24 Hours of Things to Do in San Luis Obispo

Start your morning with these delicious eats  

Get a glimpse into San Luis Obispo’s history by having breakfast at Del Monte Cafe- a family-owned breakfast, lunch and dinner spot. Located in the Railroad District, this café offers traditional breakfast favorites in an old-fashioned diner setting. Choose from indoor diner booths or a dog-friendly outdoor patio to enjoy your breakfast.

Del Monte Cafe is committed to using produce from local farmers markets and freshly baked bread from nearby bakeries. With a menu ranging from omelets and scrambles to their pancake specials, you won’t want to miss this San Luis Obispo tradition!  

If you’re more in the mood for a trendy brunch spot, head to Seeds in Downtown San Luis Obispo. This California born brunch concept serves healthy smoothie bowls, toasts, paninis, salads and flatbreads. With a selection of coffee, matcha, mimosas, smoothies and frosé to enjoy, you will find the perfect drink for you! Seeds provides an open-air location that is dog friendly and has both indoor and outdoor seating - perfect for people watching.   

Spend some time outdoors and take in the sweeping views

After breakfast, head to Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve to spend some time with nature! Cerro San Luis (commonly known as Madonna Mountain) offers a 4 miles round trip trail to the top that is open to hikers, bikers and pets! Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve is one of San Luis Obispo county’s largest parks and offers views of Downtown San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly, Irish Hills and more. The three main routes- the Lemon Grove Loop Trail, the path to the Mission Prep High School “M” and a more challenging trail to the top allow for hikers to decide what works best for them!  

If you are visiting during the holidays, turn your attention to the peak of Cerro San Luis after the sun goes down and spot the sparkling lights in the shape of a tree. Although the reserve is open from dawn to dusk year round, this annual tradition allows hikers access at night to get into the holiday spirit. Make sure you visit the City of San Luis Obispo Rangers Services to get a free night hiking permit before you start, and don't forget a flashlight! 

Looking for a less strenuous hike with 360-degree panoramic views of San Luis Obispo, visit Terrace Hill Open Space. This 0.9-mile loop is dog and biker friendly, and is a great location to bird watch and enjoy the outdoors. Both hikes have minimum shade, so don’t forget to bring a hat and water!  

Sample some of the best of the Central Coast

Spend some time at the San Luis Obispo Public Market and immerse yourself in the vibrant artisan culture that San Luis Obispo has to offer. This market features merchants who live, work and grow their ingredients in SLO CAL. With over 15 merchants serving up burgers, bao buns, tacos, drinks and locally crafted products, there is something for everyone!  

While exploring the Public Market, check out California Tacos Cantina and Distillery for a wide variety of authentic and fresh Mexican food options. Not only does the cantina have homemade tortillas, but they also feature their own distilled agave. Try a Tequila tasting or a margarita! If in the mood for quality Neapolitan inspired pizza, take a seat at Humble Oven. Along with pizza, they also offer desserts made from scratch, salads and other specialties. Explore all the options the San Luis Obispo Public Market has to offer, and don’t forget to stop at Perfect Scoop to complete your perfect meal!  

Before heading out for an action packed afternoon, make sure you stop at the SLO General Store and browse SLO CAL Crafted products. This store includes numerous local brands including FABELRUNE, Cattaneo Brothers and Yes Cocktail Company.  

Practice your aim and take in the fresh air  

Start your activity-filled afternoon by visiting Central Coast Archery. This family-owned business features a 20-yard indoor range for visitors to practice their aim. Regardless of your skill level, their knowledgeable staff will be excited to share their knowledge and expertise with you!   

After your archery warm up, head over to Dairy Creek Golf Course to practice your swing! Check out Swing Time, a family friendly driving range that combines technology and virtual games. Looking to play a full round of golf? Dairy Creek offers a premium nine-hole golf course surrounded by the beautiful hills of San Luis Obispo.  

If you aren’t in the mood for golf, check out the neighboring San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden instead! San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden has a 150-acre garden devoted to expanding community connections through experience, conservation and education. With a discovery trail and Chumash Heritage Garden, there is plenty to explore while learning more about the nature of SLO CAL! 

Sip and relax while tasting local wines 

After gaining some new skills, wind down and relax at Region San Luis Obispo – a self-serve wine bar in Downtown San Luis Obispo featuring over 50 rotating local wines to taste and enjoy! Find the hand-selected wines that represent the best of the SLO CAL wine regions and explore the diversity these wines have to offer.  

Only a short drive from Downtown is Edna Valley. This region is home to over 27 distinct local wineries and tasting rooms. While taking in the surrounding view of the hills of San Luis Obispo, sip on locally produced wines from wineries like Tolosa Winery, Chamisal Vineyards and many more. Spend the rest of the afternoon taking your time exploring the flavors of San Luis Obispo's wine country!  

Enjoy the tastes of land and sea

After enjoying some of the countless things to do in San Luis Obispo, kick off your evening with your pick of dinner! In the mood for seafood?  Take a seat at Lure Fish House and indulge in fresh, sustainable and delicious bites. With a seasonally focused menu and a Raw Bar, Lure offers a wide variety of classics such as chowders, oysters, fish and seafood towers. 

Wanting to try SLO CAL's world-famous Tri-tip? Look no further than Firestone Grill, “Home of the Tri Tip Sandwich” since 1995. This casual and fun restaurant boasts a menu filled with BBQ sandwiches, ribs, burgers and salads. Located in walkable Downtown San Luis Obispo, Firestone Grill has a large covered outdoor dining area great for embracing the city life. With indoor and outdoor televisions, this is the perfect spot to watch the game and satisfy your BBQ cravings!  

Time to sit back, relax and enjoy the show  

While San Luis Obispo has lots to offer during the daytime, there are also numerous things to do once the sun has set. Looking to catch a double feature? Head over to Sunset Drive In and park your car for an old-fashioned outdoor theater. This family friendly environment offers new movie releases and a snack bar. Grab a blanket and snuggle up to enjoy the big screen entertainment!  

If you prefer live entertainment check out the schedules of The Fremont Theater or the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo. Fremont Theater is in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo and is a historic movie theater that now hosts a wide variety of live music shows. The Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo is located on Cal Poly’s campus and hosts over 150 public performances every year. Regardless of what entertainment you are looking for, there is a place for you to enjoy a show in the City of San Luis Obispo.