A Foodie's Guide to a Midweek Getaway in San Luis Obispo

Explore the Thursday Night Farmers’ Market (a must): SLO’s iconic Thursday Night Farmers’ Market is the longest-running year-round night market in the US and the liveliest night in town. It’s the best introduction to the city’s globally influenced food scene. I ate my way down Higuera Street by grazing on samples and small bites (mostly because I had choice paralysis). Come for the food; stay for the live music, people-watching, and sense of community.

Wine tasting in the Edna Valley: Often overlooked for Paso Robles, SLO’s wine region—the Edna Valley—has California’s longest growing season, thanks to its cool maritime climate. My first stop was Tolosa Winery, just minutes from the airport. Other standouts from my trip:

• Chamisal Vineyards, a sustainably run regenerative winery

• Region SLO, an incredible tasting concept with over 50 local wines under one roof, right in downtown

Follow the Cider Trail: If you love cider (or want to), SLO’s your place. I loved the hippie-coastal vibe at Shindig Cider, tucked inside the creative “Duncan Alley”—a shipping-container hub of wine, beer, and cider makers. Kelsey See Canyon was another favorite, producing both wine and cider and home to over 200 roaming peacocks. Only in SLO.

Hiking with views (and a lemon grove): I hiked the Lemon Grove Loop on Madonna Mountain, passing a century-old lemon tree—the last remnant of the original grove that's over 100 years old. I also trekked to the waterfall on Reservoir Canyon Trail, a summer favorite but far quieter outside of peak season (I saw fewer than 20 people on this roughly five-mile route). Locals also love the quirky Architecture Graveyard, an outdoor collection of abandoned Cal Poly design-build structures.

Boutique shopping in downtown: SLO’s downtown is full of indie shops and thrift storefronts. My favorites:

• Blackwater (home goods, plants, gifts)

• Moondoggies Beach Club

• Junkgirls (reimagined, upcycled goods)

Eat and drink your way across global flavors: From Ethiopian to Peruvian, Greek to Italian, barbecue to Mexican, SLO’s restaurant scene has global depth—all filtered through a local, farm-driven lens. More on my favorites below.

Thursday Night Farmers’ Market: The best way to sample dozens of Central Coast vendors in one place.

Nate’s on Marsh (Michelin Guide–recommended): A handsome, contemporary American restaurant with Italian soul. The cacio e pepe was perfect, and the Caesar salad came with huge, fluffy croutons. Inventive cocktails and a California-centric wine list round it out.

Novo: A creekside restaurant serving globally inspired, locally sourced cuisine. I ordered the Chow Novo noodles with chicken—zero regrets.

Linnaea’s Café: A beloved SLO institution since 1984. I sat on the vine-covered patio with a seasonal citrus-thyme latte and their locally famous breakfast burrito with homemade chile sauce.

High Bar (Hotel SLO): A rooftop bar with bocce ball, 360-degree views and a garden that supplies ingredients for their cocktails. The tropical-leaning drinks feature some of my favorite rum brands.

Jan’s Place: A tiny, dimly lit hi-fi vinyl bar that attracts local winemakers—who sometimes spin their own records.

Nightcap: A cozy, speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked inside the historic Granada Hotel.