Tucked between the rolling hills of Central California and the dazzling coastline of the Pacific, San Luis Obispo (SLO) is a gem that deserves your attention. This incredibly charming town markets itself as a place to “SLOw” down and rejuvenate. It boasts a laid-back atmosphere, a diverse and vibrant community thanks to nearby Cal Poly University, and magnificent scenery, perfect for a three-day weekend with your squad or as a couple.
How do you get to San Luis Obispo?
Finding your way to San Luis Obispo is a breeze. The city lies near the Pacific coast of Central California, roughly four hours south of San Francisco and three hours north of Los Angeles. SLO has a convenient Amtrak train station as well as a regional airport, the SLO County Airport, which offers daily flights from Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
Day 1: Get there early and explore downtown
Morning:
Jumpstart your weekend trip by arriving in San Luis Obispo early in the day. This will allow you to get any luggage to your hotel, get a bit of refreshment, and then head out to explore. A great choice for a centrally located hotel is Granada Hotel & Bistro.
Granada Hotel (1126 Morro St.) is a historic 17-room boutique hotel in Downtown San Luis Obispo, conveniently located within walking distance of the downtown shops and restaurants you’ll want to get lost in. I had the pleasure of staying here in May 2023, and it’s a beautiful hotel with an attentive and helpful staff. The bistro and speakeasy bar are popular for good reason, so you’ll love heading back to the hotel in the evening for a nightcap!
A short walk from Granada Hotel is where you can grab a Vanilla Chai Latte at Scout Coffee Company on Garden Street (or their second location on E. Foothill). It’s a lovely shop with a menu packed full of artisanal brews to get your caffeine fix or grab some breakfast.
Now, hit the sidewalks for a stroll through downtown SLO. This area is a mix of historic Spanish architecture, locally owned boutique shops, and several art galleries sprinkled in. You’ll also want to grab a photo of the iconic Bubblegum Alley, which is covered in chewed gum, but be mindful not to touch the walls. You might find a local nearby to hear their reasons why this alley is superior to the Gum Wall in Seattle.
Afternoon:
For lunch, try out Luna Red on Chorro Street. Luna Red is a local favorite located near the historic Mission de Tolosa (one of California’s 21 historic missions). Order their market ceviche (fresh catch of the day fish, sweet peppers, red onion, ginger, toasted spices, tomatoes, sour citrus juice, cilantro) or their savory empanadas.
After lunch, take time to explore the mission to get an up close appreciation for the amazing history and architectural beauty of this 18th-century landmark. They offer guided tours but please be respectful; this is a working place of worship.
Also nearby is the Hat Bar by Kate Kaney. The Hat Bar (952 Chorro Street) is a fun activity for a group where you can customize and create a hat that will fit your style and be the perfect complement for your weekend in SLO. This event is fun for men and women. Personally, I love the hat I created at the Hat Bar and keep it in a special place in my office.
Evening:
You’re bound to be tired at the end of your first day, so head back to Granada Hotel for dinner. The Bistro at Granada Hotel has an ever revolving menu but their house-made Granada Burger is a bit of comfort food that you definitely deserve after all of that walking you did on your day in SLO.
From there, grab a nightcap at Nightcap which has limited seating but a knowledgable staff ready to lift your spirits with a perfectly crafted cocktail.
Day 2: Nature and Wine Country
Morning:
Start your second day with breakfast at SLO Provisions (1255 Monterey Street). SLO Provisions offers all day take away and dine-in options that include baked goods, signature drinks, coffees, specialty sandwiches and more.
Next, you’re going to have a blast taking a pottery class from Anam-Cre Pottery Studio (1243 Monterey Street), which is right next door to SLO Provisions. The always-patient instructors at Anam-Cre will help you mold and shape your clay as you get a little messy but have tons of fun learning to work a pottery wheel. Anam Cre Pottery Studio has been a San Luis Obispo staple since 1999. They moved into their spot on Monterey in 2016, and offer pottery classes, workshops, and parties.
Afternoon:
Working clay can make you build up an appetite so I recommend you head to Ebony SLO (778 Higuera Street) for traditional Ethiopian cuisine. Chefs Helen Abraha and Martha Taezaz run the kitchen and as an added bit of fun, they are also sisters. Their organic, vegan and gluten free menu items are all served on one big plate and eaten together. Try an order of the Spicy Misir Wot with injera and expand out from there. Injera is a traditional Ethiopian bread that is pancake-like and made from teff.
It’s always wine-thirty in SLO and today you’re going to head out to Wolff Vineyards for a tasting and (depending on their local schedule) live music. Wolff Vineyards was planted in 1976 with 55 acres of Chardonnay grapes by one of the Edna Valley’s wine growing pioneers, Andy MacGregor. The vineyard includes 53 acres of Chardonnay and 34 acres of Pinot Noir grapes. This SIP Certified, family-owned winery also has fourteen additional acres planted in Teroldego, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Riesling.
Evening:
You may be full from injera and wine so why not visit the historic Fremont Theater (1035 Monterey Street)? It was built in 1942 and screens first-run films, concerts, and a variety of other events so check their website for an accurate list of what’s playing now.
If you and your crew aren’t feeling Fremont Theater, you might prefer an evening of meditation or light hiking at Terrace Hill. Terrace Hill is a popular local outdoor space that has easy to moderate hiking trails and scenic views of the valley. It’s a calm and serene way to end the evening.
For dinner, I recommend Mistura (570 Higuera Street). Mistura is a modern Peruvian restaurant that aims to capture the multicultural spirit of Peru, its native Incan and Pre-Columbian culinary heritage, and blend it with Italian, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese influences. Chef Nicola Allegretta has traveled the world, cooking and learning in some of the finest kitchens across the globe in order to bring this brilliant concept to life in SLO.
Day 3: Healthy Vibes, Coastal Beauty, and Farewell
Morning:
After packing up your belongings, head to Kreuzberg California (685 Higuera St.) for a delicious breakfast. The coffee shop is named after the influential Kreuzberg neighborhood of Berlin, which the owner lived in for a while. When he returned to the United States, he decided to bring a slice of that life back to SLO, where he attended Cal Poly.
From here, the play is a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to one of the coastal towns such as Morro Bay to the north, or Pismo Beach to the south. Here is where you’ll find those often romanticized views of the California coast.
Afternoon:
Since you’re traveling the coast, head to Arroyo Grande to Vibe Retreats for aromatherapy and a variety of self-care options available to visitors. Their lounge was one located in the heart of SLO, but they recently made the move to nearby Arroyo Grande to offer a more collaborative space for healing journies and natural wellness.
If you head back into SLO, grab lunch at either Kitchen & Vine (3897 South Higuera St.) or visit the iconic Madonna Inn (100 Madonna Road) for whimsy fun, delicious food, and eye-popping decor.
Evening:
If the evening allows, sit down for dinner at Novo (726 Higuera St.). Robin Covey has been a restaurant proprietor on the Central Coast since the 1980s. In 2003, Novo was opened in downtown SLO when Robin leased the old Cigar Factory Building and transformed it into a celebrated eatery that serves locally grown, internationally inspired fare.
San Luis Obispo offers an idyllic setting for a memorable weekend full of fun, recharging, and memorable experiences. Whether you’re walking through downtown, hiking the surrounding trails, or having your fill of all the local wines, SLO invites travelers to unplug and savor the moments you spend here.
