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SLO ADVENTURE GUIDE

BEACHES

HIKES

SUNSETS

SEASONAL

4 THE 'GRAM

ON CAMPUS

MISCELLANEOUS

Choose your adventure by clicking any of the icons above and discover what we recommend around SLO!
Beaches

* 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.

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Cayucos

Cayucos, CA 93430

Tips:

Great place to surf for more experienced. Also get the brown butter cookie samples.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Pismo

100 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Tips:

Great place to learn surfing. Lots of good food places next to beach.

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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.

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Hikes

* 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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Islay Hill (*)

Islay Hill Trail, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Tips:

Slightly steep climb in the beginning, fun surprise at the top ;)

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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.

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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.

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Morro State Park

60 State Park Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Tips:

There is a park museum. The most prominent landmark is Morro Rock.

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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.

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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 :((

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South Hills Open Space

456 Stoneridge Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Tips:

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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!

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Sunset Spots

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!

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Laguna Lake / Dog Park

504 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Tips:

Great place to go on runs.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Seasonal

$ 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.

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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.

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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 tiÅ‚hini, Northern Chumash Tribe. Also don't step/sit on flowers or take. 

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Downtown Holiday Parade

Higuera St. 

Tips:

Floats and performances!

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Morro Bay Christmas Boat Parade

Morro Bay, CA 93442

Tips:

Over 40 boats compete in this where they are all decorated with twinkle lights!

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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.

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For the 'gram

$ 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

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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

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Pismo Pier

100 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Tips:

Nice for a walk, long board walks

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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.

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Bubblegum Alley

733 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Tips:

Try not to lick the wall.

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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

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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.

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Rinconada Mercury Mine($)

Rinconada Mine California 93453 (Santa Margarita)

Tips:

You'll take a short hike to get to the abandoned mine.

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On Campus

$ 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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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IM Sports

Various

Tips:

Each sport offers leagues and divisions for all male teams, all female teams, or co-ed teams.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Serenity Swing

Past Poly Canyon

Tips:

Hike gets more difficult and steeper towards the end.

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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.

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The Ridge

Take the secret pathway before the junction to Architecture Graveyard

Tips:

Gives a great view of the campus!

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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.

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$ 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.

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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!

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ATV Pismo Dunes ($)

Search what company you want online

Tips:

There are many rental companies to chose from!

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Misc.
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