Best hotels in San Luis Obispo
Courtyard by Marriott
1605 Calle Joaquin, CA, 93405
Enjoy modern amenities like a large outdoor pool at this Marriott hotel – in a convenient downtown location. Rooms are spacious and tranquil with crisp white furnishings, reflecting the soothing aromas of the on-site spa. Get a facial or massage after working up a sweat in the fitness center.
Granada Hotel & Bistro
1126 Morro Street, CA, 93401
This 1920s industrial-chic hotel offers 17 luxury rooms with hand-crafted steel windows, exposed brick walls and hardwood floors. The Granada is in the heart of Downtown and close to many popular restaurants, but guests often stay at the on-site restaurant, the Bistro, for dinner. Enjoy classic French cuisine before relaxing in your rustic room.
Hotel Cerro
1125 Garden Street, CA, 93401
Hotel Cerro offers polished quarters with comforting furnishings, like exposed brick walls and Egyptian cotton sheets. The hotel spa is connected to the yoga studio and is the perfect way to wind down after a dip in the rooftop pool and cocktails on the terrace.
Best restaurants in San Luis Obispo
Luna Red
1023 Chorro Street, CA, 93401
Reserve a table at this popular Downtown restaurant to enjoy flavorful tapas on the well-lit outdoor patio. The De La Luna paella comes with roast chicken and house-made chorizo and the popular craft tacos are loaded with crispy rockfish.
Ember Restaurant
1200 E Grand Avenue UNIT 101, CA, 93420
Take a 20-minute drive to Arroyo Grande via the US-101 South to sample fine-dining at Ember. Serving Californian classics with an Italian twist, notable dishes include oak-grilled filet mignon and fresh pappardelle pasta with slow-cooked beef.
Novo Restaurant
726 Higuera Street, CA, 93401
Enjoy a romantic dining experience by the creek at Novo. They’re open for brunch and lunch, but dinner is the best time to visit. Start with the crispy calamari or warmed goat’s cheese with marinated olives, then move on to maple glazed duck breast or the lavender lamp chops.
What to do in San Luis Obispo
Bishop Peak
787 Patricia Drive, CA, 93405
Jutting out to the coast, Bishop Peak is a mighty 1,559-foot volcanic peak among the dramatic Nine Sisters range. Hikers ascend along tree-shaded trails to the summit before taking in sweeping scenes of the surrounding orange farms, wineries and not-too-distant Pacific Ocean. It takes two hours to reach the top, where you can enjoy a pleasant picnic against the romantic backdrop.
Pismo State Beach
555 Pier Avenue, Oceano, CA, 93445
Take a 20-minute drive to the coast for a balmy afternoon at Pismo State Beach. A Central Coast location with a Southern California feel, visit this golden 23-mile stretch of shoreline for sunny picnics, surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking and sailing. Make sure to explore Monarch Butterfly Grove between October and February to see thousands of colorful butterflies take to the skies.
Montaña de Oro State Park
3550 Pecho Valley Road, Los Osos, 93402
Montaña de Oro is one of California’s most scenic state parks, where orange-gold wildflowers cover the hills. Follow Bluff Trail for spectacular views of the glittering ocean, below beaches and impressive rock formations. Valencia Peak Trail leads to the highest point at 1,350 feet above sea level.