Why San Luis Obispo Is the Perfect Place To Visit—Especially if Your Kid Goes to Cal Poly

Caffeine: Where to start the day

No trip to SLO is complete without a great cup of coffee—and this town delivers. Scout Coffee is a local favorite with expertly crafted drinks and cozy, Instagram-worthy vibes. Linnaea’s Café offers a quirky, artsy charm and a hidden garden patio. For something sleek and modern, Field Day Coffee serves up top-notch pastries and pour-overs.

Caffeine time.

For breakfast, Kreuzberg California is king. This Berlin-inspired café is known for its legendary breakfast burrito (hello, avocado and tater tots) and eclectic, creative energy. With its couches, books, and thoughtfully curated menu, it’s more than a meal—it’s a vibe.

From surf to summit: the great outdoors, SLO style

Thanks to its Central Coast location, SLO is an outdoor lover’s dream. Whether you’re a surfer, hiker, biker, or relaxed beach stroller, the natural beauty is never far.

Surfing in SLO is both accessible and rewarding. Pismo Beach offers gentle waves and friendly surf shops—perfect for beginners. Morro Rock delivers more challenging swells and iconic views, while the quieter coves of Avila Beach and Shell Beach offer peaceful charm with fewer crowds.

Prefer a paddle to a board? Kayaking through Morro Bay gives you a front-row seat to local marine life and working oyster farms. Glide past bobbing sea otters, sample fresh oysters, and pull up onto dunes for a scenic walk.

Morro Bay

If you’re in the mood for adventure, Pismo Beach is also one of the rare places in California where you can drive right onto the beach. Whether you’re cruising the shoreline in your own vehicle or renting a dune buggy to tear through the dunes, it’s pure, sandy fun and a thrill for all ages.

If walking or hiking is more your pace, head to Montaña de Oro State Park. The Bluff Trail winds along dramatic cliffs with the Pacific crashing below and wildlife (including whales) just offshore. It’s perhaps the most beautiful walk I’ve ever been on—and it’s easy for anyone to enjoy. You can make it more of a hike by heading up Valencia Peak for panoramic views of the coastline.

Montana de Oro walk—SLO is very dog-friendly

Closer to campus, try the Poly Canyon hike behind the stables and through Cal Poly’s “architecture graveyard”—a creative, open-air gallery of student-built structures. End with a rope swing and panoramic views, a favorite photo op for students and parents alike.

Worked up an appetite? High Street Deli has probably the best sandwich I’ve ever had in my life (tip: order ahead—it can be a long wait).

A taste of campus life: Cal Poly’s hidden gems

Beyond academics, Cal Poly is home to some incredible, student-run enterprises that make any visit feel a little more special—and a lot more delicious. Just steps from campus, the Cal Poly Meat Processing Center is open to the public and stocked with house-made sausages, thick-cut steaks, and fresh eggs—products of the university’s hands-on agricultural programs. Don’t skip the student-made ice cream: cold, creamy proof of Cal Poly’s commitment to craft.

The Cal Poly Plant Shop is a burst of color and life. Potted succulents, fresh-cut flowers, and handmade arrangements offer a sweet way to surprise your student—or bring a bit of SLO home. These student-run shops aren’t just charming—they’re a testament to the practical, immersive education Cal Poly is known for.

Wine, beer, and the good life

SLO’s food and drink scene goes far beyond coffee and breakfast. Nestled in Edna Valley, the region’s wineries offer a laid-back way to sip the local terroir.

Biddle Ranch Vineyard feels like a hidden retreat with its elegant patio and standout Chardonnay. Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards leans quirky—think wine tastings, poker chips, and peacocks. Wolff Vineyards is pet-friendly, sustainability-focused, and features food trucks and live music on weekends. At Autry Cellars, tastings are appointment-only and personal, with award-winning reds and dessert wines. Stephen Ross has the town’s best Pinot, while Claiborne & Churchill is beloved for its Gewürztraminer.

Cheers!

More of a beer fan? You’re in luck. There Does Not Exist blends stellar brewing with striking label art and an indoor-outdoor space that often hosts taco trucks. SLO Brew Rock brings the party with live music, a full menu, and plenty of local flavor.

Family fun and local flavor

For wholesome fun, don’t miss Avila Valley Barn. Just off the road to Avila Beach, it’s a family favorite with farm animals, pony rides, hayrides, fresh produce, and one of the best fried chicken sandwiches you’ll ever eat.

Got a sweet tooth? The Madonna Inn is a must. With over-the-top décor and slices of cake as bold as the wallpaper, it’s a SLO icon you have to see (and taste) to believe. Or grab a donut from SLO Do Co—maple-bacon and cereal-crusted masterpieces await.

Eat pink cake in Madonna Inn's flamboyantly pink dining room.

Downtown delights: markets and meals

At the heart of SLO is its vibrant downtown—especially on Thursday nights during the farmers market. This isn’t just produce—it’s a weekly street party with live music, sizzling BBQ, handmade goods, and a strong sense of community.

Thursday night farmers market

For a date night, try Nate’s on Marsh for elevated California cuisine. Luna Red’s patio and paella hit the spot, while Bear & The Wren in The Creamery Marketplace serves wood-fired pizza with laid-back charm. For a splurge, book Six Test Kitchen—an unforgettable, Michelin-level experience.

Before you leave, check out SLO’s boutique shopping scene. Local favorites like Junk Girls, Ah Louis Store, SLO Grown Produce & Goods, Boo Boo Records and The SLO General Store make it easy to bring home something unique.

Why you’ll keep coming back

San Luis Obispo isn’t just a beautiful stop on the Central Coast—it’s a place that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and feel right at home. And when your kid goes to Cal Poly, you’ve got the perfect reason to visit often.

So go ahead—book the trip, bring an empty cooler to take home amazing student-grown steaks and produce, and make the most of your next visit. Time to enjoy the SLO life!

Go to visit the horses on campus.

Tip: Try to wake up early for kayaking for calm waters. Pack layers since it’s generally hot during the day but cools off at night. Bring a cooler to bring home food from Cal Poly Meats and beer and wine!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our California page.