Those reverberatory bells heard around downtown emanate from this fifth California mission, founded by Padre Junípero Serra in 1772 and named for a 13th…
Getty Images
San Luis Obispo
Almost midway between LA and San Francisco, at the junction of Hwys 101 and 1, San Luis Obispo is a popular overnight stop for road-trippers. It also makes a handy base from which to explore coastal towns Pismo Beach, Avila Beach and Morro Bay, as well as Hearst Castle. SLO may not have any big-ticket sights, unless you count the Spanish-Colonial mission and, perhaps, the kooky Madonna Inn. But this refreshingly low-key city does have an enviably high quality of life, helped along by CalPoly university students who inject a healthy dose of hubbub into the streets, bars and cafes. Thursdays are great time to be in SLO – the farmers market turns downtown’s Higuera St into a party with live music and sidewalk BBQs.
Explore San Luis Obispo
- MMission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Those reverberatory bells heard around downtown emanate from this fifth California mission, founded by Padre Junípero Serra in 1772 and named for a 13th…
- SSan Luis Obispo Museum of Art
By the creek, this small gallery showcases the work of local painters, sculptors, printmakers and fine-art photographers, as well as traveling California…
- TTalley Vineyards
Unpretentious, value-priced wines set among rolling hillsides, with vineyard tours ($10, including wine-tasting flight $20 to $40) by appointment.
- TTolosa Winery
No-oak Chardonnay, barrel-selected Pinot Noir and bold estate Syrah, with artisanal cheese, charcuterie and chocolate pairings on weekends.
- NNiven Family Wine Estates
Samples from six different labels inside an early-20th-century wooden schoolhouse, with two bocce ball courts outside.
- SSextant Wines
Boisterous tasting room pours different varietals from Edna Valley and Paso Robles, with a tiny gourmet deli.
- CChamisal Vineyards
In a rust-colored barn tasting room, tipple hand-crafted, small-lot wines grown mostly organically.
- EEdna Valley Vineyard
Sip Paragon Vineyard estate Chardonnay by panoramic windows overlooking fields of grapes.
- KKynsi Winery
Small, family-run vineyard pours cult-worthy Pinot Noir inside a cozy brick tasting room.
Latest Stories from San Luis Obispo
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout San Luis Obispo.
See
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Those reverberatory bells heard around downtown emanate from this fifth California mission, founded by Padre Junípero Serra in 1772 and named for a 13th…
See
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
By the creek, this small gallery showcases the work of local painters, sculptors, printmakers and fine-art photographers, as well as traveling California…
See
Talley Vineyards
Unpretentious, value-priced wines set among rolling hillsides, with vineyard tours ($10, including wine-tasting flight $20 to $40) by appointment.
See
Tolosa Winery
No-oak Chardonnay, barrel-selected Pinot Noir and bold estate Syrah, with artisanal cheese, charcuterie and chocolate pairings on weekends.
See
Niven Family Wine Estates
Samples from six different labels inside an early-20th-century wooden schoolhouse, with two bocce ball courts outside.
See
Sextant Wines
Boisterous tasting room pours different varietals from Edna Valley and Paso Robles, with a tiny gourmet deli.
See
Chamisal Vineyards
In a rust-colored barn tasting room, tipple hand-crafted, small-lot wines grown mostly organically.
See
Edna Valley Vineyard
Sip Paragon Vineyard estate Chardonnay by panoramic windows overlooking fields of grapes.
See
Kynsi Winery
Small, family-run vineyard pours cult-worthy Pinot Noir inside a cozy brick tasting room.
Guidebooks
Learn more about San Luis Obispo
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.