San Luis Obispo is the perfect destination for a sunny getaway and to spend Labor Day weekend. SLO is filled with family-friendly activities that are perfect for the three-day weekend. Whether you’re a foodie, art lover, or outdoor enthusiast, SLO will have a wide option of things to do that you can pack your Labor Day weekend with for a memorable time with your family.
Check out all the fun things we would do while visiting San Luis Obispo during Labor Day weekend.
Farmer’s Market
- Address: Downtown
SLO’s downtown farmers’ market is more than just a farmers’ market. Besides delicious assortments of fruits and veggies, you can enjoy live entertainment and mouthwatering food. Make sure to browse the local crafts while visiting; you might find an early Christmas present. SLO downtown farmers’ market happens every Thursday from 6-9 p.m. and spans five blocks of downtown.
Bubblegum Alley
- Address: Downtown
Bubblegum Alley is exactly what you think it is, an alley filled with bubblegum. This hidden gem is tucked away off Higuera Street between Broad and Garden Street. The alley welcomes all to continue its art project by adding a piece of gum to that 15-foot wall. If you don’t have a piece of gum handy, stop at SLO Sweets or Rocket Fizz nearby to grab some so you can leave your mark on this alley in SLO.
Mission San Luis Obispo De Tolosa
- Address: 751 Palm Street
For those who love history, do not leave SLO without stopping at this historic Spanish mission in downtown. The mission was founded in 1772 and today remains an active church that welcomes all in. Outside the mission is Mission Plaza, which is filled with shopping and dining experiences, and it holds a variety of community events. You can tour the mission and explore the museum and gift shop once you’re done.
Relax at a Brewery
SLO and the surrounding areas are filled with craft breweries that will make any beer enthusiast’s heart sing. You can stop at one of these breweries for a drink, or if you want to hit more than one, hop on a Beer Tour of San Luis Obispo, where a shuttle will take you and some friends around to local breweries. These are a few of our favorites that are worth checking out.
- Central Coast Brewing
- SLO Brew
- There Does Not Exist
- 7 Sisters Brewing Company
Take a Hike
If you want to get the blood pumping and explore the SLO area, go on a hike. There are a variety of fantastic hiking trails throughout SLO that will lead you to amazing views and wonders. Each hike will have its own individual skill level, so make sure to pick one suited for you, then end your day enjoying the beach. These are a few hikes worth checking out:
- Terrace Hill Open Space: 0.8-mile hike
- Islay Hill: a 1.8-mile round trip hike that shows off the Santa Lucia Mountains and Edna Valley
- Laguna Lake Park and Open Space: 2-mile loop around Laguna Lake and is dog friendly
- Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve: A moderate hike that is dog friendly.
Visit a Beach
Of course, SLO is filled with beaches perfect for relaxing, sandcastle building, and enjoying a picnic with the family. SLO and the surrounding areas all have beaches worth exploring for their own reasons, and we recommend stopping at one.
- Fisherman’s Beach in SLO: dog-friendly
- Avila Main Beach in Avila Beach: Perfect for kids and safe due to calm waters
- Pirate’s Cove Beach in SLO: Relaxing and hidden, but it’s known as a nudist beach
- Cayucos State Beach in Cayucos: Perfect for swimming and surfing
- Morro Strand State Beach in Morro Bay: Right off the PCH and you can see Morro Rock
San Luis Obispo is an excellent destination for Labor Day weekend. There is so much to do in this beach town, but the nearby town also has impressive attractions that are worth the drive. If you are looking for a little something extra you can do, visit the below attractions as well.
- Hearst Castle
- Fremont Theatre and Palm Theatre
- Dallidet Adobe and Gardens
- Point San Luis Lighthouse
- SLO Railroad Museum and Historic Railroad District
Have fun this Labor Day weekend in SLO with your entire family, and for all you know, everyone might love it so much that you’ve created a new family tradition for Labor Day weekend.