Dos and Don’ts to Keep in Mind when You Visit San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is a sunny Central California city known for its inviting ambience, Spanish-style architecture, and laid-back vibe. If your travels will be bringing you here soon, be even more prepared to have a personally rewarding experience by keeping some dos and don’ts in mind during your stay. Read on for ones specific to travelers to SLO.

Do: Bring Your Walking Shoes

SLO is extremely pedestrian friendly, so there’s no need to worry too much about rideshares and similar forms of transportation. Instead, bring some comfortable walking shoes and explore SLO by foot. A great place to start is in the tree-lined downtown area, especially along Higuera Street. This is also where a weekly farmers’ market is held throughout the year.

Don’t: Forget to Pack Some Warmer Clothing

Other than a greater chance of rain and some cloudiness during the winter months, the weather is generally pleasant in San Luis Obispo. This doesn’t mean you only need to pack shorts and light tops, though. Even in the summer, temperatures can still fall into the low 50s or high 40s in the evening. Be prepared by packing some lighter warm clothing, such as a jacket or hoodie or a few long-sleeve tops.

Do: Sample the Local Craft Beer

The craft beer found in San Luis Obispo has a local touch that has been appreciated for many years. For this reason, we wholeheartedly encourage you to take some time to sample the craft beer if you enjoy awesome ales. Oak and Otter Brewing Co., BarrelHouse Brewing Co., and Central Coast Brewing Higuera Street are among the many local haunts offering craft beer selections. After a full day of sampling the tasty local brews, you’ll be ready to return to your boutique hotel near San Luis Obispo for some rest and relaxation by the pool or spa.

Don’t: Be Shy about Getting Recommendations from Locals

There are many reasons SLO has been nicknamed “the happiest place in America.” One of these is because of how friendly and welcoming many locals are to visitors. Therefore, don’t be shy about asking for advice about things you can do and see locally. It shouldn’t be too hard to get much-appreciated recommendations for:

• Local points of interest that aren’t so touristy
  • Restaurants, diners, and cafés you would otherwise not likely know about
  • Community events that may not be on your radar

Do: Bring Your Hiking Gear

SLO is a great place to come if you enjoy the great outdoors in a more hands-on way. If hiking is something you love, go ahead and bring hiking gear so you can check out Bishop Peak. Rising more than 1,500 feet, it has two main trailheads, one of which will gradually take you toward the top. You’ll be treated to amazing panoramic views for your efforts.

Don’t: Forget to Check Out Nearby Beaches

San Luis Obispo isn’t a coastal city, but it’s not too far from some really great beaches, so don’t forget to bring some beach attire with you. Most of the beaches are only about 10–15 minutes away. Popular nearby beach cities include Morro Bay, Cayucos, Avila Beach, and Pismo Beach, which also has a spot near the beach where butterflies gather annually.

When you visit San Luis Obispo, you’ll find so much to enjoy you won’t be able to do everything on your list in just one day, so make sure to reserve a room at Sands Inn & Suites, a premier San Luis Obispo hotel. Bring the whole family to our pet-friendly inn and enjoy our wide variety of amenities, including an on-site gym, heated outdoor pool and spa, and free WiFi. Our staff is dedicated to making your stay unforgettable, so call us to reserve your room today at (800) 441-4657.