Iconic Places to Take Photos in SLO CAL

Fremont Theater 

📍 1035 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo 

This historic, art deco theater is a crowd pleaser for photographers looking for the unusual and colorful. Although inside is stunning, a great backdrop to your concert and show pictures, the exterior is the showstopper with a marque and tower that dazzles with neon after the sun sets.  

Madonna Inn 

📍 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo 

From the old school roadside sign out front, to the iconic pink decor, Madonna Inn may be the most photographed spot in the county. However, with so many pink picture-perfect areas there’s always a new angle to capture.  

Terrace Hill 

📍 1300 Bishop Street, San Luis Obispo 

For a good bird’s-eye view of the City of San Luis Obispo, take a short hike (less than five minutes) up Terrace Hill. This flat-topped hill overlooks the downtown plus the surrounding mountain range and is known for being one of the best locations to have a sunset picnic in the city.  

Oceano Dunes 

📍 555 Pier Avenue, Oceano 

For photos that look like you ventured to another planet, head to Oceano Dunes. Here the giant sand dunes stretch in all directions, all the way to the ocean. This is an ideal location to capture photos that include people, so that the scale of the dunes translates onto film/pixels. 

Ontario Ridge / Shell Beach Bluff Trail / Pirate’s Cove 

📍 1717 Cave Landing Road, San Luis Obispo  

You can access all three of these trails from the Pirate’s Cove Beach Parking. This stretch of coastline offers spectacular ocean views. From ridge top overlooks to the see-through cave of Pirates Cove, this is an ideal photography location for sweeping coastal landscapes and unique natural frames.  

Pismo Beach Caves  

📍 311 Wilmar Avenue, Pismo Beach 

These colorful caves are located along the northern shore of Pismo Beach. Think exaggerated organic shapes set against the ocean. Expect various colored caves including some that are strikingly white. Go at low tide to ensure access. Sunsets here are especially picturesque.  

Hearst Castle 

📍 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon 

Did you know that San Simeon has a castle? This estate, built by William Randolph Hearst and architect Julian Morgan, is perched on a hill overlooking the ocean. Filled with grand details, extensive art collections and lush gardens, there’s countless scenes to capture. Indoor roman pool, zebras and more await!  

* Please note that flash and commercial photograph is not allowed 

Morro Rock 

📍 1300 Embarcadero, Morro Bay 

Perhaps SLO CAL’s most iconic rock, this giant volcanic plug (formed from a now extinct volcano) is an epic backdrop for any photograph. Sitting between the Strand, harbor and Pacific Ocean, this landmark doesn’t have a bad side. And if you’re interested in capturing surfing photography, this is your spot. 

Portal of Big Sur 

📍 19019 CA-1, Ragged Point 

This art installation at Ragged Point Inn captures the breathtaking view of the Big Sur coastline. Ocean, trees and mountain combine for a quintessentially California picture. Explore the grounds for alternative views and consider the hike down to the black sand beach (complete with a seasonal waterfall). 

Allegretto 

📍 2700 Buena Vista Dr, Paso Robles 

Looking for a European style Tuscan villa in SLO CAL? Allegretto Vineyard Resort feels like you’ve been transported abroad, dotted with numerous arch ways, a courtyard and French-inspired chapel. The grounds consist of 20 acres of gardens, orchards and vineyards all hand selected for this property and its growing conditions. Art tours are available on select days. 

Heart Hill 

📍 2400 CA-46, Paso Robles 

Visit this iconic heart shaped grove of oak trees located at Niner Wine Estates. There’s even a selfie stop that has the angel perfect to capture you and the heart on the hill behind. This is also a great place for some food and wine photography. Reservations strongly recommended.  

Sensorio 

📍 4380 CA-46, Paso Robles 

An extensive property filled with multiple light instillations, Sensorio is a top evening photography location. As California’s largest immersive art exhibit, Sensorio is really a place you must see to believe. As the sun sets, colorful lights bring this landscape to life.  

*Please note professional non handheld equipment, as well as commercial use is prohibited 

Islay Hill 

📍 1398 Sweet Bay Lane, San Luis Obispo 

A trip to Islay Hill is not complete without a photo with the cow statue at the top aptly named 'Moo with a View'.  

Pine Mountain 

📍 Hospital Drive, Atascadero 

This is the moderate/challenging trail in Stadium Park that takes visitors to the top of the mountain offering panoramic views. Keep your eye out for the monolith on the trail. 

Port San Luis Lighthouse 

📍 1 Lighthouse Road, Avila Beach 

On the National Register of Historic Places, this lighthouse is picture perfect for both the building itself as well as the coastal views. Don’t miss a turn on the famous swing.  

* Please note that the only way to access the Lighthouse is by tour (trolley) or by water (kayak)

Shell Creek Road 

📍 5525 Shell Creek Road, Shandon 

Every spring, especially after a wet winter, this area of SLO CAL springs to life with vivid colored wildflowers. 

Whale Rock Reservoir 

📍 Old Creek Road, Cayucos 

A hidden gem, the lookout at Whale Rock Reservoir provides sweeping views of the water reserve in the foreground and the ocean in the background.