If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor fitness and wellness destination, pack your gear and head to San Luis Obispo, California (also known as SLO). Surrounded by lush mountains, this hidden gem offers easy access to forests, vineyards, trails and nearby beaches. SLO is the perfect destination for people who love hiking, biking, yoga, water sports and all things outdoor.
San Luis Obispo is located on California’s Central Coast, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Known for its laid back atmosphere, beautiful scenery and friendly community, San Luis Obispo is known as one of the “happiest” places in America. Whether you’re a health conscious traveler or simply looking for a refreshing getaway, San Luis Obispo is sure to satisfy.
As someone who always prioritizes self-care and wellness, whether at home or on the go, I was thrilled with the opportunity to visit this West Coast bucket list spot, courtesy of the San Luis Obispo Tourism Board. In this article, I’ll share San Luis Obispo’s seven best fitness and wellness adventures to help you make the most of your visit to this vibrant and beautiful place.
hiking
Hiking in SLO is an energizing, invigorating workout for all fitness levels. Over 65 miles of trails offer hikers and bikers a variety of elevations, terrains and challenges. These trails are great for enhancing leg muscle activation and balance, especially when practicing walking with a weighted backpack.
Here are some trails to choose from.
Cerro San Luis
I did a 4 mile round trip up and down Cerro San Luis (known locally as Madonna Mountain), which was quite an accomplishment as Cerro San Luis is one of the “Nine Sisters” mountains and reaches a whopping 1,292 feet in elevation.
The trail is generally rocky and can become muddy and slippery in places after rain, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots or sneakers and bring a large water bottle to stay hydrated on cool, cloudy days.
This trail offers the best intense workout in every respect, and the expansive, unparalleled views from the top make all the sweat worth it (not to mention the many adorable cows you’ll get to befriend along the way!).
Terrace Hill
This moderate route is perfect for those looking for a light “hike.” A short 0.8 mile trail in the heart of San Luis Obispo, Terrace Hill is perfect for beginners looking to get in some light cardio, take in the views, and snap some amazing panoramic photos at sunrise, sunset, and every moment in between.
Johnson Ranch
Johnson Ranch is another beginner-friendly 3.2-mile loop that takes you through beautiful rolling hills, crossing streams and lush greenery, offering views of wildflowers in the spring.
Irish Hills Open Space
If you’re looking for a more advanced day hike or uphill mountain bike adventure, Irish Hills Open Space offers over seven miles of interconnected trails to explore – and dogs are welcome to join you.
cycling
SLO is Gold Level Bike Friendly CommunityWe encourage everyone, from beginners to advanced riders, to enjoy cycling. The city’s designated green bike paths and trails make cycling safe and enjoyable.
Riding a bike in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan isn’t exactly my cup of tea, but I biked everywhere safely on SLO’s designated green bike paths and trails. The Hotel San Cero provides bikes (with helmets, locks, and baskets) for guests to enjoy, which I did, or you can rent a cruiser of your choice from a variety of bike rental shops around the city, including Cambria Bike Rentals and Foothill Cyclery.
Railway Bike Path
The Rail Bike Path in SLO is an incredibly quiet path that runs along the city’s railroad tracks on one side and sago palm trees (which resemble giant pineapples) and beautiful foliage on the other. It’s a pretty easy route for most levels of cyclists; I biked just over 5 miles round trip.
At the end of the Railroad Bike Path, you can take a yoga or pilates class, get your caffeine fix, grab a fresh beer or enjoy a dry cider at Duncan Alley.
Bob Jones Bike Trail
The Bob Jones Bike Trail is about three miles long and passes through the forests and waters of Avila Beach. Also known as the “City to the Sea Bike Trail,” this popular route can be customized to suit your comfort level and speed.
San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club
Experienced bikers can ride like a local during their visit by joining the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club. Club members meet at various locations around the city on different days throughout the month. Schedules and details can be found on the club’s website.
Downtown SLO Farmers Market
Did you know that the shorter the time it takes for fruits and vegetables to get from the farm to your stand, the higher the amount of minerals and vitamins that produce contains? Purchasing and eating healthy, nutritious foods is important, even when traveling, so we headed out to the famous Downtown SLO Farmer’s Market. We love buying incredibly fresh produce at our local farmers markets. After all, you are what you eat.
The SLO Farmers Market is hands down the most impressive market I’ve ever visited. It spans five blocks and features over 100 vendors. According to the San Luis Obispo Tourism Board, it’s the second largest farmers market in the Western U.S. This beloved tradition has graced Higuera Street every Thursday night for the past 40 years.
SLO’s great weather year-round allows tourists and locals alike to experience the true flavor of the city, including fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, baked goods, jams, honey, crafts, live entertainment, and its famous barbecue. It’s a great place to grab dinner (like I did), do some shopping, and pick up some treats to bring back to your hotel or Airbnb.
Be sure to try the “Banzo Bowl” from Bliss Café and mini sprinkle doughnuts from Sugar Lips.
Spa, Wellness & Relaxation
If you’ve ever had a spa treatment like a massage or facial, you know how relaxing they can be. Massages can also be effective in treating a variety of issues, including anxiety, headaches, insomnia, nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and injuries.
Here are some great spa experiences you can experience in SLO.
Spa Cello
Spa Cerro offers the ultimate in mind-body relaxation. The facility also features a steam bath to prepare for your favorite treatment, as well as a luxurious spa relaxation terrace where you can sip a glass of champagne in the California sunshine.
After our mountain climbing and biking adventure, a spa treatment was waiting for us. We started our spa session with some tea by the fireplace in the Relaxation Quiet Room before heading for a Swedish massage. It was absolutely amazing!
Other pampering treatments at the spa include the Honey Lavender Sea Salt Body Scrub, Organic Almond Orange Fruit & Nut Body Polish, and the Blue Poppy Organic Enzyme Facial.
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Would you like to soak in a private hillside hot spring? If the answer is yes, come to Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. Enjoy a yoga or pilates class before or after your soak.
yoga
If yoga is your relaxation go-to, you know that this rejuvenating practice is effective in treating a variety of health issues, including chronic pain, balance problems, arthritis, osteoporosis, depression, and anxiety. So, when you practice namaste, you can rest assured that it’s doing wonders for your body.
There are many centers to check out in SLO, here are some of them:
Tara and the Terrace
Relax your mind and body while taking in the beautiful views of Terrace Hill. Terrace with Tara is a wonderful experience for yoga enthusiasts of all levels. Bring your yoga mat, towel or beach blanket, and enjoy a delicious picnic after class (be sure to pick up an Anne Holm Sweet Home Sandwich from Lincoln Market & Deli).
Spark Yoga
What’s more fun than yoga in the sun with a view? Check out Spark Yoga, which offers Vinyasa Flow, Power Sequence, Restorative classes and rooftop yoga sessions.
Goat Yoga at Madonna Inn
So why not combine the mind and body benefits of yoga with the adorableness and comfort of spending time with cute little goats? Madonna Inn offers goat yoga classes where you can stretch out in the great outdoors with miniature goats. You might even come across one or more cows and horses on the farm.
Once you’ve achieved your namaste, be sure to indulge in Madonna Inn’s indulgent and famous pink champagne cake.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a great, fun, low-impact form of exercise in San Luis Obispo County. If you’re looking to tone your chest, shoulders, arms and back while improving your flexibility, cardiovascular fitness and strength, grab a paddle and head ashore for an unforgettable coastal adventure.
Kayak along the county’s most popular kayaking spots – Morro Bay (famous for the giant volcanic Morro Rock), Pismo Beach or Avila Beach – to explore hidden coves and get some invigorating exercise.
There are plenty of rental places worth checking out, including Kayak Shack, Central Coast Kayaks and Avila Beach Paddlesports.
Pickleball
Bring a paddle; SLO has plenty of pickleball courts where you can burn off some calories and soak up some vitamin D. Meadow Park is ideal for beginners, but if you’re a bit more experienced and want to play at a more competitive level, check out the upper and lower courts at French Park. Some courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others must be reserved in advance.
After a game of pickleball at French Park, consider heading to SLO’s Edna Valley for some much-needed rest and refreshment, some great views, and a glass of wine at one of the many vineyards: Chamisal, Edna Valley Vineyards, and Biddle Ranch Vineyard House & Tasting Room are just a few to consider.
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