San Luis Obispo is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventures. Thanks to the beautiful weather of California’s Central Coast, kids and families can enjoy many amazing hiking trails year-round. These are the best hiking trails for kids of all ages in the San Luis Obispo area.
Bob Jones Trail
- Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Paved road, access to Avila Beach, near Avila Valley Barn
- Location: Avila Beach, California
The beautiful Bob Jones Trail starts at the parking lot on Ontario Road (behind Avila Hot Springs Resort) and ends in downtown Avila Beach. It’s great for all levels of walking and hiking, with benches sprinkled along the paved path. The mostly flat trail is also wonderful for biking, scootering, skating, and pushing strollers. Kids can watch ducks swim in San Luis Obispo Creek and golfers working on their hole-in-one.
Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail
- Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Ocean views, wildflowers
- Location: Los Osos, California
The Bluff Trail in Montaña de Oro State Park is one of the best places to spend the weekend with kids in San Luis Obispo. Families can explore tide pools, breathtaking ocean views, and gorgeous wildflower blooms. The relatively flat terrain makes this an excellent trail for kids of all ages. However, pets aren’t allowed on Bluff Trail, so keep them home for this adventure.
Johnson Ranch
- Distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Mountain views
- Location: San Luis Obispo, California
This looping dirt trail winds through gently rolling hills, making it a fun adventure for kids and teens. Hikers can enjoy beautiful countryside views throughout the year, but spring is extra gorgeous with vibrant wildflowers in full bloom.
Unlike other hiking trails in San Luis Obispo, the large lot has plenty of parking spots.
Islay Hill Trail
- Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Playground access, mountain views
- Location: San Luis Obispo, California
Islay Hill Trail is a fun and steep hike for elementary, middle, and high school kids looking for a challenge. At the top of the trail are gorgeous mountain and valley views — plus a cow statue. Before or after the hike, kids can enjoy Islay Hill Park, which includes a modern playground, basketball court, tennis court, baseball field, and grassy fields.
Pismo Preserve
- Distance: 2 miles to 11 miles roundtrip (several trails available)
- Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
- Highlights: Ocean views
- Location: Pismo Beach, California
Pismo Preserve offers one of the best hiking trails in the San Luis Obispo area. Some steep and narrow paths might be challenging for toddlers and young kids, but it’s a rewarding adventure for older children and teens, with panoramic ocean views from the summit. Picnic tables around the Lone Oak Tree and benches throughout Pismo Preserve are popular for snacking and soaking in the scenery.
Parking is the biggest challenge due to the small lot. Plan extra time for walking in case you need to park farther away. Also, watch for mountain bikers pedaling fast around curvy inclines.
Tips for Hiking with Kids in San Luis Obispo
- Start early: Head out in the morning to avoid the midday heat and intense UV rays. Parking spots are often easier to find in the early morning.
- Know the right-of-way: Slower walkers and hikers should stay on the right side of the path.
- Bring water and snacks: Keep kids hydrated and energized with water and healthy snacks.
- Remember sun safety: Prevent sunburns with wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen.
- Pack a First Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor cuts and scrapes with bandaids and ointment.
- Check the weather: In San Luis Obispo, nature trails close when wet during and after rain. However, Bob Jones Trail generally stays open due to the paved roads.
