SIGHTSEEING
Do you know that San Luis Obispo was named after Saint Louis of Anjou, the bishop of Toulouse? Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was where the city began. So this should be your first sightseeing destination! Take a walk around the Spanish mission and its beautiful gardens. You can explore this place on your own or by joining a tour.
Mission Plaza is a park used for a gathering spot where some events are usually held at. From the plaza, you can go down to San Luis Obispo Creek walk for a nice stroll.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Mission Plaza
DOWNTOWN
Downtown SLO stretches along some streets including Higuera Street, Marsh Street, and Broad Street. These streets are just south San Luis Obispo Station. The streets are lined with lush trees and plentiful shops; you’ll find the iconic Bubblegum Alley located between the buildings on Higuera Street. Various dining options, lodgings, entertainment, history and culture establishments can also be found there.
San Luis Obispo Station
Bubblegum Alley
SHOPPING
When it comes to shopping, you must look for a comfortable place with the best prices. So we recommend you to visit the Madonna Plaza Shopping Center for a convenient shopping experience. This outdoor mall is also suitable for you who prefer driving from one store to the other, instead of walking. Here, you will find so many shopping options, from some big chains like to locally-owned stores. This shopping mall offers everything you need!
To experience the local atmosphere, come visit the famous Downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market on Higuera Street every Thursday evenings. This place offers you local farm stands, street food, and live music.
Madonna Plaza Shopping Center
FOOD & DRINK
San Luis Obispo is home to olive oils, Paso Almonds brittle, locally made salsa and chips and tri-tip barbecue spices. There are also other cuisines from other countries as well.
The county is also home to vineyards and wineries, so expect only the best selections of wines here. The Crushed Grape is one of shops lined along Madonna Plaza Shopping Center you should go to for buying a wide range of wines. Besides, there are also a number of the winery tasting rooms for wine tasting.
CULTURE
You’d likely to bump into museums either the historic museums or the contemporary one. Mission San Luis Obispo also becomes a historic museum where you can learn a thing or two about the history of the city. There’s also San Luis Obispo Museum of Art showcasing intricate art exhibits.
All bookworms assemble! San Luis Obispo Library (SLO Library) provides you with million collections comprising books, magazines, newspapers, government publications, and other special publications, and also offers downloadable media of all types. Learn the historic and cultural aspects of San Luis Obispo inside this historic building established back in 1919.
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
San Luis Obispo Library (SLO Library)
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The summers are warm and clear in San Luis Obispo. On the other hand, the winters are cold, wet, and partly cloudy. Visitors aiming for warm-weather activities can come from late June to late September.
HOTEL
The mostly iconic staying option you can choose in San Luis Obispo is the Madonna Inn. The hotel is open for business since 1958 and instantly becomes the landmark on the Central Coast of California. Madonna Inn also incorporates onsite restaurant and bakery. This irresistibly picturesque hotel offers onsite trail rides which will take your stay to another level.
For a bayfront accommodation, Inn at Morro Bay is the one you should go to. This coastal hotel is surrounded by 4,000 acres of rugged woodlands overlooking Morro Bay and the Pacific Ocean which bring you closer to the nature.
Madonna Inn.
Inn at Morro Bay
RESTAURANT
Giuseppe's Cucina Rustica is an Italian restaurant which was originated from a Cal Poly (California Polytechnic State University) senior project conducted. The restaurant adopted a farm-to-fork philosophy (sustainability using fresh, local products).
A Japanese restaurant Goshi also becomes a sensation in town which serves you with authentic Japanese delicacies from sushi and traditional teishoku (meal set) to sake and Japanese beer.
Giuseppe's Cucina Rustica
Goshi
CAFE
Whether you’re looking for an indoor dining room or outdoor seating on the patio, Mint + Craft makes sure you enjoy the best local dishes, from breakfast, lunch and dinner to fresh salads and deli goods. The café also sells handcrafted goods and beverages.
From farm to curbside menus, Big Sky Café offers you the best dining experience there. This socially conscious café serves fresh American comfort foods. Some excellent wine selections are also present there.
Mint + Craft
Big Sky Café
BAR AND NIGHTLIFE
Enjoy San Luis Obispo nightlife at the bars and pubs nearby. Luna Red is where to go if you fancy a nice evening outdoor. Located just next to the Mission San Luis Obispo, this dining establishment offers eclectic decoration and vibrant patio wrapped in a friendly, comforting atmosphere. Expect fine wine and beers as well as live music performance.
Another option comes from Mother's Tavern, a bar and grill with wood-accented spot. They serve burgers, craft brews and custom cocktails, all with an evening nightclub atmosphere.
Luna Red
INTERESTING PLACE
Just south to San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande offers you breathtaking countryside views and complete amenities. This historic village is home to beautiful Victorian buildings, intriguing antique and specialty shops, and fine dining. Whether you’re walking at the quiet downtown or go to the vineyards nearby, get the fantastic vacation a la the Central Coast.
With the principle of “much of a grape’s distinctive character arises from the soil from which it is grown”, Tolosa promises some of best wine selections in town. Located in wooded Edna Valley, some exceptional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays are made from the fruits grown in Edna Ranch with its fertile soils.
INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT
Wanna fill your Instagram feeds with picturesque landscapes in San Luis Obispo? Worry not, you’ll got a plenty. Pismo Beach is a classic California beach town with its picturesque long stretched-wooden pier at its sandy shoreline, Pismo State Beach.
The beach’s Eucalyptus grooves is home to more than 25,000 stunning orange and black Monarch butterflies. Witness the greatness of nature by visiting the Monarch Butterfly Grove from October to February when the butterflies flock to the trees. Take tons of shots with the beautiful butterflies flying around as your backdrop. Another great spot can be reached by walking to the nearby beach and find an Instagrammable swing tied to a tree, all overlooking the beach.
Pismo State Beach.
Monarch Butterfly Grove
