In SLO CAL, the journey is a part of the experience and sometimes the best way to get around is leaving the car all together. There are three trolley services offered across SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County), that give riders a unique, scenic and affordable way to explore. Hop on a trolley and let the journey unfold across downtown streets and coastal communities.  

Trolley routes operate in Downtown San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay and between Pismo Beach & Avila Beach. Most run seasonally, with fares ranging from free to $1 per ride. 


Before taking the trolley:

  • Check seasonal schedules and hours 
  • Bring exact fare when required  

With simple routes, low fares and convenient stops, hopping on a trolley in SLO CAL makes it easy to build your day, no gas or parking required. Here’s how to ride and where to go:

Morro Bay Trolley

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Sunlit rooftop deck with glass railing. A woman in a gray tee sits on a blue bench, a yellow drink on the table, Morro Rock visible in the distance.

In Morro Bay, the trolley offers a relaxed loop through downtown, the Embarcadero and along the waterfront, perfect for soaking in the scenery at your own pace. The Morro Bay Trolley offers 2 routes with service on weekends during the summer. The North route connects downtown with Morro Strand State Beach, making it a great route from beach to city center. The downtown route offers connectivity to shopping, seafood and wildlife. Both routes run approximately 30 minutes and meet at Market at Morro Bay Blvd, where you can easily transfer between the two. 
 

When: June 6 – September 27, 10am-5pm 
Note: The trolley takes a lunch break from 12:30-1pm 

Best for: Coastal views & waterfront exploring 

Cost: $1 per ride, Children under 5 free, 2 children per fare paying adult 
Note: Exact fare is required, drivers do not carry change 

Route: 
North Route (approx. 30 min loop) runs between Main Street in downtown Morro Bay and Morro Strand State Park Campground, with a transfer to the Downtown Route at Market at Morro Bay Blvd.  

Downtown Route (approx. 30 min loop) Loops from Morro Bay State Park through the Embarcadero and along Morro Bay Blvd, with a transfer to the North Route at Market at Morro Bay Blvd. Check out the trolley's website for full stop details.

Itinerary: 
Start at Morro Strand State Beach and board the North Trolley to Market at Morro Bay Blvd. From there, make your way down to the Embarcadero for a stroll along the water. Be sure to stop and spot wildlife, there are often otters and seals lounging in the harbor. Stop for a fresh seafood lunch at Blue Sky Bistro. After lunch, pop over to Absolution Cellars for a laid-back afternoon tasting. Before you head out, don’t leave without swinging by the iconic Crill’s Saltwater Taffy for a sweet send-off.  

Downtown San Luis Obispo Trolley

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Exterior view of Old SLO Trolley, Four riders standing outside on Downtown San Luis Obispo street
SLO Transit

In the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, the Old SLO Trolley makes it easy to hop between restaurants, shops and local events like the Thursday Night Farmers' Market, without navigating road closures. Settle into the evening and enjoy the ride; the Old SLO Trolley operates year-round on Thursday evenings with increased service on Fridays and Saturdays during the holiday season, from November to December.  


When: Year-round Thursday evenings, 4-9pm. Increased service on Friday and Saturday November-December 

Best for: Easy evenings and downtown dining & shopping  

Cost: Free  

Route: 
Stops along Monterey, Higuera and Marsh St with connections to the Peach Tree Inn and La Cuesta Inn. Check out the SLO Transit website for full stop details

Itinerary: 
Kick off the evening at KROBĀR Craft Distillery for happy hour then take the trolley from Monterey at Grove to Monterey at Osos to browse the boutiques and galleries before heading one street over to Higuera Street and wander through the famous Thursday night farmer’s market. Grab a bite from one of the vendors or pop into La Locanda for a cozy sit-down dinner. When you're ready to head back, catch the trolley at Marsh at Chorro and enjoy the ride. 

 

Avila-Pismo Beach Trolley

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Couple relaxing on a sunny beach in folding chairs wearing wide brim hats, chatting as the ocean and other beachgoers are in the background.

For a beach day without the hassle, the Avila Beach Trolley connects Pismo Beach to Avila’s waterfront, with stops at places like the Bob Jones Trail, Avila Hot Springs and Port San Luis. This trolley route spans over 10 miles, the longest of any trolley service in SLO CAL. The Avila Beach Trolley is free and runs in the Summer on Friday evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday.  

With tasting rooms, oceanfront patios and the promenade all within walking distance, the trolley makes it easy to linger. No parking search, no stress, just a full day by the ocean. 


When: May 1 – September 6, Friday 4-9pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-6pm 
Note: The trolley takes a lunch break from 12-3pm

Best for: Beach days and laid-back summer evenings 

Cost: Free (donations accepted) 

Route
Northbound stops include the Pismo Premium Outlets, Avila Beach Drive Park & Ride (free parking!), Avila Hot Springs, Bob Jones Bike Trailhead, Avila Beach Dr at 1st St and Port San Luis. Southbound returns via Cave Landing Road back to Pismo. Check out the Regional Transit Authority's website for full stop details.

Itinerary: 
Park and take the trolley from Bob Jones Bike Trailhead at Ontario to Avila Beach Dr. at 1st Street. Spend the morning grabbing a casual breakfast at Avila Market before heading straight to the sand. When it’s time for lunch, hop over to Mission Pizza for a casual bite close by or keep it classic with an extra trolley stop to Port San Luis and check out Fat Cats Cafe, a longtime local favorite with sweeping ocean views.  

Bonus: Paso Robles Winery Trolley

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Group of Five Wine Tasting at Ulloa Cellars Eating Lunch and Toasting

Want to explore Paso Robles Wine Country without anyone in your group having to be the designated driver? The Paso Robles Winery Trolley has you covered in the most charming way possible. 

This guided experience takes groups of up to 14 guests on a 5–6 hour tour through Paso Robles Wine Country, with visits to three wineries, a Prosecco welcome toast, complimentary water and snacks and knowledgeable guides who make every stop feel special. Join a shared Classic Tour with fellow wine lovers or opt for a Private Charter just for your group. Both include round-trip transportation from downtown Paso Robles. It's the perfect outing for groups, celebrations or anyone who simply wants a no-stress, fully curated wine day. 


When: Year-round (reservation required), Classic Tours: Friday–Sunday, Private Charters: Daily except Thursday 

Best for: Guided wine tasting, group outings and a built-in designated driver 

How to Book: Reserve in advance at pasorobleswinerytrolley.com 

Relax & Discover SLO CAL by Trolley

Exploring SLO CAL by trolley is simple: park once, hop on and let the route guide your day. From downtown evenings to coastal adventures, these services make it easy to see more while doing less. 

So, take a seat, enjoy the views and embrace the ride because here, the journey is just as good as the destination.