San Luis Obispo Vacation Rentals

Flying in to SLO

The city is served by a single terminal airport where flights land from San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix. A taxi is the quickest way to reach your vacation home in San Luis Obispo. Those willing to splurge could consider an air taxi or charter flight from San Diego. Alternately, Amtrak's Coast Starlight northbound and southbound trains also pass daily through San Luis Obispo.

Cuisine, wine and more in SLO

SLO's farm-to-fork movement makes sense when you consider all that fresh seafood, organic fruits and veggies, cheese and locally-raised beef that awaits. The town offers a plethora of patio dining options in the city center where diners can feast on global cuisines and a fine collection of wines. Old San Luis BBQ Company is a firm favorite with locals who relish Angus beef and local artisan sausages. Recommended are the Tri-Tip Sandwichs, Pulled Pork Sandwichs and Strawberry Field Salads. If you can't finish it all, make sure to take your leftovers with you to enjoy for lunch the next day back at your San Luis Obispo vacation rental.

The San Luis Obispo wine region is known for its award-winning wines so make sure to sample some of the local fare. The city's bars and pubs serve an impressive list of craft beers made from barley, yeast and hops. A wine, beer and olive oil tour across the region is a good idea.

A good time to visit SLO

Summer is the most popular time, so make sure you have booked your of vacation rental in San Luis Obispo well in advance. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are great times to visit, when the weather is still beautiful, and outdoor activities are still accessible.

Things to do and see

The historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa that was founded by Junipero Serra is the pride of the city. Today it is a functional Catholic church decorated with Stations of the Cross. Stroll by the Mission Plaza in Downtown San Luis Obispo where most of the town's community events, festivities and parades unfold. Next is the Hearst Castle where lush gardens overlook ranchlands and the rugged Californian coast. The castle is home to a large visitor center, golden swimming pools, a zoo and a National Geographic movie theater. The carefully-restored Point San Luis Lighthouse built in 1890 offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean as well as a tour.

The second largest farmers’ market in western America is right here on San Luis Obispo's Higuera Street. Visitors are thrilled by the street entertainers, farm-fresh produce, veggies, cheese, meats, barbecues and artifacts that await. Pick up some goodies to nibble on when you return to your San Luis Obispo vacation rental.

Art and culture

SLO will appeal to art and culture enthusiasts with its rich and vibrant cultural calendar. The Performing Arts Center (PAC) on the campus of Cal Poly rolls out an impressive series of events. Meanwhile, the non-profit, volunteer-based Little Theater and The Great American Melodrama are superb options for family-friendly entertainment. Expect musical revue, theater, song, dance and comedy! For your dose of indie, foreign, art-house cinema and the latest blockbusters, the independently-owned Palm Theater is the place to go.

The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art and SLO Children's Museum are both family-friendly spaces where adults and kids can learn about the fascinating origins of this community. Art After Dark, held every first Friday of the month is when local salons, boutiques and cafés open their doors to promote local artists.

Excursion destinations in the area

SLO is the right place for those looking to unplug and detox in the lap of nature. The coast is peppered with plenty of pristine and isolated beaches that are conducive to swimming, camping, surfing and picnics. For superb views of the city, plan a hike up Bishop’s Peak which is the tallest of the 'nine sisters' (the nine volcanic peaks).

Come experience the pastoral landscapes of this historic little city, your vacation rental in San Luis Obispo await!

San Luis Obispo adventures

Edna Valley Vineyard

Spread over 35 mi² , this valley produces distinctive wines, owing to a combination of marine soil sediment, volcanic influences and a coastal climate. Partake in a fun and informative tasting session during your visit.

Bubblegum Alley

A quirky San Luis Obispo landmark, this 21m-long alley is plastered with chewing gum left by visitors. Diverse textures and colors can be spotted.

Bishop Peak

At 1559 feet, Bishop Peak is the largest attraction in the Bishop Peak Nature Reserve. Reach it on trails starting at Patricia Drive or Highland Drive. This short hike is of moderate difficulty.

Avila Valley Barn

Children can pick fresh berries, pet goats, and ride the hay cart at this family-friendly farm. Sweet roasted corn-on-the-cob, pumpkin ice cream and fresh apple cider sweeten the deal.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Named after Saint Louis of Anjou, this historic mission houses an active church and a museum tracing 250 years of Spanish Mission history.