Things to Do in San Luis Obispo

Just a 10-to-15-minute ride from Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo makes for a lovely day trip with its usually pleasant weather, friendly people, and streets lined with boutique shops and inviting restaurants.

Travelers looking for family-friendly activities will find plenty to do between the Children’s Museum and Farmers’ Market, while other visitors will be drawn to the endless options of farm-to-table cuisine and local craft beer and wine choices.

Check out our list of attractions not to be missed when you visit San Luis Obispo:

Children’s Museum

Fun for the young and young-at-heart, the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum provides an entertaining space for families to explore, discover and learn through hands-on exhibits and interactive programs. The museum has three floors and an outside play area packed with unique exhibits, educational programs and activities for children ages 1-10.

Bubblegum Alley

A hidden gem tucked away in a small alley off Higuera Street, between Broad and Garden streets, Bubblegum Alley attracts visitors of all ages wanting to take a peek at the wall covered in chewing gum and add to the chewed bubblegum graffiti with their own piece. The narrow passage stands 15-feet high and is 70-feet long, and is a must-see attraction. Stop by the local candy shop, Rocket Fizz, and grab a gumball to partake in this whimsical SLO tradition.

Farmers’ Market

If you’re in town on a Thursday evening, stop by the world-famous Downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market held from 6:00-9:00 PM. Higuera Street shuts down to vehicle traffic and opens to foot traffic so visitors can enjoy strolling from vendor to vendor offering locally grown produce, fresh flowers, made-to-order barbecue and other foods and handmade craft goods and jewelry. Live entertainment from musicians to magicians can be found on every street corner.

Art Galleries

Filled with fine artworks from both local and world-renown artists, several local art galleries line Higuera Street, including Hands Gallery and Just Looking Gallery, which are located along adjacent streets. Every first Friday of the month, Art After Dark, an evening of art, community and culture, also takes place in Downtown San Luis Obispo. The event is a free, self-guided tour of galleries and non-traditional art venues showcasing the work of local, visual, literary and performing artists.

Mission San Luis Obispo De Tolosa

San Luis Obispo is home to the historic Spanish Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a must-see for history buffs and tourists. Founded in 1772, the Mission, which continues to be an active church, lies at the center of Downtown SLO on the traffic-free block of Palm Street between Chorro and Broad St. The church is beautiful with pews and wall art leading down to the altar. Across the garden from the church stands Parish Hall and just outside the Mission sits a community park and San Luis Creek, an area known as Mission Plaza.

Sunset Drive-In

Movie buffs will want to visit SLO’s Sunset Drive-In, one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in California. The venue shows movies at a family-friendly price and offers double features most nights of the week. 

Guests at Cobbo’s Beach House will enjoy exploring San Luis Obispo and all it has to offer.