Explore San Luis Obispo: Must-See Sights & Hidden Gems

1. See an exhibition at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art in downtown San Luis Obispo showcases emerging and mid-career visual artists from California and beyond. The exhibitions in the museum’s two galleries are beautifully curated and rotate about every 8-12 weeks. The museum is also active in creating public art, with new murals and art installations throughout San Luis Obispo and adjacent to its building near historic Mission Plaza. The museum offers a range of activities to encourage members of the community to participate in and learn more about the arts including late nights the first Friday of every month and free family art days the second Saturday of every month.

1010 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, Phone: 805-543-8562

2. Experience California's railroad history at the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum

The San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum is a train and railroad museum dedicated to preserving and providing access to the railroad history of the state of California. The museum has a wide range of artifacts and displays related to such subject matter as surfing, the Southern Pacific, Amtrak, the Santa Maria Valley, the Pacific Coast Railway, and much more. The museum will eventually include a 1,200-square-foot scaled model railroad called the Central Coast Model Railroad. It will also feature visual displays related to the life and times of the various railroads and the railroad’s impact on the local community, including the entire Pacific Coast Railway and some sections of the Southern Pacific Railroad.

1940 Santa Barbara Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, Phone: 805-548-1894

3. Shop and enjoy fresh produce at the SLO County Farmers Market

The SLO County Farmers Market Association runs five different farmers markets throughout San Luis Obispo County. A market is held twice a week in San Luis Obispo, twice weekly in Arroyo Grande, and once a week in Morro Bay. The markets operate to provide a place for local family-owned and operated farms to sell their produce and other goods and to provide customers a place to purchase fresh quality products. The markets each have their unique mix of vendors and products available, which of course vary according to the season. However, they are all the same in their commitment to quality, fresh, local produce and other locally produced gourmet food items and handicrafts. Phone: 805-544-9570, Facebook

4. Tour the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is one of several traditional Spanish missions in the area. It was established in 1772 and got its name from the bishop of Toulouse. It was founded by Father Junipero Serra, who founded several missions along the California coast. The mission pre-dates the city and is in fact where the name of the city itself originated from. Today, Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are still held at the mission, as are special events from time to time. There is a museum on site that has a collection of artifacts on display that are related to the Mission’s history, Native Californians, and American settlement. There are daily docent-guided tours and a gift shop on site.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, Phone: 805-781-8220

5. Spend a romantic afternoon at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden sits on the grounds of El Chorro Regional Park, which is located in between the city and Morro Bay. The park features a number of gardens, but the 5-acre Preview Garden is a good place to start. It shows a sampling of plant life from each of the five major Mediterranean climate zones. Among other gardens, the unique Life Celebration Garden is a place where people can purchase memorial engravings to be displayed in memory or celebration of their loved ones. There are also a nursery and greenhouse on site, where plants are grown for the garden, for county parks, and for sale to visitors.

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden , 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, Phone: 805-541-1400

6. Take the kids to the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum

The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is a fun-filled learning center with a wide range of both permanent and temporary exhibits. The museum is designed to be highly interactive and enjoyable for children, inspiring them to learn while they are playing. The museum’s exhibits cover three floors as well as an outdoor playscape and are geared toward children aged 1-10, but you will certainly see adults playing along with huge smiles on their faces. There is always something going on at the museum, and special programs and activities are nearly always available for children. Memberships are available if you plan to visit frequently.

1010 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, Phone: 805-544-5437

7. Get ice cream at Avila Valley Barn

Avila Valley Barn is a farm offering a variety of experiences to help you have a delightful day out in the country. Whether you are just stopping by to get ice cream, as many do on their way to and from Avila Beach, or you are going for the day to let the kids interact with the farm animals, you are sure to have a memorable and delightful time. A wide range of fresh, local produce is available for purchase, as are homemade bakery treats and a selection of gifts. Pony and hay rides are offered on weekends in addition to special treats such as roasted corn.

560 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, Phone: 805-595-2816

8. Hike to Bishop Peak

Bishop Peak measures a bit over 1,500 feet, making it the tallest of the “Nine Sisters,” a mountain range also known as the Morros. It is a favorite hiking destination among locals and visitors alike and is one of the most popular hikes in the San Luis Obispo area. The mountain got its name due to the shape of its rocky crown, which some think resembles a bishop’s miter. The hike to the summit is a single-track trail that covers approximately 3.5 miles on a round trip and climbs approximately 950 feet from the trailhead. The views from the trail and summit are beautiful, and hiking the trail is certainly a rewarding experience.

Trailhead: Cul-de-sac at top of Highland Drive, San Luis Obispo

9. See the strange Bubblegum Alley

Bubblegum Alley is a tourist attraction located in downtown San Luis Obispo. The attraction takes the form of a 15-foot-high, 65-foot-long alley that is completely covered with used bubblegum. The alleyway began in the 1950s, but no one really knows why. Some think that its origin can be traced to a rivalry between Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo High School students. The wall has been completely cleaned twice since its inception, but it returned to its original bubblegum state both times. In the 1990s, the local business association attempted to have it cleaned again, but it is so beloved by locals and it has been there for such a long time that the authorities decided not to clean up the gum.

733 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, Phone: 805-781-7222