San Luis Obispo is a peaceful town about 4 hours of San Francisco that epitomizes Central California living. Between world quality wines, beautiful hikes, and gorgeous beaches, you won’t run out of things to do! It makes for a perfect long weekend getaway.
Read on for a detailed getaway itinerary from San Francisco. You can find all the locations discussed in this guide in the embedded map below.
Saturday
9AM – Start driving
Leave San Francisco early to beat traffic and make the most of your weekend. Set your destination to Carmel by the Sea (about 2h away).
As you leave South Bay, the landscape becomes more arid and the palm trees replace the rolling fog. There isn’t too much to see along the way, but if you fancy a stop, sample some garlic ice cream at Garlic World in Gilroy – the self-styled garlic capital of the world!
11 AM – Lunch in Carmel
Stop in Carmel by the Sea for your lunch break. This cute little seaside town is the last stop before entering Big Sur, where there is no signal, so make sure to download a map and to stock up on gas and coffee.
You have a couple of options for food: I like Cultura for Mexican, or Rise Bakery for pastries and pizza. Note that parking in Carmel is notoriously difficult – so if you find a spot, grab it.
1PM – Driving through Big Sur
As you leave civilization behind, get ready for Big Sur’s everchanging scenery. Towering cliffs alternate with rolling forests as you make your way down its windy roads.
There are a couple spots I recommend stopping at as you are driving down, listed from North to South:
- Calla Lily Valley is a small, hidden valley featuring beautiful calla lilies when they are in bloom (February through April). The entrance can be a little bit hard to find – here is an exact Google Maps pin.
- Bixby Bridge is the definitive photo spot, if you don’t already have a picture here! This place can get really crowded.
- Big Sur Bakery has delicious baked goods and a cute terrace. Often crowded on weekends.
- Nepenthe features a gorgeous cliff top view with okay food. Grab a lemonade or a coffee and enjoy the views. There’s also a cute store with books and souvenirs.
- McWay Falls is a picturesque waterfall pouring into the ocean. You can’t hike to the bottom of the falls anymore, but you can get a gorgeous view from the short 10 minute trail set up above the falls. Park on the side of the road for free, or inside the parking lot for 10 USD.
- Elephant Seal Vista Point is (you guessed it) the place to see elephant seals. This is a particularly great spot to stop at in January-February, which is Elephant Seal mating season. Volunteers on hand can tell you about conservation efforts.
- Hearst Ranch Winery is a cute, family-owned winery where you can do a wine tasting by the beach ($25 tasting fee, waived with two buttles).
- Hearst Castle was unfortunately closed when I drove down this road, but renovations have since been completed. I’ve only heard great things about this historic estate, where publishing tycoon William Hearst threw parties for the likes of Charlie Chaplin. You’ll want to plan 2-3 hours if you are planning to visit ($30 for adults).
7PM – Dinner in SLO
If you are feeling romantic, I recommend Novo for its cute riverside seating and excellent Thai curry (book ahead of time). If you want something more casual, Old Slo BBQ offers delicious barbecued meat and an impressive selection of craft beer on tap. Stick to the location downtown for a more lively ambience, or the one outside town if you don’t want a wait.
9PM – Dessert at Madonna Inn
For dessert, head to the insane dining room of the Madonna Inn. The comically kitsch hotel features 110 themed guest rooms, all decked out in pink, and an appropriately over the top dining room. You have to see it to believe it. In the evenings, you’ll find many couples waltzing along to the tunes of a bygone era. The inn is famous for its champagne cake, a slice of which could easily feed a family of 4.
Sunday
9AM – Sea cave kayaking
Central Coast Kayaks will take you on an adventure fueled kayaking expedition through the San Luis Obispo sea caves. You’ll also have a chance to spot some sea lions if you’re lucky. Spoiler alert – the kayaking trip has been canceled both times I’ve tried due to weather conditions but it’s very high on my bucket list, given the glowing reviews!
1PM – Lunch at a farm
Stop by the adorable Avila Valley Barn, a one-stop shop complete with a farm stand, a fried chicken restaurant, a pie shop, and a petting zoo. Enjoy the relaxing scenery and pick up a pie for dessert later.
3PM – Wine tasting
Drive just up the road to Clairborne and Churchill. This beautiful winery focuses on white wines and roses. I loved their cute tasting area in a courtyard, their reasonable prices, and the quality of their wines. Make a reservation ($18 tasting fee, waived with the purchase of 2 bottles).
5PM – Sunset on Pismo Beach
If you have the energy, head to Pismo Beach Pier for a classic California sunset. You’ll find lots of locals playing volleyball on the beach and enjoying the views.
7PM – Dinner at Ember
Ember Restaurant makes delicious, seasonal New American cuisine in a candlelit courtyard. The menu is everchanging, but we loved their wood-fired pizzas in particular when we went! There’s also an extensive wine list focusing on local wines.
8PM – Movie at a drive-in theater
Drive back to SLO for a night at the movies. Sunset Drive-In epitomizes old school drive-in movie theater charm. You can chow down some popcorn from the concession stand while you recline in your car seat. Check the schedule and the movies showing on their Facebook page ($10 per person, cash only).
Monday
9AM – SloDoCo donuts
Your last day in SLO! Fuel up for the day at the excellent SloDoCo Donuts. There’s a massive selection of donuts offered 24/7, but many flavors run out by the afternoon. Expect a bit of a wait in the morning, but it’s worth it. They excel both at classic and more unique flavors.
10AM – Hiking Bishop Peak Trail
It’s no wonder that Bishop Peak Trail is the most popular hike in SLO. With an easy incline, stunning views, and a manageable 3.4 miles, it’s a great weekend hike. Plan 2-3 hours with photo stops along the way.
12PM – Wine tasting or olive oil tasting
Time to head back to SF! Make a final stop in the famed Paso Robles wine area for a wine tasting. DAOU Wine Estates boasts a beautiful view, if slightly overpriced wines (make reservations). I also love the wines at the quieter Dilecta Wines ($15 tasting fee, waived with two bottles).
If you’ve had enough wine, I highly recommend the olive oil tasting at Pasolivo for something different. You taste 6 different olive oils and 3 vinegars with bread in a lovely garden ($10 tasting fee, waived if you buy something).
Lodging
You have to stay at Madonna Inn at least once in your life. As previously discussed, this absurd vision for this hotel includes 110 individually themed rooms, all of them sporting various shades of pink. Other oddities include a gargantuan, kitschy dining room; a waterfall inside the men’s bathroom; and an appropriately pink flower garden. You will feel like you have been transported inside a demented dollhouse.
The Madonna Inn notoriously sells out, but you can often find a spot through cancellations. I used Hotel Alerts, a free service that alerts you when a room at a desired property becomes available. Some inn aficionados make a point of staying in a different room each time.
If you can’t get a room at the Madonna Inn, we loved this AirBnB right outside the town center for 2 people.