San Luis Obispo & Paso Robles
A dream destination for foodies and antique lovers alike !!
I’ve been so excited to write this post and finally share all my favorite spots—places I’ve been going to for years. Growing up and spending every summer here always felt like such a treat. While the area is best known for its wine culture, I’ll be sharing how to enjoy it beyond the wineries.
I’m always on the lookout for the best boutique hotels and versatile Airbnbs — whether you’re planning a girls’ trip or a romantic weekend, this list has something for every kind of stay.
PASO ROBLES
•Campover
•River Lodge
•Farmhouse
•Stables Inn
•Geneseo Inn
SAN LUIS OBISPO
•Hotel Cerro
•Madonna Inn
*clickable links
From stacked deli sandwiches to perfectly crisped wood-fired pies, San Luis Obispo County serves up a delicious mix — from laid-back bites to elevated dining experiences.
PASO ROBLES
•The Hatch Rotisserie - Lively brick-lined haunt featuring wood-fired seasonal fare, craft cocktails & small batch whiskey.
•Fish Gaucho - Cantina featuring modern Mexican fare, craft cocktails & tequila in a rustic-chic space.
•Pig Iron - Breakfast to dinner plus a bar in a former general store with an updated, relaxed atmosphere and patio dining.
•Paso Market Walk - A mixed-use development offering a range of restaurants, a market, and live entertainment.
•Finca - Modern Mexican cuisine served in a historic farmhouse with an outdoor patio.
•Goshi - Cozy, sun-lit locale with a sushi bar & a traditional range of cooked Japanese entrees.
•Della’s - Cozy restaurant offering wood-fired pizza and housemade sodas.
•Sylvester’s burgers - Outpost of a small chain known for its distinctive burgers, including elk & buffalo varieties.
-H. Cheval Coffee
-Spearhead Coffee
-Booker Vineyard
-High Camp Wines
-Club Car Bar
SAN LUIS OBISPO
•Giuseppe’s - Quaint Italian restaurant serving familiar fare, including pizza from a wood-burning oven.
•Lincoln Market - Popular deli featuring sandwiches such as the pesto primo, pastrami, and breakfast burritos, plus beer.
•Flour House - Neapolitan-style pizza & pasta, plus cocktails & craft beer in a lively space with a cozy patio.
•Seeds - A fast-casual-style menu of smoothie bowls, toasts, drinks, & sandwiches.
•Nate’s on Marsh - Contemporary American and Italian cooking in a relaxed environment.
•High Street Deli - Popular deli dishing up an array of sandwiches including a Dutch crunch.
•Bear and the Wren -Wood-fired pizzeria serving both Neapolitan and Detroit-style pizzas in a comfortable atmosphere.
•Bread Bike Bakery - Artisan bakery making naturally leavened bread and california style pastry
•Sally Loo’s - Serving seasonal breakfast and lunch daily, with house-made baked goods fresh every morning.
•Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush - A delightfully over-the-top Steak House serving oak-pit barbecued steak, seafood, and more.
-Sidecar
-Dunites
-Shindig Cider
-Nightcap
-Region
-High Bar
-Scout Coffee
-Field Day Coffee Â
-Buen Dia Coffee
-Lucy’s Coffee
From scenic outdoor adventures for all skill levels to vintage and antique shops perfect for a laid-back day of browsing — there’s truly a little something for everyone here.
SHOPPING - When it comes to treasure hunting, SLO is a thrift lover’s dream — but if antiques are your thing, Paso’s where it’s at.
Vineyard Antique Mall
Great American Antiques Mall
The Barn Antiques & Unique
Park Street Antiques
Village Vintage
Mission Thrift SLO
Fred & Betty’s Thrift
Thrifty Beaches Headquarters
DOWNTOWN - San Luis Obispo is a charming, walkable hub full of local shops, cafes, and vibrant energy, perfect for exploring and soaking up the Central Coast vibe.
Every Thursday night there’s a lively Farmers’ Market with five blocks of fresh produce, smoky BBQ, local goods, and live music. It’s the ideal place to grab a bite, support small businesses, and enjoy the community energy.
The Hat Bar in San Luis Obispo is a fun, hands-on group activity where you can create a custom hat and leave with a one-of-a-kind keepsake to remember your trip.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Bishop Peak is one of the most popular hikes in San Luis Obispo, offering sweeping views and a moderate challenge—it typically takes about 1–2 hours to complete. Another favorite is the Cerro San Luis Trail, often called Madonna Mountain, which offers scenic vistas and a slightly quicker route, taking about 1–1.5 hours round trip.
Head up Prefumo Canyon for an elevated sunset viewpoint—perfect for soaking in sweeping, aerial views as the evening light unfolds.
SLO’s Sunset Drive-In brings back all the nostalgic charm of classic movie nights—watch from your car, just like the good old days. Open seven days a week, but don’t forget to bring cash!
Immerse yourself in the stunning landscape of rolling hills on a serene horseback ride, where each moment offers breathtaking views and a peaceful connection with nature. I recommend Central Coast Trailrides and Madonna Inn Trail Rides for unforgettable horseback experiences.
Tucked into the hills above Avila Beach, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa is a peaceful retreat centered around its historic geothermal waters. With 24 private hillside tubs, a lush Oasis Waterfall Lagoon, spa treatments, wellness classes, and a farm-to-table restaurant, it’s the perfect spot to unwind—whether you’re coming off a coastal hike or simply seeking a relaxing getaway.
Avila Valley Barn is a charming, family-friendly farm near Avila Beach featuring fresh produce, homemade pies, a petting zoo, hayrides, and seasonal activities
Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles is a stunning outdoor art installation featuring over 100,000 glowing fiber-optic lights spread across rolling hills.
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