San Luis Obispo Beaches

There are many great reasons to head out to a a beach in San Luis Obispo, CA. Hanging out in the sun, swimming in the water, and creating memories with your friends and family are some examples.

It’s easy to find a swimming beach in San Luis Obispo that are are within a short drive with the help of our table of beaches. If you could use some assistance with finding a beach in your area, you can locate one with our collection. Begin, by entering your zip code in the displayed box above the table.

Beaches Near San Luis Obispo

The beach could be temporarily closed because of water quality issues caused by unexpected events like elevated bacteria levels, pollution, or algal blooms. Review the beach’s website before leaving for the beach for updates on water quality.

Most beaches in San Luis Obispo, CA will be open to the public but many are private beaches. Be sure to check their site to find out if you can go to the beach without any restrictions. Fairly often, beaches may only remain open for certain times of the calendar year or for specific times of the day.

San Luis Obispo, CA Beach Rules

When you visit any beach in San Luis Obispo, there are always guidelines that you should follow. Nearly all beaches will list the following guidelines.

  • Clean up any trash that you bring with you.
  • Don’t consume alcohol at the beach.
  • Never disobey a request from the lifeguard on duty. If the lifeguard ask you to do something, then you have to follow through.
  • Do not go to the beach whenever it’s not open.
  • Even if a lifeguard is nearby, know that you are entering the water at risk to yourself.
  • Any container made of glass are prohibited on beaches.

San Luis Obispo Beach Travel Tips

  1. Know the alcohol policy. You are not permitted to consume alcohol at certain San Luis Obispo beaches. Visit the beach’s website prior to bringing any alcohol.
  2. Is there a lifeguard on duty? Many sizeable beaches in San Luis Obispo will have a lifeguard around, however do not depend on a lifeguard being present. On your way to the beach, look around to see if there are lifeguard on duty signs. Sometimes they display lifeguard hours.
  3. Get a shady area. If you suspect that locating shade could be tough, or if you know that there may not be too many shady spots around, bring your own shade! Bring a beach umbrella, pop up tent, or some sort of equipment that provides shade. It’s best to use equipment that has good airflow.
  4. Don’t swim outside of the specified swim region. If there’s a specified swimming area it is probably unsafe to swim beyond the region. There could be hazardous objects under the water, be assigned to watercraft, or is not supervised by lifeguards.
  5. Children may need life vests. Sadly, the water is always a risk whenever you go to the beach, particularly for children. This is why it’s necessary to be sure you pack a life jacket for those who require one. This is particularly essential when there is no lifeguard around. It’s also important to realize that water toys such as water wings, pool noodles, or water rafts are not substitutes for a correctly fitted life vest.
  6. Bring plenty of layers. Everyone knows that the temperature in San Luis Obispo will change rather fast. It’s especially important if you are wanting to go in the water, so bring extra dry items such as sweaters, towels, sweatpants, and a hat.
  7. Never Litter. Don’t be a part of the issue of litter on the beach. When you bring stuff to the beach, you are required pick up collect your things. Make sure that you dispose of your litter in an appropriate trash or recycling can.
  8. Bring plenty of towels. Beach towels are necessary for a good beach experience. Make sure to bring at least two clean towels per person – one for water purposes and the second as a blanket.