Things to Do
We plan every SLO trip around the Thursday night farmers market — it is the beating heart of this town and one of the best open-air markets in California. The entire downtown stretch of Higuera Street closes to traffic and fills with produce stands, BBQ vendors ($8-$12 for tri-tip sandwiches), live music, and what feels like the entire city out for a stroll. Arrive around 6pm and budget $20-$30 for a delicious market dinner.
During the day, we start at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a beautifully preserved 1772 Spanish mission right on the creek in the center of town. Admission is by donation (we suggest $5). From there, Bubblegum Alley is a short walk — this narrow lane completely covered in chewed gum is oddly fascinating and makes for a memorable photo. For a more active morning, we hike Bishop Peak ($0, about 2 hours round trip), the tallest of the chain of volcanic peaks called the Nine Sisters, with sweeping 360-degree views from the top.
No visit is complete without experiencing the Madonna Inn, even if you are not staying there. This wildly eccentric hotel opened in 1958, and everything is over the top — from the pink champagne cake at the bakery ($8 per slice) to the rock waterfall urinal in the men’s restroom (yes, people come just to see it). We always pop in for a cocktail at the Gold Rush Steakhouse bar and marvel at the themed rooms on display in the lobby.
Where to Stay
The Madonna Inn ($200-$500 per night) is a bucket-list stay. Each of the 110 rooms has a unique theme — Caveman, Daisy Mae, Safari, Old Mill — and the details are extraordinary. We have stayed in the Caveman room with its rock walls and waterfall shower and loved every minute. Book well in advance as popular rooms sell out months ahead.
For a modern luxury experience, Hotel San Luis Obispo ($250-$400) is right downtown with a gorgeous rooftop pool and bar. It is the sleekest property in town and perfectly located for walking to restaurants and the Thursday market. The Peach Tree Inn ($120-$200) is our mid-range favorite, a charmingly updated motor lodge with beautiful landscaped gardens and genuinely friendly service.
Budget travelers have good options too. The HI Hostel Obispo offers dorm beds from $40-$55 in a great location. There are also several motels along Monterey Street in the $90-$140 range. For a beach-adjacent experience, consider staying in nearby Avila Beach or Pismo Beach where vacation rentals offer good value for groups at $150-$250 per night.
Where to Eat
SLO has a food scene that punches way above its size. We start every morning at Scout Coffee, a beloved local roaster where a latte and pastry runs $8-$10. For a big breakfast, Louisa’s Place ($14-$20) serves enormous portions — the huevos rancheros could feed two. Their line wraps around the building on weekends, so arrive early.
For lunch, Firestone Grill is a SLO institution — their tri-tip sandwich ($12) is legendary, and the line moves fast. High Street Deli ($10-$14) makes some of the best sandwiches on the Central Coast. At dinner, Novo Restaurant & Lounge serves globally inspired cuisine on a beautiful creekside patio with entrees from $22-$36. Their Thai curry and Brazilian dishes are standouts.
We always save room for dessert at the Madonna Inn Bakery, where the signature pink champagne cake ($8 per slice) is an institution. For craft beer, Libertine Brewing ($7-$9 pints) specializes in wild ales and sours in a funky downtown space. SLO Brew Rock is a larger venue with good pub food ($14-$20), local beers, and frequent live music — a great way to end the evening.
Getting Around
Downtown SLO is extremely walkable — you can reach most restaurants, shops, the mission, and the Thursday market on foot. The city has invested heavily in pedestrian infrastructure, and strolling the tree-lined streets is genuinely pleasant. We park once and walk for the entire day when we stay downtown.
SLO Transit runs local buses for $1.50 per ride or $3 for a day pass. The regional RTA bus system ($3 per ride) connects to Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Morro Bay, and other nearby towns, which is convenient if you want to skip the car for day trips. The free downtown trolley runs on some weekends and is handy for getting to the outskirts.
For trips to wine country in Paso Robles, the beaches, or along Highway 1, a car is essential. Rental agencies are available at the SLO airport ($50-$75 per day). Uber and Lyft operate in the area, though service can be spotty late at night. Biking is popular — the city has an expanding network of bike lanes and the Bob Jones Trail to Avila Beach is a flat, scenic 5-mile path perfect for a casual ride.