I am so excited to share with you guys a recap of my first trip to California! I went with a group of girls (who also blog) and it was such a fun time to relax, hang out, and get to spend time together. We are all friends through social media but meeting everyone in person was so much fun. I hope you find this mini travel guide to San Luis Obispo helpful. Be sure to share with me any of your travel adventures- especially if you visit any of my recommendations!
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Day 1 Itinerary
- Flying into California
- The first day was a very heavy travel day. I decided to fly directly into San Luis Obispo airport because it was by far the closest airport (literally 10 min). All the other major airports were 1 1/2+ hr drives. It is a really small city in California but totally worth the trip. I would just be prepared for lay overs and knowing that because it is a small airport there are only a few flights in and out a day! I had a layover leaving and coming to Atlanta!
- The entire city and scenery were stunning. It was a really fast drive to the ocean, but also had mountain views. Locals have nicknamed it “Love Paradise” because of how romantic and truly dreamy it is.
- Luckily I was able to meet up with some girlfriends in Phoenix. Our double layover gave us just enough time to check into the hotel and then go to dinner.
- Stayed at Hotel SLO
- This hotel was gorgeous. The views were amazing and the hotel had a perfect element of modern. It had a beautiful pool and full gym that I took advantage of! I love that they had so many accommodations right there.
- They also have multiple restaurant options and a spa on site(I did not get to go to the spa but it looked amazing).
- I would recommend making some time to head to the rooftop bar called the High Bar. The views here are breathtaking & they offer drinks and small plates.
- Dinner at Granada Bistro
- I would highly recommend the salad and the pasta here, although I did not hear one bad thing about a single thing on the menu. It is such a gorgeous restaurant.
- I decided to keep it casual for dinner & with the weather in the 70s, you know I was bringing out the florals!
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Day 2 Itinerary
- Slept in and enjoyed breakfast with the girls!
- Went to two wineries : LAW Winery & Niner Winery
- This was a great way to start off day 2 after a long travel day. We were able to relax and just spend time together. They both had amazing mountain views , along with good food and wine!
- I think this would be a great place to go with a group of girls or a romantic day adventure.
- Dinner at the Ox + Anchor
- This dinner was absolutely phenomenal. The theme was sparkle, so we all wore our sparkly apparel and hung out with one of the very best- the Sis Kiss! Honestly it was such a fun night, I didn’t take enough pictures because I was enjoying every moment.
- If you know me then my food recommendation from here will not shock you. The ahi tuna was incredible. I LOVE ahi tuna , and this hit the spot and tasted so fresh!
Day 3 Itinerary
- MarFarm
- Started out and spent most of the day at MarFarm, which is such a beautiful location. Everything is organic and grown locally, there is a winery, it is a place where you can come to stay and enjoy the farm and the animals. It’s honestly one of those places you just cannot describe because there is nowhere like it. The people that own and run it are the sweetest and I highly recommend looking into booking a stay there.
- We went horseback riding here… and by “we” I mean everyone else. I have always been a little timid of horses and when I was trying to pet him and get a picture he stepped right on my foot! (I keep saying he but who knows ha!) It was in that moment I realized just how massive the horse was. One of the girls on the trip wanted to ride with the group I was assigned- so I volunteered as tribute and let her have my horse!
- Walking around the farmers market & axe throwing
- A group of girls went axe throwing which I think would be such a fun activity to do with a group of people!
- They have an amazing farmers market here that is the #1 farmer’s market in California. There are lights strung all across the street. The market is filled with yummy food and the prettiest jewelry.
- Dinner at Nate’s on Marsh
- This place was INCREDIBLE. The modern American style with a nod to Italian is right up my alley. Their Cacio Pepe was amazing- this is also one of my favorite dishes but 10/10 here!
- The owner of the restaurant came and talked to us and was so kind. His restaurant is the best and a must visit if you are in town.
Day 4 Itinerary
- Fly home at 6 am to see my sweet babies!
Tips & Tricks
- The weather was gorgeousssss!! January is a great time to go. It was in the 70s so I think that maxis during the day and light jackets at night would be appropriate. I was never cold which is always the goal.
- If you plan on ubering to and from the airport you must BOOK THE NIGHT BEFORE. There is literally one uber drive for the entire area. He just makes the 10 min treck back and forth all day. I booked ours and was so thankful to have that secured.
- Try to make time to see the Ocean. I cannot wait to come back and experience it myself.
I hope this helps if you have a trip planned to the beautiful San Luis Obispo. Please tag me if you try any of these places. If you are looking for more recommendations, be sure to check out my Charleston 2 Day Guide.
XOXO,
Mary Margaret
