The Best of SLO
Located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, Hotel Cerro is the perfect starting point for exploring the Central Coast’s most exciting attractions. Whether you're traveling with family, looking for outdoor adventure, or interested in local history and art, there’s something for everyone just moments away. From museums and parks to scenic hikes and quirky landmarks, discover all the fun and beauty this area has to offer—right outside your door at Hotel Cerro.
Just steps from Hotel Cerro, the San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market is a lively local event held every Thursday evening in downtown. Stretching along Higuera Street, the market features fresh produce, hot BBQ, live music, and handmade goods from local vendors. It’s a great way to experience the community vibe, taste Central Coast flavors, and enjoy a fun evening outdoors - all within walking distance of the hotel.
Located just a short walk from Hotel Cerro, the Fremont Theater is a historic Art Deco landmark and popular spot for live entertainment in downtown San Luis Obispo. Originally opened in 1942, the theater now hosts concerts, comedy shows, and film screenings in a unique vintage setting. With its colorful neon sign and retro charm, Fremont offers a fun night out for music lovers, movie fans, and anyone looking to experience a bit of local history.
Near Hotel Cerro, the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum is a fun place to learn about trains and how they helped build the area. You can see real train cars, model railroads, photos, and old tools used by railroad workers. It’s great for families and anyone who loves trains or history. The museum is located in a historic freight house near the train station. It’s a short walk or drive from the hotel and offers a hands-on, educational experience for all ages.
Just a few blocks from Hotel Cerro, the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is perfect for families with young kids. The museum has three floors of fun, hands-on exhibits where kids can learn, play, and explore. There are art stations, pretend shops, and science displays designed to spark curiosity and creativity. It’s a safe, exciting place for children to use their imagination. Whether you're local or visiting, this museum offers an enjoyable break for parents and kids in downtown San Luis Obispo.
Close to Hotel Cerro, The Iron Road Pioneers is a public art sculpture that honors Chinese workers who helped build the railroads in California. The statues show the hard work and strength of these early pioneers. It’s located near the historic railroad district and makes for a thoughtful, quick stop while exploring the city. This outdoor monument offers a chance to reflect on important local history and the people who helped shape the region. It's a meaningful place just minutes from the hotel.
A short drive from Hotel Cerro, Pismo Preserve offers stunning ocean views and miles of trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The preserve is full of natural beauty, with hills, wildflowers, and open skies. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy fresh air, take photos, or spot wildlife. Whether you're looking for a short walk or a longer outdoor adventure, Pismo Preserve is a perfect escape into nature, just minutes from the hotel and the beaches.
Just steps from Hotel Cerro, the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is a welcoming space filled with beautiful works by local and regional artists. The museum offers paintings, sculptures, and rotating exhibits that are interesting for all ages. Admission is free, and it’s a calm, inspiring place to explore during your walk around downtown. Whether you're an art lover or just curious, this museum is a perfect quick visit that brings creativity to the heart of the city.
Smugglers Cave, near Avila Beach, is a unique spot to visit, just a short drive from Hotel Cerro. The cave is surrounded by cliffs and tide pools and is best reached by a hike with amazing ocean views. Local legends say smugglers once used the area long ago. Today, it’s a fun and mysterious place to explore nature, take pictures, and enjoy the coastal air. Great for adventurous travelers looking to discover something off the beaten path.
Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach is about 15 minutes from Hotel Cerro and perfect for families. It has a big open space, a playground with fun dinosaur-themed sculptures, and amazing ocean views. You can take a walk on the paved paths or relax on a bench while enjoying the sea breeze. It’s great for kids, picnics, or peaceful morning strolls. This park is both playful and scenic, making it a favorite stop along the coast.
Located on the cliffs of Pismo Beach and a short drive from Hotel Cerro, Margo Dodd Park is a quiet, small park with amazing ocean views. You can see waves crashing on the rocks and maybe even spot sea birds or seals. The park has picnic tables and a gazebo, making it a lovely place to relax or take photos. It’s a peaceful place to stop by, especially at sunset, and enjoy the natural beauty of the coast.
Just minutes from Hotel Cerro, Cuesta Canyon Park is a quiet park tucked away in the trees. It has grassy areas, picnic tables, and a stream that runs through during the rainy season. It’s a nice place to enjoy nature without going far from downtown. Great for a peaceful walk, reading a book, or having a picnic. The shaded spots and calm setting make it a relaxing place for locals and visitors alike.
Just a short drive from Hotel Cerro, the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is a peaceful place filled with plants from Mediterranean climates around the world. You can stroll through walking trails, enjoy flowers and native plants, and learn about gardening and sustainability. It's perfect for a relaxing visit, with beautiful views and fresh air. The garden also hosts events and classes, so there’s often something new to see.
A few minutes’ walk from Hotel Cerro, the History Center of San Luis Obispo County is located in a charming old library building. Inside, you’ll find exhibits, photos, and stories that tell the history of the area—from early settlers to modern times. It’s a great place to learn about the city’s past and see what life was like in different time periods. Admission is free, making it an easy and interesting stop downtown.
About 20 minutes from Hotel Cerro in Morro Bay, Anchor Memorial Park is a small coastal park with views of the harbor and the famous Morro Rock. There’s a large ship anchor monument, benches to relax, and space to enjoy the ocean breeze. It’s perfect for a short stop while visiting the waterfront. You can watch boats come and go, enjoy the peaceful setting, or take a break during your day by the bay.
