For the best tours in San Luis Obispo, I especially recommend the Downtown Walking Food Tour, which showcases the city’s vibrant culinary scene through local eateries and historic spots. The Small-Group Foodie Tour offers a more intimate experience with generous tastings at family-owned establishments.
Active travelers shouldn’t miss the Guided E-Bike Tour of Morro Bay – it’s a fantastic way to explore the coast without breaking a sweat. History buffs will appreciate the Ghost & True Crime Tour, which reveals fascinating stories behind the city’s historic buildings.
For wine enthusiasts, both the Semi-Private Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour and the Paso Robles Small-Group Winery Tour offer excellent value, with stops at carefully selected vineyards and expert commentary.
Let’s explore my favorite tours in detail…
Good To Know
- The Taste of SLO – Downtown Walking Food Tour offers a 3-hour walkthrough of San Luis Obispo’s culinary scene, featuring local specialties and a high recommendation rate.
- The San Luis Obispo Small-Group Foodie Tasting and Walking Tour provides a 3-hour immersive experience, showcasing diverse local cuisines with a knowledgeable guide.
- The Guided E-Bike Tour of Morro Bay allows visitors to explore the area’s key landmarks, such as Morro Rock and Estero Bay, on a 2-3 hour electric bike tour.
- The Ghost & True Crime Tour in San Luis Obispo offers a 60-90 minute outdoor storytelling experience focused on the city’s urban legends, ghost sightings, and crime stories.
- The Semi-Private, Modified Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour provides a customized wine tasting adventure in the Paso Robles Wine Country, with round-trip transfers and a personalized experience.
Taste of SLO – Downtown Walking Food Tour
What better way to explore the culinary delights of downtown San Luis Obispo than through the Taste of SLO – Downtown Walking Food Tour? This 3-hour walking tour takes travelers on a mouthwatering adventure, showcasing the city’s vibrant food scene.
With a 98% recommendation rate from 82 reviews, the tour has earned a Badge of Excellence. Guests will sample an impressive array of local specialties, from tender tri-tip and creamy Peruvian ceviche to decadent chocolates and craft cocktails.
The tour’s menu features eight specialty drink options and caters to vegetarians. Led by the knowledgeable and charismatic guide Angee, the experience provides an in-depth look at San Luis Obispo’s culinary history and culture.
The tour starts at Old SLO BBQ Co. and ends at Park 1039, with convenient parking options nearby. Accessible to all, the Taste of SLO tour is perfect for first-time visitors and families alike.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an authentic taste of San Luis Obispo.
Read our full review: Taste of SLO – Downtown Walking Food Tour Review
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Guided E-Bike Tour of Morro Bay
The Guided E-Bike Tour of Morro Bay provides an exhilarating and eco-friendly way to explore the picturesque coastal town. Boasting an impressive 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence from San Luis Obispo, this 2-3 hour electric bike tour showcases the area’s key landmarks, including Morro Rock, Estero Bay, and Morro Strand Beach.
Riders will enjoy the ease and comfort of high-quality electric bikes, which eliminate the risk of fatigue. The private tour ensures a personalized experience tailored to participants’ interests, whether they prefer a focus on history or exploration.
Along the way, a knowledgeable guide provides fascinating insights, while stunning scenic views and enjoyable stops create an unforgettable experience.
With water, gratuity, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, this offering provides excellent value. Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ expertise, friendliness, and engagement, as well as the tour’s overall quality.
For travelers seeking an active and immersive way to discover Morro Bay, the Guided E-Bike Tour is a top recommendation.
Read our full review: Guided E-Bike Tour of Morro Bay Review
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San Luis Obispo Small-Group Foodie Tasting and Walking Tour
For travelers seeking a delectable culinary journey through San Luis Obispo’s vibrant Mojo District, the Small-Group Foodie Tasting and Walking Tour offers an unparalleled experience.
This 3-hour tour allows a maximum of 12 guests to sample dishes from five local restaurants, providing a hearty dinner’s worth of generous food tastings. The tour features a diverse menu, from clam chowder with beer to a vegan chocolate shake, showcasing the region’s culinary diversity.
With an engaging and knowledgeable guide, guests will explore the district, learning about the local food scene and culture. Reviewers rave about the tour’s positive atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for celebrations.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour also accommodates dietary requirements, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.
At $149 per person, this tour offers tremendous value, with overwhelmingly positive reviews and a Badge of Excellence, making it a must-do activity for any foodie visiting San Luis Obispo.
Read our full review: San Luis Obispo Small-Group Foodie Tasting and Walking Tour Review
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Ghost & True Crime Tour in San Luis Obispo
Travelers seeking a chilling exploration of San Luis Obispo’s haunted past can embark on the Ghost & True Crime Tour. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 85 reviews, this 60-90 minute tour takes guests on a journey through the town’s dark history.
Led by knowledgeable and entertaining guides, you will learn about urban legends, ghost sightings, and stories of murder and mayhem. The tour focuses on outdoor storytelling, without entering any buildings, making it accessible to all.
Travelers praise the guides’ humor and engaging presentations, which strike a balance between fun and creepiness. Though confirmation is required at booking, some guests have reported issues with cancellations and refunds through third-party platforms.
Read our full review: Ghost & True Crime Tour in San Luis Obispo Review
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Semi-Private, Modified Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour From San Luis Obispo & Pismo
Although a modified hop-on hop-off experience, this semi-private wine tour from San Luis Obispo and Pismo provides a customized adventure through Paso Robles Wine Country.
Recommended by 95% of travelers, the tour includes round-trip transfers, a knowledgeable local driver/guide, and a flexible itinerary of four wineries with two backups. Guests can expect comfort items like bottled water and snacks, while tasting fees and lunch are at their own expense.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, this tour offers a personalized experience. Pickup times are typically between 10:30-11:00 am, and dietary requirements can be accommodated.
Positive reviews highlight the friendly drivers and enjoyable winery experiences. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and intoxicated passengers may be refused service without refund.
Priced starting at $145.75 per person, the semi-private wine tour provides an efficient and memorable way to explore the region’s abundant wineries.
Guests should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions.
Read our full review: Semi-Private, Modified Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour From San Luis Obispo & Pismo Review
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Paso Robles Small-Group Winery Tour – San Luis Obispo
The Paso Robles Small-Group Winery Tour from San Luis Obispo provides an intimate and personalized exploration of the renowned Paso Robles wine region.
This small-group tour, capped at eight participants, visits at least four wineries, with the potential for more. Travelers enjoy a complimentary picnic-style lunch and the expertise of a professional guide who handles transportation, ensuring a safe experience.
The tour starts at $226.92 per person, with round-trip transportation from Pismo Beach included. However, gratuity and wine tasting fees, which average $25-$30, aren’t covered.
Travelers can request a winery production tour and an introduction to wine tasting.
With a 93% recommendation rate and an overall 4.6-star rating, the tour receives praise for its knowledgeable and personable guides, as well as the enjoyment of the wineries.
Constructive feedback includes the need for included tasting fees and more snack options during tastings.
Read our full review: Paso Robles Small-Group Winery Tour – San Luis Obispo Review
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Semi-Private, Modified Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tasting Tour From Morro and Cayucos
Offering a flexible approach to wine tasting in Paso Robles, the Semi-Private, Modified Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tasting Tour from Morro and Cayucos allows guests to set their own pace and choose from over 70 wineries in the region.
During the tour, visitors can visit up to five wineries, with tasting fees included for four. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable local guide, bottled water, snacks, and lunch, unless an upgrade isn’t selected.
With a maximum of 8 travelers per tour, the experience provides a semi-private setting. The pickup times are typically between 10:30-11:30 am, with the specific time confirmed a day prior.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals. Customer reviews praise the tour’s flexibility, the friendliness and knowledge of the drivers, and the quality of the wineries visited.
Read our full review: Semi-Private, Modified Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tasting Tour From Morro and Cayucos Review
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Private Tour of Californias Central Coast (San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Cambria)
Designed for those seeking a personalized exploration of California’s picturesque Central Coast, the Private Tour of California’s Central Coast (San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Cambria) offers a tailored itinerary showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes and local culinary delights.
With a personal driver and guide, guests can customize their experience, visiting notable destinations like Big Sur, Morro Bay, and the Paso Robles Wine Region, while enjoying included alcoholic beverages.
The tour features flexible scheduling, with pickup available from various locations, though a long-distance fee may apply for areas outside Paso Robles.
Suitable for moderately fit travelers, the private tour promises an immersive and memorable journey along the Central Coast.
With a perfect 5.0 rating based on reviews, this tour provides an exclusive opportunity to discover the best of California’s picturesque landscapes and artisanal offerings.
Read our full review: Private Tour of Californias Central Coast (San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Cambria) Review
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Winery Tour to Harmony Cellars and Stolo Vineyards
Exploring the renowned wineries of San Luis Obispo, the Winery Tour to Harmony Cellars and Stolo Vineyards offers guests a delightful journey through the region’s acclaimed viticulture. Priced from $134.95 per person, this tour accommodates up to 12 travelers in an air-conditioned vehicle, providing a comfortable and immersive experience.
Guests will be picked up at the designated meeting point in Cayucos and taken to the two exceptional wineries, where they’ll enjoy tastings of the finest local wines. Complimentary bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included, ensuring visitors are well-hydrated and able to fully appreciate the diverse flavors.
The tour is accessible to strollers, though not suitable for pregnant travelers or those in wheelchairs. With easy access to public transportation, the experience is convenient for a wide range of participants.
Travelers can relax, knowing they’ll be returned to the starting point at the end of the tour.
Read our full review: Winery Tour to Harmony Cellars and Stolo Vineyards Review
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The Sum Up
San Luis Obispo offers a diverse array of captivating tours that cater to every interest. From walking food tours and e-bike adventures to wine tastings and ghost hunts, these experiences showcase the region’s rich history, culinary delights, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re a foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or history buff, there’s a tour in SLO that’ll leave you with lasting memories of this vibrant Central California destination.