15 Best Places to Do in San Luis Obispo
The city of San Luis Obispo was founded in 1772 by a Spaniard and holds the distinction of being one of California’s oldest communities. Popularly known as SLO, it lies almost in the middle of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The name San Luis Obispo is Spanish for St. Louis, The Bishop of Toulouse. It is a not jam-packed city but a sparsely populated one. With equitable Mediterranean climate the year round, it is a good place worth a visit, famous for its wines. But you don’t know much, eh? Rest assured, we’re giving you the 15 best things to do in SLO. Gear up for the ride!
1. Visit The Farmers Market On Thursday
This is an all-the-year-round event arranged every Thursday. Farmers come to sell their wares- fresh fruits, vegetables and all organic produce. And even that’s not all. Local musicians and performers flock to this place and perform, much to the pleasure of the crowd.
2. Take a Trek To Bishop Peak
Image Source: wikimedia.org
Want to hike? Check. Want to trek? Check. Want to enjoy the view? Check. Bishop Peak provides you with an unparalleled experience and is a viable option for many activities. A great way to spend time in SLO town. So what are you waiting for? Get ready with your hiking gear!
3. Visit The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Almost as old as the city itself, the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was founded on September 1, 1722. It is considered as one of the most beautiful missions in the state of California. Despite its age, it still serves as a church. The church is maintained quite deftly. Tours are arranged every day with learned guides.
4. Drive Through The Highway 1 Discovery Route
The beauty of this highway is legendary! Embark upon a journey where, at every step you take, nature takes two! And behold, it follows you! A scenic drive, it has ample opportunities to stop along the route for refreshments and other needs. Just be a little aware on the road and not that much on the view because you know, safety precedes everything.
5. Experience Nature with Valencia Peak Trail
It is awesome as it gets! Enjoy nature at its best and get to know how priceless some experiences are! The Valencia Peak Trail is one of the best trails in the area and it may be moderate to difficult, and moreover that depends on the condition your body is in. With great views and hiking experience on the line, this is not something you would want to miss on.
6. Enjoy a night at Mission Plaza
Image Source: wikimedia.org
If you wish to get some life in your life, visit the Mission Plaza on a Friday eve and sit by the creek. Pure bliss, we tell you! Mission Plaza is the community’s cultural and social centre where you can find almost everything. It offers you some of the best options for a fine dine-in or dine-out experience. It is a must visit place.
7. Sip Wine At Kelsey See Canyon Vineyard
A private family-business, there is some magic to this vineyard because not every vineyard gets rated as one of the best consistently. You’d love to go there and spend some time out with beautiful peacocks that roam the vineyard. Experience the much-praised wine and a retreat into nature’s lap. In fact, they advertise their place as family and dog-friendly. So, paying a visit is a must, right?
8. Take your Children to SLO Children’s Museum
It is a place to which no kid can say no! In fact, some parents like it too. There are many educational fun-filled activities which the kids love immensely. Creativity and enthusiasm can clearly be seen as the aura pulsing around the museum. Also, there are some food joints in the vicinity too. Perfect kids retreat!
9. Visit The History Center and Museum of SLO County
Image Source: wikimedia.org
Though small, the place packs quite a punch. It is a nice place to delve into the history of one of California’s oldest community. It has a show that is very informative. The building, one of the many that Carnegie donated, is beautiful both on the inside and outside. It is near the Mission Plaza and free entry, so there’s no harm in visiting it.
10. Visit The Museum of Art
If you want a small place that is easy to absorb, the Museum of Art is just the place for you. A small museum that houses a lot of artefacts produced locally, but it is interesting and informative all the same. The information plaques are updated, and there is no admission fee. Want a quaint place to be this afternoon? This is the best bet.
11. Take A Ride To History With SLO Railroad Museum
Something that interests everyone is some history of the things that people can connect with. The San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum does just that! This museum is built inside a single hall but packs a wallop of information. There are model rail artefacts too and yes as always, the docents there are polite and well-informed.
12. Watch a show at Performing Arts Centre
Image Source: wikipedia.org
Itching for some stage performance that would dispel all of your worries and transport you to some other world, albeit for a small time? Well, The Performing Arts Centre in SLO Town is just for you. With good acoustics and seating plans, this place is a must-visit for you. At least, you must see the SLO Symphony!
13. Visit The El Chorro Regional Park
There are some things that offer some things, and then there are somethings that offer almost everything. The El Chorro Regional Park is one of those places, not the former but the latter! Located right outside the downtown area of SLO, the park has a plethora of offerings for everyone. Trail Hikes, let your dog loose in the dedicated dog park, pay a visit to the Dairy Creek golf course, visit the botanical garden or set up your camp! Oh, the list is endless.
14. Enjoy Wine Tasting At Tolosa
Some vineyards have made a name for them; the Tolosa is one of them. Famous for their Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, Tolosa invites visitors for wonderful wine tasting experiences as they take them on a tour of their vineyard. They believe that technology and tradition go hand-in-hand. Visit them for some excellent service and exemplary experience!
15. Take a Tour at Taste of SLO
Image Source: pixabay.com
If food and drinks kick you, the Taste of SLO tour is something that you need to participate! Waltz through the roads while you drink and eat from the famous local joints famous in SLO. It is a great way to socialize and make groups to go on subsequent adventures for the remainder of the journey. Besides, the tour will take you through some hidden gems which any local might’ve missed!
The city of San Luis Obispo will forever remain etched in your heart if you visit these destinations. Besides, it’s not just the beauty of a place that strikes one. The attitude with which one goes impacts it a lot! So, go out, be cheerful and you’ll see how the SLO winds will welcome you!
Are you looking for a San Luis Obispo travel itinerary? Create an itinerary within minutes, on your own!
Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Luis Obispo, California
Must see places in San Luis Obispo ranked on popularity. Here is the complete list of best attractions in San Luis Obispo and point of interests to visit.
-
Bubblegum Alley
#1 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: 733.5 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA San Luis Obispo has an attraction which is unique, weird yet one just can’t ignore it. And the attraction is the oh so popular Bubblegum Alley! Once a landmark of rivalry between the students of...Read more
-
Mission San Luis Obispo De Tolosa
#2 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo Address: 751 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA Located right in the heart of San Luis Obispo, the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was founded by Fr Junipero Serra in 1772 and since then the mission is attracting pilgrims, locals and tourists ali...Read more
-
Avila Valley Barn
#3 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Timings: 09:00 am - 05:00 pm DetailsAddress: 560 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA If you love food products, fruits and veggies and all edible things, fresh and organic, then a visit to Avila Valley Barn is mandatory. The barn was once a small stall started in 1985 and with several...Read more
-
Downtown Slo Farmer's Market
#4 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Timings: 05:00 pm - 09:00 pm DetailsAddress: 1108 Garden St #210, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA The Farmer’s Market or Downtown SLO Farmer’s Market is a place you should head right away if you adore shopping. The market is organised on selective days and is heavily crowded. The stude...Read more
-
Bishop Peak
#5 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Bishop Peak, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 USA If you want to get on the most sought after summit or if you want to explore the highest point in San Luis Obispo, then a visit to Bishop Peak or Bishop’s Peak will add the necessary tinge of th...Read more
-
Performing Arts Center
#6 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Timings: 12:00 pm - 06:00 pm DetailsAddress: 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA If you’re an art lover and are into different kinds of art forms, then a visit to the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo will be a treat you’ll cherish forever. The theatre hosts ma...Read more
-
Edna Valley Vineyard
#7 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Timings: 10:00 am - 05:00 pm DetailsAddress: 2585 Biddle Ranch Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA San Luis Obispo has a flourishing wine culture and the Edna Valley Vineyard is the testament of the same. The winery is located perfectly along the pristine coastline and is one of the scenic destinat...Read more
-
San Luis Obispo Children's Museum
#8 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Timings: 10:00 am - 05:00 pm DetailsAddress: 1010 Nipomo St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA If you’re planning a trip with your kids to San Luis Obispo and wondering what will they like, then you should take them to the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum. This is one of those plac...Read more
-
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
#9 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Timings: 09:00 am - 07:30 pm DetailsAddress: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA Want to embrace the nature in the best possible way? Want to do your bit for the environment? Then San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, a 150 acre park will help you in participating in this noble cause....Read more
-
History Center And Museum Of San Luis Obispo County And Dallidet Adobe & Gardens
#10 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Timings: 10:00 am - 04:00 pm DetailsAddress: 696 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA Another museum in San Luis Obispo, the History Center and Museum of San Luis Obispo County is a place which will tell you about the local history of San Luis Obispo. The museum which was established i...Read more
-
San Luis Obispo Little Theatre
#11 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Timings: 03:00 pm - 06:00 pm DetailsAddress: 888 Morro St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA What started as a small play by newbie actors in 1947, currently is one of the most popular attraction in San Luis Obispo. Initiated in 1947 and implemented in 1993, the San Luis Obispo Little Theatre...Read more
-
El Chorro Regional Park
#12 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo Address: CA-1, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408, USA Want to give a thrilling twist to your San Luis Obispo trip? Want to explore the Central Coast in the truest possible manner? Then camping at the El Chorro Regional Park can be a good idea. The campsi...Read more
-
Valencia Peak
#13 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Valencia Peak Trail, Los Osos, CA 93402, USA Valencia Peak in the Montana De Oro State Park is a place which should be visited who love hiking and want to please their eyes with some stunning ocean view. The 1347 foot trail is one of the scenic ...Read more
-
San Luis Obispo Museum Of Art
#14 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Timings: 11:00 am - 05:00 pm DetailsAddress: 1010 Broad St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA If you’re done with exploring the downtown and trails in San Luis Obispo and want to visit a place which will deepen your thinking and at the same time will entertain the art lover in you, then ...Read more
-
Reservoir Canyon Trail
#15 of 342 Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Reservoir Canyon Trail, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA 1715 foot high and 5.35 mile long, the Reservoir Canyon Trail in San Luis Obispo is a place which can be visited by them those who adore greenery. The incredible mountain ranges, a waterfall and some ...Read more
Tourist Attractions Near San Luis Obispo
-
Pismo Pier
Added 4954 times in Trip Plans
-
Tobin James Cellars
Added 41 times in Trip Plans
-
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Added 3594 times in Trip Plans
-
Eberle Winery
Added 39 times in Trip Plans
-
Dinosaur Caves Park
Added 3014 times in Trip Plans
-
Justin Vineyards And Winery
Added 92 times in Trip Plans
-
Margo Dodd Park
Added 3365 times in Trip Plans
-
Sculpterra Winery
Added 33 times in Trip Plans
-
Calcareous Vineyard
Added 32 times in Trip Plans
Find Your San Luis Obispo Attractions on Map
Types of Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Find more attractions and places to visit in San Luis Obispo under these things to do categories.
- Adventure activities in San Luis Obispo
- Things to do with Family & Kids in San Luis Obispo
- Leisure Activities in San Luis Obispo
- Entertainment Activities in San Luis Obispo
- Places to Eat & Drink in San Luis Obispo
- Historical Places in San Luis Obispo
- Outdoor Activities in San Luis Obispo
- Museums in San Luis Obispo
- Art & Cultural Attractions in San Luis Obispo
Find more places to see in San Luis Obispo
-
The Powerhouse
Historic and Protected Sites -
San Luis Obispo Carnegie Library
Historic and Protected Sites -
William Shipsey House
Historic and Protected Sites -
Myron Angel House
Historic and Protected Sites -
Pacific Coast Railway Company Grain Warehouse
Historic and Protected Sites -
Tribune - Republic Building
Historic and Protected Sites
-
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
1010 Broad St
Museums -
San Luis Obispo County Historical Society Museum
696 Monterey St
Museums -
Point San Luis Lighthouse
1124 Nipomo St
Museums -
Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum
801 Grand Ave
Museums -
San Luis Obispo Children's Museum
1010 Nipomo St
Museums -
Museum of Natural History
20 State Park Rd
Museums
-
Oceano County Park
1330 Dewey Dr
Amusement Parks -
Mustang Waterslides
6840 Lopez Dr
Amusement Parks -
Wheel Fun Rentals
150 Hinds Ave
Amusement Parks Arcades -
Morro Bay Aquarium
595 Embarcadero
Amusement Parks -
Cayucos Video & Arcade
41 S Ocean Ave
Amusement Parks Arcades
-
Frog & Peach Pub
728 Higuera St
Bars American Music and Show Venues -
McCarthy's Irish Pub
600 Marsh St
Bars Restaurants -
Library
723 Higuera St
Bars Restaurants -
Buffalo Pub & Grill
717 Higuera St
Bars American French -
F Mc Lintocks Saloon & Dining
686 Higuera St
Steakhouses Bars American -
Spirit of San Luis Restaurant
925 Airport Dr
Mexican American Bars
-
Oceana Card Room
1795 Front St
Casinos and Gaming -
Outlaws Card Parlour
9850 E Front Rd
Casinos and Gaming Restaurants -
Central Coast Casino
359 W Grand Ave
Casinos and Gaming -
Gold Rush Casino & Resort
1750 El Camino Real
Casinos and Gaming Hotels and Motels
-
Morro Bay Estuary
Natural Parks
-
El Chorro Dog Park
Dairy Creek Rd
Dog Parks -
Heilmann Dog Park
9500 El Bordo Ave
Dog Parks -
Vineyard Dog Park
Semillon Ln
Dog Parks -
Arroyo Grande Dog Park
1221 Ash St
Dog Parks -
Costa Bella Park
Dog Parks -
Five Cities Dog Park
Dog Parks
-
Old Port Beach
Avila Beach Dr
Beaches -
Avila Beach Pier
3915 Avila Beach Dr
Beaches -
Eldwayen Ocean Park
1751 Ocean Blvd
Beaches -
Memory Park
224 Seacliff Dr
Beaches -
Morro Strand State Beach
Highway 1
Beaches -
Spooner's Cove
Pecho Valley Rd
Beaches
-
Sycamore Crest Trail
Avila Beach Dr
Hiking -
Islay Hill Park
4301 Orcutt Rd
Hiking -
Islay Hill
1398 Sweet Bay Ln
Hiking -
Reservoir Canyon Trail
Reservoir Canyon Road
Hiking -
Architecture Graveyard
Hiking -
Pecho Coast Trail
Hiking
-
Tackle Warehouse
747 Buckley Rd
Hunting and Fishing -
Cana Video Productions
133 Cross St
Hunting and Fishing -
EP Aeration
5456 Edna Rd
Hunting and Fishing -
E P Aeration
645 Tank Farm Rd
Hunting and Fishing -
Sherry J E Co.
635 Stanford Dr
Hunting and Fishing -
Central Coast Salmon Enhancement
229 Stanley Ave
Hunting and Fishing
What To Do in San Luis Obispo: Day-Wise Ideas
Find what not to miss in San Luis Obispo! Recommended San Luis Obispo itineraries and vacation ideas created by travelers across the world.
- Things to do in Pismo Beach
- Things to do in Big Sur
- Things to do in Fresno
- Things to do in Malibu
- Things to do in Santa Cruz
- Things to do in Santa Monica
- Things to do in San Jose
- Things to do in Los Angeles
- Things to do in Long Beach
- Things to do in Miami
- Things to do in New York City
- Things to do in Chicago
- Things to do in Las Vegas
- Things to do in San Francisco
- Things to do in Seattle
- Things to do in Ordu
- Things to do in Jerez
- Things to do in Estes Park
- Things to do in Joao Pessoa
- Things to do in Zion National Park
- Things to do in Grand Canyon National Park
- Things to do in Nassau
- Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Things to do in Portofino
- Things to do in Evergreen
- Things to do in Draffenville
- Things to do in Keasbey
- Things to do in Gouldsboro
- Things to do in 5, Bay Hundred
- Things to do in South Milford
- Things to do in Mt Rainier
- Things to do in Ivydale
- Things to do in Union Dale
- Things to do in Albertson
- Things to do in Union Pier
- Things to do in Pinecrest