Five hidden experiences in San Luis Obispo

With picturesque beaches, rolling vineyards and bohemian small towns, San Luis Obispo County, California (SLO CAL) is filled with hidden gems yet to be discovered.

Located on the iconic Highway 1 of California’s Central Coast and equidistant from San Francisco and Los Angeles, the destination offers lesser adventures, relaxation and exploration.

Discover the hidden side of SLO CAL with five must-do experiences that you didn’t know existed.

Explore the remnants of the world’s first motel, The Motel Inn

The Motel Inn in SLO CAL was built in 1925 and became the first ever motel. Originally named The Milestone Hotel, located just off Highway 1, it provided respite to travellers along the famed scenic route up until 1991.  Remnants of the building still stand and can be visited on 2223 Monterey Street. Travellers looking to overnight can head to a modern motel such as The Pacific Motel, which offers Californian coastal decor situated in the laid back coastal community of Cayucos.

Visit North America’s first solar powered cinema

Located in the downtown historic district, the Palm Theatre is a hub for alternative cinema and has been since its opening in 1988. Under the ownership of Jim Dee, the movie theatre saw a drastic change in 2004 when 80 solar panels were installed on the roof of the building to help bring the running costs of the cinema down. In 2023, the movie theatre stays true to its roots playing alternative indie films, as well as Hollywood blockbusters. 

“Light at Sensorio”, the world’s largest field of light art installation

Acclaimed British artist Bruce Munro is known for his site-specific immersive art installations and his most visually spectacular is in SLO CAL. Named the “Light at Sensorio” and located in the wine region of Paso Robles, 100,000 stemmed spheres lit by fibre-optics gently illuminate the rolling landscape in subtle blooms of morphing colour. It is the biggest field of light instillation in the world. Following the success of the Light at Sensorio, Bruce was commissioned to add a new rt installation called “Light Towers”. Made up of 17,000 wine bottles, it sees 69 towers of light evolve in colour.

Witness wildlife from the shores of SLO CAL 

A multitude of aquatic wildlife can be found in the SLO CAL waters including elephant seals, humpback whales, otters, blue whales, sea lions and California grey whales. The best time of year to experience these majestic animals is during the winter months when the beaches are quieter and the waters are alive with activity. Visitors can also use local guides to be taken onto the water and watch whales breach the surface.

The only US green Michelin star winery at The Restaurant at Justin

Located in the serene hills of Paso Robles on a picturesque 26-acre farmstead, The Restaurant at Justin is the first winery and restaurant in the US to be awarded with a Michelin green star, an award given only to establishments with best in class sustainable practices. There is a 150 tree orchard, vegetable garden, herb apiary and vineyard that executive chef Rachel Haggstrom transforms into an exceptional Michelin standard farm-to-table dining experience.