Car Free Discount Offers for 2009 and 2010:  $30 off FunRide**!

FunRide is an innovative car sharing service in San Luis Obispo County using exclusively alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles. FunRide vehicles are spread out at locations, called pods, throughout the community for easy customer access. It is easy to register to use the FunRide service. Visitors can use FunRide for only $25 for a one month period. Go to our website and click on the JOIN NOW button. You will need your driver’s license number and a credit card to join.

Car sharing is an alternative to the high cost of owning a vehicle. You can lease a vehicle on an hourly basis when you have transportation needs. Once you join the car sharing service, you can reserve the vehicle online or by phone. There is no paperwork and no waiting in lines. You will be bulled only for the hours you use the FunRide vehicle!

Fun Ride vehicles are available at the SLO Airport, Amtrak, and hotel clusters to provide low cost and environmentally friendly transportation for visitors to SLO County!

FunRide
1998 Santa Barbara Street, Suite 130
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
Phone: (805) 547- 2225

**Discount not to be combined with any other package or special. Must mention SLO Car Free when making reservations.

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

• Ag Adventures of the Central Coast Event Calendar
  Ag Adventures of the Central Coast has information on agriculture tourism, farm stays and harvest festivals on the Central Coast.
• Edible San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market Calendar
• Enjoy the small-town charm and produce of the Central Coast at one (or several) of the daily farmer’s markets throughout the county.

Car Free Discount Offers for 2009 and 2010:  15% off Standard rates and a free slice of pie with the purchase of any regular priced dinner entreé**

We invite you to the Apple Farm Inn, a subtle blend of the ambiance of a turn-of-the-century Victorian Inn and the luxury of a fine hotel. The goal of our staff is to make you feel welcome by offering genuine hospitality, which combines attention to detail, friendliness and anticipation of your needs.  Come let us pamper you!

Our convenient location is within a 15-minute walk to the downtown area or Cal Poly campus and is along the Downtown Trolley loop.  SLO Transit bus stops are located two blocks north on Mill at Grand Avenue.

Complementary shuttle service is offered for the airport and Amtrak station.

Apple Farm
2015 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
Phone: (800) 255-2040
Fax: (805) 544-2040
Questions: Kim Wykoff
reservations@applefarm.com

**Discount not to be combined with any other package or special. Must mention SLO Car Free when making reservations.

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 to 2010: Free bike rental for one day with overnight stay (up to two people per offer).

The Bridge Street Inn is a cozy European-style guest house located in the historic East Village of Cambria about 35 miles from San Luis Obispo.  Cambria is a quintessential California beach town and artist enclave that offers lots to do – with relaxing places to hike, bike, visit restaurants and galleries and of course, explore the seashore.  The Inn is located in a fully renovated 110-year old house, within walking distance of a grocery store and bakery. Accommodations include both private rooms and co-ed dorm-style rooms with bunk beds all with shared bathrooms.

Although it’s not easy to get to Cambria without a car, the Inn provides extensive information on how you can get from San Luis Obispo to Cambria without a car.  For details on getting to Cambria without a car, see the Bridge Street Inn website.  For more ideas on how to reduce your carbon footprint, see Almost Car Free.

Bridge Street Inn
4314 Bridge Street
Cambria, CA 93428
Phone: (805) 927-7653
Questions: Aimee Wyatt, Manager
Email: bridgestreetinn@yahoo.com

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

Car Free Discount Offers for 2009 and 2010:  10% off Standard Room Rates**

We are conveniently located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles with shuttles to and from the airport and both trainstations (Grover Beach and San Luis Obispo). WIth a heated ocean view pool and Jacuzzi, fitness center, spa services, on-site restaurant-Marisol, and meeting rooms, there is no reason to leave. But if you choose to, there are many wineries, golf courses, and ocean adventures located nearby. Fresh from a renovation, in September 2009, you can choose from a luxurious ocean front suite to relax in, or a more economical room with 2 queen size beds to fit the family, or something in between! 

Complementary shuttle service is offered for the airport and Amtrak station.

The Cliffs Resort
2757 Shell Beach Road
Pismo Beach, California 93453
Phone: (805) 773-5000
Questions: Stephi Bowman
stephanie@cliffsresort.com

**Discount not to be combined with any other package or special. Must mention SLO Car Free when making reservations.

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 to 2010: 10% off Standard Room Rates!

Courtyard by Marriott is located just minutes from exquisite wineries, breathtaking beaches, serene golf courses, beautiful hiking trails, historic Downtown SLO, and Cal Poly! Courtyard by Marriott is your perfect destination!

Courtyard by Marriott guarantees consistency with competent, professional, and friendly staff to help you with anything you need. They offer 4,000 square feet of flexible meeting space perfect for any size or type of event; group discounts, complimentary high speed wireless internet, heated pool and whirlpool Jacuzzi along with 24 hour access to a full business center, fitness center and Sundries market. Their cafe serves breakfast and dinner daily, with happy hour specials, and live music on Wednesdays!  Come see everything Courtyard by Marriott has to offer!

Courtyard by Marriott
1605 Calle Joaquin
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone: (805) 786-4200
Questions: Kelly Campbell
Email: kelly.campbell@marriott.com

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

SLO Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010: 10% off Standard Room Rates!

Conveniently located at the west end of SLO’s historic downtown district and a bus stop, Downtown Travelodge is a perfect place to rest your head…without a care and a car. Enjoy the complementary continental breakfast, highspeed internet and scenic views from the hotel.

From the Amtrak station, take SLO Transit (click here to download the SLO Transit Map). See Almost Car Free for more ways to get to the Downtown Travelodge from the Amtrak station or the airport.

Our convenient location is within walking distance to the downtown or a 10 minute bus ride (via Route 2) to the Downtown Transit Center.

Downtown Travelodge
345 Marsh Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 543-8443
Questions: Dave
dave@travelodgeslo.com

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010:  10% off Standard Rates and Free Shuttle Service!

When visiting the beauty and culture that San Luis Obispo has to offer, the Embassy Suites San Luis Obispo Hotel – Central Coast is the best place to lay your head. Whether it’s a day at the white sandy beach, a winery getaway, or business as usual on the golf course, you can always relax in our beautifully decorated suites, complete with a private bedroom and separate living room area with a sleeper sofa and plush chairs.

Our convenient location is within a 15 minute bus ride (via Route 5) to the downtown.

We are pleased to provide complimentary transportation to and from the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport and the Amtrak train station.

Embassy Suites Hotels- San Luis Obispo
333 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone: (805) 549-0800
Fax: (805) 549-9138
Questions: Teresa Ricard
Phone: 805.547.6403
Email: teresa.ricard@wcghotels.com

Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010: SLO Car Free registrants get a 10% discount off room rate.  Redeem this offer now.

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010:  10% off Hearst Castle tickets!

Hostel Obispo is located in a charming historic neighborhood just 2 blocks from the Amtrak train station, within a 10 minute walk to the downtown and with a bus stop located across the street. The 20-bed hostel features both private and dorm-style accommodations, a fully-equipped kitchen, cozy lounge with fireplace, piano, guitar, board games, on-site parking, an outdoor garden patio, laundry facilities and a complimentary sourdough pancake breakfast.

The hostel provides inexpensive bicycle rentals on-site. Receive a free bike rental with a 3-day stay!

From the Amtrak station: Walk north on Railroad Ave. Turn left at the bend onto Santa Rosa Street and walk one and a half blocks down the (steep) hill. Hostel Obispo is located on the left at 1617 Santa Rosa Street. Alternatively, you can take SLO Transit route 5 to the next bus stop (about a 30 second ride)!

See Almost Car Free for more ways to get to Hostel Obispo from the Amtrak station or the airport.

Hostel Obispo
1617 Santa Rosa
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 544-4678
Questions: Elaine Simer
Email: reservations@hostelobispo.com

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010:  20% off Discount on Standard Room Rates and Free Bottle of Wine Upon Check-in!

The Inn at Morro Bay, unique among Morro Bay hotels, is ideally located on California’s Central Coast, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Nestled on 4,000 acres just inside Morro Bay State Park, the Inn offers visitors a true coastal hideaway of unsurpassed natural beauty.

Morro Bay, California offers life in the slow lane. Shop for antiques in town, or watch rare birds in the National Estuary. Spend a gourmet afternoon wine tasting in the lush countryside of Paso Robles. Hearst Castle, historic San Luis Obispo, and centuries-old missions wait to be explored. Harbor cruises are available daily. That is, if you can tear yourself away from our grounds!

The Inn at Morro Bay offers a complimentary shuttle service from the SLO Airport and the Amtrak Station. The hotel also provides free bicycle rentals for guests!

See Almost Car Free for more ways to get to the Inn at Morro Bay from the Amtrak station or the airport.

Inn at Morro Bay
60 State Park Road
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Phone: (805) 772-5651
Questions: Meghan Hamill
Email: frontdeskmanager@innatmorrobay.com

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

SLO Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010: $10.00 off standard room rates.**

La Cuesta Inn is the perfect hotel for both leisure and business travelers. Experience the genuine warmth and hospitality that makes the Central Coast of California the ultimate desitination. La Cuesta Inn is an idependently owned and managed boutique hotel that is dedicated to supporting a cleaner environment by using recycled products, implementing Project Planet©, and encouraging walking and the use of buses to get downtown and to local businesses and services. Come enjoy and relax in one of our beautiful 72 rooms!

Our convenient location is within a 15-minute walk to the downtown area or Cal Poly campus and is along the Downtown Trolley loop.  SLO Transit bus stops are located two blocks north on Mill at Grand Avenue.

La Cuesta Inn
2074 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
Phone: (805) 543-2777

**Discount not to be combined with any other package or special. Must mention SLO Car Free when making reservations.

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

SLO Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010: 15% off Standard room rates.  Restrictions apply**

Our inn is near the heart of  the beautiful downtown San Luis Obispo and within walking distance from strolling along the streets filled with shops, boutiques, galleries, jewelry stores, and charming restaurants. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, make the Los Padres Inn your home away from home. We look forward to serving you and making your San Luis stay comfortable.

Our convenient location is within a 10 minute walk to the downtown and is along the Downtown Trolley loop.  SLO Transit bus stops are located two blocks north on Mill at California Street.

From the Amtrak station, take SLO Transit route 5 (click here to download the SLO Transit Map) to Mill at California, walk two blocks south on California Street (down the steep hill).  Cross Monterey Street at the cross walk, then turn left to arrive at 1575 Monterey Street.

For more ways to get to Los Padres Inn from the Amtrak station or the airport, see Almost Car Free.

Los Padres Inn
1575 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 543-5017
Toll Free: (800) 543-5090
Fax: (805) 547-1664
Questions: Vibs Panchal
lospadresinn@yahoo.com

**Discount is only available Sunday through Friday and may not be combined with any other offer.

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

For more information on this project, or to add or change information on this site, contact Meghan Field at (805) 781-5912 or info@slocarfree.org.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

cforms contact form by delicious:days

The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club lists hundreds of bike rides on their website including some of San Luis Obispo’s challenging “Great Rides,” local “Favorite Rides,” as well as rides designed for “SLO Pokes” looking for a less strenuous adventure.

Ride Summary: A quick ride through Cuesta College on little trafficked back roads and returning to town on Highway One. Some small hills, but no major climbs.

For maps of the following rides, see the various North County and Coast North bike maps.

Starting Point for all SLO North rides: Santa Rosa Park at the corner of Santa Rosa and Oak in San Luis Obispo just north of US 101.

View Cuesta College Loop in a larger map

0.0       TR out of Santa Rosa Park onto Santa Rosa Rd / Hwy One.
0.4       TL onto Foothill Blvd.
2.9       TR onto O’Connor Dr.
5.3       Top of hill.
6.1       Entering National Guard facility
6.3       TR at the first available turn. Caution – speed bumps.
6.5       TR at the T-intersection.
6.8       CS at the stop sign.
7.2       TR at stoplight onto Hwy One.
12.5     TL into Santa Rosa Park (suggest use crosswalk at Murray St.)

*How do you determine difficulty ratings?

It is challenging to come up with a difficulty rating system that is relevant for everyone. A very fit cyclist might consider our “Moderately Strenuous” trips to not be hard at all, while someone who exercises infrequently or is not used to cycling might find a “Moderately Easy” tour to be quite a challenge. Our bicycle tour rating system is based on the approximate fitness level of a casual recreational cyclist who rides at least once per week and rides over fifteen miles on a regular basis. If you ride less or more than this, please adjust your expectations of the tour accordingly. To flesh out the rather subjective difficulty rating, we also include the distance for each tour and a terrain description.

Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010:  Complementary bike rental with stay!

Step inside the cobblestone courtyard and find yourself transported to the rustic charm and colors of Provence. Freshly brewed coffee and a full gastronome breakfast will be served to you each morning in our inviting dining room, or in the sun filled back patio. Every evening you can relax and enjoy a tasting of Local and French wines paired with delectable appetizers. Stay at Petit Soleil, Bed et Breakfast, and enjoy a touch of European charm in the heart of San Luis Obispo.

Our convenient location is only five blocks from downtown San Luis Obispo and is along the Downtown Trolley loop.  SLO Transit bus stops are located two blocks north on Mill at California Street.

From the Amtrak station, take SLO Transit route 5 (click here to download the SLO Transit Map) to Mill at California, walk two blocks south on California Street (down the steep hill).  Cross Monterey Street at the cross walk, then turn right to arrive at 1473 Monterey Street.

For more ways to get to Petit Soleil from the Amtrak station or the airport, see Almost Car Free.

Petit Soleil – Bed et Breakfast
1473 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 549-0321
Toll Free: (800) 676-1588
Fax: (805) 549-0383
Email: reservations@petitsoleilslo.com
Questions: John Conner

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

Ride Summary: A varied ride taking in Highway One and the coastal town of Morro Bay on the way north. On the return south you’ll ride Turri Rd; a great, little trafficked road often used for bike photo shoots. Great views of a series of craggy peaks between Highway One and Los Osos Valley called the Nine Sisters. Relatively level for most of the ride with a few gradual climbs and descents one steeper climb and descent on Turri Rd.

0.0       TR out of Santa Rosa Park onto Santa Rosa Road / Hwy One. Highway One to Morro Bay is mostly a busy four lane freeway with a large shoulder.
10.8     EXIT Freeway at Los Osos / Baywood Park Exit.
11.0     TL at end of exit ramp. Cross under freeway.
11.2     TR onto Quintana. Uphill.
11.8     TL  onto Morro Bay Blvd. Busy intersection. Downhill into town.
12.3     TL onto Main St. To explore Morro Rock or the waterfront, TR and follow the signs, then return to Main St. and follow this south out of town and through Morro Bay State Park.
15.0     TR onto unmarked South Bay Blvd after passing the marina.
16.4     TL onto Turri Road just before bridge with bear statue. One big climb and descent.
21.0     TL onto Los Osos Valley Rd. Busier highway with good shoulder.
25.0     TL onto Foothill Blvd at the stoplight. Enter City of San Luis Obispo and pass through several stoplights.
27.9     TR onto Santa Rosa Road / Highway One.
28.3     TL into Santa Rosa Park (suggest use crosswalk at Murray St.)

*How do you determine difficulty ratings?

It is challenging to come up with a difficulty rating system that is relevant for everyone. A very fit cyclist might consider our “Moderately Strenuous” trips to not be hard at all, while someone who exercises infrequently or is not used to cycling might find a “Moderately Easy” tour to be quite a challenge. Our bicycle tour rating system is based on the approximate fitness level of a casual recreational cyclist who rides at least once per week and rides over fifteen miles on a regular basis. If you ride less or more than this, please adjust your expectations of the tour accordingly. To flesh out the rather subjective difficulty rating, we also include the distance for each tour and a terrain description.

Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010:  30% off Standard Rates!!

At the Quality Suites – San Luis Obispo, you can look forward to coming home to a luxurious, spacious suite after a busy day. Our 138 suites (most featuring king size beds) are equipped with a full range of services and amenities. The microwave and refrigerator make it easy to prepare a meal—or just unwind with a movie.  We are pleased to provide complimentary transportation to and from the San Luis Obipso Regional Airport and the Amtrak train station. 

Our convenient location is within a 15-minute walk to the downtown area or Cal Poly campus and is along the Downtown Trolley loop.  SLO Transit bus stops are located two blocks north on Mill at California Street.

We offer a complimentary breakfast and complimentary beer and wine tasting daily.

Quality Suites Inn- San Luis Obispo
1631 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 541-5001
Fax: (805) 546-9475
Questions: Bruce Watson

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

Ride Summary: A longer out and back with a gorgeous coastal state park at the far end. Mostly level riding to start along a well trafficked rural highway with good shoulders to Los Osos. After Los Osos, the park road is hilly with spectacular views and medium to light traffic.

View Los Osos and Montana de Oro in a larger map

• 0.0 – TR out of Santa Rosa Park onto Santa Rosa Road / Hwy One.
• 0.4 – TL onto Foothill Blvd. Busy intersection. Suggest using crosswalks.
• 3.3 – TR onto Los Osos Valley Road.
• 10.2 – CS at South Bay Blvd into downtown Los Osos.
• 11.7 – Leave Los Osos and begin series of hills into Montana de Oro State Park.
• 15.4 – Montana de Oro State Park visitor center and campground. Hills continue.
• 16.7 – End of road. Return the way you came.
• 30.1 – TL onto Foothill Blvd at the stoplight. Enter City of San Luis Obispo and pass through several stoplights.
• 33.0 – TR onto Santa Rosa Road / Highway One.
• 33.4 – TL into Santa Rosa Park (suggest use crosswalk at Murray St.)

*How do you determine difficulty ratings?

It is challenging to come up with a difficulty rating system that is relevant for everyone. A very fit cyclist might consider our “Moderately Strenuous” trips to not be hard at all, while someone who exercises infrequently or is not used to cycling might find a “Moderately Easy” tour to be quite a challenge. Our bicycle tour rating system is based on the approximate fitness level of a casual recreational cyclist who rides at least once per week and rides over fifteen miles on a regular basis. If you ride less or more than this, please adjust your expectations of the tour accordingly. To flesh out the rather subjective difficulty rating, we also include the distance for each tour and a terrain description.

Ride Summary: Highway One north to Cayucos is a busy four lane freeway most of the way with great coastal views between Morro Bay and Cayucos. As you enter Cayucos, look for Pacific Coast Bike Route signs to get you off the freeway.

View Riding to Cayucos on Highway One in a larger map

*How do you determine difficulty ratings?

It is challenging to come up with a difficulty rating system that is relevant for everyone. A very fit cyclist might consider our “Moderately Strenuous” trips to not be hard at all, while someone who exercises infrequently or is not used to cycling might find a “Moderately Easy” tour to be quite a challenge. Our bicycle tour rating system is based on the approximate fitness level of a casual recreational cyclist who rides at least once per week and rides over fifteen miles on a regular basis. If you ride less or more than this, please adjust your expectations of the tour accordingly. To flesh out the rather subjective difficulty rating, we also include the distance for each tour and a terrain description.

For the following rides, download the Edna Valley Wineries by Bike map from the SLO County Bicycle Coalition website.

Starting Point for all SLO South rides: San Luis Obispo Amtrak Station, 1011 Railroad Avenue at Santa Rosa Street. The station is just south of the downtown area at the end of Santa Rosa Street. Parking is available in the station parking lot.

Tip: Before heading out of town, pick up a quick sandwich at the Broad Street Giant Grinder for a picnic lunch. They offer a 20% for Car Free travelers!

Tiffany Ranch Road Loop – 19.7 miles – Moderate (short option crossing valley at Biddle Ranch is 13.4 miles and is Moderately Easy)*

Ride Summary: A scenic loop through the Edna Valley wine growing region. Several wineries along the route. Some hills toward the south end of the valley. Winds from the north tend to pick up in the afternoon. A shorter route (13.4 miles) that avoids the hills can be made by crossing the valley at Biddle Ranch Road.

View Tiffany Ranch Road Loop in a larger map

0.0       RR station. Take bike path bridge across tracks and follow path along tracks away from the RR station.
2.0       TL onto Orcutt Road.
2.4       TR to stay on Orcutt Road.
3.4       TL to stay on Orcutt Road.
9.1       TR onto Tiffany Ranch Road.
10.1     TR onto Corbett Canyon Road.
12.1     TR onto 227.
17.4     TR onto Orcutt Road.
17.7     TL onto bike path just after RR tracks.
19.7     Take bike path bridge back over tracks to station. End of ride.

*How do you determine difficulty ratings?

It is challenging to come up with a difficulty rating system that is relevant for everyone. A very fit cyclist might consider our “Moderately Strenuous” trips to not be hard at all, while someone who exercises infrequently or is not used to cycling might find a “Moderately Easy” tour to be quite a challenge. Our bicycle tour rating system is based on the approximate fitness level of a casual recreational cyclist who rides at least once per week and rides over fifteen miles on a regular basis. If you ride less or more than this, please adjust your expectations of the tour accordingly. To flesh out the rather subjective difficulty rating, we also include the distance for each tour and a terrain description.

Ride Summary: A scenic loop through the vineyard and ranch country south of SLO. Several wineries along the route. Some hills toward the south end of the ride. Winds from the north tend to pick up in the afternoon. Longer rides can be made by adding out and back options to Lopez Lake or Huasna townsite. One major climb/descent on the road to Huasna townsite.

View Corbett Canyon Loop in a larger map

0.0       RR station. Take bike path bridge across tracks and follow path along tracks away from the RR station.
2.0       TL onto Orcutt Road.
2.4       TR to stay on Orcutt Road.
3.4       TL to stay on Orcutt Road.
6.2       CS to stay on Orcutt Road. OR for short option, TR onto Biddle Ranch Road, ride 1 mile to Hwy 227 and TR. You are now just before the 17.4 mile mark below.
11.3     TR onto Lopez Drive. For an interesting detour to Lopez Lake, TL at Lopez Drive and ride out and back 4.5 miles to Lopez Lake. For another interesting detour, TR on Lopez Drive, ride 2.6 miles and TL onto Huasna Road for an out and back to Huasna Townsite 10.2 miles each way.
15.5     TR onto 227.
16.0     TR onto Corbett Canyon Road.
21.9     TR onto 227.
27.2     TR onto Orcutt Road.27.5     TL onto bike path just after RR tracks.
29.5     Take bike path bridge back over tracks to station. End of ride.

*How do you determine difficulty ratings?

It is challenging to come up with a difficulty rating system that is relevant for everyone. A very fit cyclist might consider our “Moderately Strenuous” trips to not be hard at all, while someone who exercises infrequently or is not used to cycling might find a “Moderately Easy” tour to be quite a challenge. Our bicycle tour rating system is based on the approximate fitness level of a casual recreational cyclist who rides at least once per week and rides over fifteen miles on a regular basis. If you ride less or more than this, please adjust your expectations of the tour accordingly. To flesh out the rather subjective difficulty rating, we also include the distance for each tour and a terrain description.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

The historic Mission is the anchor of downtown SLO. Walk or take SLO Transit to the downtown to take a tour around the Mission, enjoy the summer Concerts in the Plaza or stroll along San Luis Obispo Creek.

This activity is suitable for:

View Larger Map and directions

Old Mission Parish
751 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo CA, 93401
Phone: (805) 781-8220
Parish Office: office@oldmissionslo.org
Gift Shop: info@missionsanluisobispo.org

The San Luis Obispo Historical Museum is located across the street from the Mission. It is housed in the former Carnegie Library Building, which was built in 1904/05. The museum is open from 10:00am-4:00pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Visit their website for exhibit information.

View Larger Map and walking directions

San Luis Obispo Historical Museum
696 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 543-0638

Ride Summary: A diverse, mostly out and back tour taking in the Bob Jones Bike trail, Avila Beach and the historic Harford Pier. No major climbs, unless you want to explore up See Canyon.

View Tour du Avila in a larger map

0.0       RR station. Go north on Santa Rosa Street away from the station back toward downtown.
0.4       TL onto Higuera and take this out of town.
5.0       TR onto Ontario Road just after crossing underneath US 101.
7.0       CS at San Luis Bay Drive to stay on Ontario Road.
7.8       TR onto the Bob Jones Bike Trail just before a bridge. Trailhead parking to the left. Follow bike trail signs.
8.7       CS at San Luis Bay Drive to stay on Bob Jones Bike Trail. CAUTION: Rough pavement.
10.0     TR onto Avila Beach Drive.
11.4     Harford Pier (Port San Luis). End of the road. Check out the pier and enjoy the sea lions. Several restaurants. Return the way you came to SLO. For an interesting detour, TL onto San Luis Bay Drive from midway on the Bob Jones Bike Trail, ride for about a  half mile, then TL up See Canyon Road. See Canyon Road climbs several miles along a pretty canyon until the road turns to dirt.
21.8     TR onto Marsh as you enter the downtown area.
22.4     TR onto Santa Rosa Street.
22.8     RR station. End of ride.

*How do you determine difficulty ratings?

It is challenging to come up with a difficulty rating system that is relevant for everyone. A very fit cyclist might consider our “Moderately Strenuous” trips to not be hard at all, while someone who exercises infrequently or is not used to cycling might find a “Moderately Easy” tour to be quite a challenge. Our bicycle tour rating system is based on the approximate fitness level of a casual recreational cyclist who rides at least once per week and rides over fifteen miles on a regular basis. If you ride less or more than this, please adjust your expectations of the tour accordingly. To flesh out the rather subjective difficulty rating, we also include the distance for each tour and a terrain description.

Pedal your way on a self-guided tour through Chinatown and past the Mission in the historic downtown core. Pick up a bite to eat at the Creamery where millions of gallons of milk were processed each year in the 1900s. Bike through Japan Town and take a rest at Meadow Park, before reaching Railroad Square. Continue through SLO’s historic neighborhoods and admire the Victorian homes on your way to the Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, which also houses one of the original street cars in SLO. (see ride map)

The Jack House is a restored elegant Victorian house, which was the home of a prominent family in San Luis Obispo’s past. The house is filled with many of the family’s original furnishings, artwork, kitchen utensils, dishes and keepsakes. The Jack House is conveniently located within walking distance of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and the City’s historic downtown. 

Ride the free Downtown Trolley, disembarking at Nipomo and Marsh Streets.  Walk one half block south to the Jack House. All tours are $2.00 per person; children under 12 are free.  Tours are every Sunday, April through December from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. except for holidays (last tours start 30 minutes prior to closing time).

View Larger Map & Step-by-step directions

Jack House and Gardens
536 Marsh Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
24-hour information hot-line: (805) 781-7303
To schedule group tours: (805) 781-7308

Edna Valley Wineries by Bike

Tour the beautiful Edna Valley by bike – stopping at the local wineries along the way! For detailed directions on a ride starting in San Luis Obispo, see the Tiffany Ranch Road Loop ride above. (see ride map)

The Dallidet Adobe is a unique adobe dwelling tucked away in a historic neighborhood in San Luis Obispo. The Dallidet Adobe features breathtaking gardens, original furnishings and houses the Ramona Depot with one of the original street cars in SLO. The Dallidet Adobe is open every second Sunday from 1:00pm-4:00pm during the winter and every Sunday from 1:00pm-4:00pm during the summer.

From the SLO Transit Center, you can walk 4 blocks south on Osos Street, turn left on Pacific Street and walk to blocks to the end of the cul-de-sac. The Dallidet Adobe will be on the right at 1185 Pacific Street (about a 10 minute walk). Or take SLO Transit Route 4, disembark at Santa Rosa at Marsh Street, continue one block to Pacific Street and turn left onto Pacific Street.

View Larger Map and walking directions

Dallidet Adobe
1185 Pacific Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 544-2303

Central Coast Outdoors enthusiastically supports SLO Car Free. They offer guided bike, hike and kayak tours of the SLO area. Kayak tours are on Morro Bay, bike tours go along the coast and/or through local wine country areas and hiking tours feature Big Sur and other local areas. Explore the SLO area with the local experts! All biking tours offer hotel pick-up (often complimentary) and bikes are included in tour price. Click here for SLO Car Free Discount details.

Central Coast Outdoors
PO Box 6893, Los Osos CA 93412
John Flaherty, Owner
Phone: 805-528-1080
Fax: 805.528.5209
John@centralcoastoutdoors.com

Click here for all SLO Car Free Discounts on bike tours and more!

Built in 1940, the historic Fremont Theater is a landmark for downtown San Luis Obispo. Murals adorn the walls of the large original main theater. Additional screens are located in an adjacent building. Located at 1025 Monterey Street, the Fremont Theater is less than two blocks from the Downtown Transit Center.

View Larger Map and walking directions

Fremont Theater
1025 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 541-2141

Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010: SLO Car Free registrants get a 10% discount off Insider’s Wine Tour to Edna Valley or Paso Robles. *

Breakaway Tours has been Uncorking California’s Central Coast Wine Country since 1995! We’re the company for you if you can you answer “Yes” to any/all of the following:

• Ever feel a little confused about wine?
• Interested in learning about wine in a fun and interactive way?
• Thirsty for something more in your wine tour then just “something to do”?
• Crave more then just a designated driver?
• Prefer to spend the day with others of like mind?

Then join us on our Insider’s Wine Tour of Paso Robles or Edna Valley. Travel back county roads discovering the familiar to hidden local favorites. Taste at four unique & authentic wineries, fees included. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the most picturesque of settings. Meet wine makers and/or owners, try barrel tasting or chocolate / cheese pairing. Don’t ever be confused about wine again. No extra charge for new friends made along the way! A 5-7 hour tour departing Saturdays from your local hotel. We’ve made booking your Insider’s Wine Tour on-line as smooth as your favorite Syrah.

Breakaway Tours & Event Planning

Edna Valley Office
PO Box 535Pismo Beach | CA | 93448

Paso Robles Office
179 Niblick Road, Suite 250 | Paso Robles | CA 93446

Phone: 805.783.2929
Toll Free: 800.799.7657
Fax: 805.489.1108
Email: tours@breakaway-tours.com

*Enter the code “car free” on the Breakaway Tours website when booking your tour to receive your immediate 10% discount. May not be combined with any other offer. Private Custom Wine Tours available any day of the week and offered with Car Free Discount, percentage contingent on tour.

1) Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

The historic Mission is the anchor of downtown San Luis Obispo.  Walk or take SLO Transit to downtown SLO to take a tour around the Mission, enjoy the summer Concerts in the Plaza or stroll along San Luis Obispo Creek

Every Thursday evening from 6:00-9:00pm, delicious, tempting aromas fill the air and pedestrians flood on to Higuera Street for the weekly Farmers’ Market in Downtown SLO. Enjoy strolling through the several blocks of fresh produce, flowers, BBQ, great food, free music and entertainment… tasting as you go! Walk, bike or take SLO Transit to the Downtown Transit Center and follow your nose (or the parade of others) two blocks south to the festival! The SLO County Bicycle Coalition provides free bike valet parking.

San Luis Obispo County has several detailed bicycle maps to help you plan your trip. Whether you want to just bike around town or ride for miles and miles along San Luis Obispo’s magnificent landscape, let us show you how!

Download the following bike maps by location:

Coastal North

• Cambria
• Cayucos
• Morro Bay
• Los Osos

North County

• San Miguel
• Paso Robles
• Templeton
• Atascadero
• Santa Margarita

San Luis Obispo

• San Luis Obispo
• SLO Detail

South County

• Avila Beach
• Shell Beach
• Pismo Beach
• Arroyo Grande
• Grover Beach

Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010: SLO Car Free registrants get a 10% discount off any Central Coast Outdoors tours**

Central Coast Outdoors enthusiastically supports SLO Car Free. They offer guided bike, hike and kayak tours of the SLO area. Kayak tours are on Morro Bay, bike tours go along the coast and/or through local wine country areas and hiking tours feature Big Sur and other local areas. Explore the SLO area with the local experts! All biking tours offer hotel pick-up (often complimentary) and bikes are included in tour price.

Central Coast Outdoors
PO Box 6893, Los Osos CA 93412
Questions: John Flaherty, Owner
Phone: 805-528-1080
Fax: 805-528-5209
Email: John@centralcoastoutdoors.com

**Discount may not be combined with any other offer.

Bicycle Rentals

*Prices subject to change. Call to confirm cost details.

2) Visit the Enchanting Hearst Castle®

Where can you see zebras and cows grazing together on the coast against the backdrop of a castle? At Hearst Castle, of course! Located 45 miles north of San Luis Obispo is La Cuesta Encantada® – The Enchanted Hill® – once home to the newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst from 1919 until 1947. Hearst Castle is now maintained as a state historic monument and is open to viewing from the public daily. The castle features 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, 165 rooms in four houses, a movie theater, an airfield and even a zoo. You can even get to Hearst Castle without a car, if you’re up to the challenge!

View SLO to Hearst Castle in a larger map

Bus Directions to Hearst Castle: On the weekend, take the first SLO RTA Route 12 B bus at 9:33am from the San Luis Obispo Government Center to arrive at the Hearst Castle Information Center at 11:28am. Grab a bite to eat at the Visitor’s Center Snack Bar before you take one of the several tours offered at the castle (except the evening tour, due to the lack of bus availability).  After your 1 hour and 45 minute tour, enjoy some time in the gift shop before catching the RTA 12 B bus back to SLO at 4:39pm (on Saturdays) or 3:39pm (on Sundays).  You will arrive back in SLO at 6:27pm or 5:27pm, respectively.  If you take Tour One, you should schedule a tour before noon to allow yourself enough time to enjoy the 40-minute original movie, Hearst Castle Building the Dream that is included in the purchase price of that tour.  You should book your reservation at Hearst Castle ahead of time, as tours often sell out. Be sure to book a tour that allows you to get back to the bus by the time it departs! Service to Hearst Castle® is also available on the weekdays via RTA 12A and 12 B with one connection in Morro Bay.

Other Car Free ways to get to Hearst Castle: There are other transportation options for getting to Hearst Castle that will help reduce your car-bon footprint. See Almost Car Free for more ideas.

* Photo courtesy of Hearst Castle®/California State Parks

Located between Osos and Morro streets along Higuera and Monterey, Court Street is in the heart of the shopping district in downtown SLO. This pedestrian-only promenade allows you to enjoy the best of downtown shopping away from the bustle of cars on the street. Walk, bike or take SLO Transit to the Downtown Transit Center. From the transit center, walk one block south and turn right on Monterey Street. Walk half a block and you’re there!

Love it or hate it, charmed or disgusted by it, Bubblegum Alley is located in the heart of the downtown, just off Higuera Street between Garden and Broad streets. Walk through the alley if you dare! Be sure to bring a camera and don’t forget the bubblegum!

Art After Dark

Every first Friday of the month from 6:00-9:00pm, art galleries in San Luis Obispo keep their doors open late for Art After Dark. Many galleries offer wine and appetizers to quench the palettes of aesthetes as they walk from gallery to gallery viewing the art collections.

SLO Walking Tours provides fun and informative walking tours – you’ll  explore both historic and contemporary San Luis Obispo, ranging from the Mission, Old Chinatown and Bubble Gum Alley to cool galleries, theaters, cafes and restaurants frequented by SLO locals that you’ll enjoy discovering as well! They offer tours for individuals and groups that will be one of the highlights of your trip to SLO. Call for tour times and locations.

SLO Walking Tours
PO Box 15253
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406-5253
Steve Akers, Owner
Phone: 805-215-3228
info@slowalkingtours.com

SLO Walking Tours offers a discount for SLO Car Free participants.

Take a step back in time with the Path of History self-guided walking tour of San Luis Obispo’s historical treasures. From the historic Mission or County Historical Museum to the Fremont Theater, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this tour. For more information on San Luis Obispo’s historic buildings or the “Path of History,” visit the San Luis Obispo Visitors Center or call (805) 781-2777.

Come experience the diversity in plant life of the Mediterranean climate zones of the world in this educational and beautiful botanical garden. Located just north of SLO in the El Chorro Regional Park, the botanical gardens feature a preview garden with a small creek and a sustainably-constructed Educational Center. The garden is open to the public daily during daylight hours. Admission is free. The business office and gift shop are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

www.slobg.org

Bus directions to the SLO Botanical Gardens: From the SLO Transit Center, take Route 12A (Monday through Friday) or 12B (Saturday & Sunday) to Cuesta College Romauldo Road at Parking Lot #3. Cross HWY 1 at Hollister Ave at the traffic light to enter the El Chorro Regional Park. Walk approximately 1 mile up Dairy Creek Road to the SLO Botanical Gardens.

Another idea: take your bike on the bus, or bike to the Botanical Gardens from SLO!

San Luis Obispo Open Space and Recreational Trails
Bishop Peak Natural Reserve
Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Irish Hills Natural Reserve
Islay Hill Open Space
Laguna Lake Open Space
Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve
South Hills Open Space
Terrace Hill Open Space

Just north of SLO along the coast lies the picturesque fishing village of Morro Bay. The main harbor in Morro Bay lies at the north end of a spectacular National Estuary, which abounds in birds, seals, otters and other types of wildlife and is easily accessed by kayak. A four mile long isolated sandspit on the other side of the harbor offers one willing to kayak the short distance out to it, a stunning beach all to oneself.

View Larger Map

The Embarcadero (or waterfront) area in Morro Bay abounds with gift stores, restaurants, kayak rental shops and places to buy locally caught fish. Just north of the Embarcadero is imposing Morro Rock, a rugged monolith that is home to peregrine falcons. A beautiful sandy beach popular with local surfers stretches north from Morro Rock all the way to Cayucos. If you are looking for a car free coastal escape near SLO, look no further than easily accessible Morro Bay.

Bus directions to Morro Bay: Take SLO RTA Route #12 from the San Luis Obispo Government Center takes you to Morro Bay and drops off at Morro Bay Park at the corner of Piney Way and Harbor Street, less than ½ mile from the waterfront (just walk downhill). It’s about a 40-50 minute bus ride each way. On the weekdays, Route #12A is the best choice.  On weekends, Route #12B is the best choice.  For detailed schedules and route information, click here. Or for directions on biking to Morro Bay, click here .

Morro Bay Trolley: You can also take the Morro Bay Trolley around town. It meets SLO RTA Route 12 at Morro Bay Park. The trolley runs Fridays, weekends, and Mondays. It also operates on Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day. Click here for details

For Kayak rentals in Morro Bay, see the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce Kayak Listings

Join the locals for a fun, monthly “happening.” Every first Thursday of the month at 9:30pm after the Farmers’ Market, people dust off their old cruisers or bring out their pricey pride and joy to loop around the downtown, starting at the Mission. They ride “because we like to get people on their bikes and to have fun.”  Sometimes hundreds of people come out for this fun ride. Every month has a different theme, but the rules are always the same: Have fun, respect our community, and obey all traffic laws. Come dressed to impress for the month’s theme and remember to wear a helmet and bike lights!

Local Tourism Set to Go Green

by Camas Frank

The county should brace itself for a wave of ecofriendly tourists. At least that’s the hope of a group of local businesses that have banded together in an effort to promote a new vision for sight seers, one without a car.

The San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District (APCD)’s SLO Car Free program kicked off Nov. 19 with a ribbon, and cake-cutting ceremony with County Supervisor Katcho Achadjian, who chairs the APCD board. Representatives from local hotels, tour companies, and transport services packed into the San Luis Obispo Regional Airport’s massive hanger for the festivities.

The airport is partnering with the APCD’s efforts in part because travelers who commit to leave their car behind will still need a way to get here. Thanks to new engine designs, said San Luis Jet Center president William Borgsmiller, the math works out to make air travel one of the less destructive transportation methods, at least in terms of the planet’s acreage consumed

While the event wasn’t as heavily attended by members of the general public as the organizers had hoped, those that did turn out were treated to a raffle of prizes, live music from a band made up of APCD employees and the unusual sight of a large penguin riding a bike around the hanger. Andy Mutziger said of his black and white costume, “I’m just telling people that if a penguin can ride a bike, anybody can.”

“The whole purpose of the event and program is to educate the public on the options we have available,”Achadjian said. “The Air Quality Control District’s goal with it is to reduce our carbon foot print. Not all the infrastructure is ready so everyone can afford to change their travel yet, but showcasing what we already have in place is what’s important.”

He also noted that like the Santa Barbara program it’s modeled after, the Car Free program shows visitors that if they commit to a car free experience and are wiling to adjust their time schedules, everything the region offers becomes available.

To take part in the program, potential visitors log on to www.slocarfree.com and pledge not to use a private vehicle during their stay. In return they become eligible for discounts on services related to all aspects of their stay, from hotel rooms to restaurants and outdoor activities. Of course, help finding alternative transportation is critical.

Deals include free bike rentals with a stay at Hostel Obispo and sign up fees reduced to $25 for use of local company FunRide’s fleet of green vehicles. Both provide the flexibility of autonomous transit during a stay but reduced rates are also available for bus services and airport shuttles.

For those more interested in ease of a package deal, tours in wine country are available from the charter services provided by the airport based Wine Country Charters, to the wine education tours of Breakaway Tours, which ranges from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara.

For the restless souls, Central Coast Outdoors provides hiking and kayaking excursions in Morro Bay and Big Sur ranging from $50 to $100, meeting guests at their hotel and shuttling to the tour site. Owner John Flaherty said he had looked forward to raising awareness of the eco-friendly possibilities.

 “I remember saying to the tourism board awhile ago, ‘God, wouldn’t it be great to have a green tourism event to show everything around here?’ and they recently told me, ‘Guess what?’” Flaherty’s enthusiasm was mirrored by other participants who said they are looking forward to the program’s expected success. “We already encourage people to come to SLO and we’d love to have them do it car free,” Carrie Head, communications manager of the San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau, said. “We have over 500 members and all of the hotels are excited about it. They see it as a great vehicle for the industry, if you’ll pardon the pun.”

Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010: SLO Car Free registrants get a 25% discount off movie tickets at the Hearst Castle Theater located at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center.

The Hearst Castle Theater at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center is a 5-Story screen theater showing the resident film “Hearst Castle, Building the Dream” as the companion film to Hearst Castle tours.  Hearst Castle – Building the Dream was produced exclusively for this theater.  Breathtaking original cinematography combined with vintage clips and stills from the 1920’s and 30’s allows visitors to experience the building of Hearst Castle® and the life of the  newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.  With this special offer, you can receive 25% off the film. The film is an attraction in itself or you can use this offer with the purchase of any tour, except Tour 1 which already includes the film in the price of that ticket. For Hearst Castle general ticket and tour information, click here: www.hearstcastle.com

Hearst Castle® Theater
750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 93452-9741
Tour Reservations: (800) 444-4445
Hearst Castle Theater: (805) 927-6811
Email: info@hearstcastletheater.com

Bike Valet at the Farmers’ Market

The SLO County Bicycle Coalition provides free bike valet parking for bike riders at the Farmer’s Market every Thursday from 5:30pm -9:30pm. For more details on the Farmers’ Market see “Attractions and Itineraries.”

Bike Valet at Concerts in the Plaza

Ride your bike and enjoy free secure parking on site at Concerts in the Plaza. Every Friday from 5-8 all summer long.  Find the Band Line-up here.

Bike Valet Calendar

See the bike valet calendar for full list of events that provide free bike valet parking.

SLO Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010:  20% any regularly priced item **

Have a little East Coast flavor on the West Coast, right in the heart of San Luis Obispo! Delicious, simple and fresh, try our original and put us to the test. We offer a size for any appetite so don’t be afraid to come down. Conveniently located on Broad Street, the Giant Grinder Shop is perfect for grabbing a quick sandwich for your picnic lunch on your bike ride out to the beautiful vineyards of Edna Valley.

The Broad Street Giant Grinder Shop
1901 Broad Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 543-6700

** Discount may not be combined with any other offer

Chow Restaurant

SLO Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010:  $5 off an order of $25 or more!**

Enjoy the fresh bold flavors of California Asian cuisine presented in our beautiful skylit bistro. Chow offers small plates in a casual, fun atmosphere. 

Chow is situated next to the historic Fremont Theater, near the Mission Plaza and shopping district in downtown San Luis Obispo. Our high ceilings and skylights bring natural light into a spacious dining room. Enjoy modern décor, a spectacular bamboo installation and subtle displays of antique, folk and retro pieces. “Tatami” style dining is available for groups up to 24 people.

Chefs Justin Gabbert and Alan Hsu created Chow’s fresh and clean menu, offering a California interpretation on primarily Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. We shop for produce twice a week at farmers markets. Roast duck, chili crab and braised short ribs are a few of our signature dishes. Housemade egg noodles, wontons and dumplings round out a diverse menu with warmth and comfort.

An eclectic wine, beer and sake menu features excellent white wine, classic and artisan beer, and enticing cold sake to complement the flavors of Chow’s Asian inspired menu.

LUNCH Monday-Saturday 11AM
DINNER Monday-Saturday 5PM
SUNDAY Dinner 4PM

Reservations 805.540.5243
Place an order for pickup
Place an order for delivery

Chow Restaurant
Robin Covey
1009 Monterey St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 540-5243

** Discount may not be combined with any other offer

San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club

SLO County Bicycle Coalition

SLO Nexus

Cal Poly Wheelman

San Luis Obispo Downtown

Spend the day discovering Downtown San Luis Obispo!  Walk, bike or take SLO Transit to the Downtown Transit Center.  Walk south two blocks, and turn right on Higuera Street into the heart of downtown SLO.  Enjoy your time shopping at small boutiques and large retail stores alike.  Take a self-guided or guided tour of the historic downtown.  Your vacation to SLO wouldn’t be complete without going to the weekly Farmers’ Market on Thursday evenings – when Higuera Street transforms into a festival of flavors and sounds! 

View Walk and Taste San Luis Obispo! in a larger map

To get to the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, stroll down Higuera Street until you reach Chorro Street, turn right and go one block to Monterey Street or hop on the SLO Trolley for 25 cents to get dropped off at the Mission Plaza.  Be sure to stop in at the San Luis Historical Museum across the street and the Jack House just a few blocks away.  For a tour of these historic places and more, take a walking tour of the downtown.  If you’re here on a Friday during the summer, enjoy the weekly Concert in the Plaza or the monthly Art after Dark , when galleries keep their doors open late.  Afterwards, walk along the creek before stopping in at one of the downtown’s diverse restaurants. After dinner, catch a movie at the historic Art Deco Fremont Theater, which has been projecting films on the silver screen since 1941.  Return to your hotel using SLO Transit.  Some bus routes have evening service when Cal Poly is in session (September thru June).  Check the SLO Transit map for details.

SLO Car Free Discount for 2009 and 2010: SLO Car Free registrants get a 20% discount off a tour at SLO Walking Tours**

SLO Walking Tours provides fun and informative walking tours – you’ll explore both historic and contemporary San Luis Obispo, ranging from the Mission, Old Chinatown and Bubble Gum Alley to cool galleries, theaters, cafes and restaurants frequented by SLO locals that you’ll enjoy discovering as well! We offer tours for individuals and groups that will be one of the highlights of your trip to SLO. Call for tour times and locations.

SLO Walking Tours
P.O. Box 15253
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
Questions: Steve Akers, Owner
Phone: (805) 215-3228
Email: info@slowalkingtours.com

**Discount may not be combined with any other offer.

SLO Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010: 15% Discount off all regular priced items.

This exceptionally scenic brewpub location is highlighted with patio dining suspended over San Luis Creek.  Brilliant new stainless steel brewing equipment is the centerpiece of the restaurant.  The Menu is original, pairing fine ales and lagers with unique comfort food. Creekside Brewing Company serves lunch and dinner 7 days a week, starting at 11 am every day.  Bring your bus pass and let SLO Transit or the Downtown Trolley drop you off a half block away or ride your bike; we have a place for you to lock it up!

Creekside Brewing Company
1040 Broad Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 542-9804
Questions: John Moule, Owner
Email: brewers@creeksidebrewing.com

Hike Bishop’s Peak

What is that big hill just to the north of SLO?  The one with all the rocks on top?  Why it’s Bishop Peak, the tallest (at 1559’) of a dramatic range of hills called the Nine Sisters that run from SLO northeast to Morro Bay.  The Nine Sisters are volcanic in origin and most of them have very dramatic granite-like rock outcroppings.  A hike to the top or just along the flanks of Bishop Peak is one of the most popular day hikes in the SLO area, and with good reason.

View Larger Map

Most of the peak is designated open space with an excellent trail network and stunning views over the surrounding valleys and out to the ocean.  From the Patricia Street Trailhead (easily accessible by bus) you can hike directly to the top of the peak (2.2 miles each way and a 1200’ elevation gain/loss) or do the more moderate Felsman Loop (2.7 mile loop, 700’ elevation gain/loss).  Both hikes cross through open grasslands as well as oak forests.  The wildflowers in spring are often spectacular. Take a hike!

Bus directions to trailhead: From the SLO downtown Transit Center, take SLO Transit Route #1 north.  Get off at Patricia and Highland (about a 10 minute ride).  Walk about ½ mile north along Patricia to an obvious trailhead on the left side of the road.  For the return trip, return to the same stop and take the bus going in the same direction as the one you took originally.  Route #1 runs about once per hour during the days on weekdays.  For detailed bus route information and schedules, click here.

Trail map: The local Sierra Club Chapter has a printable trail map and guide to the Bishop Peak area. Click here.

Car Free Discount Offers for 2009 and 2010:  New customers receive a one time discount of 15% off an order of 36 servings or more!

Do you ever come near the end of a busy day and wonder, “What’s for dinner?” At Dream Dinners we answer that question for you. Our monthly menu includes over 14 different recipes each month, along with additional pre-assembled dinners, sides, breads and desserts ready for purchase while in one of our stores. A wide variety of options means there are plenty of meal preparation choices to satisfy everyone in the family. We provide eerything you need to assemble delicious dinners from easy-to-follow instructions to fresh, pre-cut ingredients. Learning how Dream Dinners works is easy!

Our great location is only a 5 minute bike ride from the Cal Poly campus or 15 minutes from Downtown San Luis Obispo. There are also SLO Transit bus stops located less than a block away and there is a bike rack right out in front of the store.

Dream Dinners is perfect if you are vacationing in a condo, timeshare, or if you are camping! Our meals are big on flavor but require little space in your fridge! Check us out or call if you have questions.

Dream Dinners Ferrini Square
795 E. Foothill Blvd, Suite B
San Luis Obispo, California 93405
Phone: (805) 786-4852
Questions: ferrinisquareca@dreamdinners.com

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

Novo Restaurant

SLO Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010:  $5 off an order of $25 or more! **

Our restaurant has bike racks in from and the Downtown Trolley stops less than a block away!

Novo Restaurant
Robin Covey
726 Higuera St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 543-3986

** Discount may not be combined with any other offer

Car Free Discount Offers for 2009 and 2010:  10% off discount!

Treat your taste buds to everything Louisa’s Place has to offer. Our family-style restaurant serves up the best selection of delicious food, including the best breakfast in town. Whether you are craving omelettes, buttermilk pancakes, or cinnamon rolls, we have it all!

Our convenient location is in downtown San Luis Obispo and only a 15 minute bike ride from the Cal Poly campus. We are also along the Downtown Trolley loop.  SLO Transit and RTA bus stops are located two blocks away and there is a bike rack right out in front of the restaurant.

Louisa’s Place
964 Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
Phone: (805) 541-0227
Questions: louisasplace@charter.net

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly is a nationally ranked, four-year, comprehensive public university located in San Luis Obispo California. The emphasis of the University is a “learn by doing” educational experience for its more than 18,000+ students.  Many students seek admission to Cal Poly not only because of its excellent academic reputation, but also because the 6,000-acre main campus is nestled in the foothills of San Luis Obispo, just minutes from California’s Central Coast beaches.  Tour the University on your own, or register for a college specific tour.

Bus directions to Cal Poly: Take bus line 4, 5, or 6 directly from your hotel to the campus, or take one of these buses from the Downtown Transit Center.  Check the SLO Transit map for details or enter your hotel’s address and Cal Poly’s address (1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-9000 (California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo: Student Academic Services)) into Rideshare’s Google Bus Trip Planner to find the best route.

SLO Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010:  $3 off a large pizza or $2 off a medium pizza.

Come and visit your neighborhood, family-owned pizza shop, where we are serving up more than just pizza. We offer a wide variety of menu items from pizza to delicious sandwiches and everything  is made fresh daily. We also have the finest selection of wine on the central coast!

We make it easy for your to get here car free, offering a bike rack on Santa Barbara Street and we are located just steps from bus stops on Broad and Santa Barbara and South Street.

Village Host Pizza and Grill
2138 Broad Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 543-4200

San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens

Come experience the diversity in plant life of the Mediterranean climate zones of the world in this educational and beautiful botanical garden.  Located just north of SLO in the El Chorro Regional Park the botanical gardens feature a preview garden with a small creek and a sustainably-constructed Educational Center.  The garden is open to the public daily during daylight hours.  Admission is free.  The business office and gift shop are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

www.slobg.org

View Larger Map

Bus directions to the SLO Botanical Gardens: From the San Luis Obispo Government Center (on Osos Street between Palm and Monterey streets), take Route 12A (Monday through Friday) or 12B (on Saturdays and Sundays) to Cuesta College Romauldo Road at Parking Lot #3 (about a 20 minute ride).  Cross HWY 1 at Hollister Ave at the traffic light to enter the El Chorro Regional Park.  Walk approximately 1 mile up Dairy Creek Road to the SLO Botanical Gardens.

Another idea: take your bike on the bus, or bike to the Botanical Gardens from SLO!

Walk and Taste San Luis Obispo!

Downtown San Luis Obispo has a number of tasting rooms that feature local wines from around the region!  Stop in at one or hop from one to the next, leisurely walking through the downtown or taking the SLO Trolley.  Many of the restaurants in the downtown carry local wines as well.  For a list of tasting rooms in the downtown, click here. 

Directions: Walk, bike or take SLO Transit to the Downtown Transit Center. Walk to down Higuera, Monterrey or Osos Street and stop in at any of the local wine bars.

View San Luis Obispo Downtown in a larger map

Just south of SLO lies one of the best winery areas in all of California for cycling, the Edna Valley.  There is bike path access from the Amtrak train station heading south to the edge of town, and then the fun begins.  Several loops are possible, with everything from a moderately easy 13 mile loop with very few hills to a longer 29 mile loop that has several interesting out and back additional options.  Every option is a scenic delight, with hills rising all around the valley and vineyards or ranches lining the roads. 

If you like to taste wine, there are numerous tasting rooms in the Edna Valley, and many even have bike racks!  Old Edna Café near the corner of Price Canyon Road and Hwy 227 is a very popular stop for local cyclists.  They have great coffee, a wonderful deli and very scenic grounds.  Many of the wineries also have picnic items for sale and delightful picnic areas.  Even if you don’t want to taste wine while riding, Edna Valley is the perfect place for a great bicycle ride right out of SLO.

For a detailed map of “Edna Valley Wineries By Bike” and suggested routes, click here.

For more bike rides or a detailed version of this ride, see Bike.

For more information on the wineries in the Edna Valley, check out the San Luis Obispo Vintners and Growers Association website.

For individual, small or large group biking wine tours, visit Central Coast Outdoors.

Experience the beautiful wine country of the Central Coast by private bus, shuttle or limousine!  Plan your trip today using the following listings for wine tour buses and shuttles:

San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center Wine Tour Listings

San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau Wine Tour Listings

San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau Activities Listings

SLO Bike Club Recommended Bike Rides

The Sierra Club Santa Lucia Chapter Hiking Information

Hostel Obispo Bike and Hiking Information

Edible San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Markets

San Luis Obispo State Parks Hiking, Mountain Biking, Beaches, Windsurfing, Picnicking, Tide pools, Surfing, and Camping Information

Things to do in Morro Bay

Morro Bay Museum of Natural History

For more ideas, see Walking Around and Biking Around .

Car Free Discount Offers for 2009 and 2010:  10% off Standard Room Rates**

A romantic beachfront resort, the Sea Venture is located right on the sand in the heart of California’s Central Coast. The resort’s marble finishes and custom furnishings combined with its unique location to create the ultimate California beach experience.  

The SeaVenture Resort, one of the premier California beachfront hotels, offers luxury accommodations in Pismo Beach, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. With miles of clean, pristine sand and surf, a perfect climate, and a convenient location off Highway 101, Pismo Beach remains surprisingly quiet and quaint, one of California’s best-kept secrets. Click here for a virtual tour.

Your comfortable room, with private balcony and hot tub, will refresh you from the day’s outdoor activies: surfing, kayaking, bicycling, fishing, golf, as well as shopping for antiques in town. Stretch out on the warm sands of Pismo Beach and stroll on the boardwalk to the pier, just to catch the sunset and a sea breeze.

To get to the Sea Venture from San Luis Obispo by bus, take the SLO RTA Route 10 to the Pismo Prime Outlets and connect with SCAT Route 24 which arrives at 3 minutes after ever hour! Also, if you are coming from the Grover Beach Amtrak Station and looking for a nice walk through the Monarch Butterfly Grove and a chance to really experience beautiful Pismo Beach, it is only 1.5 miles away from the station!

Sea Venture Resort
100 Ocean View Ave
Pismo Beach, California 93449
Phone: (805) 773-4994
info@seaventure.com

**Discount not to be combined with any other package or special. Must mention SLO Car Free when making reservations.

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

Car Free Discount Offers for 2009 and 2010:  10% off Standard Room Rates**

Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort rests atop hot mineral springs and spans more than 100 acres of forest, hills and meadows. Our resort is the ideal environmentl to refresh, renew and restore one’s mind, body and spirit. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort is also part of istaygreen.org, to qualify for this Green Eco-leaf Rating, Sycamore completed an audit of their property’s compliance with over 70 unique eco-initiatives. Environmentally friendly measures that are reviewed include energy efficiency, water conservation, recycling, purchasing habits and many other factors. In it’s efforts to create a more sustainable travel future and reduce their impact on our environment, Sycamore Mineral Springs employs 49 eco-initiatives!

Sycamore is conveniently located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles with shuttles to and from the airport and both trainstations (Grover Beach and San Luis Obispo). Sycamore uses naturally-occuring hot mineral water to heat their swimming pools and offers menu items made from local and sustainable ingredients at the onsite Gardens of Avila Restaurant. They also offer bike rentals, perfect for a great ride to the beach on the Bob Jones trail!

Check out all that Sycamore Mineral Springs has to offer, today!

Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort
1215 Avila Beach Drive
San Luis Obispo, California 93405
Phone: (805) 595-7302
Questions: Stephi Bowman
info@smsr.com

**Discount not to be combined with any other package or special. Must mention SLO Car Free when making reservations.

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

Media Contact: Aeron Arlin Genet 781-5998

Come celebrate with us at the Launch Party for SLO Car Free!

A ribbon-cutting celebration is set for Thursday, November 19 from 5 – 7 pm at the SLO Regional Airport Hangar (835 Airport Drive, SLO) for the launch of the new San Luis Obispo Car Free program.

This event is geared to draw the attention of local elected officials, media and the business community to get a behind-the-scenes look at an aircraft hangar that will showcase the San Luis Obispo Car Free program, its members, and the services that they provide. This celebratory event provides a unique venue to spotlight our new program and partners that put a twist on local tourism. San Luis Obispo Car Free shows visitors the pleasures of a well deserved get-away to the Central Coast, while taking a vacation from their car, saving money and the environment too.

Chairman of the Air Pollution Control District Board, Supervisor Katcho Achadjian, will lead our ribbon cutting ceremony. The launch party will also feature live music, provided by the band Impromptu, delicious cake and fun drawings for prizes for those in attendance. The SLO Regional Airport Hangar is an exciting venue to host the many booths and oversized displays that feature the following car-free participants: San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, Hearst Castle State Parks, Central Coast Outdoors, Fun Ride, Air Pollution Control District, SLO Transit, SLO Regional Transit Authority, SLO Regional Rideshare, Ride-On Transportation, Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition, Embassy Suites and Breakaway Tours.

This is a free event, but space is limited, so please RSVP by November 13 at www.slocarfree.eventbrite.com. We look forward to celebrating at the SLO Car Free launch party and showing the community how SLO Car Free is working to increase visitors to the Central Coast.

Media Contact:  Aeron Arlin Genet 781-5998

San Luis Obispo Car Free Drives Visitors to Take a Vacation from the Gas Pump
There’s a new way to promote tourism to San Luis Obispo, but with a twist –travelers are being asked to leave their cars behind.  
During challenging economic times, promoting tourism is more difficult than ever before.  San Luis Obispo Car Free shows visitors that they can still enjoy a well deserved vacation to the Central Coast, while saving money and the environment too.  By pledging to travel to or around San Luis Obispo without a car, visitors receive special incentives from participating hotels, restaurants, transportation services and attractions. By “dumping the pump” visitors can save a buck or two, while helping to preserve clean air in the region.

SLOCarFree.org is a one-stop-shop web-based hub of information and web-links on transportation, lodging, attractions and other visitor needs.  To receive discounts, visitors register online to participate in the program.  After registering, they then book their stay with participating hotels and receive other discounts by showing their SLO Car Free coupon.

It isn’t too late for local businesses to participate in the program by offering premiums or discounts to car-free travelers.  In exchange those businesses receive free membership and are featured on www.slocarfree.org.  Businesses can use the easy on-line registration page to sign up and start sending these car-free travelers to them today.

San Luis Obispo Car Free is a cooperative partnership initiated and led by the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District. Established in 2009 for cleaner air and a healthier planet, our mission is to preserve clean air, promote community and individual responsibility for air quality, and to promote economic and community well-being through encouraging car-free, care-free transportation to and around the San Luis Obispo area.

For more information, contact Meghan Field at (805) 781-5912 or info@slocarfree.org or visit the website at www.slocarfree.org.

San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club Rides

The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club lists hundreds of bike rides on their website including some of San Luis Obispo’s challenging “Great Rides,” as well as rides designed for “SLO Pokes” looking for a less strenuous adventure.

Bike Happening

Join the locals for a fun, monthly “happening.” Every first Thursday of the month at 9:30pm after the Farmers’ Market, people dust off their old cruisers or bring out their pricey pride and joy to loop around the downtown, starting at the Mission. They ride “because we like to get people on their bikes and to have fun.”  Sometimes hundreds of people come out for this fun ride. Every month has a different theme, but the rules are always the same: Have fun, respect our community, and obey all traffic laws. Come dressed to impress for the month’s theme and remember to wear a helmet and bike lights!

San Luis Obispo North Rides

For the following rides, see bike map 3 – SLO NORTH RIDES – SLO County Bicycle Coalition, www.slobikelane.org

Starting Point for all SLO North rides: Santa Rosa Park at the corner of Santa Rosa and Oak in San Luis Obispo just north of US 101.

Cuesta College Loop – 12.5 miles – Moderately Easy

Ride Summary: A quick ride through Cuesta College on little trafficked back roads and returning to town on Highway One. Some small hills, but no major climbs.

NOTE THAT THIS LOOP IS NOT OPEN UNTIL JANUARY 2010 DUE TO A BRIDGE CLOSURE ON O’CONNOR DRIVE.

0.0       TR out of Santa Rosa Park onto Santa Rosa Rd / Hwy One.
0.4       TL onto Foothill Blvd.
2.9       TR onto O’Connor Dr.
5.3       Top of hill.
6.1       Entering National Guard facility
6.3       TR at the first available turn. Caution – speed bumps.
6.5       TR at the T-intersection.
6.8       CS at the stop sign.
7.2       TR at stoplight onto Hwy One.
12.5     TL into Santa Rosa Park (suggest use crosswalk at Murray St.)

Morro Bay Loop – 28.3 miles – Moderate to Moderately Strenuous

Ride Summary: A varied ride taking in Highway One and the coastal town of Morro Bay on the way north. On the return south you’ll ride Turri Rd; a great, little trafficked road often used for bike photo shoots. Great views of a series of craggy peaks between Highway One and Los Osos Valley called the Nine Sisters. Relatively level for most of the ride with a few gradual climbs and descents one steeper climb and descent on Turri Rd.

0.0       TR out of Santa Rosa Park onto Santa Rosa Road / Hwy One. Highway One to Morro Bay is mostly a busy four lane freeway with a large shoulder.
10.8     EXIT Freeway at Los Osos / Baywood Park Exit.
11.0     TL at end of exit ramp. Cross under freeway.
11.2     TR onto Quintana. Uphill.
11.8     TL  onto Morro Bay Blvd. Busy intersection. Downhill into town.
12.3     TL onto Main St. To explore Morro Rock or the waterfront, TR and follow the signs, then return to Main St. and follow this south out of town and through Morro Bay State Park.
15.0     TR onto unmarked South Bay Blvd after passing the marina.
16.4     TL onto Turri Road just before bridge with bear statue. One big climb and descent.
21.0     TL onto Los Osos Valley Rd. Busier highway with good shoulder.
25.0     TL onto Foothill Blvd at the stoplight. Enter City of San Luis Obispo and pass through several stoplights.
27.9     TR onto Santa Rosa Road / Highway One.
28.3     TL into Santa Rosa Park (suggest use crosswalk at Murray St.)

Los Osos and Montana de Oro – 33.4 miles – Moderately Strenuous

Ride Summary: A longer out and back with a gorgeous coastal state park at the far end. Mostly level riding to start along a well trafficked rural highway with good shoulders to Los Osos. After Los Osos, the park road is hilly with spectacular views and medium to light traffic.

0.0       TR out of Santa Rosa Park onto Santa Rosa Road / Hwy One.
0.4       TL onto Foothill Blvd. Busy intersection. Suggest using crosswalks.
3.3       TR onto Los Osos Valley Road.
10.2     CS at South Bay Blvd into downtown Los Osos.
11.7     Leave Los Osos and begin series of hills into Montana de Oro State Park.
15.4     Montana de Oro State Park visitor center and campground. Hills continue.
16.7     End of road. Return the way you came.
30.1     TL onto Foothill Blvd at the stoplight. Enter City of San Luis Obispo and pass through several stoplights.
33.0     TR onto Santa Rosa Road / Highway One.
33.4     TL into Santa Rosa Park (suggest use crosswalk at Murray St.)

Riding to Cayucos on Highway One – about 40 miles round trip – Moderate

Ride Summary: Highway One north to Cayucos is a busy four lane freeway most of the way with great coastal views between Morro Bay and Cayucos. As you enter Cayucos, look for Pacific Coast Bike Route signs to get you off the freeway.

San Luis Obispo South Rides

For the following rides, see bike map Map #1 – SLO SOUTH RIDES – SLO County Bicycle Coalition, www.slobikelane.org

Starting Point for all SLO South rides: San Luis Obispo Amtrak Station, 1011 Railroad Avenue at Santa Rosa Street. The station is just south of the downtown area at the end of Santa Rosa Street. Parking is available in the station parking lot.

Tiffany Ranch Road Loop – 19.7 miles – Moderate (short option crossing valley at Biddle Ranch is 13.4 miles and is Moderately Easy)

Ride Summary: A scenic loop through the Edna Valley wine growing region. Several wineries along the route. Some hills toward the south end of the valley. Winds from the north tend to pick up in the afternoon. A shorter route (13.4 miles) that avoids the hills can be made by crossing the valley at Biddle Ranch Road.

0.0       RR station. Take bike path bridge across tracks and follow path along tracks away from the RR station.
2.0       TL onto Orcutt Road.
2.4       TR to stay on Orcutt Road.
3.4       TL to stay on Orcutt Road.
9.1       TR onto Tiffany Ranch Road.
10.1     TR onto Corbett Canyon Road.
12.1     TR onto 227.
17.4     TR onto Orcutt Road.
17.7     TL onto bike path just after RR tracks.
19.7     Take bike path bridge back over tracks to station. End of ride.

Corbett Canyon Loop – 29.5 miles – Moderate

Ride Summary: A scenic loop through the vineyard and ranch country south of SLO. Several wineries along the route. Some hills toward the south end of the ride. Winds from the north tend to pick up in the afternoon. Longer rides can be made by adding out and back options to Lopez Lake or Huasna townsite. One major climb/descent on the road to Huasna townsite.

0.0       RR station. Take bike path bridge across tracks and follow path along tracks away from the RR station.
2.0       TL onto Orcutt Road.
2.4       TR to stay on Orcutt Road.
3.4       TL to stay on Orcutt Road.
6.2       CS to stay on Orcutt Road. OR for short option, TR onto Biddle Ranch Road, ride 1 mile to Hwy 227 and TR. You are now just before the 17.4 mile mark below.
11.3     TR onto Lopez Drive. For an interesting detour to Lopez Lake, TL at Lopez Drive and ride out and back 4.5 miles to Lopez Lake. For another interesting detour, TR on Lopez Drive, ride 2.6 miles and TL onto Huasna Road for an out and back to Huasna Townsite 10.2 miles each way.
15.5     TR onto 227.
16.0     TR onto Corbett Canyon Road.
21.9     TR onto 227.
27.2     TR onto Orcutt Road.27.5     TL onto bike path just after RR tracks.
29.5     Take bike path bridge back over tracks to station. End of ride.

Tour du Avila – 22.8 miles – Moderately Easy

Ride Summary: A diverse, mostly out and back tour taking in the Bob Jones Bike trail, Avila Beach and the historic Harford Pier. No major climbs, unless you want to explore up See Canyon.

0.0       RR station. Go north on Santa Rosa Street away from the station back toward downtown.
0.4       TL onto Higuera and take this out of town.
5.0       TR onto Ontario Road just after crossing underneath US 101.
7.0       CS at San Luis Bay Drive to stay on Ontario Road.
7.8       TR onto the Bob Jones Bike Trail just before a bridge. Trailhead parking to the left. Follow bike trail signs.
8.7       CS at San Luis Bay Drive to stay on Bob Jones Bike Trail. CAUTION: Rough pavement.
10.0     TR onto Avila Beach Drive.
11.4     Harford Pier (Port San Luis). End of the road. Check out the pier and enjoy the sea lions. Several restaurants. Return the way you came to SLO. For an interesting detour, TL onto San Luis Bay Drive from midway on the Bob Jones Bike Trail, ride for about a  half mile, then TL up See Canyon Road. See Canyon Road climbs several miles along a pretty canyon until the road turns to dirt.
21.8     TR onto Marsh as you enter the downtown area.
22.4     TR onto Santa Rosa Street.
22.8     RR station. End of ride.

How do you determine difficulty ratings?

It is challenging to come up with a difficulty rating system that is relevant for everyone. A very fit cyclist might consider our “Moderately Strenuous” trips to not be hard at all, while someone who exercises infrequently or is not used to cycling might find a “Moderately Easy” tour to be quite a challenge. Our bicycle tour rating system is based on the approximate fitness level of a casual recreational cyclist who rides at least once per week and rides over fifteen miles on a regular basis. If you ride less or more than this, please adjust your expectations of the tour accordingly. To flesh out the rather subjective difficulty rating, we also include the distance for each tour and a terrain description.

Bike Tours

Historic San Luis Obispo by Bike

Pedal your way on a self-guided tour through Chinatown and past the Mission in the historic downtown core. Pick up a bite to eat at the Creamery where millions of gallons of milk were processed each year in the 1900s. Bike through Japan Town and take a rest at Meadow Park, before reaching Railroad Square. Continue through SLO’s historic neighborhoods and admire the Victorian homes on your way to the Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, which also houses one of the original street cars in SLO. (see ride map)

Edna Valley Wineries by Bike

Tour the beautiful Edna Valley by bike – stopping at the local wineries along the way! For detailed directions on a ride starting in San Luis Obispo, see the Tiffany Ranch Road Loop ride below. (see ride map)

Central Coast Outdoors

Central Coast Outdoors enthusiastically supports SLO Car Free. They offer guided bike, hike and kayak tours of the SLO area. Kayak tours are on Morro Bay, bike tours go along the coast and/or through local wine country areas and hiking tours feature Big Sur and other local areas. Explore the SLO area with the local experts! All biking tours offer hotel pick-up (often complimentary) and bikes are included in tour price. Click here for SLO Car Free Discount details.      Central Coast Outdoors PO Box 6893, Los Osos CA 93412 John Flaherty, Owner Phone: 805-528-1080 Fax: 805.528.5209 John@centralcoastoutdoors.com Click here for all SLO Car Free Discounts on bike tours and more!

Bicycle Clubs

San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club

SLO County Bicycle Coalition

SLO Nexus

Cal Poly Wheelman

Valet Bike Parking

Bike Valet at the Farmers’ Market

The SLO County Bicycle Coalition provides free bike valet parking for bike riders at the Farmer’s Market every Thursday from 5:30pm -9:30pm. For more details on the Farmers’ Market see “Attractions and Itineraries.”

Bike Valet at Concerts in the Plaza

Ride your bike and enjoy free secure parking on site at Concerts in the Plaza. Every Friday from 5-8 all summer long.  Find the Band Line-up here

Bike Valet Calendar

See the bike valet calendar for full list of events that provide free bike valet parking. 

Contact:  Aeron Arlin Genet 781-5912

San Luis Obispo “Car Free” motivates visitors to “take a vacation from the gas pump”

A new coalition has formed to promote tourism to San Luis Obispo, but with a twist – they are asking travelers to leave their cars behind.

During challenging economic times, promoting tourism is more challenging than ever before.  San Luis Obispo Car Free has formed to show visitors that they can still enjoy a well deserved get-away to the Central Coast, while saving money and the environment too.  By pledging to travel to or around San Luis Obispo without a car, visitors will receive special incentives from participating hotels, restaurants, transportation services and attractions. By “dumping the pump” visitors can save a buck or two, while helping to preserve clean air in the region.

SLO Car Free will feature a one-stop-shop web-based hub of information and web-links on transportation, lodging, attractions and other visitor needs.  To receive discounts, visitors must register online to participate in the program.  After registering, they can book their stay with participating hotels and receive other discounts by showing their SLO Car Free voucher.

This program is being designed after the highly successful Santa Barbara Car Free program which has received international attention and spotlights in several national travel magazines.  Other cities in California that are forming Car Free programs include San Diego, San Francisco/San Mateo County, and Napa Valley.

Currently SLO Car Free is seeking participation from local businesses to provide discounts or promotions as part of the program and anticipates a launch date of the program this summer 2009.  For more information on how your business can benefit, contact Nancy Mathison at (805) 781-5983 or nmathison@co.slo.ca.us.

SLO Car Free is being developed by a coalition led by the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District including Amtrak, California State Parks, San Luis Obispo Coast District/Hearst Castle, San Luis Obispo Regional Rideshare, San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, San Luis Obispo Bicycle Coalition, Central Coast Outdoors, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau, and Breakaway Tours.

Villa Motel-San Luis Obispo

SLO Car Free Discount Offer for 2009 and 2010: 10% off Standard Room Rates! **

Located in close proximity to SLO downtown and Cal Poly, Villa Motel offers the amenities a person desires, all while offering a discount for taking a vacation from your car! We offer a complimentary breakfast, high speed internet, in-room coffee, HBO/cable and a pool.

Our convenient location is within a 15-minute walk to the downtown area or Cal Poly campus and is along the Downtown Trolley loop.  SLO Transit bus stops are located one block north on Mill at Grand Avenue.

From the Amtrak station, take SLO Transit route 5 (click here to download the SLO Transit Map) to Mill at Grand, walk one blocks south on Grand Avenue.  Turn right at Monterey Street to arrive at 1473 Monterey Street.

For more ways to get to Villa Motel from the Amtrak station or the airport, see Almost Car Free.

Villa Motel
1670 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 543-8071
villamotel@hotmail.com

**Discount may not be combined with any other offer.

For a map of all the hotels offering Car Free discounts, see Maps.

Car-Free Vacation Packages

The SLO Car Free program does not have ownership or sponsorship of any of the car-free vacation packages linked to this website.  The program cannot guarantee the availability or authenticity of any of the car-free vacation packages linked to this website.  Users are advised to verify the availability and eligibility requirements for the car-free vacation packages with the original source, sponsoring tourism group or groups of companies.  The program and our volunteers do not assume any financial responsibility associated with the use of any car-free vacation packages linked to this website.

Rideshare

San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center Transportation Listings

San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau Transportation Listings

The SLO Chamber of Commerce has a full listing of their membership hotels in the City of San Luis Obispo.

San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau Lodging Listings

The SLO County Visitors & Conference Bureau has a full listing of their membership hotels in the County of San Luis Obispo.

San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center Activities Listings
The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce has a more complete listing of things to do in the city.

San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau Activities Listings
The San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau has a more complete listing of things to do throughout the county.

Ag Adventures of the Central Coast
Ag Adventures of the Central Coast has information on agriculture tourism, farm stays and harvest festivals on the Central Coast.

San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center Restaurants Listings

San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau Restaurants Listings

Edible San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Markets

Links to more shopping information:

San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center Shopping Listings

San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau Shopping Listings