Activities
Things To Do In SLO CAL
From the 80 miles of pristine beaches featuring water activities to the vast rolling vineyard-covered hills just waiting for outdoor adventures, SLO CAL offers exciting answers to the question, “what should we do today?” Whether you are discovering our vibrant and diverse food & wine culture, strolling through a farmer’s market, exploring the emerging art scene, or enjoying the wonders of the wildlife, you’ll find endless opportunities for almost every taste and mood.
Beaches in SLO CAL
With more than 80 miles of coastline, San Luis Obispo County delights beach lovers at all times of the year. There’s no bad day to hit the beach in SLO CAL.
Looking for a classic California beach outing? Check out Pismo Beach, one of the Central Coast’s most stunning beaches. Cruise along Highway 1, stroll the length of the boardwalk or head to the pier for a unique view of the water below. Choose from surfing, beach volleyball, kayaking, fishing, or simply relax on the soft sand.
Just up the road is Avila Beach, a charming beach town with a family-friendly vibe. Rent a bike and cruise along the beachfront, or soak up the sun on the warm sand. Take a turn on the swing set, and feel like you’re swinging into the ocean. A nearby playground also keeps the little ones entertained when you need a bit of a coastal break.
Want to experience the shore in a different way? SLO CAL boasts beaches that cater to all interests. Explore a world of wonders hidden in tide pools, let your best friend run free in the surf at one of the area’s dog beaches, watch elephant seals at a rookery near San Simeon, or hike down coastal bluffs to discover off-the-beaten-path beaches.
Pismo & Shell Beach
Classic California is alive and well in the towns of Pismo Beach and Shell Beach. Just a stone’s throw off scenic Highway 1, and located a few miles from downtown San Luis Obispo, these seaside sisters share a coastline. Yet, each has its own unique beach vibes. Kayaking the Dinosaur Caves, Hiking, horseback riding and fishing are all part of the Pismo Beach experience. But if you ask visitors, they’ll say you can come simply to take in the fresh sea air. Couples and families alike enjoy surfing the day away, kicking back in the warm sand, or strolling along the iconic Pismo Pier. Venture off the beach to uncover a quaint downtown filled with surf shops, wine tasting and Pismo’s famous clam chowder.
In Shell Beach, beautiful sights and aquatic wonders are the gold sandy standard. Rub fins with migrating whales and huge pods of dolphins. Keep your eyes peeled for native seabird sightings and some of the most beautiful sunsets on the left coast. Let yourself succumb to the charms of these quintessential California beach towns on your next visit to The Land of SLO CAL.
Avila Beach
Tucked way into the coastal cove of San Luis Obispo Bay, Avila Beach is a small seaside town with big-time charm. A relaxed escape with multiple beaches and piers, this oasis is your hub for a variety of things to do. Take your time to browse the boutique shops, sip the local vino, and soak in the natural hot springs. Whether from a beach blanket, kayak, trail, or the patio of a waterfront eatery, there might not be a better spot in The Land of SLO CAL to take in the ocean views. And get ready to reach the peak of bliss with beach yoga or spa treatments inspired by the soothing sea waters.
Venture a short distance away from town to explore the area’s farm roots. Swing by See Canyon, home to U-pick orchards, family-owned farm stands and lush local vineyards. The farm-fresh fare you’ll find at Avila Barn alone is sure to fulfill any foodies’ wildest fantasies. Avila Beach is such a secluded oasis, it’s hard to believe the town is only three miles (4.5 km) off Highway 101, and just down the road a piece from bustling Downtown San Luis Obispo.
Surfing in San Luis Obispo County
SLO CAL is the perfect place to spread out a towel, lie on the beach and watch the waves crash until the sun goes down. Strap a board to your car, hit Highway 1 and add a little excitement to your day at the beach. In SLO CAL, there are plenty of places where you can grab a surfboard, don a wetsuit and catch a wave.
SLO CAL has around 80 miles (129 kilometers) of diverse coastline, with waves for every skill level. Another bonus is that many of these beaches do not have the crowds you normally would see along the shores of Southern California. Try the sandy beach breaks of Oceano and Pismo Beach and the reef breaks of Shell Beach. The Pismo Beach Pier is a favorite surf spot for area shredders and the site of World Surf League’s Pismo Beach Open.
In northern SLO CAL, surfers flock to “The Rock” in Morro Bay to catch waves in the shadow of the 500-foot (150-meter) tall, 23-million-year-old volcanic plug. Nearby is the Cayucos Pier, a good place for beginner to intermediate surfers, and depending on the day, the waves can be big and barrelling or small and mushy.
Outside of the most popular locations, there are plenty of hidden breaks along the nooks and crannies of the SLO CAL coast. Pop into a surf or coffee shop to ask a local for tips on secret surf spots.
The waves tend to be the best during the fall and winter when the sea swell picks up. In these months, it’s not uncommon to find waves that surge above surfer’s heads. The water stays cool year-round on the SLO CAL coast, so make sure to pack or rent a wet suit. Sea water temperatures range seasonally from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 18 degrees Celsius).
Pro tip: The winds tend to pick up in the afternoon, so ride the finest waves during an early morning surf session.
Kayaking, Kiteboarding & Stand-up Paddleboarding
Witness the splendor of the Pacific Ocean up close and personal by kayaking, kiteboarding or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Breathe in the salty air, and feel the spray of the surf on your face as you watch for marine wildlife. Adorable sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, dolphins and even whales are common sightings for those who are out on the ocean.
Launch your kayak from Shell Beach, and explore Cave Landing, a series of arches, caves and rock gardens that are only accessible from the water. From Avila Beach, discover calm waters and hidden coves. Kayak or paddleboard to a secret beach, and walk up to the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse. Or tour the marine habitat in the calm waters of the Morro Bay harbor.
Kiteboarding enthusiasts also have their choice of launch spots, both along the Pacific and at Lopez Lake, which is 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Arroyo Grande, and a favorite among local kiteboarders.
New to these water sports? Don’t worry. Various companies along SLO CAL’s PCH not only rent all the equipment you need, but offer lessons and guided tours as well, making for an unforgettable way to experience SLO CAL.
Fishing in San Luis Obispo County
Looking to reel in a big catch? Search no further. Both freshwater and ocean fishing are options in SLO CAL.
For freshwater fishing, head to Lopez Lake, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Arroyo Grande. Cast your line into the nearly 1,000 acres (4 square kilometers) of lake surface, and in the warmer months, find crappie, redear sunfish and largemouth and smallmouth bass. In the cooler months, you’ll catch regular rainbow trout plants. At dusk and dawn throughout the year, anglers frequently reel in catfish that weigh more than 25 pounds (11 kilograms).
Discover more freshwater fishing at Santa Margarita Lake. Fish from shore, or cast a line from a boat or canoe. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear, catfish and trout are common catches. The cooler months also bring trout plants.
Eager to try your hand at ocean fishing? Gather your supplies, journey to Highway 1, and cast a line directly into the surf at one of SLO CAL’s beaches (fishing license required), or fish from one of SLO CAL’s piers, no license needed. Pismo Beach Pier and the Harford Pier in Avila Beach are favorite fishing spots. To make the most of your pier fishing expedition, take note of the tides that day—the types of fish caught will vary not only on the time of year and where on the pier you fish, but on the tide as well. No matter how many fish you catch, fishing off SLO CAL’s piers is a memorable experience, one that invites you to slow down and enjoy the incredible coastal scenery as you master the art of fishing.
For deep sea fishing, check out one of the many boat tour companies in SLO CAL. Skilled fishermen will take you out to where the fish are during half-day or full-day excursions and provide as much guidance as needed. All levels of angling experience are welcome on fishing tours.
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors. With an average of 315 days of sunshine a year and a spectacular range of topography, SLO CAL offers countless outdoor experiences. Cruise along Highway 1 and soak up the Pacific Ocean’s beauty up close with perennial favorites, such as surfing and kayaking. Or discover a new passion with stand-up paddleboarding. Miles of hiking trails invite you to explore the region on foot, whether you’re seeking solitude among nature or sweeping vistas of stunning coastline. Get your hands in the dirt with the SLO CAL Farm Trail, with over 25 farm experiences including animals, luffa creations, olive oil and seaweed foraging.
Prefer something less strenuous? Play in the surf at one of SLO CAL’s pristine beaches, or observe the world hidden just below the water’s surface by visiting a fascinating collection of tide pools. Cast a line, and reel in your next catch — SLO CAL boasts both ocean and freshwater fishing. Open space abounds near the county’s eight golf courses, providing some of the best views on the Central Coast.
