San Luis Obispo Travel Guide

Tourist 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 centre.

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 centre.

Where to stay in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo

Downtown San Luis Obispo

4.5/5(2 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

While Old Town Historic District may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Bubblegum Alley and Fremont Theater.

Old Town Historic District
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Railroad District

Railroad District might not have many top sights, but Bubblegum Alley and Fremont Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Railroad District
Apple Farm
Apple Farm
3.5 out of 5
2015 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA
The price is ₹8,361 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
₹8,361
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
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 their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,299 reviews)
"Super cute property. Love the room with the gas fireplace. Everything was clean and the staff was super nice."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Apple Farm
La Cuesta Inn
La Cuesta Inn
2.5 out of 5
2074 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA
The price is ₹9,227 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
₹9,227
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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 their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,197 reviews)
"My kids and i enjoyed our stay very much. The pool and spa were clean and great size for us. Breakfast area was nice and clean. I would've liked a couple more protein options but I'm not complaining. The staff were nice and accommodating and prompt when we needed something. The price was great. Overall ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

La Cuesta Inn
Madonna Inn
Madonna Inn
3.5 out of 5
100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA
The price is ₹18,686 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
₹18,686
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
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 their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,102 reviews)
"We love the Madonna Inn. This is our second time staying and we had the best time again. We arrived early and were given a pool key while we waited for our room to be ready. The pool is heated, with beach style access which was perfect for our daughter. Our room was comfy and the restaurant was delicious! ..."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

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 18 Mar 2024

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 22 Feb 2024

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 are ...
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 17 Mar 2024

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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