Are you planning a vacation to San Luis Obispo? Here is a list of  5 “must do’s” in SLO. Add some of these into your vacation plans and you’ll never experience a dull moment!

1. Stay over on a Thursday. San Luis Obispo’s farmer’s market is the only farmer’s market in the US that runs all year long. The farmers market is a huge local attraction, drawing thousands of people in attendance. Why? The most obvious reason is the local produce; including items like honey, fresh cut flowers and micro greens. However, you’ll also find ready to eat food, from sheep’s milk ice cream (naturally lactose free!), grilled artichokes and Santa Maria style BBQ. Enjoy special exhibits like wrestling, unicycles, and acrobats! There’s a variety of live music, and you’ll always find a bounce house for your little humans to burn energy off in. Ride a bike down and take advantage of the free bike valet!

   

   Fresh zucchini at Farmer’s Market.

2. Pack a sweater! San Luis Obispo has the most predictable weather, in fact, it’s on the nations top ten list of climates that are the most consistent. Almost everyday it’s 75 and sunny, and likewise, almost every night it’s 55 and chilly! Remember to bring a pullover or light jacket with you if you’re going  to be anywhere past the 3-6 pm hour. The temperature drops quickly, and unless you want to be the proud new owner of a hastily bought hoodie from Cal Poly store, you’d be well advised to pack a layer.
3. Go on a hike. If you’re staying in San Luis Obispo, the most popular and easily accessible hike is Madonna Mountain (aka Cerro San Luis Obispo).  Located on the south end of down town SLO, a path from the north 101 exit on Sourth Higuera St leads your right to the trail head. Madonna Mt is a 4 mile round trip hike with a gain of just over 1,000 ft. To me, this is a moderate level hike. Pets are welcome on a leash, and make sure you pack water for you and your four legged friends. It gets hot up there!
4. Check out a local beach. There are three beaches in close proximity to San Luis Obispo, each of them charming in their own way. Avila Beach “always” has the best weather. Avila Beach’s unique bay structure means it’s usually sunny there, even if the other beaches in the area are foggy. Avila Beach also offers Port San Luis Obispo, a pier that has restaurants, sea lion viewing and fresh seafood for sale. You can also catch a sport fishing charter here if live, action fishing is your vibe.

Pismo Beach is a quintessential California Beach town, inviting with a recently renovated pier, specially constructed for watching surfers, whales, and ships float by. Pismo Beach is also home to the Oceano Dunes, a real life Mad Max style dunes environment. Rent quads, side by side’s and sand rails to experience a giant adrenaline rush!

Morro Bay is a fishermans paradise! You’ll find fishing vessels moored up and down the Embarcadero, plenty of seafood restaurants over looking the bay. Watch families of sea otters swim by while you enjoy your meal. Rent a kayak or stand up paddle board to get aquatic and explore the bay. You’ll see surfers and horseback riders enjoying the beach that leads up the rock, Morro Bay’s famous volcanic plug.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Last, but not least, go on a Taste of SLO – Walking Food Tour! You’ll visit six unique destinations in downtown San Luis Obispo, tasting and sipping at each one! Sample Santa Maria style BBQ, craft beer, fresh baked goods, Latin style cuisine, local wines, and French style Rotisserie chicken. Accommodating to both adults and children, vegetarians and omnivores, this tour is not only filling, but also a great way to see San Luis Obispo from a fresh perspective.