How Visitors Can Get the Most Out of Their Time in San Luis Obispo

Bathed in a pleasant, cool Mediterranean climate, San Luis Obispo is well-known for its relaxed atmosphere, which makes it an ideal place to visit. And since there are so many things to do, see, taste, and experience in the city fondly dubbed “the happiest place in America,” you’ll definitely want to make the most of your time here. Below, the welcoming staff at Sands Inn & Suites, a premier San Luis Obispo hotel you can rely on for exceptional service and comfort, offer some tips that can help you accomplish this goal.

Keep Your Travel Plans Flexible

Fully embrace the casual, relaxed atmosphere of San Luis Obispo by allowing for some flexibility with plans while you’re here. This gives you more time to stroll through the city’s foot-friendly downtown area, casually walk by SLO Creek, and get recommendations from locals for dining, shopping, and other things to do while you’re here.

Consider Day Trip Options

Make the most of your time in SLO by considering a few trips to nearby areas if you’ll be here long enough to really explore. For instance, the Edna Valley is only about 15 minutes away if you’re amenable to taking a wine tour during your time in San Luis Obispo. Hearst Castle in San Simeon is another often-visited spot in the area. If a trip to the beach is what really appeals to you, many are just 10–20 minutes away, with day trip options including beaches in Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay.

Bonus tip: If you take a casual drive along the Highway 1 Discovery Route, you’ll find nearly a dozen uncrowded beaches near SLO.

Check Out Some of SLO’s “Hidden Gems”

Feel free to take selfies in Bubblegum Alley, spend time at local museums, and check out the downtown historic district while you’re in San Luis Obispo. We also recommend leaving room in your itinerary to check out some of the city’s “hidden gems” that often go unnoticed by casual visitors. For example, the Sunset Drive-In on Elks Lane shows movies outdoors nightly, weather permitting. And nearby Nitt Witt Ridge, a local historic home built with leftover materials from Hearst Castle, is worth at least a drive-by. With restaurants, many of the eateries on Higuera Street get a lot of attention. You’ll also find equally appetizing dining gems along some of the side streets during your time in SLO.

Get in Touch with Nature

Bishop Peak is one of the most stunning volcanic plugs you’ll ever see. This is why it’s one of the most popular places among both locals and visitors for hiking and getting in touch with nature. But don’t limit yourself to this one spot if one of your main reasons for coming here is to explore nature. You’ll also be glad you packed your outdoor gear when visiting nearby destinations that include:

• Pirate’s Cove, where you can walk along tree-lined paths in a peaceful setting
• Black Hill Trail, another volcanic plug that will take you through a forest of Monterey pine trees
• Montaña del Oro Bluff Trail, a nearby 8,000-acre coastal park that’s another day trip possibility if you’re an outdoor enthusiast 

Visitors to San Luis Obispo will find so much to enjoy they’ll want to stay for several days. If you’re looking for high-quality service at an exceptionally comfortable boutique hotel near San Luis Obispo, reach out to the friendly staff at Sands Inn & Suites. We have everything our guests need for a relaxing stay. Our wide array of amenities include refrigerators, microwave ovens, flat-screen TVs with digital cable, and complimentary high-speed WiFi. To learn more about our exceptional accommodations, call us today at (800) 441-4657.