The small city of San Luis Obispo, California has been named one of the happiest and friendliest cities in America, and it’s easy to see why. With a mild and sunny year-around climate, easy access to the beach and hiking in the mountains, and with an artsy vibe, San Luis Obispo (A.K.A. SLO) is an underrated travel destination that you’ll instantly love.
To help you explore this area for yourself, here are the best Airbnbs in San Luis Obispo for your overnight stays.
Cozy Historic Craftsman Bungalow
There are many charming bungalow homes in SLO, including this one for rent with two bedrooms and one bath. It sleeps four people and is in the Old Town Historic District. From here, it’s less than a five-minute walk to downtown to get to restaurants, bars, and shops. Yet the home is on a quiet street with low traffic and has a private yard with an eight-person hot tub and grill too. Guests will find the kitchen to be well-stocked, and each of the bedrooms have queen-size beds. Pets are allowed in the bungalow.
Mid-Century Design Close to Downtown
Here is a very popular and highly rated Airbnb property that is attached to the host’s main home but that has a private entrance that leads to the guest quarters. The hosts thoroughly clean and sanitize the space between guests. With this rental, you’ll get a kitchenette, private bathroom, laundry machines, parking, heat, air conditioning, and a private shaded patio. You can take a 15-minute walk from the home and through the neighborhood to get downtown. This Airbnb rental does not allow pets.
SLO Barn Retreat
How cool would it be to stay in an authentic barn when you visit SLO? This Airbnb rental is a one-bedroom barn apartment on 29 acres of beautiful nature. It’s 10 minutes from Downtown SLO and also close to wineries and beaches. The bedroom has a queen-size bed, two single beds, one sofa bed, and a toddler bed. There’s a lovely grassy area here for gatherings, kayaks and fishing poles to use, and carport parking. There are dogs, cats, and chickens living onsite; however, guest pets are not allowed.
Cottage in SLO / Historic Downtown District
Two guests can book this Airbnb rental and be in the historic district near breweries, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, theaters, and the farmers’ market. Meanwhile, it’s three blocks to Amtrak and a block to a major grocery store. There are bike paths around here to get around on two wheels. The cottage has a private patio and a queen-size bed in one bedroom and a single bed in the other. Amenities offered include a kitchen, Wi-Fi, TV, portable air conditioner, and free parking. This Airbnb property does not allow pets.
Stylish and Comfortable Lofted Townhouse, Downtown SLO
Airbnb guests love staying at this loft that’s cozy, luxurious, and clean. The location is just a few blocks from the cultural hub downtown. You can thoroughly experience the SLO lifestyle here while having your own luxury linens, plus robes, and a garden-like patio. Breakfast items are provided for your first day, including organic eggs, local baked goods, yogurt, espresso, coffee, fruit, and juice. It’s a bright and airy space that also has a queen-size bed, pillow-top mattress, and fireplace in the bedroom. However, this space isn’t suitable for kids or pets.
Historic Farmhouse on 400-Acre Ranch
Enjoy an authentic farm stay when you visit SLO by booking this Airbnb for up to four people. It has two bedrooms and one bath in a remodeled, turn-of-the century farmhouse. The rental home is on a 400-acre ranch by SLO and features a remodeled kitchen, modern appliances, patio, and wrap-around porch. It’s only about a 10-minute drive to get to town, but you’ll feel like you’re in a private, secluded, and remote location. There is another vacation rental on this same property and about a quarter mile away. Amenities that the host provides include a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and TV with standard cable. You can bring pets along for an extra $50 pet cleaning fee.
Adorable SLO Bungalow (Dog-Friendly)
Here’s a cute tiny house bungalow that is about 400 square feet in size and welcomes both dog and human guests. It’s a stand-alone structure with a private gated yard and a parking spot. The home has a bedroom, full kitchen, spacious bathroom, Wi-Fi, and smart TV. It is at the end of a driveway and through a private gate, with a shared driveway for the dedicated parking space. There is an extra fee of $25 per dog and a two-dog limit. The bungalow was built in 2014 and has modern amenities to help you feel right at home. It also has a central location that’s just five blocks from downtown and three blocks to the restaurants and markets on Monterey Street.
Linvics Resort
Two guests can stay in this residential home in a traditional neighborhood when they visit SLO together for a vacation. The rental has a private yard with a pond, laundry machines, linens, and dishware. You’ll be close to Highway 101 and Cal Poly with you stay here and enjoy the lovely garden setting. A kitchen and Wi-Fi are also provided by the hosts. However, this is not a pet-friendly vacation rental.
Downtown Rooftop Patio Suite
For up to five people, there’s the option of staying in this history 1887 home with a modern interior in SLO. You’ll have the upper floor suite that’s 700 square feet in size and with its own private entrance. The owners of the property live on the lower floor. Other features of the rental suite are a galley kitchen, common area, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. You’ll enjoy hanging out on the rooftop deck that has views of Cerro San Luis and Bishop Peak. Wi-Fi and a smart TV are also provided at the suite.
Amazing Airstream in Private Garden
A really cool way to experience SLO is to stay in an Airstream camper that’s in a great location. This Airstream is available to rent on Airbnb for two people and has a full kitchen, organic bed and linens, heat, air conditioning, and dining table. It also has an outdoor hot shower and solar power. From here, it’s just a one-minute walk to downtown. You’ll be in a quiet and safe area that’s modern and comfortable when you book this Airbnb. This camper does not allow pets.
Two Palms Cottage at Beebee St.
Six people can stay at this residential home for rent on Airbnb when they are in SLO. It has two bedrooms and one bath with professional sanitizing in between stays. You’ll be in a newly renovated cottage with comfortable beds, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and a brand-new kitchen. The charming home has a porch swing outside to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. One bedroom has a queen-size bed, and the other has a double bed. Pets are allowed here on a case-by-case basis and for an extra charge of $75 per stay.
Black Barn Ranch: Sunset Views + Downtown Close
The Black Barn Ranch is an Airbnb rental for up to four people and that has two bedrooms and one bath. It also has an open-beam living space, full kitchen, living and dining area with TV, Wi-Fi, and laundry machines. When you stay here, you’ll be in the heart of the local wine region and just two miles to Downtown SLO. It’s really the best of both worlds with country living onsite and city living nearby. A portable crib is available for a fifth guest if you’re traveling with a little one. However, prospective guests should know that pets are not allowed in this rental.
