Travel
Information to San Luis Obispo, California
Virtually equidistant from Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Luis Obispo was thought-about the perfect location for constructing the world’s first motel in 1925. A century later, it’s nonetheless a splendid place to cease and spend a number of days.
Tucked in behind California’s Santa Lucia Mountains, SLO (as locals name it) is a sun-kissed haven of high quality wineries, recent meals, outside actions and Golden State historical past. And past the beautiful city of SLO itself, it’s value exploring the remainder of San Luis Obispo County, too. Hemmed in by widescreen Big Sur to the north and the glamour of Santa Barbara to the south, this nook of the Central Coast rewards sluggish exploration. The majestic Pacific, a string of wonderful seashore cities and the weird great thing about Hearst Fortress are all beneath an hour from downtown SLO.
Whether or not you intend on staying in a resort, motel, campervan or every other digs, listed here are a few of the greatest issues to do in San Luis Obispo.
When ought to I’m going to San Luis Obispo?
California’s year-round sun makes SLO a viable vacation spot at any time. Winter evenings can get chilly, it’s true – however daytime temperatures stay nice, and there are far fewer crowds at standard coastal scorching spots like Cayucos.
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Since summers can get very popular, we’d say the shoulder seasons are one of the best time to go to. Fall specifically brings pretty temperatures and a slew of festivals just like the Autumn Soirée, with the wine harvest taking middle stage.
How a lot time ought to I spend in San Luis Obispo?
Look to spend one week in SLO – and don’t restrict that to the town alone. Two days is greater than sufficient time to discover downtown’s sights, although you may wish to return to city every night to take a look at its many wine bars and eating places.
Hire a automobile and spend three or 4 days exploring the coast and different regional corners, from rolling wineries to quaint seashore cities.
Is it simple to get in and round San Luis Obispo?
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) has flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles alongside different massive hubs like Denver, Phoenix, Dallas and Seattle. It’s a small airport that’s splendidly near the town – only a 10-minute taxi experience, or half-hour by public transit.
For those who’re driving, then Hwys 101 and 1 each go by way of SLO, both north from Los Angeles or south from San Francisco. And unusually, for therefore small a metropolis, Amtrak trains serve SLO: the Coast Starlight between Seattle and Los Angeles stops as soon as per day in every path.
Downtown SLO is compact, and every part is conveniently walkable from any resort. A automobile is important for exploring the encircling space, although, and many of the important rental facilities are clustered on the airport. We’d keep away from driving downtown altogether.
High issues to do in San Luis Obispo
Discover nice meals on the market and past
Since SLO sits between vineyards, the world’s greatest ocean and the Central Valley’s produce nirvana, it is sensible that it’s a hub of gastronomy. Begin with the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market, going down beneath festooned lights on Higuera St each Thursday evening between 6pm and 9pm. Throughout 5 blocks, over 100 distributors serve up incredible avenue meals, from BBQ tri-tip beef to recent pastries.
Past the market, don’t miss Novo’s magical yard terrace, with canopied timber and a peaceable stream working by under (and a really eclectic menu). Nate’s on Marsh serves up extra traditional American fare, utilizing high quality native elements.
Absorb SLO’s artwork scene
SLO has a powerful arts scene, and the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) is a positive place to begin sampling it. The everlasting assortment focuses on numerous visible arts from artists across the Central Coast; amongst its many occasions, First Fridays is a jovial night of artwork, music and wine on the primary Friday of the month.
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Just Looking Gallery on Higuera St showcases brightly coloured artwork deco and postmodern work, whereas Hands Gallery is a mom-and-daughter-run retailer selling work by native artists and a bunch of different arts and crafts. Whether or not the close by Bubblegum Alley might be thought-about “artwork” is within the eye of the beholder…nevertheless it’s a well-liked if relatively weird attraction.
Keep in a motel (and see the unique one, too)
The Motel Inn is a milestone in American tradition, opening because the world’s first motel in 1925 and ushering in a brand new period of journey. Although it closed in 1991, the constructing nonetheless exists on SLO’s outskirts, and its Spanish mission structure, full with a bell tower, is value a fast go to.
A century later, boutique motels are making a comeback. Some positive examples embody the upmarket kitsch River Lodge Motel in Paso Robles, and the breezy Pacific Motel in Cayucos. For one thing slightly gaudier, take into account staying at SLO’s famously pink-splashed Madonna Inn.
Hit the nice outdoor
Recognizable by their lumpy (and generally mist-shrouded) peaks, the 9 Sisters Mountains close to San Luis Obispo are good for mountaineering. The tranquil 6¼km (4-mile) Cerro San Luis Obispo Trail is a well-liked route close to the town, whereas more-seasoned hikers may favor the difficult 5¼km (3¼-mile) Bishop Peak Trail. The very best level of the 9 Sisters, the summit supplies some elegant views.
Over on the coast, Central Coast Outdoors runs enjoyable and informative kayak excursions throughout the Morro Bay estuary. And since this estuary is sheltered from the uneven seas, paddling is easy, and seals, sea otters and cormorants might be seen sharing the water. There’s additionally a cease on the fascinating Grassy Bar Oyster Company oyster farm.
If browsing is your factor, lovely Cayucos is an excellent spot, and the Cayucos Surf School is an efficient place to get began.
Pattern the area’s varietals at its wineries
Paso Robles is round a 20-minute drive north of San Luis Obispo – and to say wine is taken significantly right here could be an understatement. The town’s small downtown is a warren of tasting rooms and wine bars, with Thomas Hill Organics and Serial Wines among the many most interesting.
Wine lovers will discover true pleasure within the bucolic byways spidering out of the town, the place the wineries themselves appear to look each half a mile. Halter Ranch’s rolling hills appear like England on a summer time’s day, and its vines produce some splendid Bordeaux-style blends. What really units Hatler aside are its distinctive excursions, both rumbling across the 315-acre property in a Land Rover Defender or (even higher) hopping on one of many custom-built trains that run alongside the narrow-gauge railroad reducing by way of the vineyards.
Lose your self in Hearst Fortress’s over-the-top grandeur
Lower than an hour from San Luis Obispo, Hearst Castle is an opulent hilltop property constructed by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst between 1919 and 1947. It’s a staggeringly garish place – a monument to at least one very wealthy man’s imaginative and prescient (Hearst known as it La Cuesta Encantada – “the Enchanted Hill”), and a wild mix of architectural types and particulars. Orange groves and palms imported from the Canary Islands flank the cathedral-like residence constructed within the Mediterranean Revival type, whose components take inspiration from historic Rome and the Renaissance.
Stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, like Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant and Marlene Dietrich, have been regulars right here, whereas different well-known visitors included the likes of Winston Churchill, Walt Disney and Charles Lindbergh. Following a considerably bushy bus experience winding up into the mountain from the customer middle, the 60-minute tour is immensely detailed, and the guides supply nice perception into Hearst’s life and the citadel itself.
Find out about SLO’s lengthy historical past
The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is a singular constructing with a singular previous. Based in 1772 by Spanish missionaries, the mission church was constructed with the assistance of the native Chumash (who’ve lived right here since time immemorial) and has lasted by way of such seismic adjustments because the Mexican Battle of Independence and the granting of statehood to California.
Today, it serves as a museum, present store and (on the fairly chapel and peaceable gardens outdoors) place for contemplation. Take the 1:15pm docent-led tour (daily; 2pm on Sundays) for a a lot deeper understanding.
My favourite factor to do in San Luis Obispo
Savvy vacationers name Cayucos “the final nice California seashore city.”
That’s a relatively grand assertion – however once I noticed the solar go down from a small picket viewing deck above the seashore, they may have known as the city something they appreciated.
Strolling by way of Cayucos’ charming streets, biking alongside the previous picket pier and consuming clam chowder at no-frills spots like Duckie’s Chowder House are all nice, however nothing compares to that breathtaking sundown. As its fading glow sank beneath the huge Pacific that night, it was as if the sky was painted in brushstrokes of vivid orange and hazy gold. To my left, sea spray misted up Morro Bay’s distant shore, and the clouds above have been a gentle shade of pink.
A close-by man requested if I’d seen the inexperienced flash when the solar dipped beneath the horizon. I’d by no means heard of the phenomenon however was now curious. Subsequent time I’d search for it, I mentioned. I’d been too engrossed by this majestic slice of SLO County coast to note.
How a lot cash do I would like for San Luis Obispo?
Hostel room: $40
Primary room for 2: $200
Public transport ticket (day go): $3.25
Espresso: $4
Sandwich: $6
Dinner for 2: $80
Beer/pint on the bar: $7
The place ought to I keep in San Luis Obispo?
Set inside a constructing in-built 1922, the Granada Hotel & Bistro is a cool and compact 17-room resort in downtown SLO. Graced by a low-lit foyer and strewn with artwork throughout two flooring, the Granada is a classy base for exploring downtown. Every room is slightly completely different, and the speakeasy-style bar (which opens at 6pm) is a good place to kick off the night.
Parking within the cramped lot behind the constructing could be a little difficult, however there are many different choices close by. A pleasant contact are the bikes out there for visitors to lease: SLO is an ideal dimension for biking.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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