What Makes San Luis Obispo a Great Fall Vacation Destination?

The pleasant fall weather in California means having the chance to enjoy a large variety of seasonal options. San Luis Obispo offers plenty of traditional activities and unique events, and it’s an especially pleasant spot for families who want to explore the various attractions of this region during the fall. Here are just a few things you and your family can enjoy when visiting San Luis Obispo during the autumn months.

Participate in the Fall Harvest

The family-owned Avila Valley Barn welcomes visitors to embark on a hayride to do some apple picking in the orchard. Venture to one or more of the facility’s pumpkin patches to find ideal choices for decorating or baking. Check out the market for homegrown produce. Enjoy refreshments at the farmhouse, which harbors a bakery, deli, fudge bar, and ice cream shop. Children love the petting zoo, and there are plenty of options for picture taking. After enjoying a day full of great food and fun activities, the whole family will be ready to head back for a relaxing evening at your hotel. SLO visitors who come alive in cooler weather will adore participating in fall harvest activities when they visit.

Meet the Scarecrows

The unique Cambria Scarecrow Festival provides the chance to see unusual displays that celebrate fall and Halloween throughout October. Hundreds of homemade scarecrows grace community streets and businesses. Unlike familiar traditional scarecrows, the characters depict many different faces from famous horror films. See evidence of the unique artwork in Cambria, Harmony, and San Simeon.

Witness the Monarch Butterfly Migration

These colorful insects travel to Southern California to get away from cold and windy winter climates. The butterflies venture to a number of locations throughout San Luis Obispo County, but the largest winged cluster can be found at the Monarch Butterfly Grove at Pismo State Beach, where the butterflies enjoy the warmth and stability of the eucalyptus and cypress trees found here.

Experience the Madonna Inn

This quirky hotel and restaurant was constructed by Alex and Phyllis Madonna in the 1950s. The facility’s unique exterior was inspired by the Swiss Alps. However, the interior is decorated with a vast selection of curious items, including a 45-foot waterfall and pool. More than 100 rooms were created with unique names and themes to ensure individuality. Some of the numerous rooms include the Gold Glitter, Jungle Rock, and Old Mexico. The property also has a bakery, café, pool, steak house, tennis court, and theater.

Walk through the Leaning Pine Arboretum

This five-acre location is along the north side of Cal Poly State University. The landscape was designed and constructed by students, and students continue to maintain it. The arboretum is a culmination of class projects spanning five decades. The property features gardens with plants from Australia, California, and Chile in addition to South Africa and the Mediterranean. In addition to the impressive gardens, guests are treated to picturesque views of the campus, mountains, and coastline.

Go to the Drive-In

For a perfect fall activity, step back in time and take the family to catch the latest movies at the Sunset Drive-In. This family-friendly location offers double features that are appropriate for young and old alike. The facility also has a traditional concession stand offering a variety of snacks and beverages. 

San Luis Obispo, CA, is an unforgettable destination, especially during autumn. Bring the whole family (including the four-legged members) and explore “The Happiest City in America” while staying with us at Sands Inn & Suites. We’re the local San Luis Obispo hotel visitors return to again and again because we offer all the amenities our guests need for a relaxing vacation, including an outdoor heated pool, an on-site gym, free WiFi, and flat-screen TVs with digital cable. Call us at (800) 441-4657 today to reserve your room or suite.