San Luis Obispo

Travel 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 Laguna Lake Park and Madonna Plaza Shopping Center.

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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Lower Higuera

While Lower Higuera isn't home to many top sights, Downtown SLO Farmers' Market and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lower Higuera
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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
Madonna Inn
Madonna Inn
3.5 out of 5
100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA
The price is S$250 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
S$250
includes taxes & fees
4 Mar - 5 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,120 reviews)
"This place is an institution. I love staying here and every time I do, I’m reminded that I need to stay here more often!"

Reviewed on 18 Feb,2025

Madonna Inn
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 S$183 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
S$183
includes taxes & fees
3 Mar - 4 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,398 reviews)
"Nice location, great condition of the property and room. Great amenities: gym, breakfast, pool. We really had restful stay."

Reviewed on 18 Feb,2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown
Apple Farm
Apple Farm
3.5 out of 5
2015 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA
The price is S$158 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
S$158
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,466 reviews)
"I would like to see them dust the room better behind the bed, the bed post and picture frames inside the seatings in the room very dusty lots of dust behind the bed and on the bed skirts"

Reviewed on 19 Feb,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 WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Avila Hot Springs and Avila Beach Golf ...
8/10 Very good! (4 reviews)
"Excellent location, staff and family friendly. The staff was very responsive, polite and helpful."

Reviewed on 1 Jan,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 WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Downtown SLO Farmers' Market and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (74 reviews)
"Loved the loft style! My daughter and I felt really safe which is a challenge in the middle of the city. Easy to park and just walk everywhere. We had a wonderful girls trip!"

Reviewed on 18 Nov,2024

SLO Brew Lofts
Pacific Plaza Resort
Pacific Plaza Resort
3.5 out of 5
444 Pier Avenue, Oceano, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Oceano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (877 reviews)
"It was a pleasant stay and the service was great!"

Reviewed on 31 Jan,2025

Pacific Plaza Resort
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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