San Luis Obispo is a charming city located in the heart of California’s Central Coast. With its picturesque scenery, perfect weather, and abundant activities, San Luis Obispo is a popular destination for locals and tourists. Whether you’re a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a culture seeker, this vibrant city has something for everyone. In this video, we’ll take a closer look at the best things to do in San Luis Obispo, California,
STROLL THE STREETS OF DOWNTOWN SLO.
Experience the enchanting downtown of San Luis Obispo, where every step is a delightful journey through charming tree-lined streets. This vibrant district is brimming with life and activity as shoppers and diners meander through the bustling thoroughfares.
Take your time browsing through boutique stores and artisanal food shops that offer a wide array of delectable treats such as olive oils, cheeses, and wine. Discover hidden treasures in the art galleries and antique shops, and savor the aroma of freshly brewed coffee as you pass by the cozy cafes.
One particular street, Higuera Street, beckons for a leisurely stroll. Here, you can find unique shops such as the Apple Farm Gift Shop, where you can indulge in the sweet scent of candles, soaps, and toiletries and savor their estate-grown olive oil.
For book lovers, Phoenix Books is a haven that you can’t miss. This two-level bookstore is filled with used books and has a fantastic collection of literary treasures.
Lastly, Habitat Home & Garden is a must-visit stop for those in search of beautiful furniture and accessories. Admire their stunning planters and beautiful bowls that will add elegance to your home.
Come and discover the hidden gems of downtown San Luis Obispo, and let the streets lead you on a wonderful journey.
TAKE A WALK BY THE SLO CREEK
This natural beauty flows right through the heart of the city, offering a calming respite from the excitement of the downtown area.
While walking alongside the creek, you’ll discover a variety of wonderful restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience. No matter your dining desires, there’s a dining destination that will fit the bill perfectly. Be sure to try Novo, one of the popular creekside restaurants, where you can savor delicious cuisine while gazing at the tranquil waters.
For those seeking a laid-back adventure, meander along the walkway adjacent to the gentle and soothing creek. Start at the picturesque Mission Plaza and follow the winding path of the creek up to the Children’s Museum. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sound of flowing water, making it a perfect way to unwind and enjoy a peaceful moment in the heart of the city.
As you meander along the creek, you might even spot some of the local wildlife that calls this beautiful waterway home.
Behold the wonders within the Madonna Inn!
The Madonna Inn is a true gem of San Luis Obispo, with its iconic pink exterior only hinting at the wonder and delight that awaits within. The interior is a feast for the senses, with ornate public spaces adorned with candy-pink hues and dazzling chandeliers that sparkle and shine in the light.
But the true magic of the Madonna Inn lies in its guest rooms, each one individually styled and bursting with vibrant colors and eclectic furnishings that are sure to delight and inspire. While not all rooms are pink, many of them are adorned with bright and bold hues that will leave you feeling invigorated.
The inn’s unique design features locally sourced rocks and boulders that lend a natural and rustic charm to the rock-themed rooms, which are complemented by the soothing sound of waterfalls and the warmth of cozy fireplaces.
As you explore the Madonna Inn, you’ll discover an array of intricate details and charming touches, such as etched brass and copper, carved wood, and exquisite etched glass windows. These elements combine to create a truly enchanting atmosphere that will leave you feeling as though you’ve stepped into a world of wonder and imagination.
Visit Bubblegum Alley.
Venture down a curious alleyway in San Luis Obispo, known as Bubblegum Alley, where visitors can marvel at an unconventional sight that has garnered much attention over the years. Despite its rather strange attraction, a visit to this unique landmark is considered one of the best things to do in SLO, and the best part? It’s free! The alley stretches 65 feet in length and 15 feet in height, and has been covered in used chewing gum since the 1950s, for reasons that remain shrouded in mystery. Some assume that it may have originated from a friendly rivalry between students of the nearby universities. Though city officials have attempted to scrub the alley clean twice in the past, the gum-loving locals have fiercely maintained their beloved attraction, leading to its preservation. Today, Bubblegum Alley stands as a testament to human tenacity and a tribute to the enduring spirit of San Luis Obispo.
Discover art at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art.
At the far end of Mission Plaza, in the heart of San Luis Obispo’s downtown area, lies a small yet impressive gem: the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. This unassuming building houses a diverse and vibrant collection of artworks that showcase the creativity and talent of artists from California and beyond.
While the museum is relatively small, it boasts an impressive range of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other artworks that span a variety of styles and backgrounds. The collection primarily focuses on contemporary works, but the addition of various styles and themes adds a unique and captivating depth to the collection.
To keep the collection fresh and exciting, the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is regularly updated with special additions that allow it to continue to grow and evolve.
In addition to its impressive collection, the museum also hosts a variety of engaging events and activities, including movie nights, classes, talks, and concerts.
Explore Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market, a true gem run by the San Luis Obispo County Farmers Market Association. With five markets held weekly, visiting this market is an essential item on the top 10 list of things to do in San Luis Obispo. As you stroll through the lively stalls, you’ll find an incredible array of fresh, locally sourced produce and goods from family-owned farms. From seasonal fruits and veggies to unique handicrafts, there’s no shortage of treasures to discover. The outdoor stands operated by local restaurants offer delectable bites to eat, while live music adds to the festive ambiance of this joyous occasion. With over 120 stalls, the Downtown Farmers’ Market is a three-hour-long extravaganza that begins at 6 p.m. and leaves visitors spoilt for choice. With a mouth-watering array of pasta, BBQ, hummus, juice, baguettes, poke, pizza, and more, you’re sure to find something to snack on while you wander through this lively marketplace.
Have fun at Pismo Beach.
Pismo Beach is an iconic destination for surfers, with its warm waters and reliable swell direction making it a premier spot for catching some waves. With its impressive swells during high tide, San Luis Obispo’s beaches offer a perfect playground for surfers of all proficiency levels – from seasoned pros to rookies looking to catch their first wave.
But even if you’re not a surfer, Pismo Beach has plenty to offer. The 17 miles of stunning shoreline are a sight to behold, with sun-dappled cliffs and crystal-clear waters that beckon you to take a dip. The beach is the perfect spot to relax and soak up some sun, and the cool ocean breeze provides a refreshing respite from the heat of the day.
For a truly romantic experience, take a stroll along the picture-perfect pier. From this vantage point, you can watch as the surfers bob up and down in the water, waiting for the perfect wave to catch. The views from the pier are truly breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the coastline that will leave you feeling awe-inspired and invigorated.
Enjoy wine at Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande
San Luis Obispo is often overshadowed by the neighboring wine region of Paso Robles, but the city has two wine regions of its own that offer an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts. Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande are two of California’s best-kept secrets, nestled between rolling hills, shaded valleys, and crisp marine air. Thanks to their ideal climate, they produce over 40 grape varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile.
As you traverse the winding roads, the breathtaking scenery alone is more than enough to take your breath away, but the real adventure begins when you visit wineries like Talley Vineyards. This is one of the premier wine estates in the region, with award-winning chardonnay and pinot noir, and a picturesque setting that’s perfect for a picnic lunch or a day of berry picking. You can also enjoy live music at Talley Vineyards while sipping on their delightful wines.
Another must-visit winery is Laetitia Vineyard & Winery, which boasts grape-stomping parties, a wine club, and live bands. It’s the perfect spot to relax with friends or family while taking in the breathtaking views of the vineyards.
Enjoy a thriller at Fremont Theatre.
The Fremont Theatre in downtown San Luis Obispo is a true gem of Art Deco architecture, and a must-visit destination for cinephiles and entertainment enthusiasts alike. When the neon lights flicker on and the crowds start to gather, you know you’re in for a night of cinematic magic.
Step inside the theater, and you’ll be transported back in time to 1942, when the theater first opened its doors. From the retro pink exterior to the vintage palm carpet and the hand-painted ceilings and walls, the Fremont Theatre is a true masterpiece of Art Deco design.
But the real magic happens when the lights go down, and the screen lights up with classic and contemporary films. The theater packs out for showings and live music performances daily, and there’s always a buzz in the air as film enthusiasts gather to experience the magic of the movies in this stunning setting.
Whether you’re catching a classic film or a new release, the Fremont Theatre is the perfect place to lose yourself in the magic of the movies and experience the thrill of cinematic storytelling.
Enjoy the stunning 80-mile stretch of Highway
With breathtaking views of the rugged coastline from Ragged Point to the Oceano dunes, this scenic drive is one of the best things to do in SLO. Be mesmerized by the Pacific Ocean’s splendor and its diverse wildlife, including playful otters and seals, majestic whales, and dolphins.
Apart from the awe-inspiring vistas, the Highway is lined with a host of activities to indulge in. From exploring the Hearst Castle’s antique and artistic marvels to learning to surf and paddle through sea caves, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to take a break from your drive and join a whale-watching tour offering a unique vantage point to spot these magnificent creatures.
The salty ocean air filling your car adds to the thrill of this road trip. As you cruise down the Highway, take in the gorgeous scenery, savor the moments, and make unforgettable memories. The Highway 1 Road Trip in SLO CAL will surely be an adventure you’ll cherish forever.
There you have it. It’s now time to hear from you. Which of the things to do listed piqued your interest the most?