San Luis Obispo
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About San Luis Obispo
Nominated America’s happiest city, San Luis Obispo sits between the Coast Range and the Pacific Ocean — slap-bang in the middle of California’s Central Coast Wine Country. With ample opportunities for wine-tasting, hiking and great food, this is a top spot for a laid-back weekend away. Popular with travellers from nearby LA or San Francisco, San Luis Obispo boasts a good selection of characterful accommodation options, including simple B&Bs and chic hotels with excellent restaurants. Many of the best places to stay in San Luis Obispo are clustered downtown, well-placed for on-foot explorations.
One of the city’s big draws is its vibrant community of independent shops, cafes and eateries, all of which make it an appealing foodie spot. There are craft breweries to sample, too, as well as the USA’s second-largest farmers’ market, held on Higuera Street every Thursday, perfect for experiencing California’s famed farm-to-table cuisine. Beyond the city centre are a plethora of small wineries — many of which are family-run — in the Edna Valley. Visit Talley Vineyards, Sextant Wines and Tolosa Winery, or drive to Paso Robles for more fantastic vineyard tours and tastings.
Fancy a touch of real Americana? Head to Sunset Drive-in, a classic cinema, or stroll down ‘Bubblegum Alley’, covered — as the name suggests — in brightly-coloured chewing gum. If it's quirky landmarks that you’re after, Hearst Castle is top of the list. An hour's drive to the north, this sprawling estate features golden swimming pools, lush gardens and a fanciful castle, and was once the summer home of publishing mogul William Randolph Hearst. For more challenging outdoorsy adventures, climb Bishop Peak, the tallest of the volcanic Nine Sisters, or ride the waves at Pismo Beach, a classic Californian surf town just a few minutes from the city.
Whether you’re looking for a road trip pause between LA and San Francisco, or simply keen to soak up the wonders of the wine country, this is a superb destination. The best places to stay in San Luis Obispo fill up fast during the summer and the harvest seasons, so book your stay well in advance!
The Best Places to Stay in San Luis Obispo
For a chic B&B
- Garden Street Inn is a pint-sized gem of a property, set in downtown San Luis Obispo. The Victorian B&B's 13 rooms feature charmingly mismatched antique pieces, floral wallpapers and pretty textiles. Unwind in claw-footed tubs, kick back on the terrace or cosy up by a cracking fire. Expect gourmet breakfasts and a quaint, laid-back feel. Especially well-suited to romantic couples.
- San Luis Creek Lodge offers cool, contemporary accommodation spread across three buildings in the city centre. Think natural materials, a soothing colour palette and indulgent bath products perfect for a sophisticated Californian stay. Breakfasts of coffee and pastries set you up for days of discovery, and there are heaps of great eateries in the area. Understated elegance, ideal for couples or families.
For Foodies
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Granada Hotel & Bistro has a well-deserved reputation for its fabulous French cuisine and extensive wine list. Housed in a former industrial building dating back to 1929, the hotel's 17 rooms combine exposed brick walls with vintage styling to offer a luxurious base for exploring San Luis Obispo. One for foodies and fans of industrial design.
FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE
- If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
- Fly into San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), and take the bus or a taxi into town.
- California is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
- Expect hot summers, with temperatures reaching 30°C and above in July and August. For slightly cooler weather, come during the spring (April - May) or autumn (September - October), when you can also expect fewer crowds.
STILL NOT SURE?
- Explore our pick of all the best places to stay in Pismo Beach.
- Broaden your search to include the best places to stay in California.
- Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
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Best Hotels in San Luis Obispo
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Granada Hotel & Bistro San Luis Obispo (California) 17 rooms from $170
Sights nearby - The Seven Sisters Volcanic Peaks and the Central California Coast.Back to Nature - A lot of parks and reserves around this city.Great walks - To San Luis Obispo Creek.Full of characterRecommended by - TabletLuxury boutique built in 1929 with Industrial-era interiors. Rooms are comfortable and popular. Bistro Restaurant, renowned across town for its extensive wine listings and French cuisine, a fantastic reason to stay. This quiet, chic hotel lends itself to local exploring, back to nature and relaxing. See More
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Garden Street Inn San Luis Obispo (California) 13 rooms from $181
Local exploring - A beautiful area to explore at leisure; enjoy beaches, markets, museums, historical builings, dunes and valleysRomantic Break - The claw-foot tubs and wood-burning stoves make rooms feel especially romanticSurfing - It's a 20 minute drive to Pisimo beach, a 23 mile stretch of coastline known for surfing and body-boardingSights nearby - The historic downtown is beautiful; visit the 18th century mission and traditional Spanish-style buildingsAn exquisite little gem of a property in the downtown. Cosy light-filled rooms feel homely and fresh with high-ceilings, mismatched antique furniture and patterned wallpaper. There's a sweet sit-out terrace, beautiful breakfast room, fireside lounge and book-lined library. Cute and couple-friendly. See More
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San Luis Creek Lodge San Luis Obispo (California) 25 rooms from $185
Local exploring - The much-coveted area - between LA and San Fran - has become renowned for world-class dining, wine, beaches, nature & art sceneRomantic Break - Supplies perfect ingredients for sophisticated romance; divine beds, chic interiors, in-room movies and fab restaurants nearbyWine tasting - San Luis Obispo is considered one of the country's best wine areas and offers wineries and tastings galoreCity Style - Half farmhouse, half surf shack, the property's aestethic is a masterclass in laid-back California chicRecommended by - TabletUnderstated elegance in the very heart of town. Set over three buildings, impeccably-appointed rooms feature the finest of everything; bedding, bath products, tech and minibar; some have fireplaces. Modern decor expertly combines textures, colours and styles to create an achingly cool pied-a-terre. See More
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La Lomita Ranch San Luis Obispo (California) 7 rooms from $309
Local exploring - Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the perfect base to explore California's Central CoastBack to Nature - Spectacular setting among the vineyards with horse barn, pond and fountain courtyardsWine tasting - More than 250 wineries to explore in the region as well as La Lomita's own vintagesGreat walks - Short drive to the beach and hiking trailsBeautiful B&B ranch 3 miles from San Luis Obispo in the Edna Valley wine region. Stylish rooms feature Mexican furnishings, gorgeous tiles and bronze fixtures, all with rustic, warm wood; several accommodate up to 4 guests. Plus a garden with firepit and great views. A serene country hideaway. See More
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Hotel San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo 78 rooms from $487
City Style - A new breed of hotels that has it all; boutique in style and sensibility but luxurious in amenities, service and facilitiesBusiness meetings - State-of-the-art technology, light-filled meeting rooms & outdoor event spaces make this a fun & fresh venue for businessLocal exploring - Perfect downtown base for those who fancy a change from San Luis Obispo's classic colonial styleSpa - Sol Spa boasts an indoor / outdoor relaxation lounge, salt sauna, hot tub and meditation room as well as massages and treatmentsRecommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, TabletCool and modern deluxe boutique hotel in downtown San Luis Obispo. Fresh airy rooms boast handwoven rugs and local artwork. After a day of exploring, relax at the pool, indulge in a treatment or grab cocktails on the rooftop; there are two delicious restaurants on site. An understated urban resort. See More