San Luis Obispo is full of so many different scenes that there’s something for everyone’s vibe. I recently went and absolutely loved my stay, which is why I wanted to put together this Airbnb San Luis Obispo guide.
Whether you love wine tasting, trying new places to eat, spending time at the beach, going outdoors, or exploring the art scene, SLO has got you covered.
It’s located in the perfect spot being only a short drive away from Santa Barbara and the perfect midpoint between LA and SF.
So as you can tell, SLO has stolen my heart, and I know that these Airbnb rentals will make you fall in love with coastal California life too!
Pssst, heading to San Luis Obispo? Don’t miss these travel guides to help you plan your trip!
Things to do in San Luis Obispo (SLO Travel Guide)
Best Restaurants in SLO
San Luis Obispo Downtown Guide
What to Do in San Luis Obispo (Top 17 Things)
Top San Luis Obispo Wineries
*All images belong to the Airbnb owners
Airbnb San Luis Obispo: Top 8 Places to Book
1. Cottage in SLO
Talk about living the cottage core dream! This sweet cozy San Luis Obispo Airbnb is so adorable.
You’ll get to stay on a super cute farm with endless views of the outdoors surrounded by farm animals. The deck is my favorite part because you can wake up early and do morning yoga while watching the sunrise.
I’m in love with the rustic and cottage core aesthetic—it’s the perfect all-around cozy place.
Located near Avila Beach, you can easily spend all day at the beach. The downtown area is filled with shops, boutiques, wine tastings, and beachfront dining.
I love that San Luis Obispo is a super walkable town, you can get to everything you desire super easily from almost anywhere.
Up to 2 guests // 1 bedroom // 1 bed // 1 bath. Prices from $165 per night.
2. 1930s Art Deco Penthouse
If there are two things I love—it’s a good rain shower and feeling like I’m living in a modern-day Mad Men episode. This penthouse gives me both.
The well-curated library and gramophone really bring this living room space to the next level. All my art deco aficionados, this entire guest house is for you.
The covered balcony offers stunning views of all of downtown. This would make an ideal long-term rental, especially if you’re hoping to really stick around SLO for a while to give the laidback lifestyle a try.
You can even have complimentary coffee from the cafe right below to enjoy while soaking up some sunshine on the private and comfortable deck.
It feels quiet without being removed from the exciting sites of the city. Grab a tote and stop into the famous weekly farmer’s market nearby to stock up on fresh and locally made artisanal goodies.
Visit SLO in style, with this super sleek vacation rental.
Up to 4 guests // 2 bedrooms // 2 beds // 1 bath. Prices from $239 per night.
3. The Boho Bungalow
This 1920’s bungalow is classic boho chic. The decor is clean and cute, a simple aesthetic with a bit of kitsch thrown in.
The rooms are soaked in natural light and the space is very open. There’s an air mattress if you want two extra people to stay, but I think this booking is really best for just a pair.
The outdoor area offers Adirondacks for reading and relaxing, and a barbecue to grill up some al fresco fares. One of my favorite features here is the clawfoot bathtub.
Nothing says San Luis Obispo vacation like a good long soak to let your stress melt away. It’s in the Railroad District, which I think is one of the coolest areas in the city, especially for all my fellow foodies.
Edna Valley and Avila Beach are nearby, which is perfect if you’re hoping to hit up some wineries or enjoy a day of fun in the sun on the sandy shores of Cali.
Downtown is only about a ten minute walk away, so all the best things about Luis Obispo county are within arms reach from here.
Up to 4 guests // 1 bedroom // 1 bed // 1 bath. Prices from $189 per night.
4. Goddess Meets Cowboy Carriage House
This aptly named spot is full of funky vintage finds creating a unique atmosphere that feels like something special. It’s so comfortable and inviting, while still feeling cool and creative.
If a bejeweled framed photo of a snow-covered bison sounds like something you might enjoy—and who wouldn’t—then this is the best booking.
It’s a great price for the location, right in the heart of downtown San and close to Cal Poly. It’s a private carriage house with its own entrance, so you don’t have to worry about any unwanted chit-chat with the hosts.
The bathroom is just a few steps outside of the room, but for $100 a night I don’t mind a bit of extra effort. The patio is private and spacious, perfect for a serene retreat from the outside world.
With two beds in the studio room and plenty of feminine energy to go around, it’s a great spot for a girl’s getaway trip. Immersed in whimsy, all you need to know about this carriage house is that it definitely has character.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a cheaper and cuter room in all of the California vacation rentals.
Up to 3 guests // 1 bedroom // 2 beds // 1 bath. Prices from $100 per night.
5. Black Barn Ranch
This San Luis Obispo guesthouse makes staying in a barn look much more luxurious than I would have imagined. It has an open and airy ambiance, furnished with simple and modern pieces.
It’s set on a 2.5-acre property and the surrounding rolling hillsides of wine country are breathtaking. The best part is the spectacular sunsets from the outdoor deck.
I also love that you can have the best of both worlds. You can feel completely immersed in stunning California nature while being only two miles away from downtown SLO.
If your main objective is to hit some hiking trails and visit the vineyards of wine country, then this location is perfect. The barn itself is separate from the main property and very private.
The owners do live on-site if you happen to need anything during your stay, which can really come in handy. You can even visit the horses across the street to get your cute animal fix on your trip.
The small elegant touches and soft color palettes throughout this guest suite really make the difference for me.
Up to 4 guests // 2 bedrooms // 2 beds // 1 bath. Prices from $314 per night.
6. Water Tower at Flying Caballos Ranch
We don’t get many chances to stay in a refurbished water tower in our lifetime, and who knew one of these San Luis Obispo rentals might just be your chance. This artistic Airbnb has a quaint vibe that fits perfectly for ranch life.
It has three stories, offering stunning views of the local landscape, like Islay Hill, part of the iconic Nine Sisters. The outdoor shower adds a special touch for feeling at one with the nature of the coast.
There’s plenty of little nooks to curl up in and although the amenities are simple, this unique, no-frills experience is sure to fill you up with serene solitude.
It’s only about 10 minutes to downtown and 25 to the shores. It’s an ideal romantic escape for two, as long as you’re cool with climbing around in some small spaces.
Up to 2 guests // 1 bedroom // 1 bed // 1 bath. Prices from $239 per night.
7. Luxury Studio w/ Hot Tub
This state-of-the-art private studio has one highlight that makes me very happy: the hot tub. It offers plenty of other amenities as well, like a king-size bed, fire pit, double-headed shower, and high-end kitchen appliances.
The atmosphere feels bright and fun with a touch of rustic charm, and I’m here for it.
Plus being able to use Alexa to do things like control the lights will have you feeling like you’re in Black Mirror—but like in a good way. The patio is surrounded by a bamboo wall, providing both peace and privacy.
It’s a large space great for gatherings—did I mention the hot tub? There’s even a projector for cozy movie nights in bed and minibar for that extra fancy hotel feel.
It’s set in a prime hotspot of SLO, with Central Coast Brewing within walking distance for some of the tastiest taps in town. The quintessential San Luis Obispo vacation attraction Bubblegum Alley is close by as well, so be sure to leave your mark!
For a stay that feels luxurious but doesn’t break the bank, I love this place for you.
Up to 3 guests // 1 bedroom // 1 bed // 1 bath. Prices from $175 per night.
8. Converted Horse Stable
Alrighty so this is THE splurge to make if you’ve got a big group or are just hoping to splash some cash on your San Luis Obispo vacation rental. Every square inch of this entire house is worthy of your feed.
It’s set on 60 acres in the heart of picturesque Edna Valley. It’s gone from a dairy barn to a chic, modern, and refined villa of vacation fantasies.
It’s also a working horse farm, so you will get to enjoy the authentic country experience without having to rough it. You’ll see goats, alpacas, ponies, and pigs making some absolutely adorable cameos.
Downtown is a mere ten-minute drive away, but you’re sure to feel removed with fantastic views of vineyards and hillsides in every direction.
Pismo Beach is close by as well. Each room is outfitted with its own fireplace, private bathroom, and organic linens.
The imported Moroccan tiles used in the bathroom are breathtaking. The open green grass patio is perfect for gathering around the fire pit or playing a game of Bocce Ball.
Renting this home will make it hard to want to leave and explore SLO at all tbh. This thoughtful, intentional, and Instagramable place is worth every penny.
Up to 6 guests // 3 bedrooms // 0 beds // 4 baths. Prices from $1,125 per night.
Did you fall in love with these places to stay as much as I did? SLO has so much to offer, you really can’t go wrong planning your next trip here. Save this Airbnb San Luis Obispo guide for your next trip!
If you have any questions or additional tips, feel free to DM me on Insta @wtfab or comment on the post! I can’t wait to hear all about your magical moments in San Luis Obispo.
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FAQs
San Luis Obispo is known for its food scene, downtown area, the historic Spanish mission, art, and museums.
San Luis Obispo is definitely worth visiting! There’s so much to do and see in this special coastal town.
It’s recommended to spend at least 3 days in San Luis Obispo
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
