Great Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend in SLO

November 8, 2021

Nestled in California’s Central Coast region, San Luis Obispo is a great place to spend Thanksgiving weekend if you prefer generally pleasant weather and a relaxed, casual vibe. If you’ve already made the decision to head here for the long weekend, there are plenty of things to consider doing and enjoying locally. Suggestions are offered below.

Enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner at a Local Restaurant

There are many places here where you can treat yourself and anyone else coming with you to a terrific meal on Thanksgiving Day. One possibility is Brasserie SLO at Hotel Cerro. For $65 per person, you’ll have a choice of herb confit turkey, slow-roasted salmon, or roasted prime rib along with other meal selections. Dessert is included, and reservations are encouraged. Other San Luis Obispo restaurants with holiday offerings for Thanksgiving include:

• Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House at Madonna Inn
• Café Roma, which will be offering a prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner
• Mistura, which will be serving up a three-course prix fixe dinner
• Granada Bistro, which will also be offering gluten-free options

Shopping in Downtown SLO

The charming tree-lined streets of San Luis Obispo are pleasant and inviting year-round, including during Thanksgiving weekend. Many of the stores and boutique shops here will be open for at least the better part of the holiday weekend. Higuera Street is an especially popular and lively spot in this area.

Sampling Local Goodies at Farm Trail Pop-Up Market

Located on Tank Farm Road in SLO, Farm Trail Pop-Up Market is hosting a Small Business Saturday event on November 27th. From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., you’ll be treated to edible goodies and other locally produced delights. It’s an outdoor event, so bring a jacket, since it can be on the cooler side here during late November.

Getting in Touch with Nature

If you prefer a more active and outdoorsy Thanksgiving weekend, SLO has many possibilities to consider. One of the more popular destinations is Bishop Peak, which has a gradually inclining trail as well as another more challenging one. You’ll be treated to impressive coastal panoramas if you opt to hike to the top. Some of the other outdoor options to consider here during a Thanksgiving weekend visit include:

• Nearby Avila Beach and Pismo Beach
• Montaña de Oro State Park on Pecho Valley Road
• Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in nearby Cambria

After enjoying a day of fun in the fresh air and sunshine, you’ll be ready to return to your San Luis Obispo boutique hotel for some rest and relaxation by the pool or spa.

Checking Out the Cambria Christmas Market

After you’ve had your turkey and pumpkin pie, shift into Christmas mode during your SLO visit with a 40-minute trip to nearby Cambria. From the day after Thanksgiving through December 23rd this year, locals and visitors are welcome to enjoy the Cambria Christmas Market from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It’s a festive gathering with an assortment of appealing activities and attractions. Some of these include:

• German Christmas markets
• Artisan vendors
• Photos with Santa
• Live entertainment
• German foods and drinks
• Two million-plus holiday lights 

Keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive as you revel in the comfort of your room at Sands Inn & Suites, a charming boutique hotel near San Luis Obispo. From our beautifully appointed rooms to our tranquil fountain area and heated pool and spa, we can provide you with everything you need for the perfect holiday escape. To learn more about our amenities and reserve your room, call us today at (800) 441-4657.

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