Ash Pickett is a business administration senior and opinion columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
I’m done with gatekeeping. As a graduating senior, here are some of my favorites in San Luis Obispo, from hidden gem locations to explore to tips that will save you money.
This college town holds charming secrets, and before graduating, I figured it’s better to share the wealth so people can enjoy it the way I have. This list is only the beginning, so I hope this encourages you to get out there and find them yourself!
Please take care of these places. I’m sharing this in good faith that it will reach the right people.
- EXPERIENCES
So you can say, “I know a spot,” and actually mean it.
El Moro Elfin Forest
Magical and mystical, I discovered the Elfin forest while driving through Los Osos one day. You’ll walk across a wooden pathway with twists and turns to get lost in, surrounded by rare pygmy trees and other native plants. There are benches hidden under tree canopies and signs describing the elfin forest’s rich history.
Bishop Peak Mining Cave
Most people know Bishop for the hike to the top or its role in the Tri-Trip Challenge, and maybe they even know about the cave at the top, too. But not many know about the old mine beneath Bishop that you can access from the main trail.
Begin walking up Bishop Peak from the Highland Drive entrance — not Felsman Loop. Follow the path through the initial tree area, past the water tank and up to the cattle gate. Behind the gate, there’s a directional post, and to the right of that you’ll see an unmarked trail. Follow that trail and take the second left turn.
As you continue up, you’ll find an entrance to a small cave that you’ll have to crouch down to get inside. You can explore this old mining cave, but make sure to bring a flashlight, a jacket and some friends.
Watch out for any animals hanging out down there.I ran into mini frogs hanging out on the cave walls and some bats on the ceiling once. Take safety precautions to prevent unwanted run-ins. Finally, avoid the cave in the spring when poison oak is most potent. The cave entrance is shrouded in it right now, so I’d suggest carving out some time to visit next fall!
Donation-based yoga classes
When I lived in San Luis Obispo over the summer, I went to a few “pay what you can” yoga classes at the Shell Beach Park. They’re officially called South Palisades Park with local yoga teacher KJ from The Rooted Yogi. You can find and sign up for her local classes and community events on Eventbrite.
There’s also a yoga teacher named Mark who hosts a class every Sunday at sunset at Shell Beach.
Cayucos Fall & Spring Antique Street Faire
Twice a year, locals from the Central Coast gather in Cayucos for a day of antique and vintage trading. You can get anything from vintage clothes to antique mugs to unique paintings and art. The prices and finds are great, and if you’re lucky like me, you might even run into one of your Cal Poly professors here!
Cerro Alto Trail
This is a heavily underrated hike that more people need to try. It feels like you’re in a completely different biome as you hike up to Tassajera Peak with views of a beautiful canyon beside you. You’ll have to pay $10 for parking at the bottom of the hike, which you can also camp at, so bring some cash along with you.
- FOOD DEALS and CHEAP EATS
These aren’t so much things I’ve gatekept, but more so underrated food recommendations, so enjoy.
California Fresh Market $1.50 coffee
If you bring your own cup, you can fill it with drip coffee, add your favorite kind of milk and even choose from a few creamers for just $1.50. Don’t forget to ask for a punch card, where you’ll get a free drink after completing 10 stamps.
Sprouts – $5 Sushi on Wednesdays and $5 sandwiches everyday
The sushi is usually just California rolls or some variation of them, but it’s a nice snack. You can also build your own sandwich at the deli for $4.99, plus extra for specific add-ons. Incredible deals all around.
Pancho’s Restaurant
I can’t really honestly claim that I’ve gatekept this place, but it’s still severely underrated. This is the only Mexican food I’ll eat in SLO. The inside seating is lively, colorful and never too busy, so you’ll almost always have a table. The burritos are huge here, too. They have many deals like Monday Nachos, Taco Tuesday, Wednesday Burrito Day and weekend Menudo, according to their website.
Hazards Restaurant
This is easily the most charming restaurant I’ve had the pleasure of dining at. When you enter this family-owned establishment, serving Italian food like pasta and pizza, you feel like you’re entering someone’s cozy home. When you come here make sure to try one of their homemade desserts!
High Bar Monday night ½ priced pizza and $5 beers
Take your next date night here for fireplaces, a view of downtown and the surrounding hills and delicious pizza. You can get a personal pizza for anywhere between $10.50 and $13.50. What better way to kick off the night than on a rooftop in downtown San Luis?
- SAVINGS TIPS
Because we’re all just broke college students, at the end of the day.
Costco Gold Card
If you don’t have a Costco Gold Membership you’re sharing with your roommate, you’re missing out. For $32.50 annually each, you’ll have access to cheaper gas and better deals on food. If you’re in doubt, realize the gas can pay off the cost of the membership.
Goodwill Outlet Bins Restock
On Wednesdays at 8 a.m., the Goodwill Outlet on Industrial Way restocks its huge bins, where clothing is priced by weight, meaning you can get something like a t-shirt for less than a dollar. Enjoy this tidbit of knowledge.
Just please don’t be that person who buys these clothes and resells them at a ridiculous premium. Shop ethically!
Cal Poly Food Pantry and Health Center
Definitely not gatekept, but certainly underused. Don’t be afraid to check out the food pantry for items like peanut butter, fresh produce, prepackaged quick lunches, rice and oats. They also provide free personal health and hygiene products like soap and tampons.
I also go to the Health Center for everything over the counter I need, like allergy medicine that would otherwise be more expensive online or in stores.
- BIRTHDAY FREEBIES
Bring your ID to confirm your birthday for all of these, because they will ask!
Scout Coffee – Free Coffee
If you don’t get free coffee on your birthday, is it really your birthday? Start off your morning by swinging by Scout Coffee for your favorite drink!
Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe – Free breakfast
Treat yourself to a sweet waffle or to my favorite, the egg sando. Sally Loo’s is the cutest breakfast or brunch spot located by the train station.
Sylvester’s Burgers – Free burger
Sylvester’s has three locations nearby – one in San Luis Obispo, Los Osos and Atascadero. I personally recommend grabbing a burger at the Los Osos location because it’s close by to the beauty of Montaña De Oro State Park. You can also call and order ahead, and take your burger with you to the MDO sand dunes for sunset.
