San Luis Obispo, or SLO for short, is a charming city located on California’s central coast. It is known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful weather, and stunning natural surroundings. The city is home to California Polytechnic State University, which brings a youthful energy to the area. SLO’s downtown area is filled with trendy restaurants, unique boutiques, and art galleries. The city’s famous Bubblegum Alley is a quirky tourist attraction that brings a lot of visitors from all over. The nearby Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is a historic landmark that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Similar to Cambria, we made a quick stop at San Luis Obispo to explore the town an surroundings. Here is a list of best things to do in San Luis Obispo.
Our Experience in San Luis Obispo
We started our day by visiting the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, founded in 1772. This historic mission features beautiful gardens and a museum that showcases the history of the area.
Next, we headed to downtown to explore the shops, boutiques, and galleries. SLO is home to many local artists and craftspeople, so be sure to stop in and check out their work. We grabbed lunch at Burger Village, a local favorite that serves up delicious burgers made with locally sourced ingredients.
After lunch we walked down Bubble Gum Alley, a narrow alleyway covered in chewed gum. It’s an unusual ( read “nasty”) but interesting site to see.
Mission Plaza is another must-see attraction in downtown SLO. The plaza hosts many events throughout the year, including concerts, farmers’ markets, and holiday celebrations.
The rest of the day we spent exploring the galleries and boutiques.
Best things to do in San Luis Obispo
Visit Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: This historic mission dates back to 1772 and features beautiful architecture and gardens. It’s a great place to learn about the region’s history and culture.
Explore downtown: SLO’s downtown area is packed with boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the unique stores and sampling local cuisine.
Hike Bishop Peak: This popular trail offers stunning views of SLO and the surrounding hills. It’s a challenging hike, but well worth it for the views.
Relax at Avila Beach: Just a short drive from SLO, Avila Beach is a beautiful spot to spend a day lounging in the sun or exploring the tide pools.
Visit Bubblegum Alley: This quirky alleyway is covered in chewed gum and has become a popular attraction for visitors to SLO.
Tour the Madonna Inn: This iconic hotel is known for its unique themed rooms and pink decor. You can take a tour of the property and enjoy a meal at their famous restaurant.
Check out the Farmers Market: SLO’s Farmers Market takes place every Thursday evening and features local produce, artisanal goods, and live music.
Visit the Children’s Museum: Perfect for families with young children, the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits and activities to keep kids entertained.
Taste local wines: SLO is located in the heart of wine country, and there are many wineries in the area that offer tastings and tours.
Take a bike ride: SLO is a bike-friendly city, and there are many bike rental shops that offer rentals for exploring the city and surrounding areas on two wheels.
