SLO ADVENTURE GUIDE
Choose your adventure by clicking any of the icons above and discover what we recommend around SLO!
* Indicates not accessibility friendly area
BEACHES
Avila
Pacific Ocean, Avila Beach, CA 93424
Tips:
Great place to just walk around. May be forced to park up a hill. Has farmer's market in Summer.
Cayucos
Cayucos, CA 93430
Tips:
Great place to surf for more experienced. Also get the brown butter cookie samples.
Dinosaur Caves
2701 Price St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Tips:
Art in the Park is traditionally held on the first Sunday of the month, starting in May! Email artindinopark@yahoo.com for more info.
Grover
555 Pier Ave, Oceano, CA 93445
Tips:
Bonfires! Park next to the restaurant. 7/11 will have most of what you need for a bonfire. Pairs great with a shovel, beach towel, s'mores, pictures, music, and friends
Morro Bay/Morro Rock
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Tips:
The rock itself is a volcanic dome. Low tide leaves tide pools on the beaches next to Morro Rock. Cool beach town with plenty to do, most notably kayaking in the bay. Have also spotted surfers out on the waves.
Pirates Cove Lookout
Cave Landing Rd, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Tips:
Climbing the rocks at the top or down to the sea caves is harder but provides a nice view. Parking can be crowded and lower cars can get stuck.
Pismo
100 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Tips:
Great place to learn surfing. Lots of good food places next to beach.
Shell Beach*
100-198 Beachcomber Dr, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Tips:
Shell Beach is part of Pismo Beach (the city). Access to Shell Beach is tucked between a residential area. There are stairs to access smaller beaches with bluffs and rocky tide pools.
* Indicates not accessibility friendly activity, difficult hike
HIKES
Avila ridge
Many ways to access
Tips:
The steeper but quicker trail is starting from Pirates Cove parking lot but can also go down farther the 101 to off of Shell Beach Rd, that route takes longer
Bishop (*)
(Highland trail head) Brittany Cir
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Tips:
There are many trail heads to start your journey to Bishop, we recommend Patricia or the one off Highland
Black Hill
Upper State Park Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442
Tips:
Black Hill is the second to last of nine volcanic plugs that lie between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay
Cerro Cabrillo (*)
Quarry Trail, Morro Bay, CA 93442
Tips:
The Cerro Cabrillo Trail at Morro Bay State Park is an intense climb, but the views of Morro Bay are worth the effort
Irish Hills
Prefumo Canyon Rd & Isabella Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Tips:
Begin your foray into the Irish Hills from the Madonna Trailhead. Make an immediate left on King Trail. The single track crosses a grass slope to Froom Creek Trail.
Islay Hill (*)
Islay Hill Trail, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tips:
Slightly steep climb in the beginning, fun surprise at the top ;)
Madonna (Cerro San Luis Obispo)
Many trailheads, best to look up on a trails website
Tips:
If you go all the way around you can end up behind Madonna Inn's property. Christmas tree appears at the top near Christmas time.
Montana De Oro
3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos, CA 93402
Tips:
There are many great hikes here like Valencia Peak, Bluff Trail, hanging out at the sand dunes or the beach, drive around and explore! It is my favorite place! Road can be a little winding.
Morro State Park
60 State Park Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442
Tips:
There is a park museum. The most prominent landmark is Morro Rock.
Pismo Preserve
80 Mattie Rd, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Tips:
Nice easy trails that overlook the beach. Still a relatively new trail and has a lot of beautiful scenery. Has a horse trail if you have a horse.
Reservoir Canyon
35.291151, -627594, San Luis Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tips:
Do not hike if it was raining recently!! The trail will be extremely muddy and you will slip :((
South Hills Open Space
456 Stoneridge Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tips:
West Cuesta Ridge
89WC+V2 Santa Margarita, California
Tips:
When you arrive, you need to make a U-turn to get to the parking lot!
SUNSET SPOTS
Boosinger Park
Boosinger Park Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Tips:
A small park on a hill with a great view of the entire coast! Go up on the rocks for the view!
Laguna Lake / Dog Park
504 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Tips:
Great place to go on runs.
MDO Sand Dunes
Pecho Valley Rd Los Osos, CA 93402
Tips:
Otherwise known as Sandspit Beach, there are trails, picnic tables, restroom facilities and, sand dunes. The northern end of the sand spit that divides Morro Bay from the ocean is a protected area called Morro Dunes Natural Preserve, which is closed March through September.
Prefumo
Go on Perfumo Canyon Rd and drive
Tips:
Fairly winding road that goes uphill. Road can become narrow at times. continue through until trees clear up into an open space, there will be an area that cars can park.
Terrace Hill
1300 Bishop St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tips:
This is a great place to have a picnic or photoshoots and overlooks much of SLO county.
$ Indicates this activity is not free
SEASONAL
Avila Valley Barn
57MV+49 San Luis Obispo, California
Tips:
Offers farm goods from baked goods, BBQ, and sweets and offers seasonal produce. Farm activities and a pumpkin patch during Autumn.
Brookshire Farms Corn Maze ($)
76WJ+6M San Luis Obispo, California
Tips:
The central coast’s largest outdoor fall harvest attraction. Their attractions include the corn maze, hay rides, slides, a giant jumping pillow, among other things.
Carrizo Plains
17495 Soda Lake Rd, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
Tips:
Breathe takingly beautiful. Go during a superbloom usually in April/May. A decent drive away, can go on a tour. Some areas not allowed to enter due to being sacred sites to the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini, Northern Chumash Tribe. Also don't step/sit on flowers or take.
Downtown Holiday Parade
Higuera St.
Tips:
Floats and performances!
Morro Bay Christmas Boat Parade
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Tips:
Over 40 boats compete in this where they are all decorated with twinkle lights!
Morro Bay Kite Festival
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Tips:
The Morro Bay Kite Festival is an annual community event in April focused on family and the art of kite flying. Their goal is to bring all individuals, families, and all generations together in a safe, relaxing and fun environment to learn and participate in the art of kite flying, Morro Bay style.
$ Indicates this activity is not free
FOR THE 'GRAM
Avila Pier
Avila Beach Pier Avila Beach, CA 93424
Tips:
Fun area with a brightly colored seaside buildings and businesses. It is beyond the main Avila area, past dog beach
Elfin Forest
At North end of 11. Handicap access at 16th Street, 17th St, Los Osos, CA 93402
Tips:
Pygmy oak forest!! You can see Morro rock from the forest
Pismo Pier
100 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Tips:
Nice for a walk, long board walks
Shell Beach Bluff Trail
Google on maps
Tips:
Very accessible, it is a flat sidewalk the entire time through VERY rich big houses, a nice alternative to Avila ridge.
Bubblegum Alley
733 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tips:
Try not to lick the wall.
Farmhouse Corner Market
1025 Farmhouse Ln, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tips:
Only open from 10:00AM to 3:00PM but its so cute and made for ig pics
Sycamore Hot Spring ($)
1215 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Tips:
This is in the hills of Avila near the Barn, less expensive on weekdays. Def a great experience in the evening time, get private hot spring tub.
Rinconada Mercury Mine($)
Rinconada Mine California 93453 (Santa Margarita)
Tips:
You'll take a short hike to get to the abandoned mine.
$ Indicates this activity is not free
* Indicates not accessibility friendly activity, difficult hike
ON CAMPUS
Arboretum
Pass the H Parking Lots on campus, it will be on your right!
Tips:
The back has a lot of colorful flowers in bloom during the spring. You can also rent out the space for events; they have open space and grills. From Campus market, go down the brick road towards the parking lot. Follow the road until the plant shop with a gate. The entrance to the arboretum is inside the gate to the left.
Architecture Graveyard
Between Cerro and PCV
Tips:
Here lies the projects of ARCH students past. There are several structures throughout the hillside that you can walk through, climb, sit on, or just vibe within.. Just follow poly canyon road down until you reach the sign.
Cat Shelter
Near the dairy unit
Tips:
The Cat Program has many services such as adopting, fostering, and volunteering. Make an appointment to visit! Their website contains more information https://catprogram.calpoly.edu/. Follow them on Instagram @calpoly_catprogram.
Craft Center ($)
University Union
Tips:
There are different programs like surfboard making and ceramics, just to name a few! Clubs, organizations, and various centers accross campus sometimes hold events at the Craft Center!
Gyms
Cal Poly Rec Center
Tips:
There are 2 main gyms on the lower level, and 2 smaller gyms on the upper level with basketball hoops. There are also two areas for working out that includes an indoor track.
IM Sports
Various
Tips:
Each sport offers leagues and divisions for all male teams, all female teams, or co-ed teams.
Lane Pool/Community Pool
Cal Poly Rec Center
Tips:
Large pool with lanes for people who want to workout and swim laps, and another large pool that goes 5 feet deep maximum for those that want to hangout in the pool.
Look at animals (goats, horses, etc.)
Various
Tips:
There are many Animal Science units where you can look at animals! There are cow, swine, equine, and sheep/goat units just to name a few! You can find the goats at various parts of campus depending on the time of year.
Observatory
Building 52-B
Tips:
It is located outdoors between the D and E wings of Bldg 52. Hours of operation are set by quarter.
Outdoor volleyball Courts (*)
Cal Poly Rec Center
Tips:
Located in the back of the rec center by the pool. There are 3 sand courts, and the net is standard height according to professional male game rules.
Polyscapes ($)(*)
Cal Poly Rec Center
Tips:
Very worth it's price, trip leaders plan everything for you, provide almost everything, what is not provided you get a discount to rent from poly escapes, they provide and cook for you, they take care of transportation , etc. Sign up early before the quarter starts or in the first 2 weeks of the quarter
Racquetball Courts (*)
Cal Poly Rec Center
Tips:
Located in the back of the rec center by the weights section. There are 6 courts located within small rooms surrounded by white walls. You can also setup a net inside the courts.
Rock Wall
Cal Poly Rec Center
Tips:
You can either climb the big wall with a harness and belayer, which is someone who holds the rope from the bottom, belay for someone else if you have taken the class, or climb the small wall without an harness (this is called bouldering). The employees provide chalk you can use if you do not have your own.
SeeSaw in Arch Graveyard
Arch Graveyard left side
Tips:
Archictecture Graveyard is also sometimes called Design Village. Undergrad architecture students design and build structures in the spring. All the pieces here are created by students.
Serenity Swing
Past Poly Canyon
Tips:
Hike gets more difficult and steeper towards the end.
The P
Behind Red Bricks, top of K1 lot
Tips:
Part of the Tri Tip Challenge alongside Madonna and Bishop's. Enter through the top of the K1 lot behind the Red Bricks. There will be a path that leads to a gate and the path begins there.
The Ridge
Take the secret pathway before the junction to Architecture Graveyard
Tips:
Gives a great view of the campus!
Workout Classes (*)
Cal Poly Rec Center
Tips:
The Recreation Centers offers lots of classes that you can take in one of the three studios located on the upper level of the rec center. There are some special classes that are offered as well such as belay classes to get belay certified and scuba diving classes to get scuba certified.
$ Indicates this activity is not free
* Indicates may not be a accessibility friendly activity
MISCELLANEOUS
Archery Ranges (San Luis Obispo Sportsmen's Association)
3270 Gilardi Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Tips:
The SLOSA archery range also has a shooting range and plenty of other activities that you can pay to participate in if you would like to.
Art After Dark
Downtown
Tips:
Look online for all shops participating, get a chance to look at a lot of cool local art, eat free snacks and drinks!
ATV Pismo Dunes ($)
Search what company you want online
Tips:
There are many rental companies to chose from!
Avila Beach Farmers Market
Avila Beach Pier
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Tips:
Super fun, right on the pier, live music, and a lot of older folks are always dancing which is fun. Happens in the summer months
Bob Jones Biking Trail
133-141 Prado Rd
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tips:
This is a trail that goes from SLO to Avila! Takes about a hour to bike there one way. The trail is about 2 miles in length and passes through some nice areas for pictures.
Downtown SLO Farmers Market
Downtown, off Higuera
Tips:
Not only has grocery options but dinner options, often people go just to get a meal, also on the first one of the month something called "bike night" happens where A LOT of people bike around downtown, fun but kinda wild
Madonna Area Farmers Market
325 Madonna Road
World Market/Embassy Suites parking lot
Tips:
This is your traditional farmers market where everyone there is going to get their groceries but there are a few tents that sell tasty breakfast items
Morro Bay Kayaking ($)(*)
Search what company you want online
Tips:
The opposite shore has bugs that bite sometimes so be aware! As you kayak, you can see sea otters swimming by! Around this area, there are also a lot of good seafood places/a gourmet burger place that's good but expensive (JuJu by the Bay). Note: there is a program at Cal Poly that helps those who have disabilites ride in kayaks (even if you have a wheelchair) It's the Adapted Paddling Program from the Kinesiology department
Pismo Bowl
277 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Tips:
They have a pizza special on Monday nights. Calling to make a reservation is reccommended
Pismo Butterfly Grove
400 S Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Tips:
Walk beyond the grove and you will be able to walk to the beach and explore this beautiful forested area and the ocean!
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Tips:
They have cool classes there where if you ask if you can volunteer for them then they are free, also beautiful area to walk around
Sunset Drive In ($)
255 Elks Ln, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tips:
They show 2 movies in one night so if you can get a handhold radio somehow that is best, it's a little rough on the car battery, but great deal, and bring lots of snacks!
Sunset Drive In Sunday Swap Meet
255 Elks Ln, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tips:
Lots of cool finds from produce to snacks to household items to toys and clothes, you name it, it very possibly is there and for good bargain prices!
The Pad Climbing ($)
888 Ricardo Ct, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tips:
They also have yoga classes and weight training sections besides just the big rock walls for climbing or bouldering.