Pacific Coast
With four great beaches less than 20 miles away, San Luis Obispo is the place to visit when you want to find the perfect beach treasure, polish your surfing skills, or spread out on a blanket and relax. To decide which beach is right for you, check out the information below!
Avila Beach
Located in downtown Avila Beach, the actual beach itself is one of the most family-friendly on the Central Coast. Featuring six BBQ pits, volleyball courts, picnic tables, kayak rental and more, Avila Beach is known for its picture perfect weather and adorable sea lions. When you're not splashing around in the water, go for a walk on the Avila Beach Pier or pop into the downtown strip for authentic tacos, shopping, and chatting with the locals.
Pismo Beach
Long white beaches and a 1,200-foot pier make Pismo Beach a classic beach town. Spend the day kiteboarding, fishing, surfing, or lounging on the beach, and then head into town for a bite to eat and some shopping. Pismo Beach is also dog-friendly, so bring your furry companion and grab the family for a terrific day along the California coast!
Shell Beach
Considered an unincorporated city within Pismo Beach, Shell Beach is a quaint beach city providing visitors with gorgeous views and plenty of space to spread out. Hop on your kayak and spend the morning exploring tide pools and coves followed by a picnic on the picturesque cliffs. Don't forget your water shoes - the sand is known to be a bit rocky!
Morro Bay Beach
Known as both Morro Rock Beach and Morro Bay Beach, the beach draws visitors interested in relaxing in the sun or learning about natural history. Morro Bay features a massive, 576-foot volcanic plug known as the Morro Rock, which is registered as a California Historical Landmark and is closed to the public. Visitors can also enjoy lots of open space for picnicking, sandcastle building, exploring and more.
With all of the fun-filled activities available to you here in San Luis Obispo, we're sure you'll be happy during your stay. For those looking for even more fun and adventure, check out the Central Coast Outdoors, a nearby touring company, who can customize a variety of outdoor adventures for you on your visit in SLO.
Local Flavors
No matter your preference, you're guaranteed to find a meal and dining experience that will more than satisfy! Local restaurant menus typically feature farm-to-table plates, local beer and Central Coast wines. This gives visitors a real opportunity to dine SLO style. Here are a few great San Luis Obispo restaurants to try while you are here: