Estero Bluffs trail, beach, and shipwreck
A memorable walk is along the clifftop trail at Estero Bluffs, with the wide open spaces, beach below with shiny green agate rocks, and shipwreck!
Foothill neighborhood walk and Lincoln Deli
Narrow tree-lined streets with historic houses and views of Cerro San Luis and Bishop Peak, and a sweet deli.
Bayshore Bluffs Park walk, Morro Bay
Blissful views of estuary and sailboats, eucalyptus trees, cypress trees, the bay and a little rocky point.
Sinsheimer Park giant playground, SLO
Best playground you'll ever visit! Huge slides, hillside slides, steep grass slope for cardboard sledding, cable zipline, and pretty trees to picnic under.
Symphony Rehearsals, Performing Arts Center, SLO
Gorgeous concert hall, free symphony rehearsal for older kids, and instrument petting zoo for little kids!
Bluff Trail, Montana de Oro State Park
Hard-packed dirt trail with overlooks above glorious coves and rocks. Two miles each way.
Pismo Beach Pier, Playground, and Promenade
Gorgeous spot with wide pier, surfers carving the waves, whale playground, wide open attractive plaza, Pismo Beach selfie sign, and wooden promenade with views of the hills and sea.
Avila Beach and town
Colorful, pretty main street and boardwalk, with great cafes, lovely ship playground, and mesmerizing yellow cliffs.
Dinosaur Caves Playground and walks
Imaginative playground, huge green lawn, high hills in the distance, and path along the cliffs with views of the ocean and bird rocks!
Shell Beach Bluffs Trail, Pismo Beach
Stunning 0.4 mile paved path on cliffs above the sea, across from mansions.
Pirate's Cove and Smuggler's Cave
Top-of-the-world view of yellow cliffs, headlands, and magic coves.
Cayucos town, pier, and beach
A pretty beachside town, with colorful houses with gardens, gently-sloping hills, a pier and windy beach, and views of Morro Rock.
Leffingwell Landing Park, Cambria
Wonderful paths, lookouts, and picnic tables on cliffs over the sea!
Spooner's Cove, Montana de Oro State Park
Rugged, beautiful cove with interesting rocks, sea glass, and shells on shore. Rock to climb, and water rushing into cove.
South Palisades Park and Beach
Supremely nice views from many varied vantage points. A clifftop park, beach with tide pools, and start of a long walk.
Cloisters Beach, Morro Bay
Wonderful wide and secluded beach, with sand dollars galore, and views of Morro Rock!
Tidelands Park, Morro Bay
Cement ship playground with logs to climb, seal, dolphin, whale's tail and giant octopus sculptures, picnic tables, and an amazing view of Morro Rock and the inlet.
Meadow Creek Trail and Boardwalk, Pismo
Wonderful wooden boardwalk over the dunes, with gorgeous views of the sea! Plus eucalyptus forest. You can walk 1.7 miles in total!
Monarch Butterfly Grove and Dunes Trail, Pismo
Sunny monarch butterfly grove amid tall eucalyptus trees, and a fantastic wooden boardwalk over dunes. Plus a wonderland of dunes to play in.
Poly Canyon Hike, SLO
Wonderful wide open spaces with beautiful mountains of all shapes and sizes! 4-mile out and back hike with incline of 10% and under, on a wide path. Or 5.5 mile loop hike with incline of 15% and under, narrow path at end. Optional mountaintop detour with
Dolphin Bay Resort Walkway, Shell Beach
Sheltered cove with tidepools, and walkway above that's bliss at sunset, and in springtime when there's flowers galore.
Witches and Warlocks Paddle, Morro Bay
Amazing event a few days before Halloween, where witches and warlocks paddle around in the bay!
Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, Biddle Ranch, SLO
Wonderful corn maze with lots of tall, live corn stalks! Beautiful pumpkins on vine.
Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, Los Osos
A magical clear pond with tadpoles and ducks, healthy eucalyptus trees with big leaves, winding salt marsh, and boardwalk.
Islay Park and Playground, SLO
A wonderful playground in a lush park with walking paths, baseball diamond, basketball courts, and picnic tables.
2nd St cafes and Baywood Park Pier, Los Osos
A tiny stretch of boardwalk in a beautiful setting on the estuary, with a waterfront coffee shop and many cute cafes where you can relax.
William R. Hearst State Beach, Winery, Schoolhouse
Magical beach with lagoon, pier, and eucalyptus forest. Hearst Ranch Winery overlooking the sea. Old schoolhouse.
Coleman Park Harborwalk (sea otters!), Morro Bay
A walkway from Coleman Park to the base of Morro Rock, with views of sea otters on the left!
Marina Peninsula Trail, Morro Bay
Flat wooden boardwalk loop trail along the estuary- you see divebombing pelicans, Morro Rock, cypress trees on the hills opposite, salt marsh, and mountains in the distance.
Big Sur Coast Drive, San Simeon to Monterey
Breathtaking stops along the way, of vertical cliffs and sparking water. This is the drive described if you are heading north.
Elephant Seal Vista Point, San Simeon
Beaches absolutely covered in massive elephant seals, and sometimes their babies.
Point San Luis Lighthouse, Avila Beach
Beautiful views of the coast, cute buildings, and amazing bus ride!
Harford Pier and Fisherman's Beach, Avila
Harbor beach with hundreds of pelicans and sailboats bobbing in the water. Stunning views, seals barking on a floating dock, and outdoor cafe on Harford pier.
Avila Bch Playground and Central Coast Aquarium
Colorful pirate playground by the sea, with lovely clean sand below the structure, right next door to the great Central Coast Aquarium.
Barney Schwartz Lower Playground, Paso Robles
An amazing wooden playground with tons of colorful equipment.
Downtown City Park Playground, Paso Robles
Amazing, accessible and huge playground in the center of the lovely walkable downtown of Paso Robles.
Paso Robles Children's Museum
Attractive children's museum with market and carts, Newton's playhouse where you can shoot balls, ball pit, fire engine, oak tree tunnels, stage, dress-up area, and pizza kitchen.
Margo Dodd Park
A great place to picnic or marry, with sea caves and jutting sea rocks below cliffs of hanging flowers.
Boosinger Park
A lovely park with playground, picnic areas, trees, a sloped lawn, and best of all- spectacular views from way up high, over the city and beach of Pismo.
Placentia Avenue secret lookout
A white picket fence above stunning cliffs, sea caves, and rock formations.
Point Buchon Trail Hike, Montana de Oro, Los Osos
Incredible hike past sink hole, sea stacks, sea arches, with super bloom in spring.
Point San Luis Lighthouse Beach, Avila
Romantic cove with rock pools, shade spots under the cliffs, calm water, and warm weather. Accessible by kayak or lighthouse tour bus.
Sensorio Lights, Paso Robles
A wonderful exhibit on acres of undulating hills, with a field of lights resembling a flower field, and metal sculptures making patterns of light.
Brookshire Farms Corn Maze
Beautiful pumpkin patch, in-ground trampolines, games, and a huge corn maze with two bridges in a gorgeous setting with mountain views.
Black Hill Hike and Lookout, Morro Bay
Stunning view on a clear day. Drive up to the lookout, enjoy the view, and then do a 1km out-and-back steep hike.
Sea Otter Nursery and Morro Bay T Pier
Mother and baby sea otters in a sheltered area near a T-shaped pier. So sweet!
Christmas Lights, Paso Robles
Romantic Christmas lights! Long strands of lights hanging elegantly from tall, regal trees in City Park, plus Vine Street Victorian houses.
Downtown SLO Farmers' Market Street Party
On Thursday nights there's an amazing street party called "Farmers'" in Downtown SLO!
Estrella Warbird and Auto Museum, Paso Robles
Military museum with jet fighters, World War I and II exhibits, historic and racing cars, bombs and missiles, communications equipment, and jeeps.
Cal Poly Farms U-Pick, SLO
Pick pixie mandarins, blood oranges, peaches, blueberries, strawberries...depending on the season! With a glorious backdrop of Bishop's Peak, and friendly students.
Rod and Hammer Rock Distillery, SLO
Place to taste beer or spirits, with tons of atmosphere and a happy vibe.
Bob Jones Trail and Secret Garden, Avila Beach
Wide partially shady path that leads through oak forest, past a market, and a Secret Garden with live music, to Avila Beach.
Downtown San Luis Obispo
A main street of late 19th century storefronts, popular cafes, and a hip college scene. Recently, suffering an epidemic of homelessness.
Irish Hills neighborhood and De Vaul Park, SLO
Lovely neighborhood walk past sweet houses and gardens, near fragrant hills with eucalyptus and wildflowers, plus a playground and lawn.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Hilly, sunny campus with tall, impressive trees and green lawns. A hands-on learning university.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and Plaza
Spanish mission from late 18th century, in downtown San Luis Obispo, with giant roses in the garden behind and a lively plaza in front.
Rancho Grande Playground, Arroyo Grande
Nice playground with sandy floor, up in the hills of Arroyo Grande. Lovely in the late afternoon.
Monarch Lane Butterfly Preserve, Los Osos
A very short dirt trail through magical eucalyptus forest, and then a path of deep sand on the dunes.
Cambria Pines Lodge Christmas Lights
Millions of LED lights- walk the grounds for an hour admiring them!
Cloisters Beach Path, Morro Bay
Lovely 0.7 mile walking path through the dunes filled with sage and flowers, past a playground, and behind some houses. Possible 3 mile walk, if you connect to Embarcadero.
Atascadero Lake Walk on Lake View Drive
Gorgeous walk in Autumn when the leaves are yellow and red. 1.3 mile loop walk beside the lake.
Atascadero Lake Park and Playground
A large park with beautiful tall trees, playground with huge slides, gazebo, and a pleasant lake where you can rent paddle boats in summer.
Morro Bay Town
A delightful rock, beautiful wildlife, peaceful idyllic estuary, imaginative playground, and colorful little town.
Islay Park Greenway, SLO
A peaceful 3-mile walk through oaky forest, past lush landscaping and a park with a historic adobe house, and among a neighborhood with gardens filled with flowers.
SLO Creek U-Pick Flower and Apple Farm
Beautiful spot where you can pick dahlias, cosmos, sunflowers, and apples, and play games.
University Square Shopping Center, SLO
Scout Coffee, a friendly, bustling place, and Lassens Natural Foods Market, plus many other food places nearby.
Court Street Mall, San Luis Obispo
European-style mall in downtown San Luis Obispo with sidewalk cafes.
Avila Valley Barn
Colorful farm with a fruit/veg store, ice cream, petting zoo, and seasonally: hay rides, hay maze, toddler hay maze, sunflowers, u-pick fruit, and pumpkin patch.
Paso Robles Town
A great walkable downtown with a huge park, amazing playground, and cute stores and cafes.
San Luis Obispo Children's Museum
A ton of stuff to explore in a cute three-storey building in downtown San Luis Obispo.
Pismo Beach Premium Outlets
Pismo Beach Premium Outlets always ends up being a successful shopping excursion!
Bishop Peak hike, SLO
Fairly difficult hike with cute rock formations, great views, and cool breezes.
Highland Park, Pismo Beach
Hillside park with sloped lawn going way down, marvelous pampas grass, and a small playground.
Orcutt Rd Railroad District, SLO
Trendy area with coffee shop, beer garden, wine bars, and cider bar, in industrial-style architecture with murals.
Arroyo Grande Village
Nice little main street, with cafes, pretty storefronts, park, and swinging bridge.
Ebb Tide Park, Pismo Beach
Stretch of grass with a paved walkway, flower beds, wonderful ocean views to Avila Beach, and monterey cypress trees.
Baileyana Winery, SLO
Lovely place to sit with views of the vineyards and the morro called Islay Hill.
Johnson Ranch Hike, SLO
Beautiful hike through pristine hills, with views around every bend. Narrow hard-packed dirt path. Flowers in spring.
Cloisters Park Playground, Morro Bay
Wide open park behind the dunes in Morro Bay, with play structure with sand floor, and huge lawn with winding paths for tricycling.
Islay Hill Hike, SLO
Pretty hike, with views over SLO town, flowers in the spring, and surprise at the top!
Irish Hills Hike, SLO
Hike with views of Cerro San Luis and Bishop Peak mountains and town, and then a tranquil valley on the other side.
Whale Rock Reservoir Hike, Cayucos
Beautiful trail slightly above the lake with sweet pea flowers in spring!
Stadium Park Hike, Atascadero
Mostly shady hike with twisty oak trees and spring flowers, and sweeping views of the town!
Palisades Park Playground, Shell Beach
Pastel-colored fun, tall playground at sloped park, with spinner, baby swings, and climbies galore.
Patricia Drive neighborhood walk, SLO
Two mile walk in neighborhood with few streets crossings, and wonderful mountain views!
Indio Drive neighborhood walk, Shell Beach
Pretty walk on a dead end road, past three ocean overlooks with sparkling water. You can extend this walk on both ends to make very long walks.
Eagle Rock Nature Trail, SLO
Wonderful 1.6 mile out-and-back uphill trail with 360 degree views! A good trail for winter. 18% grade max- steep the whole way.
Wadsworth Stairs (volleyball), Pismo Beach
Stairs surrounded by purple and yellow ice plant, leading down to Pismo Beach. Volleyball, long walks, caves, pier and boardwalk.
Creamery Marketplace, Downtown SLO
Quiet, leafy plaza with restaurants, BBQ place, ice cream cafe, coffee shop, and public space with tables, tucked away on the southern edge of downtown SLO.
Lucerne Street walk by Half Seal Cove, Cayucos
Short walk along Lucerne Street, past two gorgeous views: of Half Seal Cove, and Cayucos Beach.
Pismo Preserve, Pismo Beach
Steep walk up a narrow trail with wildflowers and ocean views. Loud noise from freeway (unless you take the inland trail), limited parking, and lots of people on mountain bikes.
Downtown Center Mall, San Luis Obispo
Pedestrian-only mall along the main strip in downtown San Luis Obispo, with Barnes and Noble and some cafes.
Museum of Natural History, Morro Bay
With beautiful views of the bay, and some interesting displays to check out.
French Park, paths and pickleball, SLO
Walking paths, plus pretty park with picnic spot on hill under trees, popular pickleball courts, playground, mountain views, field for dogs, tennis courts, and basketball court.
Meadow Park Playground and walk, SLO
A lush park with rolling hills to run on, one-mile loop walking path, and basketball and sand volleyball courts. Currently has a crime problem.
Railroad Bike Path and neighborhood walk, SLO
Bike path with views of hills all around, and pretty neighborhood nearby.
Avila Ranch Playgrounds and Short Bike Path, SLO
Neighborhood with huge playground, second playground with picnic pavilion, flowers, creek, and short bike path kids can tricycle along.
Shell Beach Village and Bike Path
Coffee shop and cafes, plus a dedicated bike path that runs for 1.1 km from Dinosaur Caves Park to the elementary school.
Eldwayen Ocean Park, Shell Beach
Walkway with benches above the ocean, and steps that lead down to tide pools and beach with reddish-hued sand and lovely cliffs.
Atascadero town
Sunny town with a cute main street, and City Hall with beautiful lawn with sculptures and fountains.
Mill Street Historic District walk, SLO
Historic houses, beautiful trees, and views of the volcanic peaks.
Throop Playground and neighborhood walk, SLO
Cute playground with two bridges to go under, near a school so there are kids there in the afternoon. Plus, a pretty neighborhood to walk.
Leaning Pine Arboretum, Cal Poly
Lovely stroll past many different types of trees blossoming with seeds and flowers.
San Luis Drive neighborhood walk
Pretty neighborhood with sweet houses and gardens, and bridge over the creek.
Emerson Park, Downtown SLO
Cute toddler playground, workout station, community garden, basketball courts, lawn with views of Cerro San Luis, and Victorian houses, a block from the main downtown strip. Currently, a crime problem.
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, Cambria
Rugged, windswept beach with large driftwood, kelp balls, and wildflower-lined boardwalk.
Los Osos Community Park
Great skatepark, cute schoolhouse, pretty views, and a fun space-age playground.
Terrace Hill short walk, SLO
A walk up a steep, gravelly hill, to a short loop walk with 360 degree views of SLO town.
Lemon Grove Loop Trail, SLO
2.2 mile loop hike that leads to other hikes, such as the one to the top of Cerro San Luis mountain.
Ramona Garden Park, Grover Beach
City park with amphitheatre, huge lawn, and wooden bridge over a cute manmade stream. Fantastic free summer concerts!
Grover Heights Park
An abundance of small slides and baby swings in a hilly park with large shady trees.
Memory Park, Pismo Beach
Small park in residential neighborhood with benches overlooking a pretty cove.
Laguna Lake Park, San Luis Obispo
Dry open spaces with views of the hills, beside a blue lake with geese.
Elfin Forest, Los Osos
A boardwalk over stunted California Live Oaks with wonderful views of Morro Rock and the bay below.
Cal Poly neighborhood walk, SLO
Hilly streets with 1940s houses, beautiful trees, and views of mountain peaks.
Cerro San Luis or M mountain hike, SLO
Fire road 1.6 mile hike to the top of Cerro San Luis mountain, with views of Bishop Peak and the town.
High School Hill Hike, SLO
Difficult, steep, rocky climb with gorgeous views of mountains and distant sea.
Reservoir Canyon Loop Hike, SLO
Strenuous 5.5 mile loop hike with views of the back country, and then views of SLO town at the top! Plus, a waterfall in winter or spring after rains.
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
Some nice trees such as mayten trees from the Andes foothills, in a dry inland area.
Lake Lopez Rocky Point and Marina Trails
A steep 0.8 km walk through dry grasses over a hill and to the other side, with views of the lake on both sides.
Chapman Estate, Pismo Beach
Half-timbered house over the ocean, with windmill and decorative lighthouse, and in summer, begonia house.
Stoneridge Park and South Hills Hike, SLO
Hilltop park with basketball court with views, picnic tables, eucalyptus trees, and a difficult two-mile out-and-back trail.
San Luis Country Club neighborhood walk, SLO
A pleasant walk past pretty houses, varied trees, and sweeping mountain views.
Santa Margarita town
Small town with a few cafes on El Camino Real, some wineries, a sweet chapel, a playground, and pretty trees around houses along I Street.
San Luis Ranch Farms, Market, and walk, SLO
Coffee shop, gift shop, outdoor public spaces, farm, playground, and eucalyptus forest walkway in neighborhood.
Olde Port Dog Beach, Avila Beach
A long stretch of beach where dogs run off leash. Also nice for parking your car above the beach, to watch the ocean in the rain.
Santa Rosa Park and SLO Skate Park, SLO
A pretty park with imaginative playground, lawn, amazing skatepark with a wave, basketball/roller derby court, and shady picnic areas. Currently a crime problem.
Mitchell Park, SLO
Park with gazebo in a neighborhood full of cottages and gardens. Nowadays, more like an outdoor homeless shelter.
Jim Green Trail, Atascadero
Lovely mystical forest with yellow grasses and gnarled trees, but bad sewer smell.
Gopher Glen Apple Farm, Avila Beach
Short stop at a little market with apple products- beautiful drive.
Hazard Reef Trail, Montana de Oro State Park
Short 0.3 mile downhill trail past eucalyptus forest to rocky shale coastline with tide pools. Flooded most of the time, with stepping stones over mud.