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Things to Do this Summer

Posted June 14, 2016

There’s nothing better than a summer in San Luis Obispo! As the weather starts to heat up and the days become longer, SLO is the perfect destination to start checking off your bucket list items. From whale watching to making your mark on Bubblegum Alley, SLO has countless things to do and events to attend this summer.

Boat Tours and Cruises

Escape the heat with a fun-filled day on the water! Whether paddle boarding in Avila Beach, kayaking through Cayucos or sailing into the sunset on a relaxing cruise in Morro Bay, hit the waters and enjoy the summer breeze on one of the many boat tours and cruises in SLO County. You won’t want to miss out on whale watching season while road tripping to the Central Coast this summer!

4th of July in San Luis Obispo

Kick off your 4th of July festivities early with a SLO Blues Baseball game and fireworks, happening Sunday, July 3 at 6:00 p.m. For the big day, head over to Avila Beach for San Luis Yacht Club’s Annual 4th of July Boat Parade to see decorated sailboats cruising the waters. Join in the celebration by bringing out your best red, white and blue!

What’s the 4th of July without fireworks? Be left in awe of the patriotic fireworks displays in Pismo Beach and Cayucos. Celebrate our nation’s independence with food and music while watching fireworks displays over the piers.

Bubblegum Alley


If you are visiting SLO for the first time, don’t forget to check out the ever-so popular, but rather unusual landmark, Bubblegum Alley. Located between Broad and Garden Street in bustling Downtown SLO, this unique grassroots prank began back in 1960 and has resulted in millions of pieces of chewed, multicolored gum wads crawling up 15 feet of the alleyway’s wall. An Instagram in front of this attraction will both delight and intrigue your followers. Don’t forget to #ShareSLO the fun!

Beaches

Enjoy a beautiful Central Coast summer by relaxing at a beach near San Luis Obispo! Got a furry friend in tow?  Bring your pup over to Fisherman’s Beach in Avila to splash around in the waves and run freely. If you are looking for a beach setting with a lively downtown, head over to Pismo Beach for your surf session and to grab a bite to eat. Whether you wish to lay out and soak up the sun or tap into your adventurous side, SLO offers endless beach fun.

Hit the beach like a VIP! Check out our Beach Butlerz blog post, giving you the inside scoop on this full service delivery company that provides beach goers with lounge chairs, umbrellas, food delivery, bonfire service and more.

Hiking

Get outside and enjoy the sunshine by hiking on one of San Luis Obispo’s peaks, offering both relaxed trails and more advanced, steady-incline options. Cool off from the summer heat by hiking to a waterfall in Reservoir Canyon or take a family hike to the top of Madonna Mountain. Can’t decide which to choose? Discover some locals’ favorite hiking spots around San Luis Obispo today.

Eat & Drink Festivals

Ready to eat and drink your way through San Luis Obispo? We’ve got a variety of food and drink festivals that you should bite on this summer. Don’t skip out on the 5th Annual Macaroni and Cheese Festival at Avila Beach Golf Resort on Saturday, June 18, featuring live music, wine, beer and, of course, a never ending supply of mac and cheese. Dubbed the “Coachella of Bacon,” Bacon & Barrels is coming to San Luis Obispo July 13 – 14, perfect for the bacon lovers out there or those who prefer their drinks from a barrel.

Summer Events You Can’t Skip

Concerts in the Plaza | Every Friday, June 10 – September 9, 2016

Make the most of your summer nights by attending the popular, free concert series, happening in Mission Plaza every Friday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Roll Out the Barrels | June 23 – 26, 2016

Calling all wine lovers! This weekend features endless wine events, kicking off with Barrels in the Plaza and rounding off with Adventures in SLO Wine Country throughout the weekend. Don’t miss out on our Roll Out the Barrels promotion – Book two consecutive nights at a SLO accommodation of your choice, and receive 20% off Barrels in the Plaza tickets. Discover the promotion details today!

Festival Mozaic | July 13 – 24, 2016

Festival Mozaic offers a “mosaic of music” from Mozart to Jazz with its ever-expanding program featuring over 25 musical events throughout the two-week festival.

Central Coast Renaissance Festival | July 16 – 17, 2016

Travel back in time to experience Shakespearean live entertainment of all kinds. Head over to Laguna Lake Park in San Luis Obispo to see hundreds of costumed participants at this historic festival.

Mid-State Fair | July 20 – July 31, 2016

Coined “The Biggest Little Fair Anywhere,” the Mid-State Fair provides fun for all ages. With outstanding musical guests like Fall Out Boy, Fergie and Blake Shelton, carnival rides and games, and trade shows, this fair never disappoints.