12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in San Luis Obispo, CA

Author Lisa Alexander is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and returns to the West Coast regularly.

San Luis Obispo is proud to be called the "Happiest City in America." This cheerful town has a friendly atmosphere, 315 days of sunshine a year, a fun-loving student population, and amusing attractions like Pismo Beach and Bubblegum Alley.

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains just 10 miles from the beach, San Luis Obispo has the inviting ambience of a small California community, with its laid-back atmosphere and lovely Spanish-style architecture. There are a handful of noteworthy sights in and around the town, and the many things to do outdoors draw tourists to the area year-round.

Visitors will enjoy strolling along the pleasant tree-lined streets, dining outdoors beside a babbling brook, or listening to crickets chirp in the evenings. The local farmers' market also makes San Luis Obispo one of the best places to visit in California.

Just 10 miles away are gorgeous sandy beaches, rejuvenating hot springs, and a picturesque rural landscape, making it an ideal place to stay while exploring the area on day trips. San Luis Obispo is also a good stopping point, halfway between the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

Discover the best places to visit in and around this charming central coast town with our list of the top attractions and things to do in San Luis Obispo.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

One of California's most beautiful Missions, San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1772 and dedicated to Saint Louis, the Bishop of Toulouse in France. Father Serra chose this idyllic site because of its mild climate, abundant fresh water, and the friendly local Chumash (Indian) tribe.

The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is a large complex overlooking the tranquil tree-shaded San Luis Creek. This typical Spanish-style adobe building features porticoed arcades and a courtyard garden planted with oak trees, grape vines, and roses.

The interior of the Mission Church is exquisitely decorated with a brightly painted floral motif along the walls and arches. The simple altarpiece and high ceiling supported by wood beams lend a serene ambience. Mass is celebrated here twice daily and several times on Sundays.

Housed in the Convento Wing, former residential quarters, is the Mission Museum. Exhibits focus on the history of the Spanish missionaries and the culture of Native American people of this area.

Another highlight is the Old Mission Gift Shop, which sells jewelry, artwork, books, and unique items such as handcrafted nativity sets.

Visitors may take a docent-led guided tour of the Mission complex. Tours are available year-round Monday through Saturday at 1:15pm and on Sundays at 2pm.

Address: Chorro Street at Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California

Thursday Night Farmers' Market

San Luis Obispo is famous for its Thursday night farmers' market, which is considered one of the best in California. Crowds flock to this weekly event on Higuera Street downtown.

Locals come to shop for fresh produce, and out-of-town visitors enjoy the street food. San Luis Obispo restaurants bring their specialties to outdoor stands, selling everything from pizza to sushi. Live music adds to the festive ambience.

The farmers' market is held on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 9pm, except in bad weather and on major holidays.

Address: Higuera between Osos and Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo

Pismo Beach

The laid-back town of Pismo Beach has the feel of Southern California, even though it's in the heart of the Central Coast. This classic California beach destination is packed with hotels, surf shops, cafés, and fish and chips restaurants. The lively downtown centers around the Pismo Beach Pier.

Things to Do: Surfers and bodyboarders favor this expansive 60-acre oceanfront stretch because of its consistent waves. During summertime, sunbathers and beach volleyball players take over the sandy shoreline of Pismo State Beach. Visitors can also go camping, bird-watching, walking along trails through coastal sand dunes, and fishing on the Pismo Beach Pier.

Pismo State Beach is also a great place for sailing and kayaking. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer. When the conditions are right, scuba diving is possible, and whale watching is popular during the migration season.

Facilities at Pismo State Beach include public restrooms and showers, water fountains, and a parking lot. The Pismo Beach Pier has benches so that visitors can relax and admire the ocean views. There is also a children's play area on the beach.

Another highlight at Pismo State Beach is the Monarch Butterfly Grove, where thousands of vibrant monarch butterflies cluster around the branches of eucalyptus trees from late October through February. Western monarch butterflies migrate seasonally to Pismo Beach from the Pacific Northwest and other western states.

Throughout the year, the city of Pismo Beach hosts many cultural events, including the Kite Expo in April, the long-running annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival in October, and the Jazz Jubilee by the Sea music festival in January.

The Pismo Beach Farmers' Market is held near the Pismo Beach Pier's South Promenade every Wednesday from 4pm until 7pm in spring and summer and from 2pm until 5pm in fall and winter.

Families with kids will have fun at the Dinosaur Caves Park, an 11-acre oceanfront park located about two miles from the Pismo Beach Pier. This unique recreation area includes a whimsical dinosaur-themed playground along with picnic tables and hiking trails. The Dinosaur Caves Park hosts Art in the Park events on the first Sunday of every month.

Pismo Beach has a warm, sunny climate year-round with average temperatures ranging from 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. During July and August, the temperature can reach the high 90s. However, the beach tends to be windy, which keeps it cooler and is fabulous for flying kites.

Pismo Beach is a 15-minute drive from San Luis Obispo or a 30-minute bus ride from the Government Center, making this an easy day trip from San Luis Obispo. The bus drops off at the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets shopping mall, about a 20-minute walk, partially alongside the highway, to the beach.

San Luis Obispo's Historic Downtown

Centered around the Old Mission, the historic downtown of San Luis Obispo delights visitors with its tree-lined streets and handsome, traditional Spanish-style buildings.

The most happening area of the town's historic center is Higuera Street, which is lined with restaurants, shops, and cafés. On the north-facing side of Higuera, the restaurants have inviting back patios that overlook the San Luis Obispo Creek.

Kids will love Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab, an ice-cream parlor known for its variety of classic and inventive flavors (32 in total). The ice cream is handcrafted from high-quality ingredients such as fresh fruit and locally grown nuts.

Another amusing attraction of San Luis Obispo is Bubblegum Alley (off Higuera Street), a narrow, 70-foot-long alleyway plastered with countless pieces of already-chewed bubblegum in a multitude of colors.

On Palm Street near the intersection with Chorro Street are hints of the city's old Chinatown, although little evidence remains except for the Mee Heng Low Noodle House (a Chinese restaurant specializing in "chop suey") and the Ah Louis Store. Built in 1874 and listed as a Historical Landmark, the Ah Louis building was once a general store for a vibrant Chinese immigrant community in the 19th century.

Tourists can find guide books, maps, and tourist brochures at the Visitor Center at 895 Monterey Street. Nearby is the main RTA bus terminus, in front of the County Government Center at Osos Street and Palm Street. The RTA bus is convenient for getting to top tourist destinations in the area, including Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Morro Bay, and San Simeon (the location of Hearst Castle).

Avila Beach

In a protected cove of San Luis Obispo Bay, this picturesque beach tends to be warmer than nearby Pismo Beach because surrounding hillsides shelter it from winds. The beach has a wide, sandy shoreline ideal for sunbathing and recreational activities, and it ranks among the best beaches near San Luis Obispo.

The relatively calm ocean environment is great for bodyboarding or learning to surf. Other outdoor activities include fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing. Families will appreciate the small playground and the pleasant picnic area.

Overlooking the beach, the tiny downtown area of Avila Beach features a palm-fringed plaza and pedestrian promenade, as well as many restaurants with outdoor terraces. All the shops and eateries on the promenade cater to beachgoers, giving the place a resort feel.

Summer is the best time to visit, however Avila Beach is lovely in all seasons. Cultural events take place throughout the year, such as the Avila Beach Blues Festival in May, the Festival Mozaic (a series of classical music concerts), the Central Coast Shakespeare Festival in July through August, and the Open Studios Art Tour (a free event that features hundreds of participating local artists) during two weekends in October.

Avila Beach is a 15-minute drive from San Luis Obispo or a 30-minute bus ride from the County Government Center (to Pismo Beach Outlets and then a 10-minute "trolley" ride to Avila Beach).

Avila Valley Hot Springs and Hiking Trails

A few miles from the beach, the rural Avila Valley is prized for its natural mineral-water hot springs. Believed to have therapeutic health benefits, these are among the best hot springs in California.

With its 20- by 20-foot thermal mineral-water soaking pool in a relaxing outdoor setting, the historic Avila Hot Springs caters to visitors seeking rejuvenation. Families with kids love the outdoor swimming pool, waterslide, picnic area, and BBQ facilities. Guests can spend the night here at tent camping sites, RV sites, or cabins that sleep up to four people.

Tucked away in 100 acres of woodlands, the three-star Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa offers plush contemporary-style guest rooms, yoga sessions, a thermal mineral-water soaking pool, and pampering spa treatments. The hotel also hosts wellness & yoga retreats with all-inclusive accommodations and healing arts classes.

The restaurant at the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, The Gardens of Avila, serves seasonal cuisine prepared from locally sourced ingredients and fresh produce grown on the resort's organic vegetable garden and a neighboring two-acre farm.

For those who love old-fashioned farms, a favorite destination in the area is the Avila Valley Barn. This authentic rustic-chic Country Store sells fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables, as well as handmade pies and other pastries from the on-site Country Bakery. There's also an ice-cream and sweet shop, and a BBQ chicken shack. Visitors can also feed the farm animals and pick berries, apples, peaches, and pumpkins based on seasonal availability.

Getting Here: The Avila Valley is right off the freeway exit on the way to Avila Beach, so visitors can easily drive here before or after heading to the beach. It's also accessible by bus, taking the same trolley bus that goes to Avila Beach.

Another way to arrive at Avila Valley from San Luis Obispo is by taking the Bob Jones Trail, a three-mile biking and hiking route that meanders alongside the San Louis Obispo Creek. Three other hiking trails allow visitors to explore the Avila Valley's luxuriant creekside landscape, dense forests, and coastal scrublands.

Shell Beach

This secluded shoreline offers an unspoiled coastal environment that is truly inspiring. Hidden below cliff sides within sheltered coves are nine separate sandy beaches.

Nature lovers come here to explore the tide pools, where they can see crabs and starfish, while kayakers appreciate the gentle waters. It's also a great place for spotting sea lions, dolphins, and migrating whales.

Other favorite activities at Shell Beach are picnicking, watching the sunset, and fishing from the cliffs or just admiring the spectacular ocean views.

Oceano Dunes

The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area allows visitors with OHVs (off-highway vehicles) to drive right on the beach. However, the recreation area limits the number of vehicles each day, and ATV safety training is recommended.

This unique state park is comprised of 1,200 acres of pristine coastal terrain, including open sand dunes and over five miles of sandy beach. Some of the rolling sand dunes are as high as 100 feet.

Outdoorsy types appreciate Oceano Dunes for its recreational opportunities including surfing, horseback riding, fishing, bird-watching, and camping.

Read More: Best State Parks in California

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

At the heart of downtown on the western end of the Mission Plaza, the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) familiarizes visitors with the breadth and creativity of California artists. The permanent collection includes both historical and contemporary works, representing a variety of artistic styles.

Updated frequently (usually on a monthly basis), the temporary exhibitions are presented in an insightful way that encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art. The museum also hosts film screenings, discussions, and other cultural events.

Address: 1010 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, California

Bishop Peak Hikes

With a summit over 1,500 feet, Bishop Peak is the most prominent mountain in San Luis Obispo. A great place for hiking, Bishop Peak has several trails ranging from a moderate walk to a rigorous uphill climb.

The two-mile hike to the top takes around two hours (for those who are in good physical fitness) and rewards with sweeping panoramic views, including vistas of the city and coastline.

For those who prefer a more gentle hike, the 2.7-mile, round-trip Felsman Loop is a good choice, with less challenging elevation gain. Access to the trails is on Patricia Drive in San Luis Obispo.

Read More: Top-Rated Hiking Trails in Southern California

San Luis Obispo Children's Museum

Families with young children will have a fantastic time at the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum. Designed for children aged one to 10 years, the hands-on exhibits are fun for children and families to explore.

This extensive museum has three floors of indoor learn-by-doing activities that encourage curiosity, imagination, and creativity through interactive play.

Address: 1010 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum

At the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, visitors can learn more about San Luis Obispo's Railroad Historic District. Through its display of artifacts and exhibits, the museum tells the story of railroading on California's Central Coast.

A highlight of the collections is the assortment of vintage railroad cars, including the Southern Pacific Boxcar (circa 1926) and the Pullman La Cuesta café/observation car (with an elegant dining area).

Not to be missed is the museum's Central Coast Model Railroad, a 1,200-square-foot model that depicts the historic Southern Pacific Railroad and Pacific Coast Railway that once ran along California's Central Coast. Adding to the realistic effect, this model train is operating.

Visitors can purchase souvenirs from the museum's gift shop, which sells T-shirts, hats, coffee mugs, and other railway-themed items.

Address: 1940 Santa Barbara Avenue, San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo, CA - Climate Chart

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Vacation Getaways near San Luis Obispo: Pristine nature sites, beautiful beaches, and historic towns abound in the outskirts of San Luis Obispo. Among the top day trips from San Luis Obispo are Morro Bay, a destination for water sports, fishing, and boat tours; the historic village of Arroyo Grande and nearby Lopez Lake; and the lively beach town of Cayucos.

Less than a two-hour drive or train ride is the glamorous beach town of Santa Barbara. Perfect for a summer vacation, romantic getaway, or just a day of fun in the sun, Santa Barbara is distinguished by its elegant Spanish-style architecture and gorgeous sandy beaches.

Central California's Coastline: California's most spectacular stretch of coastline is just a one-hour drive from San Luis Obispo. Breathtakingly beautiful Big Sur, where mountains plunge into the deep-blue Pacific, ranks among the best places to visit in California. North of Big Sur is the enchanting seaside resort village of Carmel, which delights visitors with its storybook cottages, superb sandy beach, and European ambience.

A Marvelous Castle above the Sea: On the way to Big Sur, travelers can admire Hearst Castle on its hilltop perch overlooking the coastline. Hearst Castle is one of the top day trips from San Luis Obispo, as well as one of California's best off-the-beaten-path destinations. This unique architectural masterpiece was created for William Randolph Hearst, the San Francisco newspaper baron who had exquisite taste in European art. The castle is open to the public for guided tours.