A number of different gardens are located in this quiet spot, which sits between Californias Morro Bay and the rest of the city. While I live in San Francisco now, I grew up in Wisconsin where there arent any Missions, so I always find them fascinating and full of beautiful architecture. It gets a little confusing when there is a town thats also the name of the county! If youre lucky, youll get to Pismo Beach during event times. Outdoor stands are often operated by local restaurants, live music provides some entertainment to shoppers, and a festive atmosphere makes a trip here quite a joyous occasion. For music lovers, San Luis Obispo County is home to a wide variety of venues that attract musicians (and audiences!) Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa meunierd / Shutterstock The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is one of the main points of interest in the city, despite being one of a significant number of traditional Spanish missions that are scattered throughout the general area. Sgt. Worth the early wake up call! The Stearns Wharf Merchants Association is presenting a Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the waterfront. San Luis Obispo, California is a fun and exciting location, with lots of options for places to go and things to experience. Its wild. It starts at Nipomo High School at 11 a.m. Click here to see the full parade route. San Luis Obispo, California Poly Canyon - Experimental Structures Lab A deserted hodgepodge of experimental structures. The tenacious alley kept creeping back up, restored by avid bubblegum-chewers in the area. San Luis Obispo was founded in 1772, when the Spanish built the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, which still stands today. Bear Grylls goes into the wild with a new batch of celebrities, from Outside the city, farms of all kinds toil away at the rich soils and waters of SLO to bring fresh produce to the markets, and to make some of the best wine in the nation. Where: Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St . Address: San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States. Cambria will have a Fourth of July Picnic in the Park at Shamel Community Park starting at 11 a.m. Where are Fourth of July fireworks legal, safe in SLO County? | San Grab your sweetie for a romantic Valentines Day event in wine country, or traverse the county to experience, Temperate year-round weather, diverse terrain and appealing postgame leisure activities make SLO CAL an ideal place for competing inand watchinga, Savor the season's best at local tasting events. These are all the outfits I wore on my June trip to Paso and SLO if you want inspo. Its not a long hike but it can get really hot in the summer, so pack extra water. 20 Unique Things To Do In San Luis Obispo: Your Complete City Guide To SLO Museums, the great outdoors, unique accommodations, and fun activities are among these 13 fun things to do in San Luis Obispo. We visited during whale migration and were treated to some whale watching, too! Welcome to Visit SLO, located in the heart of SLO CAL! This travel guide is more focused on fun things to do in San Luis Obispo (the town) but does also includes some of my favorite San Luis Obispo County activities as theyre nearby and worth visiting on your road trip. If youre lucky you may even spot horses grazing nearby. The San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum is a train museum with a simple mission: to preserve and showcase the history of Californias railroads. Its on the outskirts of Paso Robles and only happens at night. At the Cal Poly Architecture Graveyard, youll find all sorts of structures, ranging from things close to houses and sculptures, as well as everything in between. Follow me on Instagram for even more inspiration! Depending on the season, youll find different kinds of goods here, ranging from food to handicrafts and beyond. It feels like you are wandering the desert. You can also check out the greenhouse and nursery, where flora for the botanical garden are grown, county park plants are prepared, and some are available for sale to you and other visitors! San Luis Obispo County has long been a home to visual artists, from painters, sculptors, glassblowers and calligraphers to mixed media, and even performance artists. Visit San Luis Obispo | Visit SLO | Hotels, Things to Do, Events, Blog Travelers looking for things to do with kids in San Luis Obispo will find family-friendly activities at the Children's Museum, SLO Skate Park, Sunset Drive-In SLO, or Downtown SLO Farmers' Market. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The Iron Road Pioneers was revealed in 2003 after being made by artist Elizabeth MacQueen. Whether youve taken a day trip to the city or are staying there, making time to visit Montaa de Oro State Park is a must: The wildflower-lined trails here run up and down the protected coastline and offer stunning views of the ocean from both high up on the cliffside trails and from the beach at Corallina Cove and Quarry Cove. Bubblegum Alley has continued to exist, mostly untouched, ever since. Its one of the coolest naturey things to do near San Luis Obispo in the spring! We're happy to welcome back visitors who are #SLOready to enjoy all the socially distanced activities San Luis Obispo has to offer. It has a fascinating history; the road itself was designed to connect the 21 missions established during Californias Spanish Colonial era. By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. 18 Fun Things To Do This January in SLO County - EnjoySLO Of course with a California influence no oceans in Midwest. (805) 543-0638. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on. Theres a classic drive-in movie theater here! Opolo Vineyards. The local seafood on SLOCals coast stands out on every California cuisine menu in the area, especially in the town of Pismo Beach and its scenic Beach Pier. But, if your favorite restaurant, hike, etc didnt make the list, please drop a comment below so everyone can see. History runs rampant in Downtown SLO, too. Tolosa Winery, also SIP Certified, uses modern practices such as solar energy (which provides up to 75 percent of their power) and water conservation, while the tasting rooms exquisite architecture and decor complement with a sophisticated setting. This area is on BLM land and really makes you feel like you have all the park to yourself, its stunning. Basically, its worth the trip out of the city! I suggest getting a smoke artichoke and pulled pork sandwich! Its also literally half a block off the main street of Higuera, so its so dang easy to walk everywhere youll need to go. The fireworks are expected to start around 9:15 p.m. Address: 1940 Santa Barbara Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States. Events Michelle B - April 1, 2023. Kelp harvesters forage for sea vegetables with Kelpful, Sustainable winery Chamisal's outdoor tasting area. Foodies can wallow in the ample variety of gastronomic options with an undeniably irresistible ambiance. What's SLO County weather like for Fourth of July weekend? | San Luis The event will have a newly expanded Family Fun Zone including activities like bounce houses, obstacle courses, games and more. From 1210 p.m. on July 4, there will be a fireworks show at Old Mission Santa Ins in Solvang. Its an honor well-earned, though, as its easily among the most beautiful missions in the state of California. Kids will get to interact with animals at the farm or participate in hayrides and pony rides on weekends. Im a sucker for botanical gardens and the, Comfy shoes for walking and wine tasting (. Owned by family, the Avila Valley Barn provides a lovely slice of life in the countryside of California, offering a wide range of exciting experiences for those of all ages. An historic property on the banks of Sonomas Russian River is wonderfully reimagined as stylish restorative retreat, Our most popular newsletter for destination inspiration, travel tips, trip itineraries, and everything else you need to be an expert traveler in this beautiful world, This Summer's Most Exciting Hotel Openings, 17 Luxurious Yet Affordable Airbnb Rooms for Rent in Southeast Asia, Affordable Honeymoon Destinations You Might Not Have Thought of Yet. The . To reserve a spot on the list, email cyndy@refugioranch.com. Address: Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States. A vibrant splattering of all sorts of colors forms a bit of an eyesore at the Madonna Inn, but the most commonly used is pink and its many shades. Whether you want to SLO things down with a spa day or take it up a notch with some extreme adventure,there are plenty of unique things to do in San Luis Obispo. Where to stay: If a walkable downtown lined with unique dining and entertainment options is your style of travel, base yourself at Hotel SLO or Hotel Cerro for a luxurious stay after all of your coastal and countryside adventures. Have a Slice of Olallieberry Pie at the Avila Valley Barn 7. Travelers looking for things to do with kids in San Luis Obispo will find family-friendly activities at the Childrens Museum, SLO Skate Park, Sunset Drive-In SLO, or Downtown SLO Farmers Market. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. The vintage palm flooring and retro pink-shaded exterior add to the overall glamor. If the thought of decades of saliva doesn't make you gag, make sure you take a stroll down this backstreet. Whether you want to SLO things down with a spa day or take it up a notch with. San Luis Obispo County's food bank has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and cuts in state benefits. Patrick Harrower Is watching a space launch on your bucket list? If you do plan the trip, heres a list of some of the best things to do in Fresno! San Luis Obispo Attractions | Discover SLO Attractions 1. Nestled in the Santa Lucia mountains out near Lopez Lake in Arroyo Grande, you'll not only find a waterfall (or two) but scenic views, wildlife, swimming holes, and a nature-made 30 ft. water slide. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa in Pismo Beach is also hosting a Fourth of July Celebration on their lawn with live music from 123 p.m. with food and drinks, open to the public. Want more food ideas? On the same block is Ambiance Boutique, another cool local store. There are all sorts of activities and exhibits that are designed to be interactive, hands-on, and engaging for children so that they learn through play. To invite visitors to experience both, winemakers rooted in sustainable and organic winemaking, marked by SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certification, have joined forces with regenerative farming businesses to create a self-guided tour on the SLO County Farm Trail. Family Fun Day at Ryon Park in Lompoc takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A bike ride starts at the Veterans Memorial Building and ends at the park. Located about a mile hike from campus is a field full of bizarre structures all built by former students. When . Its big, beautiful and a haven for wildlife. Your email address will not be published. Anyways, I found that pretty much all over SLO County you can find bangin restaurants that serve up deliciously made farm-to-table meals. A Satellite of Love is a vintage shop tucked away off Higuera Street, and its the perfect spot to find treasures for your home, closet and book shelf. Things to Do in San Luis Obispo County Popular things to do Wine Tastings Self-guided Tours Biking Trails Full-day Tours Top Picks Private Sightseeing Tours Walking & Biking Tours Luxury & Special Occasions Ports of Call Tours Transfers & Ground Transport Water Sports Sporting Events Weddings & Honeymoons Surfing Lessons SLO CALhas ajam-packed calendar of events with something for everyone. The exact origins of the alley is a bit unclear, but its thought to have started around the 1950s, so its a 70+-year-old wall of gum thats equally cool and gross. The Iron Road Pioneers is a glorious statue that honors a very important part of not just San Luis Obispo, but California and even the entire country beyond. Why not check out Fresno? from around the world. . Lots of family fun can be had at Lopez Lake. It is generally believed that its creation may have been sparked by a rivalry between students from California Polytechnic State University and San Luis Obispo High School. Sun is forecast for San Luis Obispo County for the July 4 holiday weekend. Unfortunately, many have become lost or even stolen over the years. A lot of the places to go in SLO focus on serenity and relaxation, providing outdoor enthusiasm, calming parks and gardens, and lovely beachfronts to bask in. If youre looking for what to do in San Luis Obispo downtown, this is your list: I thought Seattle was the only town in the United States with a Bubblegum Alley but low and behold theres an alley covered in old gum right in the heart of Downtown San Luis Obispo! Ember Blue Moon Over Avila Oyster Loft Mistura Great Hotels in San Luis Obispo Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach Avila Village Inn Granada Hotel & Bistro More Things To Do in San Luis Obispo Avila Hot Springs Take a Private Surfing Lesson Avila Valley Barn Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove The railways of the nation were constructed largely by Chinese immigrants, and 20,000 of them at least were involved in the Transcontinental Railroads construction. Known for its lively downtown, historic Spanish mission, hiking trails, museums and art galleries, great eateries, and wine and craft beer tasting rooms, San Luis Obispo has something for every type of traveler. Live music will begin at 5:30 p.m. If youre looking for some more free things to do in SLO, then why not head to one of the San Luis Obispo attractions that stands simply as a monument? If you happen to be there on a Thursday, visit the famed SLO Farmers Market for live music, food vendors, a wide range of goods from local farms, plus handmade items like art, soaps, and much more. In Morro Bay, people can . Solvang. Other activities are also held here once in a while, from movie nights to classes and from talks to concerts, all in the name of encouraging artistry in the community with fun events to enjoy! from around the world. It is a pyramid-shaped masonic tomb, rising 25 feet into the air, fashioned from granite, and completed in 1905. These Are the World's Best Swim-Up Pool Bars, SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certification. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Free music entertainment. Top 15 Free Things To Do in SLO CAL | Free Things to Do in San Luis If youre visiting in the springtime, head to Carrizo Plains to catch thousands of wild California poppies in bloom! In reality, the Spanish were colonizers who stripped the local Salinan and Chumash people of their land, brought in diseases that killed them and forced them into slavery to build these Missions in the first place. Its also equipped with amenities like a picnic area, a childrens water slide, cabins, and camping sites. Among the activities happening around San Luis Obispo County for Memorial Day weekend are, clockwise from top left: Strawberries through Grover Beach, the Avila Beach . Explore Bubblegum Alley Source: Scott Biales DitchTheMap / shutterstock Bubblegum Alley This 15-foot high, 70-meter-long alley is covered in a mosaic of pre-chewed bubblegum and may be one of the most bizarre landmarks in the US. More California Travel Guides Youll Love. Visitor Guide | Things to do in Downtown San Luis Obispo All in all, its a top spot that you should bring your kids to! A talented team of sommeliers, chefs, cheesemongers, beer connoisseurs, and epicurean virtuosos have created a menu and wine list committed to sustainability, which is definitely noticeable in the first bite and sip. There will be food and drinks, a bounce house, face painting, waiter and waitress relay races, and an all-new fireman and EMT watermelon eating contest. To the summit, youll be able to use a round-trip hike of 3.5 miles that starts climbing fairly early, at just 950 feet in from the head of the trail. Its a little odd to think of graveyards as San Luis Obispo attractions, but the Cal Poly Architecture Graveyard definitely counts as one if not one of the best. Curious tourists are welcomed as warmly as those visiting the site on a religious pilgrimage, as it creaks open its historic doors to kick off . Hop into Spring with Downtown SLO's Annual Bunny Trail at the Farmers' Market. The best things to do in San Luis Obispo, California - from hot springs to vineyards, hikes, and other unique activities on the Central Coast. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Theyre carefully designed to encourage and promote creativity, curiosity, and imagination. For his latest role, Bradley Cooper leapt onto a hovering helicopter, rappelled down a 400-foot cliff and pulled himself across a 100-foot ravine in one of the harshest climates in North America. Be aware, in the summer there can get to be a lot of poison oak on the trail so keep watch if you go! Tours, led by a docent, are conducted daily, and theres even a gift shop for souvenir purchases of artwork, jewelry, books, nativity sets, and other handcrafted treasures. The springtime is kinda chilly, especially on the coastal towns. Scout Coffee opens at 6:30am for fellow early birds (heyo!) Did I buy a giant air plant here? California Polytechnic State Architecture graveyard, the 25+ best unique hotels in California for a weekend getaway. Address: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, United States. Grab your sweetheart and start planning your romantic getaway to San Luis Obispo. Address: 255 Elks Ln, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States. Beyond browsing the booths, we purchased strawberries, apricots, peaches, and nectarines from several vendors in total. Like hats and clothing, jewelry, boho-chic home decor and candles. Its on the outside of town on the way to Avila Beach but the short drive is worth it for the bakery, fresh produce and lunch menu from their Smoke House. The Avila Hot Springs and Hiking Trails are part of the titular Avilla Valley, a small rural area close to San Luis Obispo, California. Bishop Peak earned its name as a result of its shape, which resembles a bit of a crown of rocks, somewhat like the miter of a bishop. Camp, ride horses, fish, surf, bird-watch, swim, hike, and relax! The Dorn Pyramid was made by Fred Adolphus Dorn, a wealthy lawyer whose wife passed away giving birth to their son, who also passed away in that infancy. It opened on Memorial day in 1942 with a premiere of This Above All, providing 1060 seats at launch. To help you choose between them, here are our picks for the 24 best and fun things to do in San Luis Obispo, California. The Best Things to Do in San Luis Obispo, California, from Historic Lopez Lake is an incredible spot among San Luis Obispos places to visit. However, if you need a little inspiration, check out these oh-so-SLO trip ideas to round out your San Luis Obispo getaway. There are numerous vineyards to discover, each with tasting rooms featuring wines nurtured from grape to bottle by passionate local vintners. The Annual Atascadero Fourth of July Music Festival is happening at Atascadero Lake Park from 4-8 p.m. You can still come to the property for a brunch and look around a few of the buildings. History buffs can be amused by local landmarks like Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and The Monday Club or by taking a day trip up the Hwy 1 to Hearst Castle.. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased online. and have outdoor seating if the weather is nice. It now continues to show a mix of classic and contemporary movies and films and is a staple theatre in California. Copyright 2023 City Of San Luis Obispo, INC. All Rights Reserved. It is part of the California Polytechnic State Universitys large campus, covering 5 acres of land along its northern side. Keep an eye out for a rope swing to your left its sturdy and overlooks the Pacific Ocean!! Aka the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), the dunes stretch for miles and miles. The Doggie Parade starts on the Avila Promenade at 11 a.m. Fireworks at the pier start at 9 p.m. The National Weather Service has a heat advisory for Paso Robles. Lots of farmland, winding backcountry roads, homes with large gardens. Please remember to stay safe, watch for event changes with Covid-19, and to support local businesses whenever possible. Things to Do in San Luis Obispo, California - TripSavvy Stay the Night (and Take Endless Selfies) at the Madonna Inn 5. . Dining opportunities offer romantic, tranquil meals, day trips bring you to rustic and rural areas, and exploration reveals unique and fascinating tourist attractions. With endless things to do in San Luis Obispo, sunny California weather, friendly people and a variety of accommodations, theres never been a better time to plan an affordable getaway to SLO! 1215 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405-8048, USA. When I stopped in, they didnt have breakfast (just pastries) but it looks like on their menu they sometimes do serve breakfast options like avocado toast. , which still stands today. 19. Weve already mentioned its beach as one of the places to visit as a day trip, but its also fun to head further into the valley and discover what else it has to offer. The annual Cayucos Fourth of July Celebration begins with an early morning sand castle contest from 4:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. It was formed over 20 million years in the past as a result of volcanic magma, making it technically a volcano, in a way. Idlewild Floral is a dried flower studio with some of the most beautiful dried flower bouquets, Ive ever seen in my life! That doesnt mean there arent some left, though, and in the 1990s old bells were restored and replaced along the road. 1. Comment or DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and Ill be happy to help! On the way youll pass so much wildlife like otters, sea lions and birds! Besides the architectural elegance of this region, the 24-room retreat hotel features a rooftop bar to unwind at, sitting by the fire with a glass of wine to reflect on your SLOCal day. from around the world, 2022 Holiday Happenings for Everyone in SLO CAL, Best Places to Watch the Space Launches in SLO CAL. 4. Address: 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, United States. Its the tallest peak of the Nine Sisters in SLO County! I wasnt able to tour the inside during my visit since it was still closed for the pandemic, but if you can, make sure to take a tour! I recommend booking tickets for dusk entry so you can watch all the lights slowly turn on. We got to see a couple of horses on our hike up to the graveyard and it was magical. Family Friendly Events & Activities - SLO County California The museum is extensive, featuring three floors that promote all sorts of options for indoor excitement and learning. It is, at its core, a simple farmstand that sells lots of different fresh goods. A California escape marked by rolling green hills and coastal vineyards, plus some of the friendliest city locals in all of California. Want to get your groove on? With nods to Spanish colonial architecture, stone walkways, and arched bridges that span a winding river, downtown San Luis Obispo certainly feels very far from urban California. Updated May 27, 2022 3:34 PM. Lets start with where to stay. MISSION SAN LUIS OBISPO DE TOLOSA. Address: 1035 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States. Best Things to Do in San Luis Obispo County for Couples Fremont Theatre is San Luis Obispos go-to entertainment hotspot. Im still daydreaming about the tomato salad I had here it was fresh with balsamic, ponzu cheese and sourdough and ohhh I think I need to drive back down the coast right now to order it again *sobs in foodie*. >> Got a question about the SLO? The comfortable year-round climate and diverse terrain make SLO CAL an ideal region for outdoor enthusiasts to convene and commune with the natural world, while athletes will find no shortage of races, triathlons and sporting events to compete in. Ask to be seated in the back area which has fire pits and vibey lights. It invited hundreds of army servicemen from camps close to the area and was attended by a wide range of celebrities, too. Tetto Rooftop BarThe Tetto Rooftop Bar in Downtown Paso Robles will be open from 4-11 p.m. and hosting barbecue-themed meals and craft cocktails from 58 p.m. Live music will play from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $95 per person and include the barbecue dinner and two specialty cocktails. Bring money to buy food. Whether its in the countryside, the city, or on the coast, there's a chic option for each, and everything in this county is just a short drive or day-trip away. The Leaning Pine Arboretum is a beautiful spot in San Luis Obispo, if not one of the most beautiful places in the United States! And thats because the Cal Poly Architecture Graveyard isnt actually a graveyard. And whether youre staying in Paso Robles, San Louis Obispo, or on the coast, stopping for a bite to eat at Pier 46 Seafood Co. in Templeton, or industrial-park-turned-dining-hotspot Tin City, are the perfect way to fuel or finish your day. Its a mishmash and a hodgepodge used by students from Cal Poly as what they call an outdoor experimental construction laboratory. Avila Beachs relaxed ocean environment makes it a great spot for beginners to surfing and bodyboarding, though other activities like fishing, sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also viable. The little cove is perfectly picturesque and is wonderfully warm, shielded from the wind by hillsides. We love San Luis Obispo County, and created this site as a guide for visitors and locals to explore everything this county has to offer. My favorite wineries are: The Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark and is incredibly beautiful (think Roman pillars next to a blue pool, crazy ornate details and art everywhere inside, huge gardens with flowers. Explore the tide pools at Shell Beach, wine taste through Edna Valley, and delight the foodie in you by treating yourselves to dinner at a romantic restaurant in Downtown San Luis Obispo. Looking for, Get an all-access pass to SLO CAL Harvest Seasonand enjoy the wine, too Sure, you've, Photo by Tech. If youre out on Highway 1 exploring the trails and wildlife, Linns Restaurant in Cambria is famous among locals for its uniquely Californian Olallieberry Pie.

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