San Luis Obispo, roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, impresses visitors with its scenic setting. Here, the natural beauty of California is visible in vineyards, mountains and the nearby Pacific Coast. The town was raised around the mission of Father Junípero Serra, which was established in 1772. Today the downtown area presents a well-preserved collection of Victorian homes and historic landmarks.All the main attractions of San Luis Obispo are closely grouped around downtown, so it’s easy to get around on foot. Set out to discover centuries-old landmarks, such as the house of Pierre Hyppolite Dallidet, the town’s first winemaker.Learn about the town’s modern history at the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. This active church also has a museum that illustrates the history of Native Americans and Californian missionaries. Surrounding the site is Mission Plaza. In summer, this is one of the venues of the Festival Mozaic, a popular chamber music festival. While in this area, visit San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. Free events, such as the I Madonnari chalk art and Art After Dark open-house festivals, take place here.To the north of town is Leaning Pine Arboretum, part of California Polytechnic State University. Here you can see displays of regional plants as well as Australian, Chilean, Mediterranean and South African varieties. Check out the views from the nearby Bishop Peak Trail.Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and biking trails of Montana Oro State Park to the west of town. To the east, Lopez Lake has trails for all fitness levels. Be sure to visit the pier and restaurants at San Luis Obispo Bay and Avila Beach, which are just a 15-minute drive from the town center. San Luis Obispo’s food and drink scene promotes homegrown produce, and a farmer’s market takes place every Thursday on Higuera Street, the main shopping area in town. Sample barbecued tri-tip beef, a traditional Californian dish, while you watch street performers and local bands. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the wineries in nearby Edna Valley, just 10 minutes from the town center.
San Luis Obispo, CA
Where to stay in San Luis Obispo
Downtown San Luis Obispo
If you're spending some time in Downtown San Luis Obispo, Bubblegum Alley and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa are top sights worth seeing.
Old Town Historic District
When in Old Town Historic District, you can plan a visit to Bubblegum Alley and Fremont Theater, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Railroad District
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Railroad District and surrounding area, you can visit Bubblegum Alley and Fremont Theater.
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Getting around San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is great for pedestrians, with hundreds of miles of sidewalk and an easily walkable downtown. There are also a lot of cycle paths and places to lock up bikes, and plenty of opportunity to rent bikes in town. There’s also an extensive bus system covering the entire city. The Old SLO Trolley, a restored vintage trolleybus, is a very atmospheric way to get between downtown and Monterey Street. Visit the Regional Transit Authority website.Browse San Luis Obispo rental cars.
Best time to visit
San Luis Obispo sits in California’s Central Coast region, and as such you'll find mild and pleasant weather here throughout the year. In the summer, which is the busiest season, there are average highs in the mid 70s F (mid 20s C); however, like San Francisco to the north, this time of year can also see fog roll in from the coast. Winters are quite mild, with average highs of around 61 F (16 C).
Popular places to visit
Avila Hot Springs
You can take time to visit Avila Hot Springs during your travels to San Luis Obispo. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the beautiful sunsets in this family-friendly area.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Find out about the history of San Luis Obispo when you take a trip to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Stroll along the area's seaside, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.
Bubblegum Alley
Colorful pieces of chewed gum, some of which have been turned into art pieces, decorate the walls of this narrow lane.
Laguna Lake Park
Explore the lovely green spaces of Laguna Lake Park and enjoy the biking trails in San Luis Obispo. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the beautiful sunsets in this family-friendly area.
Ah Louis Store
Learn about the local history of San Luis Obispo with a stop at Ah Louis Store. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its acclaimed art scene.
Santa Rosa Park
Explore the lovely green spaces of Santa Rosa Park and enjoy the biking trails in San Luis Obispo. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.
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Other places like San Luis Obispo
- California Polytechnic State University
- Avila Hot Springs
- Morro Bay State Park
- Edna Valley Vineyard
- Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
- Bubblegum Alley
- Fremont Theater
- Cuesta College
- Laguna Lake Park
- Madonna Plaza Shopping Center
- French Hospital Medical Center
- San Luis Obispo Superior Court
- Ah Louis Store
- El Chorro Regional Park
- San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
- Santa Rosa Park
- Irish Hills Natural Reserve
- Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center
- Downtown SLO Farmers' Market
- Dairy Creek Golf Course
- Sunset Drive-In Theatre
- Mission Plaza
- Bishop Peak Trail
- Dallidet Adobe and Gardens
- Wolff Vineyards
- Alex G. Spanos Stadium
- San Luis Obispo County Library
- San Luis Obispo Children's Museum
- San Luis Obispo Little Theatre
- Johnson Ranch Open Space