Might 23, 2025

There’s an enthralling little city on California’s Central Coast that I can by no means cease returning to, San Luis Obispo. It’s affectionately known as SLO. Years after visiting for the primary time, I not too long ago returned for one more go to. And whereas two nights and three days aren’t sufficient, they’re an excellent intro to SLO.
Clearly, I believe you need to go to. Begin this itinerary on a Wednesday night time. By visiting throughout the week, you’ll save $$$ on lodge prices. And right here’s what I like to recommend you stand up to throughout your go to.
On day one
- Depart your automotive at dwelling and experience Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner from Union Station in Los Angeles. You’ll go away within the morning and arrive within the late afternoon.
- Decide up sandwiches from Excessive Avenue Deli, serving SLO since 1927.
- Head to SIP-certified Wolff Vineyards for a tasting among the many vines of the Edna Valley. Search for owls, kestrels, & red-tailed hawks.
- Verify into The Resort San Luis Obispo.
- After you could have unpacked, get cocktails at Excessive Bar SLO on their roof. It’s the one rooftop bar in San Luis Obispo. Play bocce. I like to recommend ordering The Excessive Bar Lemonade or the Bees On A Airplane.
- Select between dinner within the lodge at Ox & Anchor or Piadina. There, Chef Ryan Fancher serves farm-fresh fare impressed by Italy and the Central Coast. Alternatively, you could possibly stroll down the creek path to Novo Restaurant.


Then, on day two
- Get pleasure from dawn from the Cerro San Luis trailhead. It’s only a portion of San Luis Obispo’s 54,400-acre Greenbelt & 9,500 acres of public-access lands.
- Get espresso at Linnaea’s Cafe. It’s one of many 1st second-wave espresso institutions on the West Coast. There, a Michelin-recognized pastry chef & native musician husband-wife duo nonetheless curate occasions for artwork & reside music. Decide up a vegan + GF pastry on the way in which out.
- After breakfast, be a part of a volunteer harvest at Metropolis Farm SLO. However know that you simply would possibly turn into so obsessed with city farming, you received’t wish to go away!
- Nourish your physique & soul at Ebony. They serve natural, vegan, & gluten-free Ethiopian delicacies. After you eat, peruse their artisan items market.
- Pop into the SLO Museum of Artwork. After that, stroll round & benefit from the metropolis’s 100+ distinctive items of public artwork. Be aware the *plentiful* recycling stations adorned with authentic artwork of the city.
- Store at SLO’s many classic, thrift, used, & truthful commerce shops. I like The Junk Women, Humankind Honest Commerce, & Phoenix Books.
- Seize dinner on the Downtown SLO Farmers Market on a Thursday night time. It’s rated as among the finest in California. And take time to take heed to one of many bands enjoying on the road.
Lastly, on day three
- In your closing morning, get up early & stroll to Sally Loos. Certainly, their meals grown in San Luis Obispo County will nourish your physique. However the artwork will encourage your soul.
- Seize a free bicycle from the Resort SLO and experience the city’s plentiful bike lanes.
- Conclude your go to by serving to Type Traveler & ECOSLO plant a tree by way of the “Each Keep Provides Again” program.
Save These Locations in San Luis Obispo
Right here’s my Google Map for all issues SLO and the encircling space:
Want extra concepts?
For extra concepts of what to do in SLO and the encircling space, take a look at my Central Coast publish and search #ShareSLO in every single place there are hashtags on-line. Or take a look at the web site for Go to San Luis Obispo! Lastly, you also needs to take a look at Type Traveler’s partnership with San Luis Obispo.