San Luis Obispo Weekend on a Budget

Long a stopover halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the 101, San Luis Obispo is a destination unto itself now. Green rolling hills, wineries, great places to eat and drink, and close to the ocean. Not a cheap place to stay, however, with room rates that frequently exceed those of nearby beach towns. Still, with a little determination, you can have a weekend here under budget.

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Quality Suites San Luis Obispo
Yes...the rate looks expensive. Rates start at $125 and go up from there, but in a town where generic motel rooms routinely break $200, it's not that bad...especially when you add in the extras. Start the morning with a hot, full cooked-to-order breakfast served in a nice dining room...don't worry, it's free. Each room is a two-room su... More >
Yes...the rate looks expensive. Rates start at $125 and go up from there, but in a town where generic motel rooms routinely break $200, it's not that bad...especially when you add in the extras. Start the morning with a hot, full cooked-to-order breakfast served in a nice dining room...don't worry, it's free. Each room is a two-room suite with separate bedroom and living room. Free wifi, free dvd rentals, and a free cocktail hour each evening help to take the bite out of the room rate. Large, nicely landscaped pool area. Five minute walk from downtown. Discounts are available on their site.
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Farmers Market
If you can, start your weekend early. Why? Because what many believe to be the best farmer's market in the state takes place here every Thursday. Try the area's specialty - Santa Maria style trip-tip - at one of the stands. Pick up some delicious, locally grown fruit and you've got yourself a great, inexpensive dinner. Free.
A long, not to challenging, and very scenic ride through the local vineyards with plenty of opportunities to stop and sip the wine.
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Cambria Bicycle Outfitter
With a branch in SLO at 1422 Monterey St., rent a bike here and go for a ride in the nearby Edna Valley. Go south on Broad Street to Orcutt Road, follow Orcutt through the Edna Valley to Biddle Ranch Road and return here. A long, not to challenging, and very scenic ride through the local vineyards with plenty of opportunities to stop a... More >
With a branch in SLO at 1422 Monterey St., rent a bike here and go for a ride in the nearby Edna Valley. Go south on Broad Street to Orcutt Road, follow Orcutt through the Edna Valley to Biddle Ranch Road and return here. A long, not to challenging, and very scenic ride through the local vineyards with plenty of opportunities to stop and sip the wine. $40 a day or $10 an hour. Save even more by bringing your bikes with you.
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Baileyana Winery
Located in an old one-room schoolhouse, the tasting room here makes a great place to take a break on your ride. Taste the range of wine produced here, have a snack, even play a quick game of bocce ball in the adjacent court. Free.
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Edna Valley Vineyard
Toward the end of your Edna Valley ride, you'll come across this winery. Take one more break before heading back to town. The front lawn has spectacular views of the valley and the wine will refresh you for that last push ahead. Free.
The food is delicious, mainly very good gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and fries...oh, the fries!
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Firestone Grill
My favorite cheap restaurant in SLO. Not fancy, but they do have a full bar with sports on the TV. Firestone beers and wines, of course, command the top presence here. The food is delicious, mainly very good gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and fries...oh, the fries! You may have to wait a bit for a seat at the busy times, if it's full, check the bar in the back to see if there's room there. Around $10 per person. More
My favorite cheap restaurant in SLO. Not fancy, but they do have a full bar with sports on the TV. Firestone beers and wines, of course, command the top presence here. The food is delicious, mainly very good gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and fries...oh, the fries! You may have to wait a bit for a seat at the busy times, if it's full, check the bar in the back to see if there's room there. Around $10 per person.
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About the Author

Darryl Musick
Darryl Musick
I produce a travel blog with my son, Tim, who uses a wheelchair. You can see our adventures at http://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com and you can send us a message at dmusick61-at-gmail.com
Websitefacebook.com/darryl.musick
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