San Luis Obispo holidays
Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this laid-back college town is the perfect spot to press pause on your scenic drive along the Pacific Coast. A San Luis Obispo holiday takes in the best of California. Soak up seaside views as you bike to the beach or hike a volcanic plug. Or indulge your love of all things cultural and culinary in the city’s artisan shops and farm-to-table eateries.
San Luis Obispo holiday highlights
©HannaTorPhotography
Taste local wine
Edna Valley is a 12-minute drive from downtown, with rolling hills, ocean breezes and more than two dozen wineries using cool climate grapes such as chardonnay and pinot noir. For the perfect holiday in San Luis Obispo, sip a glass on a patio overlooking sprawling vineyards, or spread your blanket on a grassy knoll and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Take a hike
The well-marked trail to the summit of Bishop Peak isn’t long, but it’s no walk in the park either. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with sweeping views of the city and a glimpse of the Santa Lucia Mountains. You’ll find gentler trails along the coast. And colourful wildflowers blanket the region between March and May.
Where to stay
Monterey Street has a wide array of accommodation. Expect to pay a little more to be within walking distance of the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. If you’re on a budget, there are options available just a short distance north of downtown. For a wine country escape outside the city, head to Edna Valley, where boutique inns dot the rolling hillsides.
San Luis Obispo: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-8 (PST) and UTC-7 (PDT)
High season
June – August
Low season
January – February
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Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in San Luis Obispo
©HannaTorPhotography
Places to eat
The California Central Coast is a huge hub for agriculture and wine growing, and San Luis Obispo is right in the centre of it. The result is restaurants that take seasonal sourcing seriously. Take your pick from barbecue, international fusion or California’s ubiquitous fish tacos. And don’t skip the freshly harvested Morro Bay oysters or local clam chowder served with a local spin.
Shopping
Higuera Street is pedestrian-friendly and loaded with handicrafts and artwork by local talent. Browse the gift shops, boutiques and galleries. Have a taste for the sweeter things in life? Get ice cream, chocolate and sweets here. On Thursday evenings the street closes to vehicles and a farmer’s market is rolled out, where you’ll find seasonal fruit, handmade crafts, street food and live entertainment.
Beaches
Located about 15 minutes to the south, Avila Beach can be reached by car or by pedalling the Bob Jones City to the Sea Bike Trail, suitable for all ages. You’ll pass through rural farmland and sycamore trees and arrive right at the shoreline. Pismo Beach, around 20 minutes south, has good surfing and an iconic pier where you can watch the sunset.
FAQs about San Luis Obispo holidays
During your city break in San Luis Obispo, everyday interactions will mostly happen in English.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for purchases while on your trip to San Luis Obispo. Pay with a card whenever possible, but have some cash as a backup for places where card payments aren't an option.
February brings the coolest conditions for a San Luis Obispo holiday. Book your trip sometime then and you'll experience lows of 5ºC (41ºF).
With around 10 cm of rainfall, January is the rainiest month. If you're taking your San Luis Obispo holiday then, you might want to have a few indoor activities lined up. Eat at a top-rated restaurant, head to an art gallery, or treat yourself to a shopping spree.
With temperatures hitting a maximum of 28ºC (82ºF), August is the warmest month in San Luis Obispo.
San Luis Obispo is generally considered safe, but it's always good to take some precautions wherever you're going. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas, and keep your valuables secure. Also choose official transport services whenever you can during your holiday to San Luis Obispo.
San Luis Obispo is great to visit all year round, thanks to its sunny, mild climate and low levels of rainfall. Note that flights and hotels to San Luis Obispo may be more expensive in September and June, while March to May is the best time to see wildflowers in bloom.
If you’re driving up or down the California coast, a short holiday in San Luis Obispo is perfect to relax and refresh, and a couple of days might suit you just fine. If your idea of paradise is hiking, basking on the beach and enjoying fresh local cuisine, plan on spending a week.
When you go, the airline you choose, and where you stay will help influence how much you pay for your city break in San Luis Obispo. If you want to keep costs low, keep your eyes peeled for special offers or last-minute deals on San Luis Obispo flights and hotels. Travelling midweek and flying with budget airlines are additional ways to save.
A holiday in San Luis Obispo is an excellent choice, bringing together many of the best things about California. With its 18th-century architecture, the city has much to offer fans of culture and heritage, while the local university provides a buzz that keeps the town fresh, exciting and forward-thinking.
