Tips for Having a Unique San Luis Obispo Vacation

Part of California’s early mission history, San Luis Obispo is a culturally rich city that’s a vibrant part of the state’s Central Coast region. It’s also home to a popular farmers’ market, a highly walkable downtown area, and many other local delights worth seeing and experiencing. However, if you prefer to enjoy the best of SLO in a more unique way, keep reading for suggestions.

Take a Scenic Tour—from Above

A more unique way to check out San Luis Obispo is from above with a helicopter tour. HeliPro Helicopter Scenic Tours offers award-winning tours that include stunning views of the ocean, geologic wonders, and nearby beaches. Another tour offered by the same company will take you throughout the entire region.

Sign Up for a Tasty Walking Food Tour

Sign up for a walking food tour before you arrive in SLO, and you’ll be in for tasty treats, flavors, and beverages when you arrive. Taste of SLO offers popular local tours centered on food and drink that include five destinations along with an assortment of fun facts about the area. Suitable for all diets, these food tours are especially appealing if you’ll be coming here with a group of friends or family members.

Hike at Irish Hills Natural Reserve

Bishop Peak is the most well-known hiking spot in San Luis Obispo, but you’ll be just as pleased with an even more unique hiking experience at Irish Hills Natural Reserve. The winding trails here have several interconnected loops and plenty of amazing views. Go a little way to the south, and you’ll run into another unique hiking spot, the 240-acre Johnson Ranch Open Space. After spending the day hiking in the sun and fresh air, you’ll be ready to return to your hotel near San Luis Obispo for some rest and relaxation by the pool or spa.

Book a Horseback Riding Tour

Another unique way to experience SLO is on horseback. You can do this once you get here by checking out some of the places that offer horseback riding packages. Try the reasonably priced Madonna Inn Trail Rides or Central Coast Trailrides, which offers private tours as well as ones that explore local wineries.

Enjoy Live Music, Cold Brews, & Tasty Bites

San Luis Obispo has an impressive music scene, so do some exploring to discover the local venues, bars, and restaurants where live music is a regular thing. For instance, SLO Brew Rock offers a perfect mix of food and good live music. Bang the Drum Brewery is worth checking out as well if you prefer highly praised local beer with your live music. The Fremont Theater is an old movie theater that’s now a live music venue you may also prefer to visit during your time here.

Go to a Drive-In Movie Theater

It shouldn’t be surprising that a city as laid-back as SLO is home to a local drive-in movie theater. Sunset Drive-In shows double-header flicks every night, many of which are on the family-friendly side. Check out this popular spot if you prefer to enjoy a uniquely fun, retro-style moviegoing experience while visiting San Luis Obispo.

When you visit San Luis Obispo, there’s so much to do and see that you won’t be able to enjoy everything on your list in just one day, so reserve a room for several days at Sands Inn & Suites, a premier San Luis Obispo 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.