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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    San Luis Obispo, California is a great destination for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. With its scenic beaches, lush forests, and rolling hills, it's the perfect spot for outdoor activities. From hiking to biking, kayaking to fishing, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top outdoor adventures and attractions in and near San Luis Obispo. Morro Bay State Park: This park is a must-visit for its stunning views of Morro Rock and the Pacific Ocean. There are plenty of activities to do here, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. Montana de Oro State Park: This state park is known for its beautiful coastal bluffs, pristine beaches, and rugged hiking trails. It’s the perfect spot for a day of exploration and relaxation. Pismo Beach: This beach is one of the most popular in the area and is perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Cerro San Luis Obispo: This peak is located within the city limits and is perfect for a day of hiking and exploring. Whether you’re looking for a beach day, a hike, or a day of exploration, San Luis Obispo has plenty of outdoor activities and attractions to offer.

    Top Spots in and near San Luis Obispo

    • San Luis Obispo, California

      Bowden Ranch Trail

      4.0
      3.34 mi / 1286 ft gain
      This short but intense hike on the north east side of San Luis Obispo, offers an amazing view of the town. This hike is roughly 3 miles with 1300 ft of elevation gain. It provides a great cardio workout!  It is also a very popular spot to hike but is less crowded than Bishop Peak. It's a dog frie...
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    • San Luis Obispo, California

      Bishop's Peak Trail

      4.8
      3.17 mi / 928 ft gain
      Bishop's Peak is one of the most frequented hikes of the San Luis Obispo Area. With a 950ft elevation gain in an estimated 3 mile trek, the summit's peak rests at 1,559 feet. The hike is both demanding and rewarding - the panoramic views at the top of the nearby volcanic morros and San Luis Obisp...
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    • San Luis Obispo, California

      Mountain Bike Cuesta Ridge

      5.0
      7 mi / -1600 ft gain
      Start at the parking lot directly off of Highway 101, head up TV tower Road for 2.8 Miles and a 900' climb from 1500' to 2400'. The trail is an old fire road that has degraded over the years and is full of potholes. Starting October 2015, the road has been closed to vehicles as its being repaved ...
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    • San Luis Obispo, California

      Eagle Rock Nature Trail

      4.0
      1.66 mi / 430 ft gain
      Eagle Rock Nature Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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    • San Luis Obispo, California

      Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail Loop

      4.0
      2.79 mi / 679 ft gain
      Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Avila Beach, California.
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    • San Luis Obispo, California

      Catch the Sunset at the Avila Sea Caves

      4.0
      When I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I would come out to this place to watch the sunset. It was my favorite spot to sit on a rock and take in the beautiful scenery as the sun went down. You don't really have to hike to get a nice view, you can park the car and walk out to the rock cliffs and...
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    • San Luis Obispo, California

      Bike or Run the Bob Jones Trail

      5 mi
      The Bob Jones Trail provides a variety of activities -- running, walking, biking, skateboarding/rollerblading, and some exploring by the creek. You can choose where you would like to start, across the street from the Central Coast Aquarium off Avila Beach Dr. or from the parking lot off Ontario R...
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    • Pismo Beach, California

      Surf Shell Beach

      5.0
      Shell Beach is north of downtown Pismo Beach. This is a fun wave that works best during the fall and winter months. It's a beach break with both lefts and rights. The wave is rippable and is less popular than waves at the pier or at Morro Bay. However, the wave is much less consistent than the ot...
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    • San Luis Obispo, California

      Point San Luis Lighthouse via Pecho Coast Trail

      3.4 mi / 879 ft gain
      This guided roundtrip hike to Point San Luis Lighthouse has one of the best views of the central coast coastline. You will get a chance to see the Avila Beach, Avila Pier, Call Poly Pier, and Harford Pier from a high point.  The trail crosses through a land owned by PG&E; therefore, the hike...
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    • Morro Bay, California

      Quarry and Park Ridge Trail Loop

      4.0
      3.04 mi / 961 ft gain
      Park Ridge is a double peaked ridge, elevated at 911ft, which stands next to Cerro Cabrillo, one of the Nine Sisters. The stunning 360* degree views at the top of Morro bay, Los Osos and San Luis Obispo, make this hike worth exploring. There are two ways to access the top. Park Ridge Trail takes...
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    • Santa Margarita, California

      Rinconada Mineral Mines

      1.32 mi / 472 ft gain
      My friends and I recently visited this abandoned mercury mine. The site was cleaned-up by the EPA many years ago, but much of the old equipment remains. Up the hill from the equipment are several deep cuts in the earth and a humongous hole in the ground. The sediment at edges of this hole are VER...
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    • Baywood-Los Osos, California

      Baywood Park & Pier

      5.0
      A quiet little beach front, with a raised boardwalk and beautiful views all around. A great place to walk the dog or take small children. Amazing sunsets and A+ for bird watching. Excellent spot to launch a kayak, canoe, or SUP. But watch the tides before you do. The water is usually glassy when ...
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    • Oceano, California

      Camp at Pismo State Beach

      4.7
      Hiking along nature trails, swimming, and surf fishing are all possible here, including wheelchair accessible fishing at Ocean Lagoon. Facilities consist of fire rings, restrooms, and showers. Restaurants are not far from the campground, as well. Make your reservation here.
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    • San Luis Obispo County, California

      Camp at Montaña de Oro State Park

      5.0
      Located about 7 miles south of Morrow Bay, follow Los Osos Valley Rd into the state park. Watch for the signs to park, as you will be cited after 10pm.The campground is located just across the road from the famous Spooner's cove, but there are any number of trails and hikes you can enjoy (check ...
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    • San Luis Obispo County, California

      Spooner's Cove

      5.0
      Spooner’s cove is one of those small hidden beaches where you can watch stunning sunsets in a peaceful environment. Located in Montana De Oro State Park, the small gem is surrounded by countless hikes and camping spot. It is also one of the only areas of the park that is dog friendly. If you are ...
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    • San Luis Obispo County, California

      Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail

      4.02 mi / 302 ft gain
      The Bluff Trail is a simple walk that takes you along the coast in Montaña de Oro. The trailhead is located just past Spooner's Cove and has parking on both sides of the road. The path is paved, making it easily accessible for anyone who wants to enjoy these incredible views. If you're feeling a...
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    Camping and Lodging in San Luis Obispo

    Avila / Pismo Beach KOA
    San Luis Obispo, California

    Avila / Pismo Beach KOA

    Santa Margarita KOA Holiday
    Santa Margarita, California

    Santa Margarita KOA Holiday

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