Sure, everyone’s heard of San Luis Obispo fixtures like the Madonna Inn, Firestone Grill, Bishop Peak and Bubblegum Alley (and if you haven’t, go check them out!). But San Luis Obispo and the surrounding Central Coast is full of charm, some more well known than others. Whether you’re here for a weekend, college or as a resident, here are some must-visit places.
Pizza Solo
Yes, Woodstock’s Pizza is more well-known and wins the awards, but Pizza Solo is what many people miss most when they move away from the area. The large menu offers salads, sandwiches, several pastas, and a huge variety of pizzas. Try the Guido’s — a pizza with both marinara and pesto sauce, feta and mozzarella cheese, and tomatoes, garlic, and avocado all on a yummy chewy crust. Delicious! The Solo Stix (bread sticks slathered in butter and cinnamon) are worth a try too.
Avila Valley Barn
This charming barn right off the Avila Beach exit on U.S. Highway 101 is home to numerous farm animals, a market full of interesting products and a candy and ice cream store. Grab some apples to feed the goats, buy some delicious homemade ice cream (don’t miss out on the white chocolate raspberry) or just wander through the market looking at gourmet food and quirky colorful kitchen items. But really, don’t forget to try the ice cream — it’s that good.
Montana de Oro State Park
This beautiful state park in Los Osos, only several miles from San Luis Obispo, has numerous hiking trails for people of all abilities. Bicycles and horses are welcome too. Whether you’re looking for sandy beaches or rugged hills, this “mountain of gold” has it all. It can get a bit chilly so bring a sweatshirt even if the sun is shining.
Avila Pier
Down by Avila Beach, the pier is a hub of activity. Dozens of sea lions bask on a ledge under the pier, viewable when standing on it. On the pier, you can buy fresh crab practically straight from the ocean. Political science alumnus Eyal Binshtock spent many weekends on the pier eating the crab — which he says is the freshest in town. “Those crabs never even made it to dry land,” he said. To pick your meal, you simply point in a tank at the crab you want, “and hand it to the chef, and 10 minutes later, you have a tasty meal.”
Linnaea’s
When you want something other than Starbucks, Linnaea’s is a good bet. This cute coffee shop nestled in downtown San Luis Obispo has a delicious array of baked goods, coffee and frequently hosts live bands. Try out their brunch on the weekends or their “famous” carrot cake when you just need a treat. Don’t forget to buy the fair trade coffee.