San Luis Obispo (locals call it SLO, pronounced “slow”) is a town on the pacific coast of California, smack dab between LA and San Francisco. SLO is known for several things: California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), the world famous Madonna Inn laden with over-the-top, Barbie-pink trimmings, blissfully mild weather, and earning the title “Happiest Place in America,” just to name a few.
A lovely drive from LAX to San Luis Obispo
The route from LA to SLO includes Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coastal Highway), as well as US Route 101 and State Route 154. You’ll drive through some purely coastal stretches, while other parts wind through California’s golden peaks and valleys lined with vineyards. Depending on traffic, it’s about a 3-hour drive from LAX.
Santa Barbara is on the way. A stop in town only makes sense, especially if you’re in the mood for some really tasty tacos and appreciate Spanish architecture.
Happy trees, happy city
So what makes SLO so happy? I guess one clue is in the name. It runs on a much SLO-er pace compared to the cities which flank its sides. People mosey here, on bikes or on foot. Even behind the wheel, no one seems to be in a rush. The idyllic downtown streets, laced with twinkling lights and lined with whimsical trees, encourage the moseying.
Higuera Street is especially thick with the umbrella-like trees known as the Indian Laurel Fig. This Seussian canopy gives SLO its signature look and makes walking particularly enjoyable thanks to its shade in SLO’s consistently sunny weather.
The surrounding mountainscape gives the cozy feeling of being tucked into the town. SLO has the Nine Sister peaks to thank for this snug environment, a collection of volcanic rock that surrounds SLO. The peaks provide not only a feeling of serenity but outdoor activity to visitors and locals alike. Though not all peaks are hike-able due to private ownership, several are open to the public. We didn’t hike this trip, though it’s definitely on our list of things to do when we visit again. But simply having a view of these beautiful peaks, especially stunning in the sun’s early evening glow, made us appreciate this stunning piece of California.
Another charming factor of SLO is the weather. A mild climate makes everyone happy, right? And SLO has a reputation for sunny but mild forecasts. On a couple of occasions, I actually wore a sweater in the evening, a welcome change from the sweltering temperatures we experienced during our day trips out to the neighboring wine country.
Eat, sleep, and be merry in SLO
Downtown SLO offers delicious food—from sophisticated farm-to-table spots to rowdy pizza hangouts to a near century-old deli.
One of my favorite dining spots was Luna Red. They serve Spanish cuisine paired with local wines. On our first night in town, we ate on the patio with a view of SLO’s Mission de Tolosa Bell Tower. Spanish tunes and clinking glasses sounded in the background while we enjoyed a deliciously crunchy paella under shaded tree.
On another evening, we enjoyed a homemade Italian meal (handmade pasta noodles…yum!) at Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica. It was another al fresco dining experience. From our table, we had a perfect view of the colorful eucalyptus tree in the town square.
We stayed at Hotel Cerro, a boutique hotel in downtown SLO, just steps away from local restaurants and shops. We not only appreciated the location but the calm, zen atmosphere. The rooms were delightful- lots of natural light, a super comfortable bed with luxurious linens, and plenty of space. To top it all off was the rooftop pool with views of the city and the quintessential Nine Sister peaks.
Nearby Attractions
Vineyards and wineries in Paso Robles with European-like vistas: The property of Daou vineyard is especially picturesque, with an air of a French rustic estate.
Kiler Ridge: An olive grove with Italian roots, they offer an exquisite olive oil tasting! Check out my post “An Olive Grove in Paso Robles.”
Beach towns: Pismo Beach and Morro Bay are both beautiful beaches that offer a very chill vibe and are only a 15-20 minute drive from SLO.
The Madonna Inn: Even if you’re not staying as a guest here, it’s well worth paying a visit to see its spectacularly gregarious feminine trimmings. (Think Lilly Pulitzer and “Cowboy Barbie” meets Marie Antoinette and Iris Apfel.) There is a cafe, a steak house, and a cocktail bar, plus a bakery known for its famous “Pink Champagne Cake.” And heck, while you’re there, why not go all in and indulge in a crystal facial at the inn’s award-winning spa?
In short, slow down in happy SLO. Stay here for respite, but also appreciate the range of activities it provides. Some places on Earth are just easier to return to, and this is definitely one of those places. You won’t be fighting the crowds here or stressing over traffic. You can stay on foot the whole time you’re here. Or if you like short excursions, rent a car and easily explore Paso Robles and the central coastline of California.