Tucked into the rolling green hills halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles is the charming college town of San Luis Obispo, known locally as SLO. This small town’s pleasant mix of university students, rural farmers and big city dropouts gives it loads of character, made even better by the stunning natural surroundings and proximity to the coast. Undiscovered by most tourists, SLO is a real gem worth checking out.
Perhaps because it’s not directly off Highway 101, San Luis Obispo has remained somewhat an undiscovered hideaway. Centered around an 18th century mission, the town is littered with Victorian homes, historic landmarks and great restaurants, pubs and shops.
The downtown core is best explored on foot, but San Luis Obispo also makes an ideal base for exploring the wealth of sites in the vicinity if you have a car. Some of California’s nicest and quietest beaches are within minutes to the west, while north and south takes you through central California’s impressive wine-growing region where dozens of well-known wineries sit amid some truly pastoral scenery.
Highlights
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: California’s fifth mission was built in 1772 and remains one of the state’s most striking architectural masterpieces.
Mission plaza: San Luis Obispo’s town square sits next to a bubbling creek with gardens and walking paths, and plays host to most of the annual festivals which happen in this lively town.
San Luis Obispo Art Center: local Californian art is on display at this small but impressive art gallery on the edge of Mission plaza.
Farmers’ Market: every Thursday, four blocks of downtown are turned into a walking street where locals sell produce, crafts and other goods while street performers entertain the crowds.
Central Coast Wines: this amazing wine shop is also the place to get the lowdown on the region’s wineries if you’re interested in touring the nearby wine country.
Madonna Inn: if pink is your favorite color, you’ll love this funky hotel and restaurant where every single thing is pink.
Fremont Theater: this Art Deco masterpiece is a historical highlight, and it’s still possible to catch movies here.