Hello friends and Happy Monday! Whew, this month has been a whirlwind! How is it already half over?! Last weekend we went and visited California’s Central Coast (you can read my Avila Beach guide here) and this coming weekend I am jetting out again for my sister’s bachelorette party. I’m exhausted but so excited! Before I add more destinations to my list of “things I want to share with you guys”, I have to talk about San Luis Obispo! We absolutely had the best time in this little college town!
Fun fact: I actually applied to go to Cal Poly SLO multiple times because I wanted to go to school there so bad but never got accepted. But hey, if I didn’t stay in San Diego for college then I would have never met my husband and I wouldn’t have the amazing life we have today. Funny how things always work out just the way they are meant to be!
The reason for our trip up there was to check out a new hotel in San Luis Obispo, The Kinney. They graciously hosted us for two nights and we absolutely loved everything about this hotel! The rooms were lined with surf and beach photos (so on brand 😉), there were a ton of common areas to hang out with fire pits and life size board games, and a fun pool. We had dinner at their onsite restaurant/bar, Leroy’s, that has an old world vibe with vintage skeeball and video games. Plus, the hotel was within walking distance to downtown SLO which offers a ton of great restaurants and shopping!
You can use code KRISTY19 to get 20% off your stay through the end of the year when you book by 11/1/19.
Things To Do
There is so many things to do in San Luis Obispo! From wineries, to hiking, to restaurants and bars, this little town really has it all! Here are a few of our favorites:
Thursday Night Farmers Market – The community comes together for a weekly farmers’ market with plenty of fresh produce, beautiful flowers, and handmade products, and food vendors. Local restaurants and some shops also join in on the fun, with some brick and mortar places staying open later than usual.
Bubblegum Alley – Definitely a SLO tradition to stop by here! We grabbed some gum from SLO Sweets on our walk over there. The girls thought this was the funniest thing to stick gum on a wall. Hopefully they don’t try to do it at home now, ha!
Sunset Drive In – One of only a handful of drive-in theaters left in California today. The drive-in offers a double feature every evening, so you can see two movies for the price of one!
Terrace Hill Sunset Hike – While there are a ton of great hiking spots in San Luis Obispo, this “hike” is a short trip up a dirt hill to the most amazing 360 degree view of San Luis Obispo. Bring a picnic and watch the sunset over Madonna Mountain.
Where To Eat
SloDoCo – Open 24/7, this donut shop offers unique and seasonal donut flavors. They make nearly every type of doughnut imaginable and even offer gluten free, vegan, and protein donuts. I had a bacon maple bar, yum!
Old SLO BBQ – I heard this is the best place to experience Santa Maria style BBQ! From pulled pork to seasoned chicken, to tender tri-tip, they take grilling to the next level. They also have self pour beer and wine on tap.
Firestone Grill – Located in the heart of downtown, this place is particularly well-known for their tri-tip. There is a cute patio area to eat with twinkle lights. The lines move fast!
Woodstock Pizza – We ate here our first night in SLO. Quick and easy pizza place also in the heart of downtown SLO. Was perfect after an afternoon of walking and shopping in the downtown area.
Seeds – If you are looking for a healthier option, this is said to have the most delicious healthy food in town (unfortunately we ran out of time before we could try it). They specialize in acai bowls, chia pudding, smoothies, juices, and toasts.
Where To Drink
Scout Coffee Co – We love finding hometown coffee shops when we travel and their craft roasted coffee does not disappoint. Grab a latte and enjoy one of their delicious pastries that they make from scratch!
Luis Wine Bar – A cozy wine lounge with a creekside patio. Would be the perfect spot to go enjoy a glass of wine off their extensive wine list and eat your own Farmers Market cuisine.
Luna Red – One of my favorite spots! They have an outdoor patio, twinkle lights, tapas, and sangria. This place is the go-to for happy hour sangria. Try the Sangria Rosita which is sangria with strawberries and tequila or the YAASS Queen because it’s pink and comes in a martini glass.
Biddle Ranch – About ten minutes away from the downtown area, this 17-acre Vineyard is absolutely gorgeous! It has a tasting room straight from the pages of “Fixer Upper”. It’s also a great spot to take family photos!
We had the best time visiting The Kinney Hotel and San Luis Obispo! Jeff kept saying this town was the perfect mix of Southern California’s surf vibes and Portland’s hipster culture. There really is something for everyone! We also visited a few other places along California’s Central Coast while we were up there, I will leave those posts below: