or even stroller-ing—along the paved, flat Bob Jones Trail, or rent kayaks and paddle boards for a day on the water. Take a family bike ride along the Madonna Inn Bike Path or stop at the rustic Avila Valley Barn, where kids can feed farm animals and snack on local treats.
Let imagination soar at the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, then travel back in time with a tour of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and learn about the Central Coast’s railroad history at the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum.
Parents can still savor a taste of Edna Valley wine country, where many wineries welcome families with lawn games, live music and wide-open spaces to let the kiddos—and furry friends—unwind. Midweek visits often mean fewer crowds and more room to roam, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the experience together.
Ready to create a family-friendly itinerary? Explore more things to do in San Luis Obispo.
Family-Friendly Hotels
San Luis Obispo offers a variety of family-friendly places to stay, from playful, one-of-a-kind hotels to comfortable all-suite options—most just steps from downtown SLO, action-packed parks and walkable attractions—so you can spend less time driving and more time exploring together.
Families love the colorful rooms and pool at the Madonna Inn, while hotels like Embassy Suites by Hilton San Luis Obispo, Quality Suites San Luis Obispo and Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo make travel easy with spacious suites, pools, and complimentary breakfast. The charming Apple Farm Inn adds a cozy option close to kid-friendly attractions like the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum.
Traveling with furry family members? You’ll find plenty of pet-friendly hotels that welcome everyone in your crew. Be sure to check out SLO’s MidWeekend Offers for special deals, loyalty perks and bundled savings that can help stretch your travel budget a little further. However you like to live the SLO Life, you’ll find a range of San Luis Obispo hotels that make it easy to settle in and enjoy your stay as a family.
Practical Travel Info
We roll a little differently in SLO—many people get around on foot, by bike or even on rollerskates. But if you’re planning to explore beyond downtown, having a car makes it easy to get to local vineyards, beaches and nearby trailheads. The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) has four on-site car rental counters: Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz. To make your rental experience as seamless as possible, we recommend booking your car in advance, especially during weekends and holidays. It’s also a good idea to call ahead if you’ll need car seats or have special requests, so your vehicle is ready the moment you arrive.
Prefer to go car-free? SLO makes it easy with plenty of eco-friendly ways to get around, including the Old SLO Trolley, a fun and nostalgic way to roll to dinner spots, the downtown Farmers’ Market every Thursday night and other downtown destinations. The trolley runs year-round on Thursday evenings, adding Fridays and Saturdays to the mix from spring to fall—be sure to check the schedule before you arrive. The city is also known for its accessibility and inclusivity, offering stroller-friendly paths, ADA-accessible trails and wheelchair-accessible attractions. For specific needs, we recommend calling ahead to confirm accessibility.
For more details on rentals and transportation, visit car rentals at the SLO airport.
Find Your SLO Flow
Plan Your TripWhether you’re here with the kids, your partner, or your best friends, San Luis Obispo makes it easy to slow down and dive in. From sun-soaked trails to farm-fresh flavors, cozy stays to playful days—there’s a SLO Life experience waiting for you.
4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in San Luis Obispo
Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Discovery
Your family adventure begins as soon as you arrive in SLO. Fly into SBP, pick up your car rental (or skip it if you want to go car-free) and head to your hotel to get settled in. Spend your afternoon strolling through historic downtown San Luis Obispo, where tree-lined streets lead you to boutique shops, local art galleries, Bubblegum Alley and the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
As the sun sets, settle in for an easy dinner at one of downtown’s family-friendly spots, then treat the kiddos to ice cream or something sweet nearby. Keep the pace relaxed tonight—there’s plenty more to explore after a good night’s rest.
Ready to find your SLO hotel? Explore where to stay in San Luis Obispo.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures & Family Fun
Start your second day outdoors with a morning walk or easy hike at Laguna Lake Park, where wide, mostly flat paths are perfect for little legs or strollers. The loop trail offers scenic views and plenty of space to explore at your own pace. Be sure to bring water, layers and sun protection before heading out.
Next, make your way to Avila Valley Barn for a laid-back midday break. Feed friendly farm animals, browse seasonal produce, and enjoy local sweet treats. From there, head for the coast with an afternoon at Avila Beach or Morro Bay, where calm waters make kayaking or paddleboarding approachable for families. If you’d rather stay on land, rent e-bikes nearby and enjoy an easy coastal cruise.
Wrap up the day with a casual family dinner at a local favorite like Firestone Grill or a downtown pizza spot everyone will love. Then treat the crew to dessert with a stop at McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream or another classic SLO sweet shop before heading back to your hotel to unwind.
Explore more outdoor activities in San Luis Obispo and discover local favorites at San Luis Obispo restaurants.
Day 3: Unique Family Experiences
Today’s about mixing a little local flavor with a whole lot of SLO fun. Start with a midweek retreat through Edna Valley wine country, where rolling vineyards meet a relaxed crowd-free pace. Many wineries in San Luis Obispo welcome families with outdoor games and shaded picnic tables.
Next, embrace SLO’s whimsical side at the iconic Madonna Inn—known for its colorful rooms, photo-worthy décor and great dining—then stop by the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, where hands-on exhibits encourage creativity, curiosity and playtime that kids genuinely love.
End the day with an easy, family-friendly dinner downtown at a local favorite like Old San Luis BBQ Co. or Woodstock’s Pizza. After dinner, keep the evening sweet with a stop at Nite Creamery. If it’s a Thursday evening, don’t miss the downtown SLO Farmers’ Market, a beloved local tradition filled with food stalls, live music and a lively, welcoming atmosphere that’s especially fun for families.
Explore more things to do in San Luis Obispo with family and make Day 3 your most memorable SLO day yet.
Day 4: Culture, Market & Departure
There’s no rushing in SLO—even on your last day. Start the morning with a sweet sendoff at SLODoCo, a local favorite for fresh donuts—about a hundred different flavors every day—with vegan and gluten-free options that make everyone in the family happy before hitting the road.
Next, dive into a little local history at the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum or the History Center of San Luis Obispo, both located downtown and offering engaging exhibits that are easy to explore with kids.
Afterward, enjoy one last stroll along Higuera Street or Garden Street, where boutique shops and local makers are perfect for picking up souvenirs. Be sure to swing by SLO Sweets, an old-time candy shop packed with nostalgic treats—ideal for stocking up on road-trip snacks or a final taste of SLO to take home.
When it’s time to go, SBP is just a quick 10-minute drive from downtown, with simple rental-car returns and quick check-ins. Grab one last SLO coffee or pastry, breathe easy and carry that laid-back SLO Life feeling home with you.
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San Luis Obispo County offers a wide range of family-friendly things to do for all ages. Families can explore easy outdoor adventures on stroller-friendly trails or enjoy hands-on attractions such as the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum and the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum. Popular family stops also include Avila Valley Barn, where kids can feed farm animals and taste local treats, and the downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market, which features food stalls, live music and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. As your homebase away from home, SLO makes it easy to venture out on day trips to Avila Beach, historic Hearst Castle and other gems of the Central Coast—then be back in time for a well-earned SLO dinner.
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Yes—San Luis Obispo is a very family-friendly destination. The city is known for its walkable downtown, safe neighborhoods, kid-friendly parks and nearby beaches. Families will also find museums, easy outdoor activities and restaurants that welcome children. Even local wineries often feature large lawns, games and open spaces that make them approachable for families traveling together. San Luis Obispo is also home to California Polytechnic State University SLO—or Cal Poly—and many families visit throughout the year to tour campus, attend events or spend time dining, seeing the sights, and visiting with their Mustangs.
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San Luis Obispo is a great place to visit year-round, but spring and fall are especially popular for families thanks to mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for beach days and outdoor activities, though it’s best to book lodging early. Winter offers cooler temperatures, fewer visitors and some of the best travel deals, making it a quieter and more relaxed time to explore. No matter the season, the downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market takes place year-round on Thursday evenings.