During finals week, students watched their friends slowly trickle out of San Luis Obispo. By the time commencement passed, most students were gone, save for a few stragglers who decided to stay in Cal Poly’s sunny college town for the summer and experience what the city has to offer.
But where can those who stick around for the summer start?
You’ve been to Avila Beach more times than you can count and have hiked every mountain in the area. Now that you have so much time on your hands, you realize San Luis Obispo is a bit smaller than you thought, and you’re wondering what’s left to explore.
Here’s a list of some ways to spend your summer in San Luis Obispo: hidden gems, short trips and fun activities to make this the best summer of your life.
1. Explore Morro Bay Farmers Market on Saturdays, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Have you seen everything at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market? Head to Morro Bay for their weekly Saturday Farmers Market. There are about 30 booths featuring fresh produce, great food served hot, stunning handcrafted jewelry, local photography of the bay and so much more. Some of my favorite shops along the way are:
- Coalesce Bookstore: a maze of books and trinkets
- Top Dog Coffee Bar: a coffee shop with great vibes that’s committed to donating to local pet shelters and global independent coffee farmers
- Beads by the Bay: a nifty bead shop with a gorgeous backyard patio
While you are there, head down to Embarcadero street to play giant chess and observe the sea otters!
2. Host an outdoor pickleball tournament
Palisades Park in Pismo Beach has three pickleball courts overlooking a gorgeous ocean view by the bluffs. Sunset is a wonderful time to go to enjoy purple and pink hues in the sky, the sounds of crashing waves and endless ocean stretching along the horizon.
“My friends and I had an Adam Sandler [themed] pickleball tournament where everyone came dressed up as the man himself; the level of play was competitive in the spirit of Adam,” business administration senior and San Luis Obispo local Katie Fricks said.
3. Paint a dye table
With some paint and plywood, you can accomplish just about anything. Make sure you sand down then prime your plywood using materials from Home Depot. Ask an employee for their recommendations! To paint, I recommend using high-gloss acrylic paint from Michael’s. Use any epoxy sealant to create a nice, glossy finish and ensure the paint lasts. For design inspiration, Pinterest is a great place to start, so stop procrastinating and get painting!
4. Treat yourself to a personal pie at Bramble Pie Company
If you’re craving a sweet treat, head over to Bramble Pie Company in Atascadero. They offer personal-sized pies with reliable, year-round classics and delicious seasonal pies. Owner of Bramble Pie Company Emilie Goldstein said the company works with local farms.
Over the summer, they create pies with seasonal fruit like strawberries, apricots, peaches and blackberries. She recommends trying their caprese quiche for a tasty savory bite and their iced coconut cream cheese, cheesecakes, and cream pies to beat the summer heat.
Try to arrive sooner in the day rather than later, as they tend to sell out of their most popular flavors quickly.
5. Embark on a day trip journey to Los Alamos
Just a 45-minute drive south of San Luis Obispo, Los Alamos is a charming town featuring “old west” style architecture. Walk down Main Street and grab lunch at one of the many highly-rated restaurants in the area, such as Full of Life Flatbread and Pico Los Alamos.
6. Enjoy stunning decorative tree lights in Paso Robles
In April, the City of Paso Robles installed year-round lights dangling from 21 heritage oak trees in City Park, creating hundreds of lights that twinkle like stars every evening. Grab a blanket and book, and enjoy them at dusk – a serene and grounded summer activity completely free of charge!
7. Embrace adventure at Cuesta Ridge for a weekend
Cuesta Ridge, only 20 minutes north from San Luis Obispo, is up in the clouds, and the sunsets are unbeatable. Need I say more? If you don’t own camping supplies, you can rent some from ASI Poly Escapes on campus. No excuses!
Author Annie Dillard writes, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”
When friends have gone back home for the summer, and this once bustling college town starts to feel a bit less excitable, it’s important to remember to live your days with purpose and adventure. San Luis Obispo is a wonderful place to spend your summer, so get out there and make the most of it!
