Home to historic 18th-century architecture, laid-back surf towns, and world-class wineries, San Luis Obispo is a hidden gem along California’s Central Coast. Equidistant from Los Angeles and San Francisco (roughly a three-hour drive in either direction), SLO is known as one of the happiest cities in America and is the perfect destination for a California road trip. Luckily, there’s no shortage of scenic spots to visit in the surrounding areas.
Upon flying into SLO Regional Airport, wine-lovers should explore the majestic vineyards in Paso Robles, while nature-seeking travelers should explore the unspoiled terrain of Morro Bay, also known as ‘the Gilbrator of the Pacific.’ Adventure travelers should head to Cambria, one of the last untouched beach towns in California, or Pismo Beach, a surfing mecca known for its whale watching and point breaks. Here are the best places to stay while experiencing SLO Cal living.
San Luis Obispo
4 Stars | Website | San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
110 | Outdoor swimming pool; Fitness center; Spa | 2
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; Pismo Beach Outlet Shopping Center
Stay at the Madonna Inn, a hilltop retreat with a terrace pool and nightly dancing — acts include live big band music, swing, and salsa. Explore the property’s 1,000+ acres on horseback along a mountainside trail and hike across the coastal valleys. Active travelers should also sign up for tennis or pickleball on the property’s signature hot pink courts.
4 Stars | Website | San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
25 | Pet-friendly accommodations; Free WiFi; Free parking | 0
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; Pismo Beach Outlet Shopping Center
For the ultimate California aesthetic, the contemporary farmhouse-inspired San Luis Creek Lodge sparkles with Central Coast bohemian flair. Located in downtown San Luis Obispo, the lodge is minutes from the beach and in the heart of the wine region.
4 Stars | Website | San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
78 | Outdoor swimming pool; Pet-friendly accommodations; Fitness center | 2
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; Pismo Beach Outlet Shopping Center
For a quintessential SLO Cal experience, Hotel San Luis Obispo is a modern retreat boasting a luxurious spa and mouth-watering craft cocktails. Order a nightcap at the S. Low Bar courtyard to sample the local flavors, or head up to the rooftop High Bar for an aperitif and people-watching in paradise.
Pismo Beach
4 Stars | Website | San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
82 | Outdoor swimming pool; Garden; Free WiFi | 0
Silver Shoals Park Beach; South Palisades Park Beach; Pismo Beach Outlet Shopping Center
Drive out to Pismo Beach and stay at the Spyglass Inn, a beachside oasis just off Highway 1. The 82-room boutique is a cozy cliffside hideaway overlooking the Pacific, with oceanfront fire pits offering panoramic views of the Pacific — the sunset is not to be missed. Other activities include surfing and sunbathing on Pismo Beach and ATVing upon the golden sand dunes.
Cambria
4 Stars | Website | San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
27 | Pet-friendly accommodations; Beachfront; Free parking | 0
Moonstone Beach; Hearst Castle
Further north along the California Coast is Cambria Beach Lodge on Moonstone Beach, a roadside hotel boasting spectacular local wine and a coastal-chic aesthetic. Moonstone Beach is one of the most secluded breaks in the Central Coast, perfect for travelers looking to stroll the coastal walking path in solitude or hang ten in privacy (with no witnesses for your wipe-outs).
4 Stars | Website | San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
25 | Beachfront; Pet-friendly accommodations; Garden | 0
Moonstone Beach; Hearst Castle
Moonstone Beach is also home to another of Cambria’s boutique properties, the lodge at White Water. Take one of the Linus bikes for a spin and visit the lobby lounge to sample a selection of local wines, ciders, spirits, and craft beers.
Morro Bay
4 Stars | Website | San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
8 | Free WiFi; Free parking; Patio | 1
Morro Bay State Park Beach; Morro Rock Beach; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Drive south to the untouched coasts and estuaries of Morro Bay, and book a room at the quaint yet luxurious Anderson Inn. The inn overlooks Morro Bay, and guests can spot sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions frolicking just outside their bedrooms. (We suggest booking an oceanfront balcony for stunning views of the sunset over Morro Rock).
Paso Robles
4 Stars | Website | San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
24 | Picnic area; Pet-friendly accommodations | 3
Paso Robles Event Center; Mission San Miguel; Lake Nacimiento
Finally, drive inland to Paso Robles, and stay at The Piccolo, an intimate 24-room hotel in the heart of the historic city. Taste the local vintages at the Piper Wine Lounge and visit the Tetto Rooftop Bar for sprawling views of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.
5 Stars | Website | San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
- | Pet-friendly accommodations; Free WiFi; Free parking | 0
Paso Robles Event Center; Mission San Miguel; Lake Nacimiento
Another property, the Inn Paradiso, offers rustic elegance. Situated on a hilltop amidst ancient oak trees, the inn features mid-century furniture and antiques and handcrafted design.
4 Stars | Website | San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
171 | Outdoor swimming pool; Fitness center; Spa | 1
Paso Robles Event Center; Mission San Miguel; Morro Rock
Lastly, the Allegretto Vineyard Resort boasts 20 acres of lush gardens and orchards. Ride horses through wine country and take an art tour through the centuries of history on display throughout the property. Luxury amenities include a spa, private pool cabana, and the world’s first Sonic Labyrinth — a tranquility chamber created by wind instruments to cultivate relaxation. Taking it slow in SLO CAL is an art, after all.
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