San Luis Obispo California Central Coast Day Trip

San Luis Obispo is a quiet little college town where students, residents, and tourists mingle in coffee shops and shopping districts. There is so much more to do and see here that it will take several days to explore the area.

The city is nestled among the hills, just south of Paso Robles, Atascadero, and north of Pismo Beach. Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Downtown San Luis Obispo is filled with shopping ranging from clothes to various foods.

Downtown San Luis’ Farmers Market

San Luis’ Farmer’s Market is an excellent place to get a feel for the area. This popular attraction features live music, entertainment, and more. Performers take over the streets, transforming downtown into a festival-type atmosphere. Food booths serve up BBQ ribs, chicken, and other tasty food. There is also lots of produce and other products. Downtown San Luis’ Farmers Market is held Thursday Evenings.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Located in downtown’s heart, the mission is one of California’s oldest, founded in 1772. The doors of Mission San Luis Obispo are open all year-round. A small museum and gift shop are housed in the mission’s original wing. Guided tours of the mission are available on most days. Address: 751 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Bubblegum Alley

It only takes a few minutes to walk through the alley, but it’s well worth seeing this strange, gross attraction. Thousands of chewed-up pieces of gum stuck to the walls from floor to ceiling. All in different colors and pressed into the walls. The tradition of sticking gum on the walls was started by graduating seniors from San Luis Obispo High School in the late 1940s and has grown since then. Today the alley is a popular tourist stop. Address 7335 Higuera Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Madonna Inn

Madonna Inn is a historical site featured on numerous television programs, especially for its weird bathrooms and unique bedrooms. She is known for her magnificent restaurant, immaculate rooms, and luxurious spas. You do not have to stay overnight to enjoy a tour of the place and hear Mr. Madonna’s history and plan for the site. Website.

San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum

This museum is dedicated to preserving the railroad history of the California Central Coast region. Housed in a Southern Pacific Freighthouse built in 1894, this small museum features a sizeable HO-scale train layout, artifacts, pictures, and books about central coast railways. Open on Saturdays only. Address: 1940 Santa Barbara Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Hike to Bishop Peak

Bishop Peak is an ancient volcano, and it’s a good hike for those who love adventure. You will be rewarded with amazing views of San Luis Obispo and beyond if you reach the top. It’s about 4 miles round trip to the top and back and takes about three hours to complete. There are two main trailheads, one at 1 Highland Dr., San Luis Obispo, and the other, Bishop Foothill Trailhead, along Foothill Boulevard.

• • Nearby Places to Visit

  • Morro Bay State Park

  • Hearst Castle

  • Avila Beach

  • Pismo Beach

  • Old Town Arroyo Grande

You can spend your day or an entire vacation exploring San Luis Obispo. Beautiful beaches, wine tasting, and miles of oak-covered hills are all nearby. Escape from the congestion of Southern California and discover the beauty of the California central coast.