San Luis Obispo Holidays 2025 & 2026

Your time in the charming town of SLO itself can deliver anything you want, from thrills to relaxation. It's entirely up to you.

SLO is rich in ancient history, influenced by the native Chumash tribe who lived in the area between 6,000 and 1,500 years ago, building complex settlements in coastal areas. The luscious beaches and Santa Lucia mountains provide a wide variety of naturally spectacular landscapes. 
 
Rich in reminders of what the old-school, pre-tech California was like, it's more agricultural and rural than any other area of the state and scattered with small, tightly knit communities.  

110 whimsical guest rooms await you at the splendidly tarty Madonna Inn, famous for its predominance of pink, outrageous décor, luxury spa, horseback riding, boutique shopping, terrace pool, bar and two excellent eateries. You're even allowed to peep into the men's loo where there are even more quirky decorative glories, a unique experience.  

Fancy mellowing out? Just pack a picnic and head north or south to one of any number of wineries. Go west for the best beaches in the area. While away time at the gorgeous adobe-brick Mission San Luis Obispo. Or take the kids to the Charles Paddock Zoo, Morro Bay Aquarium and the city's Children's Museum. 

The town of SLO offers three theatres, a collection of shopping malls and an excellent Farmer's Market. Plus, six museums including the Museum of Art, two golf courses and a bunch of good local bars. A grand total of 13 stunning local nature parks surround SLO town, including the glorious Laguna Lake Trail, the Trout Creek Trail in the Garcia Wilderness, the Reservoir Canyon Trail and the pretty Bishop Peak Trail. Sample the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, founded to preserve the railroad history of California. Or visit Piedras Blancas Light Station, five miles or so from San Simeon. Fall in love with all this and more, including dozens of picturesque wineries where you can sample the region's delicious wares.  

San Luis Obispo Must-Do's: 

• Explore the town of San Simeon 

• See the famous Morro Rock 
  Discover the tiny village of Harmony 

• See the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve and Marine Conservation Area 

• Experience the enormous desert-like sand dunes at Oceano 

Why not take a trip to San Francisco or LA to top things off and you'll return home feeling enriched by your epic California experience.