Location: San Luis Obispo
Top Things to do in San Luis Obispo
Countries
The 10 Best Free Things to do in San Luis Obispo, California (CA)
Halfway between San Francisco and L.A., San Luis Obispo can be a relaxing getaway or a buzz of activity. For serenity, pack a lunch and head to one of dozens of wineries or take a drive to the beach for a leisurely swim. For a dose of history, visit the heart of the city at the beautiful Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Kids will love the Children’s Museum or Skate Park. Be sure to stroll along the creek downtown, where there are breweries, wine bars, restaurants and shopping for all tastes.
Restaurants in San Luis Obispo
1. Boo Boo Records
2. Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum
3. Highway 1 Discovery Route
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 156 reviews
Roam this 101-mile stretch of Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) where you'll find 10 uncrowded beaches, 12 state parks, Hearst Castle, three bountiful wine regions, farm-to-table cuisine, and unique wildlife habitats. Wherever you roam along the Highway 1 Discovery Route, you will find the best of Highway 1!
Reviewed By D4283UWwendyh
This is a wonderful road that for many mikes is along the Pacific coast. Do not use it as a freeway, it is not. Great scenic drive with lots to see and do along the way. Most is one lane in each direction, but the scenery is not something that you will want to speed past.
4. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 680 reviews
Founded on September 1, 1772, this is considered one of the most beautiful missions in California and still serves as an active church in the community.
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
It is a Spanish mission founded in 1772 by Father Junípero Serra in San Luis Obispo, California. Named after Saint Louis of Anjou, the bishop of Toulouse, the mission is the namesake of San Luis Obispo. It offers tours of the beautiful church, gardens, school and small museum that holds a collection of its artifacts. It is open to the public every day of the year. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting this place, when in the area.
5. Poly Canyon Loop
6. Valencia Peak Trail
7. Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
Every Thursday night through out the year, the city hosts a delightful outdoor market/festival where local farmers sell the freshest fruits, vegetables and produce while local musicians and performers entertain the crowds.
Reviewed By russellsr2018 - Santa Barbara, United States
Love the farmers’ market in SLO. It’s a street party every week! Be sure to check it out if you’re in the area.
8. Cerro San Luis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Located in the center of the city this peak rises more than 1,292 feet and is marked by a big "M", for Mission School, etched in its side. Once privately owned, the city eventually acquired 75 acres around the base of the mountain which is now open to the public for hiking, biking and sightseeing.
9. Mission Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Two-block area of downtown serves as the community's cultural and social center complemented with great shopping, outdoor and indoor dining and nightlife.
Reviewed By SanFranciscoTRVLR - San Francisco, United States
This is a nice plaza with the Mission on one side and the creek on the other-- makes a nice focal point for downtown SLO
10. Bishop Peak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Named because it resembles a bishop's hat, the highest peak of the Morros range is heavily used by hikers and bicyclists. The climb to the top will take anywhere from one to two hours depending on your fitness level.
Reviewed By SimonG103
2 hours round trip for our family for great views and meeting friendly hikers helping each other up the (optional) rocks at the summit. Not an easy hike but we saw small kids doing well and lots of dogs. The view Is great all the way up and it’s well work the work. No bathrooms so take care of business before.
