There's so much to see and do while visiting SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County). Check out this four-day family-friendly itinerary for your next summer trip to the region:
Day 1
9:00 am | Kitchenette
Start your day off with breakfast at Kitchenette in Templeton. If you're headed up North 101, it's perfectly located on your way to the California Mid-State Fairgrounds. Kitchenette offers a variety of delicious pastries, handcrafted drinks and creative dishes. Serving breakfast until closing at 2 pm, this is a great spot for brunch no matter the time!
12:00 pm | Mid-State Fair
Run wild! Head Over to the California Mid-State Fair for Kids Day where entry is free for all kids 12 and under. The Mid-State Fair is a once yearly event full of entertainment, delicious food and unique attractions for kids of all ages. Purchase the daily Pay One Price Unlimited Ride Wristband and enjoy as many rides as your heart desires. Don't forget to check out the diaper dash, pony rides, petting zoo, tractor races, Zoo To You, pig races and more!
4:00 pm | Headliner Stage
Take a break from the rides and enjoy a wide array of family-friendly shows. Watch the high-energy Something Ridiculous Jugglers as they unicycle, juggle and play catch (all at once). Don't miss the interactive display of Zoo to You which includes grey and red foxes, the North American porcupine, raptors, monkeys and lemurs.
7:30 pm | Port San Luis Harbor, Avila Beach
After a long day of rides, food and fun at the fair, relax and enjoy the evening with your family at Port San Luis Harbor in Avila Beach. Grab your blanket for a picture perfect night under the stars.
Day 2
9:00 am | Madonna Inn
What better place to start your day than the famous Madonna Inn. Intricately designed with vibrant pink interiors, floral patterns and wood carvings, the Copper Cafe will give you a breakfast experience different from any other.
10:30 am | Hiking
After breakfast, catch some fresh air by hiking one of the many trails SLO CAL has to offer. Hike on the coast with breathtaking ocean views on the Shell Beach Bluff or the Sycamore Crest Trail. Hike through hills exploring the Cerro San Luis Trail or Valencia Peak trail in Montana de Oro. Easy or hard, beach or hills, whatever hike you’re craving we have it all.
12:00 pm | Morro Bay
Post-hike cooldown time! Hit the beach in Morro Bay for the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure along with spectacular views of Morro Rock. Layout and enjoy the sun while the kids splash around in the water or experience the ocean and sea life by renting kayaks or standup paddleboards.
6:00 pm | Luna Red
After a long day outdoors treat yourself to a tasty meal at Luna Red. Centrally located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, enjoy any of their tacos at discounted prices in the spirit of Taco Tuesday! Luna Red offers craft cocktails and award-winning wines for adults.
8:00 pm | Sunset Drive-In
Grab some popcorn and relax at Sunset Drive-In, SLO CAL's only drive-in. The kids will love watching new movie releases under the stars at this 1950’s-era outdoor theater.
Day 3
9:00 am | Oceano Dunes
Explore miles of rolling dunes at Oceano Dunes. This is the second largest dune system in California. Located on the coast, you and your fam will enjoy speeding through miles of dunes, walking along the beach, or even taking some horses along the water.
11:30 am | Honeymoon Cafe
After an exhilarating adventure at the dunes, the Honeymoon Cafe in Pismo Beach is the perfect place to grab a bite and unwind. This quaint local spot offers a delicious and affordable breakfast and lunch. From smoothies to burritos to salads, there is something to please everyone in your family!
12:30 pm | Downtown San Luis Obispo
Downtown San Luis Obispo has endless local experiences and shopping options. The kids can experience ice cream made from Nitrogen at Nite Creamery in the Creamery Marketplace. Kids and adults alike will enjoy seeing Bubblegum Alley, a fun photo attraction on Higuera Street. Stop into a surf shop, hit up the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum or peruse the countless other stores all within walking distance!
6:00 pm | Giuseppe’s
After an afternoon exploring and shopping downtown, enjoy a family-style dinner at Giuseppe’s. Homemade pasta and gelato are as tasty as they sounds in this southern Italy inspired restaurant.
Day 4
7:30 am - 10:30 am | Paso Robles Downtown City Park
Stop by Red Scooter Deli to pick up a breakfast box or breakfast sandwich to start your day (kid-friendly options available). Then take a stroll around Paso Robles Downtown City Park to check out the various businesses surrounding it.
12:00 pm | Wine Tasting
Although this sounds like an adult outing, many SLO CAL wineries are kid friendly. Sculpterra has many different art displays perfect for wandering and viewing with the family. Graveyard Vineyards has a pond perfect for fishing. Castoro Cellars offers disc golf and grape juice tastings. Wander around finding outdoor family games such as cornhole and bocce ball or opt for a cheese or chocolate pairing to share.
6:30-9:30 pm | Concerts in the Park
End your day in Paso Robles with a community staple in the Downtown Paso Robles City Park at their Thursday Concert in the Park summer concert series. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket and let the kids dance the night away. Pack a picnic or order out and watch as the sun sets on a beautiful summer evening in SLO CAL.
