San Luis Obispo County Travel Guide

Plan your trip to San Luis Obispo County with this comprehensive travel guide. Find information on places to visit, things to do, food and drink, where to stay, and more.


A Comprehensive Guide to San Luis Obispo County

Located in Central Coast, California, San Luis Obispo County is a popular travel destination among tourists. With bustling cities, scenic natural attractions, stunning beaches, and delicious food, San Luis Obispo County has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to San Luis Obispo County.

Introduction to San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County spans across 3,616 square miles. With a population of over 280,000, the county is the 23rd most populous county in California. The county is known for its stunning coastline, beautiful wineries, and charming small towns. San Luis Obispo County is also home to California Polytechnic State University, which adds a lively and youthful vibe to the community.

List of Places to Visit in San Luis Obispo County

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: A must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture. The mission was established in 1772 and features beautiful gardens, museum exhibits, and religious artifacts.

  2. Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History: The museum boasts unique exhibits on the natural history of San Luis Obispo County, including local wildlife, geology, and marine ecology.

  3. Hearst Castle: This historic attraction is a national historic landmark that was once the luxurious home of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst. The castle features a vast collection of art and antiques and beautifully manicured gardens.

Natural Attractions of San Luis Obispo County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Montana de Oro State Park: This stunning coastal park offers visitors a chance to explore miles of hiking trails and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

  2. Pismo Beach: One of the most popular beaches in the county with its serene waves, soft sand, a laid-back atmosphere, and a variety of beach fun activities.

  3. Pinnacles National Park: A perfect destination for outdoor adventurers, with its rugged cliffs, and numerous hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County has a plethora of hiking and biking trails for all levels of experience and fitness. Below are some of the top hiking and biking routes in the county:

  1. Bishop Peak: This trail offers a challenging and thrilling hike with stunning panoramic views of the city.

  2. Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail: This 7.5-mile paved trail is an excellent choice for beginners and families looking to get some exercise while enjoying beautiful views of the countryside and city.

  3. Morro Bay State Park: The park has several trails suitable for hiking, biking, and leisure walks with stunning views of the bay and mountains.

Best Things to Do in San Luis Obispo County: Activities and Tours

San Luis Obispo County has several activities and tours that are sure to make your trip memorable. Here are some of the most popular things to do in the county:

  1. Wine Tasting Tours: San Luis Obispo County is home to over 250 wineries, making it an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts. Some of the top wineries are Adelaida Vineyard & Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, and Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery.

  2. Surfing Lessons and Rentals: San Luis Obispo County has some of California’s best surfing beaches, with loads of shops where you can rent surfing gear or take lessons.

  3. SLO Farmers Market: Every Thursday, locals and visitors gather in downtown San Luis Obispo for this popular farmers market with food, music, and products from local artisans.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Luis Obispo County

Day 1: Explore history and architecture with a visit to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, followed by a hike up Bishop Peak for panoramic views of the city.

Day 2: Enjoy a relaxing day at Pismo Beach and try some beach activities like paddleboarding, surfing, or parasailing.

Day 3: Take a drive to Hearst Castle and spend your day exploring the castle’s art and antique collections.

Day 4: Take a bike ride through the city on the Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail, followed by a winery tour and tasting in Paso Robles.

Day 5: Visit the Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History, followed by a hike or bike ride along the park’s scenic paths.

Day 6: Go whale watching in the coast of San Luis Obispo County, followed by a visit to the SLO Farmers Market to experience the local culture.

Day 7: Explore and hike at Montaña de Oro State Park with its striking natural vistas.

Food and Drink Scene of San Luis Obispo County

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Tri-Tip: The county is famous for its Tri-Tip, a barbecued beef dish that locals swear by. You can find this dish in most of San Luis Obispo’s top restaurant and steakhouses.

  2. Santa Maria-style BBQ: Another popular local treat, Santa Maria-style BBQ is known for its simple preparation, high-quality meats, and aromatic, smoky flavor.

  3. Clam Chowder: The region’s abundant seafood resources has given rise to this particular soup that you can find in most of the beach towns.

Local Beverages

  1. Wine: San Luis Obispo County is one of California’s top wine-growing regions; some of the best local wines included Strauss Family Cellars, Daou Vineyards & Winery, Opolo Vineyards, just to mention a few.

  2. Craft Beer: With breweries like SLO Brew and Central Coast Brewing, you can’t blame locals for going crazy about their in-house craft beer selection.

Where to Stay in San Luis Obispo County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Luis Obispo County has an excellent selection of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that cater to all budgets. Here are some of the best accommodations in the county:

  1. Madonna Inn: A unique hotel with themed rooms and an iconic pink exterior.

  2. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa: This luxurious hotel is located on Pismo Beach and offers stunning ocean views and an array of spa services.

  3. The SLO Hostel: An affordable option with a convenient location in downtown San Luis Obispo.

What to Buy in San Luis Obispo County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Mementos from Hearst Castle: The best way to commemorate your visit to Hearst Castle is by buying souvenirs in their gift shop. Postcards, T-shirts, hats, jewelry, and books about the castle are popular souvenirs.

  2. Olive Oil Products: The county produces high-quality olive oil products that you should try and bring back home. You can buy them from several local farmers’ markets and stores.

  3. Popcorn from Popolo Catering: This local favorite offers gourmet popcorn in different flavors such as Garlic and Parmesan or White Truffle and Sea Salt, which makes an excellent snack or gift.

Local Culture and Customs of San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County is known for its tight-knit community with friendly people that are always ready to help visitors. Most residents identify themselves closer to more Californian culture, with some spicing of Native American heritage, the Chumash tribe. The county has an informal approach to life, which is why many people choose to visit or stay here.

Best Time to Visit San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild to warm and dry summers, chilly wet winters, and a long growing season that is excellent for producing wine. The best time to visit is from March to May or September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Luis Obispo County

Do:

  • Try local dishes and drinks, especially the tri-tip beef, Santa Maria-style BBQ, and wine.
  • Take advantage of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and surfing.
  • Respect the natural resources and scenic beauty of the land and sea.
  • Embrace the friendly, social culture of San Luis Obispo and make connections with locals.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave garbage in public places.
  • Engage in illegal activities like drug use or trespassing.
  • Drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Safety and Health

Safety in San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County has many safe and friendly communities. However, it’s always advisable to take precautions like locking your car doors and not leaving valuables in plain sight.

Health in San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County has several hospitals, clinics, and health centers providing world-class health care. If you’re planning to participate in outdoor activities, take proper precautions to avoid dehydration or heat exhaustion.

Getting to San Luis Obispo County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo is well connected to other parts of the United States, and Luiza Regional Airport (SBP) is the best option for domestic flights. The closest international airports are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Bus Stations Near San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County is well-served by bus lines that connect to major cities in California, like San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Other Options

Renting a car is a popular option for visitors who want to explore every nook and corner of San Luis Obispo County’s towns and scenic roads.

How to Get Around in San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County has several transportation options, including car rentals, bus services, and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft. You can also explore the city on bicycles, which are available for rent from several bike shops in the city.

Where to Go Next from San Luis Obispo County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

San Luis Obispo County is located conveniently to explore other popular California destinations like:

  1. Yosemite National Park: Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, around 250 miles east of San Luis Obispo County.

  2. Santa Barbara: A charming coastal town located about 70 miles southeast of San Luis Obispo County that boasts Spanish colonial architecture.

  3. Big Sur: Boasting some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in California, it is located roughly 80 miles north of San Luis Obispo County.

Conclusion

San Luis Obispo County is a fantastic travel destination, with something for everyone. From its stunning beaches and natural attractions to its rich history and culture, the county seamlessly blends modern amenities with small-town charm. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your trip with ease and enjoy all that San Luis Obispo County has to offer.

Spring wildflowers can be spectacular in Carrizo after a wet winter. Spring wildflowers can be spectacular in Carrizo after a wet winter. Neptune Pool, Hearst Castle Neptune Pool, Hearst Castle


    Cambria
    Grover Beach
    Los Osos
    Morro Bay
    Nipomo
    Paso Robles
    Pismo Beach
    San Luis Obispo
    San Simeon