• Attractions
• Recreation
• Park

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​Pirates Cove Lookout

​This iconic spot is less than a mile away from Avila beach. Only a short walk to the cliffs is the perfect place to watch the sunset, have a picnic, or just enjoy a great view of the ocean!

Fremont Theater

The Fremont Theater is a historic movie theater in San Luis Obispo. It is among the last Streamline Moderne theaters built by architect S. Charles Lee. The theater is now one of the main locations for the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.

Piedras Blancas Light Station

Piedras Blancas Light Station is located at Point Piedras Blancas, about 5.5 miles west by northwest of San Simeon and 40 miles north of San Luis Obispo. It is open for tours year round. 

Madonna Mountain

Breathtaking views await those hiking up Madonna Mountain. Madonna Mountain is quite literally the center of the City of San Luis Obispo. The mountain is an extinct volcano and next to Morro Rock is the most well known of the Seven Sister Volcanoes.

Madonna Inn

As an international landmark destination, the Madonna Inn redefines unique with 110 whimsical guestrooms, enchanting decor, and room amenities. This resort has been on California's Central Coast for over 50 years.

Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History

The Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History opened in 1962 and sits on a hill overlooking the Morro Bay Estuary. The Museum features state-of-the-art interactive exhibits especially created for the Morro Bay site. In addition to panoramic views of the coastline, the view from the museum includes world-famous Morro Rock.

Art Bar San Luis Obispo

In a relaxed and social setting, an artist will guide you through replicating the nights featured painting step by step. Whether you are an aspiring artist or just looking to explore your creative side, you create a painting that is uniquely yours. We suggest arriving 15 minutes early to gather all materials and enjoy your first cocktail. Wine and charcuterie service is offered throughout each 2 hour workshop. Learn More.

William Randolph Hearst Castle

The beach is located near the town of San Simeon along Highway One and gives visitors the opportunity to hike, swim, fish, picnic, and sunbath. This protected cove also offers visitors pier fishing, deep-sea fishing from chartered boats and kayaking. This day use area offers 24 picnic sites, 150 parking spaces, restrooms, water faucets, barbecue grill stands and easy beach access. There is a kayak and boogie board concession in operation with equipment for rent. Learn More. ​

Point San Luis Lighthouse

The Point San Luis Lighthouse is located on the north side of Port San Luis Harbor near Avila Beach. The 30 acre nature preserve can be reached by a docent led hike of the Pecho Coast Trail, a classic trolley ride, or by kayak. Tours happen every Wed & Sat rain or shine. Learn More.

Sunset Drive-In

The Sunset Drive-In has been operating year-round since 1950 and is the perfect place for family fun. Grab your pillow, blankie, comfy camping chair and a buddy and head out for a night of good.  Admisison gives you two movies for the price of one and concession stand onsite. Adults are $7, kids 5 to 11 are $3 and kids 4 and under are free. Cash only. Learn More. 
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San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum

The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum was created to provide a fun place for children and families to explore, discover and learn through hands-on exhibits and programs. Three floors and with  21 indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits that challenge children ages 1-10 to learn while having fun. There is also educational programs and activities scheduled throughout each week. Learn More.

Charles Paddock Zoo

The Charles Paddock Zoo, located in Atascadero, CA is the Central Coast's only zoo and are truly dedicated to the conservation of local and exotic species. It's the  perfect place to spend the day. The Zoo is the home of rare Malayan tiger, spider monkeys, meerkats, a beautiful aviary and many more unique species. Learn More.

The Palm Theatre

The Palm Theatre is an independently owned and operated movie theatre which features a variety of independent, foreign, arthouse, and mainstream cinema. The Palm Theatre is the first movie theatre in the United States to be run by solar energy. The Palm Theatre pays tribute to the history of the area it is located, formerly known as a small Chinatown, with the design of the cinema’s logo which include Asian-inspired lettering and palm branches. Learn More.

Sycamore Mineral Hot Springs

The Sycamore Mineral Hot Springs features 23 open-air naturally heated mineral spring hot tubs that lines a peaceful tree-canopied hillside. Each hot tub is surrounded by a wood fence to ensure privacy from other guests while still providing majestic views and a serene environment. The hot tubs are open to the public and reserved individually by the hour. Select hot tubs can accommodate from two to eight people. Learn More. 

Avila Valley Barn

Avila Valley Barn is a  favorite spot to stop off and buy the freshest fruit and vegetables grown locally. Pick up a pie or bakery treat, stop off for lunch from the deli or get an ice cream on the way to Avila Beach. There are farm animals and hayrides in addition to seasonal u-pick apples and pumpkins. Learn More.

Bubblegum Alley

One of the most popular landmark attractions in San Luis Obispo is Bubblegum Alley. Beginning as early as the 1960s in what is thought to have been an unofficial graduating or school rivalry prank that has really stuck. Join in on the fun and grab a gumball at local Powell’s Sweet Shoppe and head over to Bubblegum Alley. Appreciate the communal art form for what it is and stick your unique stamp on SLO. Learn More.

San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens

The San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens is a serene and relaxing spot for the whole family. With opportunities for education, recreation, conservation and research, the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden offers docent-led nature tours, activities for kids, a garden shop, educational gardening classes, a concert series and many other events for San Luis Obispo visitors to enjoy for free. Learn More.

Mission San Luis Obispo Tolosa

Mission San Luis Obispo Tolosa is a must see for history enthusiasts, vacationers and tourists of all kinds. Founded in 1772 the still active church resides in the center of San Luis Obispo. Free docent lead tours are offered or you can take a self-guided tour. Mass is held daily and there is a variety of community events that are held in the Mission Plaza. Learn More. 

Morro Rock

Morro Rock is the last of the Nine Sisters (extinct volcano peaks)  that reside in San Luis Obispo County. The 567' tall landmark sits at the mouth of the Morro Bay Harbor and is home to wildlife in the area. You can drive to the base of the rock and visit the neighboring beaches. Climbing is prohibited. Learn More. 

Morro Bay

Morro Bay is a waterfront city made up of a variety  of beaches including: Bayshore Bluffs Park, Coleman Park, Morro Bay State Park, Morro Rock City Beach, Morro Rock Jetty Beach, Morro Strand State Beach, North Point Beach,  Tidelands Park and Torro Creek Beach. Visitors can enjoy year round activities including golf, sailing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, surfing, biking, picnicking, tide-pooling, bird watching, shopping, miles of beaches and seafood. Learn More. 

Elephant Seal Viewing

Come view northern elephant seals during their time onshore at Piedras Blancas. The viewing areas are located 90 miles south of Monterey, 5 miles north of Hearst Castle State Historical Monument in San Simeon, 1.5 miles south of Point Piedras Blancas. The viewing areas are open every day of the year, are wheelchair accessible, and free. No reservations required. Learn More.

Central Coast Aquarium

The Central Coast Aquarium is a friendly public visitor center that is just steps away from the beach and boardwalk. Students and visitors get a fun, hands-on experience here that allows them to explore the world of the ocean, beneath the surface. The family-friendly aquarium has a mission of educating and inspiring visitors of all ages about local sea life and marine science by giving them an exciting hands-on experience. Learn More.

Great American Melodrama

Live Professionals, year round theater with song, dance and comedy reviews. Family entertainment with food, beer and wine available. Learn More.
 
Schedule:
 
Under the Boardwalk: June16-September17
A Witless Rogue: July 14-September 18
Trudy and the Beast: September 28-November 13
The Holiday Extravaganza: November 17-December 31

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle® is a must-see for any California visitor. It was originally built as a private estate for publisher William Randolph Hearst. Today it is open to the public daily for guided tours (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days) and is owned and operated by the California State Parks Department. Learn More.

Beaches

What does a great day on the beach look like? Surfing, swimming, sandcastles, and a relaxing stroll along the sandy shoreline, of course. Step off the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel’s lawn onto the pristine stretch of Pacific Ocean beach right in our backyard, take a shoreline stroll down to the vibrant Pismo Pier or head over to Avila Beach to enjoy the beauty of the cove and the gentle, rolling surf. Learn More.

Wine Tasting

San Luis Obispo County boasts over 300 wineries, stretching from Paso Robles to Arroyo Grande. The two regions are as distinct in the wines made as they are in their weather patterns. But one thing remains the same - quality wines made in a hands-on artisan fashion with a total emphasis on delivering the California lifestyle. Find our favorite wineries.

Golf

Take your buddies or meeting partners out to the most spectacular golf courses in the United States! Explore the lush ground of our favorite local golf resorts in the Pismo Beach area!

Find top local golf courses.

Kayaking

There is no better way to enjoy the wonderful furry, feathered, and flippered residents of the sea. With numerous kayaking opportunities along the fine bays, beaches, estuaries, and lakes, you can meet otters, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and a variety of birds. Venture out yourself, or hire an expert guide. Ask one of our friendly staff members at The SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel and we can make all the arrangements for you.

Contact a local outfitter.

Whale Watching

Throughout the year these magnificent leviathans grace our coastline. During the summer months of July and August we find Humpbacks near our shores feeding on the abundant baitfish that school here. In the winter, starting mid November and lasting till the end of January the California grey whales migrate past or waters heading south to breed and give birth in the warm lagoons of Mexico. In spring (March to May) we have another opportunity to observe them as they return north on one of the longest migrations of any animal on earth to their primary feeding grounds in the arctic sea. A voyage of over 10,000 miles per year!

Learn More.