Tips for Making Your Vacation in San Luis Obispo More Memorable

It’s incredibly easy to have a great time in the “happiest place in America,” the popular nickname given to the California city of San Luis Obispo. If you’ll be coming this way soon for a visit, your only real problem will be making sure you have a meaningful, well-rounded experience during your stay. Luckily, making your trip to SLO more meaningful and memorable is absolutely doable if you keep the following tips in mind.

Start in Downtown & Move Outward

A great way to start having a meaningful stay in San Luis Obispo is to head downtown. The city’s relaxed downtown area is spacious, lined with trees, and home to a Thursday evening farmers’ market, various shops and restaurants, and other great spots to add to your must-visit list. But don’t stop there—once you’ve explored the downtown area, head outward to check out nearby locations. Some of the possibilities include:

• Bishop Peak, a popular hiking spot offering gorgeous coastal views
• Morro Bay, a nearby city with an abundance of marine life and other natural wonders

• Edna Valley, a local destination about 15 minutes away known for its wineries and tasting rooms
  
  After spending the day at any of these fantastic locations, you’ll be ready to return to your San Luis Obispo hotel for some rest and relaxation by the pool or spa.

Book a Foodie Tour

A trip to SLO can absolutely be more meaningful and satisfying if you treat yourself and anyone else that may be coming with you to local dishes and drinks during your time here. A fun and tasty way to sample the local culinary delights is to book a food tour prior to your arrival. Two options include:

• Taste of SLO – This is a popular walking food tour option that includes five unique SLO destinations.
• Central Coast Food Tours – Food tour packages include some appetizing “insider” stops you won’t want to miss out on.

Explore Local Museums

Museums provide glimpses into an area’s history and culture, and this certainly applies to the museums in San Luis Obispo. If this is what appeals to you, your experience in SLO can be more meaningful if you check out the various local museums devoted to history, art, and the region’s railroad history.

Go to a Nearby Beach

Don’t forget to plan a memorable seaside experience when coming to San Luis Obispo. If what makes a trip more meaningful to you is visiting the beach, SLO can be your base as you head to nearby beach towns like Pismo Beach and Avila Beach for part of your visit.

Ask Locals for Recommendations

Make your visit more meaningful by going off the beaten path to discover great places to sample tasty dishes, enjoy cold brews, take in the view, or check out live music in a casual, inviting setting. Many SLO locals are more than willing to point you in the right direction to such places by offering recommendations.

Rent a Bike Locally

Even in January and February, it can be sunny and in the 60s in San Luis Obispo. One other way to make your SLO trip more meaningful is to rent a bike to use when you’re here. You can also rent e-bikes from some of the rental shops in the area if you prefer extra pedal power as you take in the sights and explore at your own pace.

No matter what type of unforgettable experiences you’re looking for, when you visit San Luis Obispo, you’ll find so much to enjoy you won’t be able to do and see everything on your list in just one day, so reserve a room at Sands Inn & Suites, a premier boutique hotel near San Luis Obispo. 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.