San Luis Obispo, CA

Travel Guide
Morro Strand State Beach
San Luis Obispo, with its small-town, Californian charm, offers heritage sites, outdoor adventure and a thriving arts scene.

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.

Where to stay in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo

Downtown San Luis Obispo

4.5/5(102 area reviews)

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.

Downtown San Luis Obispo
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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.

Old Town Historic District
Go online and look for an evening that suits your mood and painting style. Local artists walk you through this artist process. I happen to be a hopeless romantic and painted the "Love Birds" Simple beverages served, with a small selection of appetizers to keep you mellow and content as you paint with friends.

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.

Railroad District
Apple Farm
Apple Farm
3.5 out of 5
2015 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,762 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$2,762
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,307 reviews)
Cute country inn
"It was our first visit and we would definitely stay here again. The rooms were clean and very comfortable."

Reviewed on 2024/3/28

Apple Farm
La Cuesta Inn
La Cuesta Inn
2.5 out of 5
2074 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,808 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$3,808
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,198 reviews)
"Easy access."

Reviewed on 2024/3/28

La Cuesta Inn
Madonna Inn
Madonna Inn
3.5 out of 5
100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA
The price is NT$7,170 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
NT$7,170
per night
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,085 reviews)
"The entire place was great but the room was not exactly what was shown in photos, there were holes on the walls and since the room was on the 1st floor we were unable to sleep much all night due to the cracking of the ceiling from the people upstairs from us and some noises of a laundry machine of ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

Madonna Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pacific Plaza Resort
Pacific Plaza Resort
3.5 out of 5
444 Pier Avenue, Oceano, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Oceano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (772 reviews)
"The condo was beautifully decorated and very clean. Will stay here again!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

Pacific Plaza Resort
SLO Brew Lofts
SLO Brew Lofts
4 out of 5
738 Higuera, San Luis Obispo, CA
Stay at this 4-star condo in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free WiFi, a terrace, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bubblegum Alley and Downtown SLO Farmers' ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (64 reviews)
SLO Brew Loft
"Place is amazing. Very well organized only issue was the noise from the bar down the street. Otherwise excellent!"

Reviewed on 2024/2/22

SLO Brew Lofts
Flying Flags Avila Beach
Flying Flags Avila Beach
3 out of 5
6450 Babe Ln, Avila Beach, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Avila Beach. Enjoy free parking, WiFi, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Fisherman's Beach and Old Port Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (47 reviews)
"The property is great location is great staff was polite and helpful. Would definitely recommend this property. I will definitely come back."

Reviewed on 2024/3/17

Flying Flags Avila Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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