Planning Your Trip to the Central Coast

Planning your stay for the City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K is the perfect opportunity to experience the best of California’s Central Coast. The race takes you from the lively streets of San Luis Obispo to the charming coastal town of Avila Beach, offering a weekend full of scenic beauty, relaxation, and local flavor.

Avila Beach, nestled in a protected cove along the Pacific, is a true hidden gem. With its sunny microclimate, sandy shoreline, oceanfront promenade, and boutique shops, it’s the ideal spot to unwind post-race. Enjoy fresh-caught seafood, take a stroll on the pier, or relax in nearby hot springs. Whether you’re watching the waves roll in or sipping wine at a beachside tasting room, Avila offers a peaceful, picturesque finish to your race weekend.

From beachfront inns to full-service hotels just minutes from the finish line, there are accommodations to suit every style and budget. Prefer more space or a home-away-from-home feel? Vacation rentals are also widely available and offer a flexible, comfortable option for race weekend. Wherever you choose to stay, your City to the Sea experience will be as unforgettable as the race itself.

Stay in Avila Beach

Stay in San Luis Obispo

Getting Here

Air

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) offers nonstop flights to major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, and Seattle. With service from Alaska, American, and United, flying into SLO is quick, convenient, and just minutes from downtown.

Learn more at sloairport.com.

Road

San Luis Obispo is located along California’s iconic Highway 101, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Nestled on the Central Coast, it’s an easy and scenic drive - roughly 3.5 hours from either city - surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and ocean views.

Rail

San Luis Obispo is a stop on Amtrak’s scenic Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight routes. The station is located just minutes from downtown, making it an easy and relaxing way to arrive.

Learn more here.