San Luis Obispo County Events | Festivals, Sports, Concerts - SLO CAL I wasnt brave enough to try that, but I did stock up on candy to bring home. Then, the parade hosted by the Rotary Club of Templeton and Chamber of Commerce kicks off at 10 a.m. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Templeton Park will have a bounce house, food and drinks, and family-friendly activities. As automobiles began their ascent in the state, developers and relevant clubs teamed up to improve state roads, leading to its birth. The Museum of Art is updated regularly with special additions to allow the collection to grow. Right now dune buggies are not allowed, but sometimes they are so you have to be careful if you are walking by foot. Top 15 Free Things To Do in SLO CAL | Free Things to Do in San Luis 19. 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. Read more of my tip in this post. Cap off your trip by enjoying a sunset dinner on Morro bay at Windows on the Watera restaurant menu that represents SLO in all senses. Lots of family fun can be had at Lopez Lake. Grab your boo and some popcorn for a throwback date night in the car. It depicts two men working opposite each other, levering tracks with rivets and sweat in a long ordeal. Come either for lunch or swing by for a happy hour to try local wines. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Ice cream, homemade baked goods, vegetables and fruits, fudge, candy, barbeque, roasted corn, and more all line up at the barn to provide yummy offerings to all. A California escape marked by rolling green hills and coastal vineyards, plus some of the friendliest city locals in all of California. Although not large, this train museum is packed with a good collection of historical information. Every Thursday night part of Downtown SLO is blocked off for the Farmers Market. Its a weird little place stuffed with garish things to see as if in celebration of all the bizarre and tacky things the human mind can dream of though it is the best of that tackiness! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lopez Lake is an incredible spot among San Luis Obispos places to visit. from around the world. The Iron Road Pioneers was revealed in 2003 after being made by artist Elizabeth MacQueen. By MEKonrad. Walk The Mission, a traffic-free square featuring 18th-century Spanish history (including an active church), and one of 21 historic missions built in California; check out the colorful Gum Wall in Bubblegum Alley, and stroll the stone walkways that run parallel to the San Luis Obispo Creek. Avila Beach will be celebrating Independence Day with their four-legged companions at the Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast and Doggie Parade from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. On July 5, attendees can end the celebration with a beach clean-up at Leadbetter Beach and East Beach from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Refugio Ranch will be hosting a Fourth of July BBQ with a tasting room and pig roast by Valley Piggery. 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. 4. The City of Paso Robles is hosting a Fourth of July celebration at Barney Schwartz Park from 210 p.m. in partnership with Travel Paso. The Tetto Rooftop Bar has a view of the fireworks show at Barney Schwartz Park. 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. The City of Pismo Beach is hosting tables with a three-course buffet dinner catered by Ribline along with a DJ on the pier for a front-row view of the Pismo Beach fireworks display. These picks are curated and meant for visitors and locals to learn more about what's happening in this magical area. Got questions? With food and drink festivals celebrating apples, strawberries and tomatoes, as well as gin, chardonnay, and even macaroni and cheese, we take our eating, drinking and merrymaking very, very seriously. Smack dab in the middle of Los Angeles and San Franciscothree hours equidistant in either directionSan Luis Obispo County (SLO) offers travelers the best of two California worlds. Revel in uniquely SLO CAL cultural festivals. Its unique location is close enough to the ocean that a microclimate of cool morning fog and warm afternoons make the perfect Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 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*. Where to watch Fourth of July firework shows in SLO County | San Luis 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. Its a bit of a drive from downtown SLO, but the tours are spot-on and its one of those famous San Luis Obispo attractions that even my Midwest father has been to. The best things to do in San Luis Obispo, California. Its downtown region boasts seafood restaurants, surf shops, and accommodation options galore. Want more places to visit that are nature-themed? 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. From a serene backdrop of rolling green hills and vineyards, to the charming and historic city of San Luis Obispo proper's culinary finesse (and what might be the friendliest locals in all of the state) the heart of California's Central Coast has much to offer in a 72-hour stay. Park 1039 is super unique for a few reasons. Visit San Luis Obispo | Visit SLO | Hotels, Things to Do, Events, Blog Even if you never make it inside, I recommend you stop by for the murals on the outside (its kitty-corner to the Mission so its easy!) This year I went down to Pismo Beach in the springtime and also again to Paso Robles and downtown SLO in June. 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 has a fascinating history; the road itself was designed to connect the 21 missions established during Californias Spanish Colonial era. 2023 Cond Nast. If you do plan the trip, here are some fun things to do in Berkeley and some top things to do in Malibu! A gentler hike can be found at Felsman Loop, which is 2.7 miles in length for a round trip and provides a lower elevation. July 04, 2023 5:00 AM. Its wild. As a result you can try your hands at harvesting kelp, or simply purchase kelp products, with Kelpfula worker-owned, women-run cooperative with the goal of bringing regenerative sea vegetables and shellfish to the Central Coast community. July 02, 2023 5:00 AM. Cass Winery: Red White and BoozeFor this 21-and-older event, Cass Winery will be hosting an event on Monday, July 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. For music lovers, San Luis Obispo County is home to a wide variety of venues that attract musicians (and audiences!) 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. Boutiques, vineyards, hamlets, views, and beaches make for fantastic stops along the way of the heart and soul of the state. Address: Patricia Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, United States. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Input your search keywords and press Enter. Phone +1 805-595-7302. Live music, games, inflatables, food trucks, and face painting will be available starting at 12 p.m. Youll see exhibits dedicated to the Pacific Coast Railway, the Pullman La Cuesta Caf/Observation Car and its gorgeous dining space, the Amtrak, surfing, the Santa Maria Valley, and the Southern Pacific Boxcar of 1926. Its an officially recognizes site by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, too! When: 8:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday. The Madonna Inn is a very strange but incredibly famous hotel and restaurant, inspired by the Swiss Alps and built by Phyllis and Alex Madonna in 1958. 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in San Luis Obispo, CA Safe and Sane fireworks are only allowed within the boundaries of San Miguel, Templeton, Oceano, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, and Morro Bay. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. 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. Did I buy a giant air plant here? Within the Madonna Inn, youll find a whopping 109 rooms, each one with unique names and matching themes, all lavishly decorated in what most would consider very poor taste. 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. 1. 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. This site of land was chosen for the mission because of its good climate, proximity to fresh water, and the friendliness of the Chumash tribe of the region. For my tea lovers, the Secret Garden Herb Shop is a must! I made the mistake of not bringing enough sweaters and was freezing every night during the spring. This museum has permanent exhibits and also frequently swaps out temporary ones, so theres always something fun to see. History buffs will enjoycommemoratingSLO CALs rich past, and art aficionados will love events featuring painters, sculptors, glassblowers and mixed-media makers. Address: 250 Avila Beach Drive, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The Downtown SLO Farmers Market is run by the San Luis Obispo County Farmers Market Association, which holds a total of five different markets during the week. Termed as one of the top vacation spots, Bishop Peak is a part of the Morros mountain range, also referred to as the Nine Sisters. The Avila Hot Springs and Hiking Trails are part of the titular Avilla Valley, a small rural area close to San Luis Obispo, California. Apple Farm Inn is a charming hotel situated near downtown San Luis Obispo it's also a short walk away from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). I suggest getting a smoke artichoke and pulled pork sandwich! Looking for more excitement? GoletaGoleta's 49th Annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July will be presented by the Goleta Historical Society starting at 11 a.m. The coolest event on the Central Coast!! Located on Higeruia Street near Garden Street is Bubblegum Alley, which is actually older than the one in Seattle. Thats what we did. We got to see a couple of horses on our hike up to the graveyard and it was magical. The Annual Atascadero Fourth of July Music Festival is happening at Atascadero Lake Park from 4-8 p.m. 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. It is a pyramid-shaped masonic tomb, rising 25 feet into the air, fashioned from granite, and completed in 1905. To help you choose between them, here are our picks for the 24 best and fun things to do in San Luis Obispo, California. Book your stay and start filling your itinerary with San Luis Obispo things to do today! Do note that it only accepts cash, so come prepared. Ask for a flight so you can taste test a bunch of their brews! Hotel Cerro has a stunning rooftop pool with mountain views and colorful cabanas (plus an outdoor shower!) Garden State Fireworks will present a 20-minute fireworks show around 9 p.m., sponsored by the Citys Waterfront Department. The breakfast is $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of six at the Avila Beach Community Center. To reserve a spot on the list, email cyndy@refugioranch.com. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, 6 Reasons SLO CAL is a farm-to-table Paradise, Camp and Paint at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles. Depending on the season, youll find different kinds of goods here, ranging from food to handicrafts and beyond. 696 Monterey Street. I recommend swinging by the candy store down the block to pick up some Bubble Yum so you can blow your own giant bubble and add to the wall! Yes, yes I did. Im a sucker for botanical gardens and the, Comfy shoes for walking and wine tasting (. Grab your sweetheart and start planning your romantic getaway to San Luis Obispo. Its a good spot for elevated San Luis Obispo nightlife. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is a serene recreational location and is one of the best things to do in San Luis Obispo, California if you drive an off-highway vehicle. There are a number of different exhibits to explore at the History Center of San Luis Obispo County. I'm the founder of Whimsy Soul (this blog you're reading!) But, if your favorite restaurant, hike, etc didnt make the list, please drop a comment below so everyone can see. Wine Tasting & 20 Best Things to Do in San Luis Obispo - Winetraveler Admission is free for everyone. Whether you seek to soak up the sun or waves or simply go sightseeing in town, youll enjoy your time here. Where are Fourth of July fireworks legal, safe in SLO County? | San The celebration will include live music, a DJ, bounce house, and face painters. Thursdays Downtown Farmers Market runs for three hours starting at 6 p.m. and features over 120 different stalls. Its a unique choice among local tourist attractions, spanning 1,200 acres in a state park of interesting coastal terrain that features five miles of beach and open sand dunes as high as a hundred feet. Youre going to love this cute downtown SLO hotel as much as I do!! Its big, beautiful and a haven for wildlife. 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! Things to Do in San Luis Obispo Things to Do in San Luis Obispo, CA - San Luis Obispo Attractions Things to Do in San Luis Obispo Popular things to do Wine Tastings Tours & Sightseeing Wineries & Vineyards Top Picks Day Trips & Excursions Private & Custom Tours Cultural & Theme Tours Walking Tours Luxury & Special Occasions Ports of Call Tours Now onto all my favorite things to do in the town of SLO itself! It was founded in 1772 and is the only Mission in the state that is an L shape. THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in San Luis Obispo - Tripadvisor That being said, I find it important to point out the blatant lies all California Missions, but especially the ones in SLO, have around the Native peoples. Strangely, the Dorn Pyramid stands isolated and alone, separated from the rest of the structures on the grounds. Its one of the best spots in California for poppy fields. History Center and Museum of San Luis Obispo County. Speaking of bubblegum, the candy store you should buy Bubble Yum at is worth a stop even if you dont plan on visiting the alley. It is part of the California Polytechnic State Universitys large campus, covering 5 acres of land along its northern side. Best Things to Do in San Luis Obispo County for Couples Looking for more fun outside San Luis Obispo? Kelp harvesters forage for sea vegetables with Kelpful, Sustainable winery Chamisal's outdoor tasting area. If youre not in SLO, you can order for delivery as gifts, but definitely stop by for a curation of home goods and dried flowers if youre in town! A small little locale, it boasts an impressive 315 days of warm, glorious sunshine, a wide range of places to see and stuff to do in its attractions, a cheerful and vibrant population of students, and an all-around friendly atmosphere and community. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. 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 . The first few bells, mounted upon shepherd staffs, appeared beginning 1906 to mark certain areas of the path, somewhat inconsistently. A picnic area and a playground make for some family-friendly enjoyment, especially if youre here in the summer. Scout Coffee opens at 6:30am for fellow early birds (heyo!) Avila Valley Barn is like, THE farm stop that locals and visitors alike love. Ventana Big Sur: The best campsite in Big Sur! 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. Blues, rock, classical, jazz, folk and pop performers regularly grace the SLO CAL stages. It was at first a temporary event but they keep extending it, now its going until fall 2021 but I expect them to keep it around as its so popular! Attendance is free for everyone. SLO CALhas ajam-packed calendar of events with something for everyone. When you visit San Luis Obispo, skip a hotel on the outside of town and stay here. 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. Sitting inside the Carnegie Library building and taking up space within the Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, the History Center is a great place for history buffs to have fun learning about the region. 20 Unique Things To Do In San Luis Obispo: Your Complete City Guide To SLO This doesnt mean you shouldnt visit the Mission its packed with important local history, just lets not forget the full history here. MISSION SAN LUIS OBISPO DE TOLOSA. Thankfully, the public fought back, and it was saved. Bear Grylls goes into the wild with a new batch of celebrities, from From 12-10 p.m. on July 4, there will be a fireworks show at Old Mission Santa Ins in Solvang. 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. Worth the early wake up call! In keeping with the true nature of aptly named SLO, consider choosing one hotel to call home for a three-day stint exploring the wide open spaces stretching from Pismo Beach to cozy Cambria. Most importantly, its shoreline reaches 23 miles in length and gets very busy in the summer, as bodyboarders, surfers, sports-players, and sunbathers flock to the sandy beach to have a blast with activities like whale watching, fishing, scuba diving, volleyball, kayaking, and picnics. Springtime fun is in the air, and Downtown SLO is gearing up to host its Annual Bunny Trail at the Farmers' Market on Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 6-8 PM. Family Friendly Events & Activities - SLO County California 1. San Luis Obispo was founded in 1772, when the Spanish built the. Address: Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States. Soothe sore muscles at SLO's Avila Beach Resort at Sycamore Springs, a therapeutic hot spring and lodging that's been welcoming guests since the late 19th century. Looking for romantic things to do in San Luis Obispo? Explore work by contemporary artists at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, take a selfie in Bubblegum Alley, and grab an ice cream cone at The Creamery Marketplaceone of SLOs local-gems. We like to walk around college campuses when visiting a college town and Cal Poly is a very pleasant place to visit. The festival is a fundraiser for the Atascadero Colony Days. 7 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in San Luis Obispo Many interesting sights, good hiking, parks, cute towns to explore. Dining opportunities offer romantic, tranquil meals, day trips bring you to rustic and rural areas, and exploration reveals unique and fascinating tourist attractions. 26 Things to do in San Luis Obispo, California 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. Lots of farmland, winding backcountry roads, homes with large gardens. Stay the Night (and Take Endless Selfies) at the Madonna Inn 5. EnjoySLO | Best Things to do in San Luis Obispo and SLO A good place in the botanical garden to begin your sightseeing is in the Preview Garden, which is an impressive five acres and provides you with sights of the plant life from all five major climate zones in the Mediterranean. You know how there is Napa County (aka Napa Valley) but also the town of Napa? Sign up to receive more information about San Luis Obispo, details about upcoming events, special promotions and more! Immerse yourself in the SLO CAL way of life by attending a variety of community events, ranging from pie-eating and mustache-growing contests to tamales and car, Its time to spend the holidays in SLO CAL! The 15 Best Things to do in San Luis Obispo, California Unfortunately, many have become lost or even stolen over the years. 1215 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405-8048, USA. Things to Do in San Luis Obispo, California - TripSavvy I loved the colorful murals on museum buildings and totally snapped some shameless Instagram selfies here. One of those non-touristy things to do in San Luis Obispo that locals love! The Templeton Fourth of July Celebration begins at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the Templeton Fire Department. The Mission continues to be in operation today, with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, regular Mass, and special events held in turn throughout the year. Watch the Independence Day pyrotechnics. Pismo Beach is as close to a classic beach destination as you can get. Theres the Festival Mozaic, the Blues Festival, the Open Studios Art Tour, and even the Central Coast Shakespeare Festival to check out. 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. Rent a kayak in Avila and paddle about a mile to a secret beach. Beyond browsing the booths, we purchased strawberries, apricots, peaches, and nectarines from several vendors in total. Its a legand and one of the most unique free things to do in San Luis Obispo! 26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Greensboro (North Carolina), 25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Cheyenne (Wyoming), Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Frankenmuth (Michigan), 21 Best & Fun Things To Do In Athens (Georgia), 31 Best & Fun Things To Do In Bentonville (Arkansas), 20 Best & Fun Things To Do In Tybee Island (Georgia), 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Jackson (Mississippi). 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. The little cove is perfectly picturesque and is wonderfully warm, shielded from the wind by hillsides. The alleys concept is marginally gross, covered entirely with bubblegum that has been used and stuck onto the wall. 23. Address: 100 Pier Ave, Oceano, CA 93445, United States. This was one of my favorite things to do in San Luis Obispo at night. There are countless train routes that travel across the United States, and one route rests in this city itself. You can do Edna Valley, sure, but I instead recommend driving the 40 minutes up to the city of Paso Robles for wine tasting some of the best of California. DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and Ill be happy to help! There are countless trails you can opt for, varying in length and difficulty, so theres something for everyone as you explore forests, scrublands, and creeksides.