For our family and friends from out of town, we want you to enjoy the area. Here are some things to check out!
Activities
Indoors
Hearst Castle reservations
About a 50 to 60 minute drive
“In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure-dome decree.” - Citizen Kane
Hearst Castle is the enormous hilltop estate created by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. The property includes a 115-room main house, guesthouses, elaborate pools, gardens, and more than 20,000 works of art. Tours must be reserved ahead of time, and you should allow at least two to three hours for the visit.
About a 5 to 10 minute drive
Located beside Mission Plaza, the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art presents rotating exhibitions by regional, national, and international artists. The museum is small, free to visit, and easily combined with a walk through downtown, the Mission, or the Thursday evening farmers’ market. It is open Thursday through Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
About a 10 minute drive
One of California’s remaining drive-in movie theaters, the Sunset Drive-In offers nightly double features beneath the palm trees. Audio plays through your car radio, and a snack bar serves traditional movie-theater concessions. Gates currently open at 7:30 p.m.; admission is cash only, with an ATM available on-site. Check the schedule before visiting, as films and start times change weekly.
Outdoor
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery information
About a 50-60 minute drive
Just a few miles past Hearst Castle, hundreds or sometimes thousands of elephant seals gather along the beach. The viewing area is free, open every day from sunrise to sunset, and does not require a reservation. There are no restrooms, so plan ahead!
Cambria, California information
About a 40-45 minute drive
Cambria is a quaint coastal town filled with cafés, galleries, antique shops, and tasting rooms. Take a walk along the Moonstone Beach boardwalk or wander around town and find yourself a slice of olallieberry pie.
Montaña de Oro State Park information
About a 30 minute drive
Montaña de Oro has rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, tide pools, hiking trails, and beautiful coastal views. Spooner’s Cove and the Bluff Trail are especially good choices if you want something scenic without committing to a major hike. Parking and day use are free.
Bishop Peak information
About a 10 minute drive
Looking to get some exercise before or after the wedding? Bishop Peak is one of the area’s best-known hikes and has beautiful views of San Luis Obispo from the top.
Beaches
Avila Beach information
About 15–20 minutes away.
A sunny, easygoing beach town with a pier, shops, restaurants, a natural hot spring, and calm water.
Pismo Beach information
About 15–20 minutes away.
A classic Central Coast beach with a long stretch of sand, a pier, and plenty of places to eat.
Morro Strand State Beach information
About 25–30 minutes away.
A wide, scenic beach with views of Morro Rock and lots of room for walking.
Cayucos State Beach information
About 30–35 minutes away.
A quieter beach town with a pier, surf shops, and an old-fashioned coastal feel.
Moonstone Beachinformation
About 40–45 minutes away.
A rocky, dramatic stretch of coastline in Cambria with a scenic boardwalk and tide pools.