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Things to do in San Luis Obispo: 2 local trip ideas

2 ready-made day trips in San Luis Obispo, California: foodie and scenic. Each one strings together a handful of stops in order.

Foodie trip

A Culinary Walk Through San Luis Obispo

5 stops · about 6 hr 45 min of stops · ~$85 per person

Savor the absolute best of San Luis Obispo's vibrant culinary scene with an effortlessly walkable route highlighting historic delis, artisanal coffee, and beautiful creekside dining.

  1. 1

    Scout Coffee

    1130 Garden St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
    Scout Coffee, San Luis Obispo

    Order their signature 'Scout's Honor' cortado alongside a fresh, scratch-made morning pastry.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$15 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Mission Plaza

    989 Chorro St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
    Mission Plaza, San Luis Obispo

    Take a scenic post-breakfast stroll through the historic plaza right next to the flowing San Luis Creek.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Lincoln Market & Deli

    496 Broad St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA
    Lincoln Market & Deli, San Luis Obispo

    Head slightly north to try the legendary Anholm Street Special sandwich at this beloved neighborhood corner market open since 1941.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$20 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Hola SLO

    845 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
    Hola SLO, San Luis Obispo

    Walk back down to Higuera Street to browse local gourmet kitchen boutiques and olive oil tasting shops.

    ★ 5.0 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · Free · Directions
  5. 5

    Novo

    726 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
    Novo, San Luis Obispo

    End your foodie day with upscale global fare on the gorgeous, romantically lit creekside outdoor patio.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$50 per person · Directions
Scenic trip

Canyons to Coast

5 stops · about 5 hr 30 min of stops · ~$65 per person

Enjoy a visually stunning, non-zigzagging journey south from the rolling green hills of San Luis Obispo to the rugged coastal bluffs of Avila Beach.

  1. 1

    Sally Loo's Wholesome Cafe

    1804 Osos St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
    Sally Loo's Wholesome Cafe, San Luis Obispo

    Fuel up on organic acai bowls or chicken & waffles in a charming, photo-worthy 1930s brick building.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$22 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Prefumo Canyon

    4468-4634 Prefumo Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA
    Prefumo Canyon, San Luis Obispo

    Drive up the winding ridge road for sweeping, panoramic photos of the city, green valleys, and Morro Rock.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Avila Valley Barn

    560 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA
    Avila Valley Barn, San Luis Obispo

    Stop on your drive south for rustic photo ops, friendly farm animals, and a slice of fresh-baked olallieberry pie.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$15 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Custom House

    404 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, USA
    Custom House, San Luis Obispo

    Grab a beachfront patio table for a casual lunch of fresh seafood tacos directly overlooking the waves.

    ★ 4.2 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$28 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Pirate's Cove Beach

    Cave Landing Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
    Pirate's Cove Beach, San Luis Obispo

    Walk out to the dramatic cliff edges and sea caves for spectacular, rugged ocean views at golden hour.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr · Free · Directions

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