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 places to visit in San Luis Obispo. Gear up for the ride!
Let's explore San Luis Obispo points of interest and 15 best things to do in San Luis Obispo:
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
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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
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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 the 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
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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
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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
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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!
