Ever wonder how to craft the best memories? How to ensure your trip is the greatest possible? Plan a little, play a little. In SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County), ideas and booking are welcome, but so is being spontaneous and taking surprising turns along the way—what we like to call “turns well taken.”

Looking to stick to a plan? Here’s the itinerary for every SLO CAL adventure featured in the video below, but feel free to take a detour or two along the way! Perfect for a girls getaway or just those looking for the perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor adventure. Keep reading for a classic, fun packed day across San Luis Obispo County.

Take a Dip at Hotel Cerro

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📍1125 Garden Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Kick the day off right surrounded by the beauty of nearby mountain ranges. Hotel Cerro’s heated rooftop pool is a great escape from the streetscape below while still being amongst the downtown action. Open to hotel guests as well as the public with a day pool pass, enjoy lounging cabanas or a snack from the rooftop bar.

 

5 minute drive, 10 minute walk

Browse The Shop at Field Day

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Three women shopping in San Luis Obispo

📍1185 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Take a short drive or walk for some local shopping. Offering a unique selection from apothecary to children section, as well as, gift and clothing, The Shop at Field Day is always changing and well curated, you’ll have to stop by to see what’s in store.

Grab a Drink at Field Day Coffee

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📍1185 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Head just next door, one door down to Field Day Coffee and grab a coffee, or some natural wine. Kick back with plenty of indoor/outdoor seating and pick up a conversation with a local who is calling this coffee shop their office for the day. It’s also the perfect time to showcase your shopping haul to your travel companions.

 

20 minute drive

To add a few extra minutes and some priceless views, take the “long way” through Los Osos and wind along the coast into Morro Bay.

Paddle in Morro Bay

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📍101 Coleman Drive, Morro Bay, CA 93442

You’ll find lots of paddleboarding opportunities along the Embarcadero in Morro Bay. This is because the sandspit protects the water from the open ocean creating some of the best conditions for paddle sports in SLO CAL. And with sea otters playing near the shore and Morro Rock in the background, stand up paddleboarding has never been so picture perfect. Here are some spots to rent your gear:

2 minute drive, 6 minute walk

Slurping Locally Grown Oysters

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Group dining on the bay in Morro Bay

📍1215 Embarcadero Road, Suite D, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Enjoy tasting of some of the local grub at Grassy Bar Oyster Company. Grown in the cold and calm waters of Morro Bay, these oysters are ready to taste at The Shucking Shed. Head to the patio out back to enjoy your oysters against the backdrop of the ocean…and don’t miss trying a “Grassy Splash” (mignonette from juiced jalapeño and cilantro). Pair your oyster tasting with local beer and wine for an elevated experience.

 

30 minute drive

Looking to break up this drive? Make a pit stop (take a turn off the 101) in the City of San Luis Obispo on your way from the north coast to the south coast of SLO CAL.

Take Hike at the Pismo Preserve

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📍80 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

880 acres and 11 miles of trails, hikers enjoy panoramic ocean views and coastal oak forests. Dogs, mountain bikes and horses are all allowed at the preserve, but the most common way to experience this gem of a trail system is on your own two feet. Trek for 20 minutes or four hours, there’s a route here for every hiker.

Note: trail access is free, but parking in the on-site lot is limited and costs $5 a day.

 

5 minute drive

Oceanfront Dining

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Three women in dresses sitting at a coastal table on green lawn with palm trees, birds and sunset behind the hills in background

📍2757 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

After hiking up an appetite, head over to The Cliffs Hotel and Spa. Here, Marisol Restaurant serves locally sourced, delicious plates with expansive ocean views. Enjoy happy hour, followed by dinner on the patio while the sun sets over the Pacific. Cheers! 

Plan your trip today by using this itinerary as a guide, but don’t forget to factor in some spontaneous additions along the way. The best journeys in SLO CAL are full of surprising turns. Come see for yourself!