I hiked a popular SLO peak and ate at affordable deli. Here’s what I got for $25
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- A $25 budget covered hiking Bishop Peak and a full lunch at Kona’s Deli in SLO.
- Bishop Peak hike offered 3.5 miles of scenic trail with free parking access points.
- Kona’s Deli served customizable sandwiches, soda and chips for just over $21 total.
On an overcast Sunday morning in July, I left my house with big plans to try some new experiences in San Luis Obispo.
I also brought a $25 budget.
Two Tribune readers wrote in with recommendations for On a Budget, a monthly series where Tribune reporters try reader-suggested foods, drinks and activities around San Luis Obispo County on a $25 budget.
San Luis Obispo County resident Rick Johnson recommended that I embark on a “hiking and deli trip,” and Tribune reader Emily, who requested her last name not be used, suggested I check out Kona’s Deli in San Luis Obispo.
“My husband and I can share the 6-inch (sandwich) for a light lunch,” Emily wrote. “Kona, with the best service in town, will customize each of our 3-inch sandwiches, with the condiments we each like best. ... No other sandwich shop is as accommodating or tasty.”
I decided to combine Rick and Emily’s ideas for a half-day of hiking and eating.
Here’s how it went:
Hiking up Bishop Peak in San Luis Obispo
I chose to take a 3.5-mile trek up Bishop Peak partly due to its proximity to Kona’s Deli, which is only a 6-minute drive from the trailhead.
In addition, Bishop Peak was one of the Nine Sisters’chain of volcanic mountains and hills that I hadn’t yet summited.
I’d driven by the daunting 1,546-foot peak countless times on Highway 1, and felt intimidated. I’d heard stories of steep switchbacks and miles of exposed trail that were blistering on hot days.
On Sunday morning, I put aside my fears, hopped in my car and set off for the trailhead.
Hikers can park for free at two separate entrances: on Patricia Drive near Anacapa Circle or at the end of Highland Drive.
When I arrived at the entry point on Highland Drive, Bishop Peak was lost in fog but I had high hopes the sun would eventually make its debut for the day.
Sporting a T-shirt, leggings, sneakers, sunscreen and sunglasses, I set off up the 3.5-mile out-and-back trail with a full water bottle in my backpack.
The trail began uphill amid a grove of live oaks. The path was wide and well-maintained, though copious amounts of poison oak were growing on the sidelines.
After about a half-mile, the trail opened up to a beautiful panorama of San Luis Obispo. That’s when the true ascent began.
The path contained dozens of rough-hewn stone stairs that I gracelessly trampled over. In the final uphill stretch, I slowly hiked up a series of switchbacks that seemed never-ending.
On the way up, I passed a couple dozen hikers and saw my fair share of lizards scampering across the trail.
I took ample water breaks, which doubled as opportunities to catch my breath and admire the big boulders and blue sky that had made an appearance at last.
After about an hour of hiking, I reached the peak. I was very sweaty and out of breath, but happy to have made it.
I parked myself on one of two benches on top and took a 180-degree view of the beautiful valley before me. I could see Laguna Lake, brown grassy fields and a row of green hills in the distance.
The hard hike was more than worth it for the breathtaking views at the peak.
After a while, I started the nearly 2-mile descent, very grateful to be going downhill at last. My stomach started to grumble as I imagined the deli lunch awaiting me.
When is Bishop Peak trail open? Are dogs and bikes allowed?
The Bishop Peak trail is open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, according to the city of San Luis Obispo.
Dogs are allowed on trail, but they must be on a leash. All bicycles are prohibited.
If you’re looking for a less challenging path nearby, you can try the 1.6-mile Felsman Loop.
Hikers can access the trail from the entrance on Patricia Drive.
How I spent my $25 budget at local sandwich shop
The beach vibes were strong when I stepped inside Kona’s Deli at 977 Foothill Blvd. in San Luis Obispo.
Surfboards and photos of surfers cover the walls, while the deli counter is covered in a painting of the sun setting over the ocean.
A pseudo-thatched roof replicating a beach hut hangs over employees making sandwiches.
When I arrived, the deli was nearly full. Clearly, the SLO lunch crowd was eating up Kona’s sunny aesthetic and extensive, customizable sandwich menu.
I ordered a classic sandwich with a spicy twist — the jalapeño BLTA.
The 6-inch sandwich, which cost $11.49, contained jalapeño bacon, shredded lettuce, tomato and avocado all in a French roll.
I was hungry, so I went for the $4.95 chips and soda combo, adding barbecue-flavored potato chips and a Diet Coke to my order.
With tax and tip, my total came out to $21.04.
Is Kona’s Deli in SLO affordable? See menu prices
I selected a shaded picnic table outside Kona’s Deli and then promptly scarfed up my sandwich.
The French roll was fresh and soft, providing a nice contrast to the crackly bacon and crisp shredded lettuce. I even threw some of my chips into the mix for an additional sweet, salty crunch.
The sandwich, chips and ice-cold soda were the perfect post-hike lunch.
I managed to stick to my budget with a few dollars to spare.
Cheaper menu options are available for those on stricter budgets — such as a classic 6-inch sandwich for $10.49 or a bagel sandwich for $7.99.
The shop lets customers add several ingredients to their sandwiches for free, including tomatoes, pickles, pepperoncinis, jalapeños and olives. Add-ons like avocado, bacon, cream cheese and extra meat will cost you another $1.50.
Kona’s Deli also offers different 10% discounts depending on the day of the week.
What are open hours?
Kona’s Deli is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where should I go next?
Have any ideas on where I should visit next in SLO County on a budget?
Send me recommendations at hpoukish@thetribunenews.com or by filling out the form below.
This story was originally published July 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM with the headline "I hiked a popular SLO peak and ate at affordable deli. Here’s what I got for $25."
