It still rains occasionally here in San Luis Obispo County, but thankfully blue skies and warm weather are starting to appear more often. If you’re one of those families are eager to shed their winter coats and embrace the warmth of the season, your time has come. From coastal adventures to inland explorations, there’s no shortage of activities to delight every member of the family.

Here are the top five activities to make the most of springtime in our beautiful county and put on your calendar:

1. Picnic at Montana de Oro State Park: Pack a basket filled with delicious treats and head to Montana de Oro State Park for a memorable family picnic. With breathtaking ocean views, rugged cliffs, and serene hiking trails, this coastal gem offers the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and exploration. Don’t forget to bring a blanket and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
2. Visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove: Witness the magic of nature at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. Spring is the perfect time to observe thousands of monarch butterflies as they flutter and dance among the eucalyptus trees. It’s a captivating experience that will leave both children and adults in awe of the wonders of the natural world.
3. Explore the Historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: Take a step back in time and immerse your family in the rich history of San Luis Obispo County by visiting the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Explore the beautiful gardens, learn about the mission’s fascinating past, and marvel at the stunning architecture of this cultural landmark.
4. Hike the Bishop Peak Trail: Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a family adventure to conquer Bishop Peak, the tallest of the Nine Sisters volcanic peaks. With panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a moderate trail suitable for all skill levels, this hike promises to be a memorable outing for the whole family.
5. Attend the Morro Bay Kite Festival: Let your spirits soar at the Morro Bay Kite Festival, a beloved springtime tradition for families in San Luis Obispo County. Watch as colorful kites take to the sky above Morro Bay, enjoy live music, delicious food, and participate in kite-making workshops for a day of high-flying fun.

Where are you headed this Spring? Let us know in the comments below.

The last remnants of the summer heat have left and leaves have begun to fall. That means it’s autumn in San Luis Obispo County. There’s plenty to do besides putting pumpkin spice on everything you eat and waiting to put up Christmas lights.

Here’s four recommendations our editors put together to help you spend your free time on the Central Coast this season.

• Catch some fall football: Football season is now in full swing and nothing beats watching the local teams. Whether it’s your hometown eleven high school team (we are partial to the Bearcats) or the local colleges, there’s always players to get excited about along with the camaraderie of hanging out with alumni. One of the biggest games on the calendar this month is Cal Poly SLO versus UC Davis, happening October 23—which also happens to be family weekend. Get your tickets at the Cal Poly website.
• Harvest weekend: Fall is when our local farms and wineries harvest their bounty. However, few things are bigger than harvest weekend, where the wineries invite visitors from near and far to celebrate with grape stomps, dinner, music, and dancing. Harvest is all month long, so we encourage you to put on your best outfit, head to your favorite winery, and party the night away. And as always, order a rideshare ahead so you don’t place any of your fellow citizens in danger.
• Attend a Christmas tree lighting: Are we really here now? Yes we are! The holiday seasons kick off with Christmas tree lightings at or right after the Thanksgiving Holiday, and these are some of the most magical times of Fall. The SLO Tribune has a list from 2022 that will surely be helpful for planning this year, and keep your eye for updates here as we get closer too.
• Unique Christmas shopping: Christmas is here so that means shopping for gifts. For a uniquely Paso Robles experience, attend the 21st Annual Cowgirl Christmas at the Paso Robles Event Center on Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25. Over 200 Western Booths will be selling cowboy and cowgirl merchandise to inspire your inner John Wayne. Admission is just $2 and street parking is free. If you can’t make this one or are a last minute shopper, The Mid-State Fair Winter Market will run December 8-11, 2023 and feature local vendors with unique gifts, food, and drink.

And there you go! What do you have on your list to do in SLO County over the next few months? Let us know!