Fall trip advice

Question

My husband and I are planning a 7 day trip to the SLO area in late October. We have stayed in SLO before so I was thinking about staying elsewhere this time. We plan to do little day trips off and ion most of the week. Looking at these options..thinking it might be best to be centrally located.. Atascadero, Paso Robles, Avila Beach, or Morro Bay. Living in a land locked state I’m very drawn to being able to see the ocean, but it’s not a deal breaker. I also want to stay someplace that has fun dining options for the days we just hang out around our Air Bnb. Or.. I’m fine staying in SLO if these other options don’t seem a good fit. Just wanting to book asap.. ready for some insider input! Thank you so much!

Answer

For a 7-day trip to San Luis Obispo County in late October, choosing a central base is key if you plan to take day trips around the region. Each of the locations you mentioned has its pros and cons depending on what you prioritize—ocean views, dining, or proximity to wine country and other attractions.

Here’s a breakdown of each option:

San Luis Obispo (SLO): Staying in SLO gives you a central location for day trips north and south, easy access to wine country, and the largest selection of restaurants, cafes, and nightlife. Downtown SLO has a charming vibe with shops and weekly farmers’ markets, which is perfect if you want activities and dining within walking distance.
Avila Beach: Ideal if ocean views and beach access are a priority. Avila Beach is small and quaint, with a few restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s great for a quiet stay but fewer dining options compared to SLO. You’re still within 15-20 minutes of SLO for more variety.
Morro Bay: Perfect if you want a classic coastal town with more of a harbor feel. The ocean views, waterfront boardwalk, and casual dining scene make it fun to hang out for a few days. It’s slightly farther from the Paso Robles wine region, but still reasonable for day trips.
Paso Robles: Best if wine tasting is your main priority. Central to the wine region and home to excellent wineries, Paso Robles is a bit inland, so you won’t have ocean views. Dining options are solid but more limited compared to SLO. Driving to the coast takes about 30–40 minutes.
Atascadero: Centrally located in the county, more residential and quieter than SLO or Paso Robles. Good for easy access to multiple destinations, but it lacks the charm, restaurants, and nightlife that make SLO or coastal towns more appealing for short stays.

Considering your priorities—ocean views, central location for day trips, and fun dining options—here are some recommendations:

If you want a mix of convenience and options for dining and activities: stay in San Luis Obispo. It’s easy to reach the coast and wine country, and downtown has plenty of restaurants and cafes.
If the ocean is important and you enjoy a slower-paced coastal vibe: Avila Beach or Morro Bay are excellent choices. Avila is more intimate, Morro Bay has more restaurants and a harbor atmosphere.
If your main focus is wine tasting and you don’t mind being inland: Paso Robles is ideal, but you’ll need to drive to the ocean for day trips.

Overall, for a week-long trip with multiple day trips, SLO or Avila Beach offer the best combination of central location, dining options, and access to both the coast and inland attractions. If you want to split the trip, you could even do a few nights in SLO or Avila and a few nights in Paso Robles for wine country exploration.

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