San Luis Obispo County Beaches & Beach Activities - Visit SLO CAL

Visit SLO CAL

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The beaches in SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) are made for adventure and laid-back coastal vibes. With over 80 miles of coastline along Highway 1, there’s always something to do—whether you’re kayaking through sea caves, watching sea otters from a stand-up paddleboard or catching waves near the pier. Beachgoers can kick back in the sand, stroll the boardwalk with an ice cream in hand or bring their pup along to one of SLO CAL’s many dog-friendly beaches. Every beach day here comes with a side of sunshine and relaxed, Central Coast charm.

Looking for the perfect Highway 1 beach spot? Pismo Beach has it all—surfing, beach volleyball and long walks along the pier. Just a bit north, Avila Beach offers a mellow, family-friendly vibe with warm sands, oceanfront swings and bike rentals to cruise the coast. For something more off the beaten path, ride the dunes in Oceano, find serenity on Moonstone Beach in Cambria, explore tide pools near Cayucos, hike the coastal bluffs of Montana de Oro or visit the elephant seals near San Simeon. No matter your beach style, SLO CAL has a stretch of shoreline just for you.

Girl looking into the distance from Avila Beach

10 Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Beaches in SLO CAL

group getting ready for a surf lesson with Pismo Surf Academy

Surfing in SLO CAL: Tips for Beginners

Three women running from the sauna to the bay with Morro Rock in the background

SLO CAL Summer Fun for the Whole Family

Field of trees and flowers with sun peaking through

Explore Outdoor Spaces & Activities in SLO CAL

Aerial view of Highway 1 and coastline in San Simeon

5 Hidden Secrets Along Highway 1

girl hiking a coastal trail in Montana de Oro state park

Explore Highway 1 Solo

Three women running from the sauna to the bay with Morro Rock in the background

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San Simeon beach covered in hundreds of Elephant Seals

Coastal Wildlife Sightings Along Highway 1

View from above of boat on lake with hills in background

Set Sail in SLO CAL: Your Guide to Boating on the Central Coast

5 women in wetsuits carrying surfboards over a sand dune

A Surfer’s Guide to California’s Premier Surfing Destinations

Esteem Surf Co Interior

5 Surf Shops in SLO CAL

Beach chairs and umbrellas set up on the sand with women running towards the water in the background

10 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat in SLO County

AmpSurf surf clinic participant

AmpSurf Gives the Gift of Surf

San Simeon coastline looking toward Piedras Blancas Light Station

Choose your own SLO CAL Coastal Adventure

Three people in a pontoon boat watching one person swim alongside the boat in a lake

5 Family-Friendly Activities While Camping in SLO CAL

Seagulls flying over the Pacific Ocean at sunset in Grover Beach, San Luis Obispo County, California

24 Hours in Grover Beach and Oceano

Couple and their dog at Avila Beach

Dog-Friendly Beaches, Hikes, Parks & Restaurants in SLO CAL

Hammock Under Avila Beach Pier

Which SLO CAL Beach Vibe Are You?

Two people on the coast looking at Elephant Seals from a vista point

Family Friendly Fun Along Highway 1 in SLO CAL

There is adventure around every corner of the Pacific Coast Highway and the beaches of San Luis Obispo.

8 Surprising Reasons SLO CAL Beaches are the Best

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Did You See That? Unexpected Animals in SLO CAL

two people paddle boarding in the ocean

Paddleboard Like a Pro in SLO CAL

girl hiking a coastal trail in Montana de Oro state park

10 Ways to Get Active in San Luis Obispo County

Life's Too Beautiful To Rush

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The 2026 SLO CAL Visitor Magazine Cover with a family of four looking over the Pismo Pier at the shoreline e news icon

Visitors Magazine

2026 Official Visit SLO CAL Visitors Magazine

Get inspired for your SLO CAL adventure today!
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