SAN LUIS OBISPO

San Luis Obispo is affectionately known as the “Happiest City in America.” For those of you looking for more of a city-vibe, SLO features one of the most prominent downtowns on the Central Coast. It’s not limited to the downtown, though, with it’s own separate wine region and a myriad of things to do as well!

DOWNTOWN SLO

Like many California cities, San Luis Obispo is home to a historic mission, the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. It’s a Spanish mission founded in 1772 by Father Junipero Serra. The mission offers public tours of the church and grounds.

One of the more unique “attractions” in San Luis Obispo is Bubblegum Alley. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a 15’ x 70’ alley lined by chewed gum that tourists have left over the years.

Every Thursday from 6 pm to 9 PM you can attend the famous Night Farmer’s Market. It’s five blocks of fresh produce, entertainment, and BBQ and other foods. There’s something for everyone, and it’s a great way to really experience the spirit of the downtown.

Looking for a museum to wonder around? The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art and the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum are two excellent ones to explore. The Art Museum prides itself on being the heart of the art community on the Central Coast emphasizing exhibitions by contemporary California artists. The Railroad Museum was founded to preserve and present the railroad history of California by collecting, restoring, displaying, and operating historic equipment.

EDNA VALLEY

While maybe not as well known, Edna Valley has it’s own growing wine region. The valley has more than 30 wineries, all with a distinctly different feel from Paso, Napa, Temecula or the other areas of California. If you’re looking for a glass or bottle, be sure to check out:

• Wolff Vineyards

• Biddle Ranch Vineyard

• Chamisal Vineyards

• Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards

FOOD & DRINK

San Luis Obispo has a diverse and varied dining scene. We really enjoy the food, and every time we’re in the area it feels like we find another spot we have to come back to. Our very favorites include:

• Mistura - Peruvian restaurant; typically our go-to dinner spot in the city

• Petra - Pizza and grill

• Kult - Fusion with flavors of Cambodia, Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, Korea, Japan, and Italy

• Firestone Grill - Rachel’s go to for tri-tip, fries, and more

• Splash Cafe - Rachel’s favorite clam chowder

• Sidecar Cocktail - Rotating menu of craft cocktails

• McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream - Santa Barbara-based ice cream shop

• Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab - Arroyo Grande-based ice cream shop

• Brown Butter Cookie Company - The very best butter cookies you can get; locations in SLO, Paso, and Cayucos

OTHER ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES

One of the more well-known and unique attractions in San Luis Obispo is the Madonna Inn. Originally opened in 1958, it’s long been famous for its décor, pink dining room, and themed guest rooms. Each of the 110 or guest rooms have a unique theme, ranging from Caveman to Harvard Square. Even if you don’t stay there, many people stop by to eat in the bakery - the cake is amazing - or to see the rock waterfall urinal located in the men’s restroom.

Rachel’s favorite hikes (that she’s yet to take Andrew on) back home are at Bishop Peak. The peak is the tallest of the Nine Sisters, the volcanic Morros that stretch across San Luis Obispo. The summit provides a panoramic view of the city and nearby peaks. From the trailhead at Highland Drive, the hike is 3.5 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 950 feet, while the trek from Patricia Drive is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with a gain of 1,175 feet.