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 centre. 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 centre.

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 Fremont Theater and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

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
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 Rp2.039.831 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
Rp2.039.831
Rp2.319.186 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,619 reviews)
"Clean and well maintained"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 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 Rp2.420.654 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp2.420.654
Rp3.300.700 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,229 reviews)
"I love this place and the uniqueness of each room."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Madonna Inn
Apple Farm

Apple Farm

3.5 out of 5
2015 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,484 reviews)
Great room!
"I only spent one night at the hotel. The room was very large with a nice seating area. The beds were very comfortable. I would definitely stay there again if I was in the area."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Apple Farm
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 Avila Beach are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (31 reviews)
"Cabin was wonderful for a small family of 5. Staff was very friendly."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 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! (91 reviews)
"SLO loft Gypsy is comfortable, nice layout, very secure. Perfect for shopping and dining downtown. I was warned about the noise from the street and the restaurant/bar below but I was naive My last night was Friday and there was a “guest DJ” in the establishment below us. All we heard (even with ear ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

SLO Brew Lofts
Flying Flags Avila Beach

Flying Flags Avila Beach

3 out of 5
6450 Babe Ln, Avila Beach, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Avila Beach. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities and a gift shop. Popular attractions Avila Beach and Avila Hot Springs ...
9/10 Wonderful! (91 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Flying Flags Avila Beach
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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