Hotels in San Luis Obispo

Nestled along California’s stunning Central Coast, San Luis Obispo (SLO) is a charming blend of coastal beauty and vibrant culture. Renowned for its picturesque downtown, SLO boasts unique shops, delightful eateries, and the iconic Thursday night farmers' market. Just a short drive away, Avila Beach offers sun-soaked shores and scenic views. Nature lovers can explore the surrounding hills and the majestic landscapes of nearby wineries. With its mild climate, friendly atmosphere, and rich history, San Luis Obispo is the perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a taste of authentic California life. For the best hotel rates in San Luis Obispo and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Where to stay in San Luis Obispo

Some of the best places to stay in San Luis Obispo are Downtown San Luis Obispo, Shell Beach and Baywood Park. San Luis Obispo offers a diverse experience for travelers. Downtown San Luis Obispo is ideal for first-time visitors, featuring vibrant shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Shell Beach boasts stunning coastal views and relaxing beachside activities, while Baywood Park is known for its serene lake and natural beauty. Accommodations vary from local hotels and charming inns to luxury options, ensuring a comfortable stay in any area. Each location provides unique lodging experiences to suit every traveler's needs. These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers in San Luis Obispo:

1. Downtown San Luis ObispoOpens in a new window: Known for its vibrant culture and historic charm, Downtown San Luis Obispo is a hub for art, dining, and local events. With attractions like California Polytechnic State University, Fremont Theater, and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, visitors can immerse themselves in the area's rich heritage. For accommodations, consider Hotel San Luis ObispoOpens in a new window, a luxurious 4.5-star hotel offering spa services and pet-friendly amenities. Another option is HOTEL CERRO, Autograph CollectionOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel featuring a natural hot spring and adventure activities, perfect for romantic getaways. Lastly, Garden Street Inn, A Kirkwood Collection HotelOpens in a new window, a cozy 4.0-star Bed & Breakfast, provides complimentary breakfast and is close to shopping and historical sites.
2. Shell BeachOpens in a new window: This picturesque coastal area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with stunning beaches and natural hot springs nearby. Attractions include Pismo Beach Pier and Monarch Butterfly Grove. For a comfortable stay, Inn at the Pier Pismo Beach, Curio Collection by HiltonOpens in a new window is a 4.0-star hotel with direct beach access and business amenities. Alternatively, Dolphin Bay Resort and SpaOpens in a new window, a resort-style 4.0-star hotel, offers both beach access and hot spring facilities, making it an excellent choice for adventure seekers.
3. Baywood ParkOpens in a new window: Embraced by nature, Baywood Park is ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views. Key attractions include Morro Bay State Park and Morro Rock. For a luxurious experience, Hotel ChevalOpens in a new window is a boutique 4.5-star hotel that welcomes pets and features unique decor. Another option is Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso RoblesOpens in a new window, a family-friendly 4.5-star hotel with business facilities, perfect for both leisure and corporate travelers. Lastly, CaliPaso WineryOpens in a new window, a charming 4.5-star Bed & Breakfast, combines luxury and pet-friendliness with proximity to local wineries.

San Luis Obispo is a captivating destination perfect for a three-day getaway, offering stunning beaches, scenic mountains, and lush parks. Visitors can enjoy biking along coastal trails, hiking through serene forests, and soaking in breathtaking sunsets, all while immersing themselves in the local art scene and vibrant theater culture. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to San Luis Obispo:

• Day 1: Start your adventure at the Pismo Beach Pier, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk and breathtaking ocean views. After soaking in the coastal breeze, make your way to the Monarch Butterfly Grove, especially if you're visiting during the migration season; it's a spectacular sight with thousands of butterflies. Conclude your day at Pismo State Beach, where you can relax on the sandy shores or explore the tide pools, making it a perfect spot for a sunset picnic.
• Day 2: Your day begins at Avila Beach, a charming spot perfect for sunbathing or enjoying water sports. Next, visit the San Luis Obispo Lighthouse, where you can appreciate the history and stunning coastal views. Afterward, unwind at Old Port Beach, known for its serene atmosphere and picturesque scenery, making it an ideal place to reflect on the day while watching the waves.
• Day 3: Start your morning at Morro Bay State Park, where you can hike and take in the stunning landscapes. Next, head to the Pismo Preserve, a fantastic area for hiking and wildlife spotting with stunning vistas of the coastline. Wrap up your day at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, where you can explore the unique dunes and even try some off-roading or sandboarding for an exhilarating finish to your trip.

5 tips to find a great San Luis Obispo hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly months to visit San Luis Obispo are January, November, and December, when hotel rates are more affordable. For international travelers, it’s advisable to book your flight at least 8 months in advance to secure the best prices. To fully enjoy the area's highlights, plan for a stay of at least 2-3 days. San Luis Obispo offers great value for money with its beautiful beaches and stunning coastal views, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore on a budget.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to San Luis Obispo, you're in luck! Hotels.com offers a convenient way to snag discounted hotel rates. To explore these offers, head over to the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on the site, where you could find attractive prices as your travel date approaches. To ensure you stay in the loop about flash sales and exclusive promotions, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com, helping you maximize your savings.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. As a result, being flexible with your travel dates could mean you may save on hotel expenses in San Luis Obispo.
4. Consider your location: Staying close to the city center and local attractions in San Luis Obispo is usually more expensive. However, if you opt for accommodations further from the city center, you can explore the area using transportation options like a car, bicycle, or on foot, which can help you save money.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Make your next booking in San Luis Obispo and sign up to Hotels.com's free One Key program, letting you earn and use reward points on your next stay. Progress through the Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers to unlock various advantages like room upgrades when available, discounted rates, and exclusive offers for members. Don't hesitate, sign up today.

What to eat in San Luis Obispo

Here are some famous dishes in San Luis Obispo, California, United States of America:

• Tri-Tip Sandwich: A true Californian classic, the tri-tip sandwich features tender, smoky slices of tri-tip beef, often marinated and grilled, served on a fresh roll. This dish showcases the region’s barbecue culture and is typically accompanied by tangy barbecue sauce, grilled onions, and sometimes cheese. Enjoy it at local eateries or food trucks, where you can savor the bold flavors of the Central Coast.
• Tacos: San Luis Obispo offers a vibrant taco scene that highlights the area's diverse culinary influences. From traditional carne asada to fresh fish tacos, these handheld delights are often made with locally-sourced ingredients. You’ll find them at taco stands and gourmet restaurants alike, allowing for a personalized dining experience as you mix and match toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, and salsa.

Best time to go to San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo experiences its lowest average temperature in December, at 52.2°F (11.2°C), while August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 69.4°F (20.8°C). January is usually the wettest month. June to August are the peak travel months in San Luis Obispo, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is sunny, with dry rainfall. On the other hand, January, February, and December tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by light rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.