San Luis Obispo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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Morro Bay
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo
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, Downtown SLO Farmers' Market and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown San Luis Obispo
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Laguna

While visiting Laguna, you might make a stop by sights like Madonna Plaza Shopping Center and Irish Hills Natural Reserve.

Laguna
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Railroad District

Railroad District might not have many top sights, but Downtown SLO Farmers' Market and Fremont Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Railroad District
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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 Downtown SLO Farmers' Market and Fremont Theater.

Old Town Historic District
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Lower Higuera

While Lower Higuera isn't home to many top sights, Downtown SLO Farmers' Market and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lower Higuera
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Foothill

While there might not be top attractions in Foothill, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fremont Theater and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

Foothill
Madonna Inn

Madonna Inn

3.5 out of 5
100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA
The price is ₹20,942 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹20,942
₹26,691 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,199 reviews)
"Unique hotel with beautiful grounds & friendly staff"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Madonna Inn
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown

3 out of 5
1845 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA
The price is ₹12,630 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹12,630
₹14,360 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,569 reviews)
"Truly a fantastic place to stay. Wish we could have stayed more than a night. Just fyi, there was some remodeling being done at the pool and front entrance, but it was not noisy during our stay."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown
Apple Farm

Apple Farm

3.5 out of 5
2015 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,501 reviews)
"The Apple Farm was so nice and a very comfortable place. The Apple Farm Restaurant had the best food I’ve had in some time. Should have stayed longer. Nice staff at the hotel and the Apple Farm Restaurant Staff was great along with the food. Best breakfast ever."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Apple Farm
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.
Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground

Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground

3 out of 5
7075 Ontario Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Avila Hot Springs and Pismo Beach Pier ...
9/10 Wonderful! (26 reviews)
Fun family cabins in quiet RV park.
"What a wonderful and unique stay for our family road trip! After many hotel rooms, our cabin at Avila was a fun stay. This is mostly an RV park, but it's quiet and friendly with several cabins to rent. We were a bit confused, thinking we had booked the Hot Springs cabins. But there is a great pool, ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground
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 Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Bubblegum Alley and Downtown SLO ...
9/10 Wonderful! (86 reviews)
"This is our second stay at the Lofts and we will certainly be back again. Such unique and gorgeous rooms and amenities. Check in is super easy and they provide parking passes for a nearby parking garage. The Lofts are right in the heart of downtown SLO providing a cool vibe that is super convenient ..."

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

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, laundry facilities and a gift shop. Popular attractions Avila Hot Springs and Fisherman's ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (84 reviews)
"We had a nice time staying in a jute tent with a beautiful view!"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

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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