Things To Do

Founded in 1890, Point San Luis Lighthouse has saved many lives in its time, and remains a beacon over San Luis Bay. Visit a piece of history on Highway 1.

This is an intimate and educational experience that is always family friendly.

For generations, the natural hot springs of Avila Beach have provided relief and relaxation to visitors from far and wide. Want to soak your stress away? Find pure bliss in two legendary Avila Beach Hot Springs.

Cute, furry, and playful, Southern Sea Otters make their homes just offshore along the SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1. Sea otters are native to the north Pacific Ocean, with Monterey Bay, Big Sur, and the Central Coast as hubs of activity.

The historic Dana Adobe in Nipomo transports visitors back to the time of vaqueros, ranchos and Mexican land grants.

A critical historic site for the development of San Luis Obispo County, the Oceano Train Depot now stands as a museum and community center.

A hiker’s paradise, Los Osos lies in a valley at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Trails of all lengths span beaches, creeks, mountains, and bluffs.

Visitors can find a spectrum of options, with ideal beaches for sunbathing, beachcombing, wildlife viewing, surfing, tidepooling, doggie fun or even dune-driving.

Paddle back in time with professional kayak guides to the 125 year old fully restored and quite beautiful Point San Luis Lighthouse in Avila Beach, California

Visitors and local residents alike are invited to download free trail maps throughout the San Luis Obispo and the HWY 1 Discovery Route

Join us for kids activities and storytime with hands-on interaction with tide pool animals and aquarium exploration.

The site is in the final stages of being restored to a native botanical garden which will feature native plant communities endemic to the Nipomo Mesa and dunes complex.

Visitors and locals alike enjoy the self-guided walking tour that visits 26 historic structures throughout the small and welcoming town.

"Every piece of litter you remove reveals something beautiful..."

Visit the shark tank during feeding time at the Central Coast Aquarium in Avila Beach for an unforgettable experience and a peek at the underwater world of sharks.

The mission of the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is to display the diverse plant life of the Mediterranean climate zones of the world and to provide opportunities for education, recreation, conservation and research. 

The Volunteer Program at the Dunes Center is crucial to its ability to fulfill its mission. 

The Ranch is far from the largest of coastal ecosystems, but packs more biological diversity into a confined area than many larger properties.