San Luis Obispo

Travel Guide

Morro Bay showing mountains and a bay or harbor
Morro Strand State Beach which includes kite surfing, waves and general coastal views
Morro Bay showing mountains and a bay or harbor
San Luis Obispo showing signage
San Luis Obispo featuring signage

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 center.

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 center.

Where to stay in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo featuring general coastal views

Downtown San Luis Obispo

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

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Railroad District and surrounding area, you can visit Downtown SLO Farmers' Market and Fremont Theater.

Railroad District
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Old Town Historic District

When in Old Town Historic District, you can plan a visit to Downtown SLO Farmers' Market and Fremont Theater, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Old Town Historic District
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Lower Higuera

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lower Higuera and surrounding area, you can visit Downtown SLO Farmers' Market and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

Lower Higuera
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Foothill

While Foothill might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Fremont Theater and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

Foothill
Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo

Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo

2 out of 5
210 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA
The price is P4,050 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P4,050
P5,294 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,149 reviews)
"Very comfortable and close to many amenities"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo
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 P7,934 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P7,934
P9,020 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,603 reviews)
"It was great"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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 P8,666 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P8,666
P11,817 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,220 reviews)
Quirky Fun
"If you love all things ornate, and over the top kitschy, then this is the place for you. We had fun exploring the property and the fun details in every corner. We stayed in the Dot & Daisy room (I recommend a room with a balcony), one of the cheaper rooms, but still it felt special. We ate in the ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Madonna Inn
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 are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (30 reviews)
Fun family cabins in quiet RV park.
"What a wonderful and unique stay for our family road trip! After many hotel rooms, our cabin at Avila was a fun stay. This is mostly an RV park, but it's quiet and friendly with several cabins to rent. We were a bit confused, thinking we had booked the Hot Springs cabins. But there is a great pool, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 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 Bubblegum Alley and Downtown SLO ...
9/10 Wonderful! (88 reviews)
"Very nice property. I will certainly stay here again. Spacious and comfortable. Excellent location. Clean and nice kitchen."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 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 Hot Springs and Fisherman's ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (85 reviews)
"We had a nice time staying in a jute tent with a beautiful view!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 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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