Top Ways to Have a Great Time Outdoors in San Luis Obispo

April 5, 2021

Coastal breezes, abundant sunshine, and stunning natural vistas make San Luis Obispo the ideal destination for people who love the outdoors. SLO has an abundance of wide open spaces and opportunities for outdoor adventures that offer visitors the chance to enjoy a variety of activities under the warm California sun. Here are some of the best outdoor activities to check out when you visit San Luis Obispo.

Ride an ATV

Hop on a four-wheeler and cruise through the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), the only beach in the Golden State where people are allowed to ride off-highway vehicles such as ATVs and dune buggies. This recreation area is situated along the coast of Pismo Beach, and off-road enthusiasts from all over come here to ride the gorgeous sand dunes that stretch for more than five miles.

Hit the Beaches

San Luis Obispo is close to Pismo Beach and Avila Beach, where you’ll find warm, soft sand that’s perfect for strolling along the shoreline, jogging in the surf, or playing a game of beach volleyball. Bring along your furry four-legged friends and head to Fisherman’s Beach, an off-leash dog beach close to the Avila Beach pier.

Enjoy an Ocean Tour

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing Sunday brunch cruise or you want to spend the day fishing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for oceangoing adventures in San Luis Obispo. If you’re in the mood for ultimate luxury, you can charter a yacht, or if you simply want to explore the marine life of the coastal waters, take one of the many available guided boat tours.

Take a Hike

Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by the sheer number of opportunities to hit the trails and enjoy amazing views of the coastline, rolling hills, and spectacular canyons surrounding San Luis Obispo. The area is famous for the Nine Sisters, a string of volcanic peaks that stretches from Morro Bay across San Luis Obispo. Five of the mountains have hiking trails. Other fantastic hiking spots in SLO include Montaña de Oro State Park and Morro Bay State Park, two of the area’s most treasured coastal gems. After a day of hiking in the fresh air and sunshine, you’ll be ready to head back to your hotel near San Luis Obispo ready for some rest and relaxation by the pool or spa.

Hop on a Bike

One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of SLO is on two wheels, and visitors can rent bikes at a number of shops in town. Whether they prefer urban bike trails, scenic mountain routes, or coastal cruises, bikers of all kinds will find SLO the ideal destination. Recreational riders can enjoy a variety of paved bike trails throughout San Luis Obispo, including a local favorite, the Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail, which runs along the San Luis Obispo Creek and ends at Avila Beach.
When you visit San Luis Obispo, you’ll find so many outdoor activities to enjoy that you won’t be able to do everything on your list in just one day, so reserve a room for a night or two at Sands Inn & Suites, a premier San Luis Obispo boutique hotel. Bring the whole family to our pet-friendly inn and enjoy our on-site gym, heated outdoor pool and spa, and free WiFi. Our staff is dedicated to making your stay a memorable one, so call us to reserve your room today at (800) 441-4657.

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