San Luis Obispo Wine Country Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

#Hiking along the coast of Avila Beach in California. While hiking in this area, BEWARE, because on your left from this spot, is the Nude Beach. Yup, it's the only nude beach that I know of that still exist in California. P.s. It was an accidental find for us, and no, we didn't go. #Waterlust #WeekendGetaway
#Hiking along the coast of Avila Beach in California. While hiking in this area, BEWARE, because on your left from this spot, is the Nude Beach. Yup, it's the only nude beach that I know of that still exist in California. P.s. It was an accidental find for us, and no, we didn't go. #Waterlust #WeekendGetaway
Beautiful little hike.
The high tide tonight at Shell Beach gave us quite a show. There was a large pod of dolphins off shore and birds flying and diving into the water everywhere; the Pelicans were my favorite to watch. Usually we come here during low tide to explore the pools, but this was a different experience and one not to be missed.
For your paddleboarding adventures! Beautiful place.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now

Where to stay in San Luis Obispo Wine Country

Bubblegum Alley is a tourist attraction in downtown San Luis Obispo, California, known for its accumulation of used bubble gum on the walls of an alley. It is a 15-foot high and 70-foot long alley lined with chewed gum left by passers-by.

Downtown San Luis Obispo

If you're spending some time in Downtown San Luis Obispo, Downtown SLO Farmers' Market and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown San Luis Obispo
Shell Beach cliffs and Pacific Ocean at sunset. Pismo Beach area, California Coastline

Shell Beach

Visitors to Shell Beach enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Eldwayen Ocean Park is worth a stop.

Shell Beach
Default Image

Old Town Historic District

While Old Town Historic District may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Downtown SLO Farmers' Market and Fremont Theater.

Old Town Historic District
Beautiful colourful summer sunset behind the valley of the San Luis Obispo Bay, viewed from South Palisades Park in Pismo Beach, California

Sunset Palisades

While Sunset Palisades isn't home to many top sights, Avila Hot Springs and The Spa at Dolphin Bay are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sunset Palisades
Aerial view of San Luis Obispo from the hiking trail to Bishop Peak, California

Lower Higuera

While Lower Higuera isn't home to many top sights, Madonna Plaza Shopping Center and Downtown SLO Farmers' Market are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lower Higuera
Scenic View of Caliente Range Foothills, Carrizo Plain National Monument, San Luis Obispo County

Foothill

While there might not be top attractions in Foothill, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Ah Louis Store and Fremont Theater.

Foothill
Spyglass Inn

Spyglass Inn

3 out of 5
2705 Spyglass Dr Pismo Beach CA
The price is NZ$231 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$231
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,445 reviews)
We love staying here. We always book the “king suite” with fireplace and oceanfront view. We stay here quite often and are very pleased. Also DOG-FRIENDLY🐾🐶♥️

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Spyglass Inn
Madonna Inn

Madonna Inn

3.5 out of 5
100 Madonna Road San Luis Obispo CA
The price is NZ$314 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
NZ$314
24 Feb - 25 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,373 reviews)
It was just overall different in a quirky way

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

Madonna Inn
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown

3 out of 5
1845 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo CA
The price is NZ$242 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
NZ$242
9 Mar - 10 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,886 reviews)
Nice room, nice location, great rooftop hottub/pool.

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown
See all 1,862 properties in San Luis Obispo Wine Country
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Flying Flags Avila Beach

Flying Flags Avila Beach

3 out of 5
6450 Babe Ln Avila Beach CA
Stay at this beach cottage in Avila Beach. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities and a gift shop. Popular attractions Fisherman's Beach and Old Port Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (115 reviews)
Clean rooms and great amenities

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Flying Flags Avila Beach
Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground

Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground

3 out of 5
7075 Ontario Rd San Luis Obispo CA
Stay at this cabin in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Pismo Beach Pier and Avila Hot Springs are ...
Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground
Las Casitas Avila - Bungalow #6

Las Casitas Avila - Bungalow #6

Avila Beach CA
Stay at this holiday home in Avila Beach. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Pismo Beach Pier and Avila Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
Great location! Easy parking and access. A pleasant surprise. Well appointed, and a very comfortable bed.

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Las Casitas Avila - Bungalow #6
See all properties in San Luis Obispo Wine Country
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

SanLuisObispo_CaliforniaPolytechnicStateUniversity_6063425_06

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Enjoy the student vibe at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo during your visit to San Luis Obispo. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Soak in the Mineral bath all day if needed. I do! Eases the stress and relived joint pain. The cool thing about this place...open year round and if you go early, the place is all yours basically.

Avila Hot Springs

Explore the great outdoors at Avila Hot Springs and enjoy the beautiful sunsets during your trip to San Luis Obispo. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Avila Hot Springs
Sunset on the Central Coast of California, Avila

Avila Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Avila Beach during your trip to Avila Beach? Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area or seek out the hiking trails.

Avila Beach
An amazing Art Deco preserved movie theatre. #Details

Fremont Theater

You can enjoy a show at Fremont Theater during your trip to San Luis Obispo. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Fremont Theater
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is a Spanish mission founded in 1772 by Father Junípero Serra in the present-day city of San Luis Obispo, California.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Find out about the history of San Luis Obispo with a stop at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
PismoBeach_TheSpaatDolphinBay_553248621532639992_07

The Spa at Dolphin Bay

You can take time to visit The Spa at Dolphin Bay during your travels to Pismo Beach. Stroll along the seaside or visit the spas in this family-friendly area.

The Spa at Dolphin Bay

Cities near San Luis Obispo Wine Country

Pismo Beach featuring general coastal views, tropical scenes and a sunset

Pismo Beach

Morro Bay

San Luis Obispo

Explore a world of travel with Expedia