Spring for the Central Coast!

Take a Spring Getaway to San Luis Obispo

Five minutes to the mountains, 10 minutes to the beach, 15 minutes to wine tasting. California's best base camp for spring adventures is San Luis Obispo (SLO). Consistently named a Top 10 destination, SLO is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, miles of soft-sand beaches, beautiful wine country, and a lively downtown. Go on a hike or mountain bike ride in the Irish Hills, where wildflowers are popping up along hiking trails that overlook famous morros (aka ancient volcanic formations). Check out more hiking and biking options, including many that are just minutes from downtown SLO. Spend the day at Avila Beach, where you can swim in the ocean, go on a sunset kayak, or stroll the piers. Just 15 minutes from SLO takes you to Edna Valley wine country, where bike-friendly roads lead to down-to-earth tasting rooms with relaxing picnic spots among rolling vineyards. In April, SLOWine hosts events throughout Edna Valley. At night, San Luis Obispo's downtown is an ideal place to unwind SLO-style. Creekside bistros meet seasonal bounty as chefs prepare fresh-picked produce just hours before it's on your plate. And special events are always happening in SLO, from Thursday nights' famous Farmers' Market to Ranger Led Explorations, Barrels in the Plaza, and the upcoming San Luis Obispo Marathon + Half (a Boston qualifier!).

STAY & SAVE IN SLO: Check out some of the current great deals and packages from downtown boutique hotels to family- and pet-friendly hotels.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

    View
  2. Walk on the Wise Side

    A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (S

    View
  3. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

    View
  4. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

    View
  2. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

    View
  3. Holcomb We Haven't Camped Here?

    Holcomb Valley Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest has 19 pine-shaded sites, all of them first-come, first-served.

    View
  4. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

    View