San Luis Obispo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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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 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(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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Foothill

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

Foothill
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Lower Higuera

While Lower Higuera isn't home to many top sights, Madonna Plaza Shopping Center and Downtown SLO Farmers' Market are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lower Higuera
Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo
Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo
3 out of 5
1631 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA
The price is £121 per night from 26 May to 27 May
£121
includes taxes & fees
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,065 reviews)
"Very clean room, new shower. Clean lobby and breakfast café. Very nice breakfast offered and the kitchen staff was very friendly. Zero complaints and would definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025

Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo
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 £117 per night from 26 May to 27 May
£117
includes taxes & fees
26 May - 27 May
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! (1,454 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown
Madonna Inn
Madonna Inn
3.5 out of 5
100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA
The price is £208 per night from 5 May to 6 May
£208
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
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. ...
"We've been planning on coming here for a long time my daughters 18th birthday proved to be the best choice for a girls weekend with my 2 daughters. We were not disappointed (only in pool and hot tub heater broken ;( and early wake up at 8 by housekeeping) but everything else was amazing. Loved that ..."

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2025

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.
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (18 reviews)
Great for families with pets
"Perfect location to walk the trail Cute park - very quiet especially at night! Fun activities- movie night with the cutest out door theater. Check is was easy and staff was very friendly. Cabins/trailers were worn and furniture and rug were ready for an update Well equipped for what we needed. Very ..."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 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! (83 reviews)
"Great location, great communication with Stacia, we got an early check in and late check out. Furnishings are modern and comfortable, fully equipped kitchen made cooking snacks at home a great breakfast option. This will be our go-to when visiting our Cal-Poly student"

Reviewed on 10 Apr 2025

SLO Brew Lofts
MOUNTAIN TOP GETAWAY : Best View In SLO! : MARCH & APRIL = Pups stay free
MOUNTAIN TOP GETAWAY : Best View In SLO! : MARCH & APRIL = Pups stay free
San Luis Obispo, CA
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (336 reviews)
Heavenly views
"I can't speak highly enough of this stay. Firstly, the photos do not even do the view justice; it is better. Expect that you will wake up above a beautiful cloud inversion nearly every morning, watching the sun set over the mountains with beautiful different colors every day. Easy nearby hiking is ..."

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025

MOUNTAIN TOP GETAWAY : Best View In SLO! : MARCH & APRIL = Pups stay free
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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