What to do and see in San Luis Obispo, California (CA): The Best Things to do Good for Kids

November 15, 2021 Jana Sager

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. Highway 1 Discovery Route

Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, CA +1 805-547-2243 http://highway1discoveryroute.com
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 156 reviews

Highway 1 Discovery Route

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.

2. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

751 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3521 +1 805-781-8220 http://www.missionsanluisobispo.org/
Excellent
50%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 680 reviews

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

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.

3. Fremont Theater

1035 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA +1 805-329-5725 http://fremontslo.com/
Excellent
63%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Fremont Theater

Classic art deco and neon movie theater.

4. Farmers Market

Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA http://www.slocountyfarmers.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 350 reviews

Farmers Market

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.

5. San Luis Obispo Children's Museum

1010 Nipomo St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3870 805-544-KIDS http://www.slocm.org
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 88 reviews

San Luis Obispo Children's Museum

Preschool through elementary-age children learn about health, history, safety, science, nature and the arts through a series of innovate hands-on activities and exhibits.

Reviewed By deborabQ4619MG

recommend this place to drop off your kid to play. a good place for the kids to stay entertained while adults recoup their energy lol

6. Mission Plaza

San Luis Obispo, CA
Excellent
48%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Mission Plaza

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

7. El Chorro Regional Park

2990 Dairy Creek Rd Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405-7844 +1 805-788-2381 http://reservations.slocountyparks.com
Excellent
46%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

El Chorro Regional Park

Located right outside downtown San Luis Obispo, this park features the Dairy Creek Golf Course and a variety of outdoor attractions and facilities including barbecue areas, softball fields, botanical gardens and various hiking trails.

Reviewed By karengV6680WI - Boulder Creek, United States

I was traveling with my Aussie for business. She needed to get out so i chose the closest dog park to y destination. i was amazed how great it was. Very large. To large BBQ Picnic areas within the dog park itself as well as a kids play area just on the other side of the fence. Families can come for a picnic with the 4 footed family members and let them play. It is clean neat and very well designed. Beautiful tree's. Concrete walkways for those who wish. Covered with very clean wood chips. Several dog and people water fountains.

8. Dallidet Adobe and Gardens

1185 Pacific St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3301 +1 805-543-0638 [email protected] http://www.historycenterslo.org
Excellent
66%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Dallidet Adobe and Gardens

9. Gopher Glen Farms

2899 Gopher Glen Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405-8080 +1 805-595-2646 http://gopherglen.com/index.html
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Gopher Glen Farms

Reviewed By CharleySays - Atascadero, United States

Welcome to gopher Glen. A wonderful stop out on see Canyon. And I just love driving see Canyon, especially when it's Apple time. Now when you get to gopher Glen, you'll find a what looks like a well, maybe a shack, but inside you will find a wonderful collection have more things than you ever wanted. I mean they have all the apples in the pears and peaches and whatever is in season. And those may not all be in season at the same time, so I guess you're going to have to make multiple trips. But then they can and pickle and make things available to help dress up the rest of the meal. The selection of pickled items is wonderful, the selection of canned items oh, well I guess there really in jars, is excellent. Then there's all the jams. Wouldn't want your toes to be without a beautiful Jam. Then there's candles, a whole bunch of different ones are those, then there's even more goodies in the little refrigerators that have to do with apple juice and apple cider and hard cider, and then there's a impulse purchase stuff right on the counter, and then there's all those other Knick knacky things, which I'm not even going to list you're just going to have to go out there and shop for yourself. The people are nice, I mean real nice, I mean real helpful, and I liked it. Enjoy the drive it's worthwhile anytime, and know that you can go from the Avila side all the way into San Luis there is a little bit of dirt road in the middle but I love that road.

10. Avila Valley Barn

560 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405-8047 +1 805-595-2810 http://www.avilavalleybarn.com
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 445 reviews

Avila Valley Barn

Reviewed By JilleH - San Luis Obispo, United States

Avila Valley Barn is a great stop for parents with grade school age kids or smaller. They have pony rides $6, Hay rides, roasted corn to eat, great fresh baked pies, and breads, produce, and specialty items. You can buy a bag of lettuce and let your kids feed the goats or the chickens which are in their pens. The kids really get a kick out of it. If its foggy at the beach it is usually warm and sunny there. Spending time wandering around and looking at the animals and getting a snack is fun for all. At pumpkin time your going to be amazed at how many there are to choose from, all different varieties and sizes,( great photo ops). Lots of parking available and a very popular stop for the locals.

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