Things to Do in San Luis Obispo: January 2025
January in San Luis Obispo County is brimming with excitement, offering something for everyone to kick off the new year. From wine tastings in Paso Robles to art walks in San Luis Obispo and coastal hikes in Pismo Beach, this month is packed with events and activities that showcase the beauty and vibrancy of the Central Coast. Whether you’re savoring the best local wines at the Winter Wine Festival, dancing the night away at a live music event in Morro Bay, or exploring family-friendly happenings in Atascadero, January 2025 is your chance to embrace everything this diverse region has to offer. Let’s dive into the highlights!
#1 First Day Hike at Elephant Seal Rookery (San Simeon) – Wednesday, January 1st at 10a – FREE – Ring in the New Year with CA State Park Elephant Seal Docents at Hearst San Simeon State Park! Experience the peak of elephant seal activity, including battling bulls, protective mothers, and newborn pups, while learning about these fascinating marine mammals on a guided walk.
#2 Annual Carlin Soulé Memorial Polar Bear Dip (Cayucos) – Wednesday, January 1st at 12p – FREE – Take the plunge at the 45th Annual Carlin Soulé Memorial Polar Bear Dip in Cayucos! Join thousands of participants on January 1st for a refreshing start to the year with a dip into the Pacific Ocean, commemorative t-shirts, and family-friendly fun.
#3 Avila Beach Polar Bear Plunge (Avila Beach) – Wednesday, January 1st at 12p – FREE – Kick off the New Year with the annual Avila Beach Polar Bear Plunge, a fun-filled celebration of fitness, nature, and community spirit! Gather at the east side of the Avila Beach Pier at 11:30 a.m. for group photos and encouragement before taking the icy plunge.
#4 Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy (Paso Robles) – January 2-3 – Immerse yourself in the dark allure of the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy in Paso Robles! Experience four of Poe’s iconic stories brought to life through captivating performances and paired with expertly crafted themed cocktails for a chillingly unforgettable evening.
#5 New Year’s Beach Walk with Paddling Paws (Grover Beach) – Saturday, January 4th at 10:30a – FREE – Start the new year with a paws-itively refreshing beach walk hosted by Paddling Paws! This dog-friendly event invites animal lovers and their furry friends to stroll the Central Coast shoreline, enjoy snacks and beverages, and support a new nonprofit animal rescue.
#6 Castle to Coast Fun Run – 2025 (San Simeon) – Saturday, January 11th at 8a – Run 8.2 scenic miles from San Simeon Pier to Cambria in the annual Castle to Coast event! With breathtaking ocean views, great giveaways, and support along the route, this is a Central Coast favorite for runners and walkers alike.
#7 Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival (Morro Bay) – January 16-20 – Celebrate the 28th annual Morro Bay Bird Festival this January, one of the nation’s top birding events! Join enthusiasts from near and far to spot over 200 bird species and enjoy a premier birding experience along the Central Coast.
#8 Art for Paws (Paso Robles) – Saturday, January 18th at 12p – FREE – Celebrate art and furry friends at this free event benefiting Woods Humane Society and Studios on the Park! Enjoy pet caricatures, dog toy-making, tasty treats, and the captivating Walk Like An Animal art exhibition, all while supporting a great cause.
#9 2nd Annual Chili Cookoff! (Nipomo) – Sunday, January 19th at 11a – Get ready for the 2nd Annual Birchwood Nipomo Chili Cookoff, now bigger and better! Calling all competitors! Get ready to compete for cash prizes!
#10 Brunch with Intentions (Paso Robles) – Sunday, January 19th at 11a – Enjoy a thoughtful collaboration with Ulloa Cellars, featuring a morning of delicious intention-setting dishes perfectly paired with outstanding wines. This unique experience is the perfect way to nourish your body and soul while embracing the possibilities of the year ahead!
#11 2025 SLO CAL Open (Pismo Beach) – January 20-26 – The Surfing for Hope Foundation has proudly hosted the annual surf contest for the past 8 years, continuing the mission to raise awareness and support for local cancer resource groups. Their Pure Stoke Youth Program offers free surf clinics for children affected by cancer, fulfilling founder Bob Voglin’s vision and providing a healing support system on the water.
#12 Cambria Art & Wine Festival (Cambria) – January 24-26 – Join the Cambria Celebration of Culture & Creativity this January for a weekend filled with wine, food, art, and community! From wine seminars and a VIP dinner to a vibrant art and wine festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
#13 Whip It! A West Coast Swing Jam! (San Luis Obispo) – Saturday, January 25th at 7p – Get ready to groove at Whip It! A West Coast Swing Jam with Nexus! Start the night with an intermediate West Coast Swing lesson at 7 p.m., followed by social dancing at 8 p.m.—all levels welcome for a night of fun and rhythm!
#14 Beach Bash 805 (Pismo Beach) – Saturday, January 25th at 9:30a – Join the fun at Beach Bash 805 on January 25, 2025, at Pismo Beach Vets’ Hall! Enjoy a day of SSD, Plus, Advanced, and Rounds with top instructors Andy Allemao, Darren Gallina, MaryAnn Callahan, and Craig Cowan—register early, as space is limited to 20 squares!
