Places to Visit in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is a beautiful city on the central coast of California․ It’s home to stunning beaches, rolling hills, and charming downtown․ If you’re looking for things to do in San Luis Obispo, here are a few of the top places to visit⁚

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is a historic mission founded in 1772 by Father Junípero Serra․ It’s one of the most beautiful and well-preserved missions in California, and it’s a popular tourist destination․ Visitors can explore the mission church, museum, and gardens, and learn about the history of the mission and the Chumash people who lived in the area․

Here are some tips for visiting Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa⁚

• Plan your visit․ The mission is open daily from 9am to 4pm, but it’s best to visit during the week when there are fewer crowds․
• Take a tour․ Guided tours of the mission are available daily, and they’re a great way to learn about the history of the mission and its architecture․
• Explore the gardens․ The mission gardens are home to a variety of plants and flowers, and they’re a beautiful place to relax and take a stroll․
• Visit the museum․ The mission museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the mission and the Chumash people․
• Attend a mass․ Masses are held in the mission church daily, and they’re a great way to experience the mission’s spiritual side․

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when visiting Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa⁚

• The mission is a sacred place․ Please be respectful of the mission and its grounds․
• Photography is allowed․ However, please be respectful of the privacy of others and do not use flash photography inside the mission church․
• Food and drinks are not allowed inside the mission church․ However, there are picnic areas available on the mission grounds․
• The mission is wheelchair accessible․ However, some areas of the mission may be difficult to access for people with disabilities․

Bubblegum Alley

Bubblegum Alley is a unique and quirky attraction in San Luis Obispo․ It’s a narrow alleyway lined with walls covered in used chewing gum․ The tradition of sticking gum to the walls began in the 1970s, and today the alley is a popular tourist destination․
Here are some tips for visiting Bubblegum Alley⁚

• Be prepared for a sticky experience․ The walls of Bubblegum Alley are covered in used chewing gum, so be prepared to get a little sticky․
• Bring your own gum․ If you want to add to the collection, be sure to bring your own gum․
• Take pictures․ Bubblegum Alley is a unique and colorful place, so be sure to take plenty of pictures․
• Be respectful․ Bubblegum Alley is a public space, so please be respectful of others and do not litter․

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when visiting Bubblegum Alley⁚

• The alley is open 24 hours a day․ However, it’s best to visit during the day when there are more people around․
• The alley is located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo․ It’s easy to walk to from many of the city’s other attractions․
• The alley is not wheelchair accessible․ However, there is a ramp that leads to the alley from the sidewalk․

Bubblegum Alley is a fun and unique place to visit in San Luis Obispo․ It’s a great place to take pictures, people-watch, and experience the city’s quirky side․

Montana de Oro State Park

Montana de Oro State Park is a beautiful coastal park located just south of San Luis Obispo․ The park encompasses over 8,000 acres of rugged coastline, rolling hills, and ancient forests․

Here are some of the things you can do at Montana de Oro State Park⁚

• Hike․ There are over 20 miles of hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging․ Some of the most popular trails include the Bluff Trail, the Valencia Peak Trail, and the Spooner’s Cove Trail․
• Camp․ There are over 200 campsites in the park, including both developed and primitive campsites․ Reservations are recommended, especially during the summer months․
• Fish․ The park’s waters are home to a variety of fish, including salmon, steelhead, and rockfish․ Fishing is allowed from the shore, from boats, and from the pier․
• Surf․ The park’s beaches are known for their excellent surfing conditions․ Some of the most popular surf spots include Sand Dollar Beach, Morro Strand State Beach, and Spooners Cove․
• Wildlife viewing․ The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, bobcats, and sea otters․ Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife while you’re hiking, camping, or fishing․

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when visiting Montana de Oro State Park⁚

• The park is open year-round․ However, some areas of the park may be closed during the winter months due to weather conditions․
• The park is located about 10 miles south of San Luis Obispo․ It’s easy to get to the park by car․
• There is a day-use fee to enter the park․ You can purchase a day pass or an annual pass․

Montana de Oro State Park is a beautiful and diverse park that offers something for everyone․ Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, fish, surf, or simply enjoy the scenery, you’re sure to have a great time at Montana de Oro State Park․

Avila Beach

Avila Beach is a charming beach town located just south of San Luis Obispo․ The town is known for its beautiful beaches, its historic pier, and its friendly atmosphere․

Here are some of the things you can do in Avila Beach⁚

• Relax on the beach; Avila Beach has two beautiful beaches⁚ Avila Beach and Little Avila Beach․ Both beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles․
• Stroll along the pier․ The Avila Beach Pier is a great place to take a walk, fish, or watch the sunset․ The pier is also home to several restaurants and shops․
• Visit the Avila Beach Farmers Market․ The Avila Beach Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 9am to 1pm․ The market features a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts․
• Go kayaking or paddleboarding․ The waters around Avila Beach are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding․ You can rent kayaks and paddleboards from several different businesses in town․
• Whale watching․ Avila Beach is a great place to go whale watching during the winter and spring months․ You can see whales from the shore, from boats, or from the pier․

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when visiting Avila Beach⁚

• The town is located about 10 miles south of San Luis Obispo․ It’s easy to get to the town by car․
• There is a small parking fee to park in the town․ You can also park for free in the residential areas surrounding the town․
• The town is very walkable․ You can easily walk to most of the attractions in town․

Avila Beach is a beautiful and charming town that offers something for everyone․ Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, stroll along the pier, or go whale watching, you’re sure to have a great time in Avila Beach․

Bishop Peak

Bishop Peak is a popular hiking destination located just east of San Luis Obispo․ The peak offers stunning views of the city, the surrounding mountains, and the Pacific Ocean․

Here are some of the things you can do at Bishop Peak⁚

• Hike to the summit․ The hike to the summit of Bishop Peak is challenging but rewarding․ The trail is about 2․5 miles round trip and gains about 1,000 feet in elevation․ The views from the summit are worth the effort․
• Picnic at the top․ There are several picnic tables located at the summit of Bishop Peak․ You can pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic with a view․
• Watch the sunset․ Bishop Peak is a great place to watch the sunset․ The views of the sunset from the summit are breathtaking․
• Stargaze․ Bishop Peak is also a great place to go stargazing․ The skies are usually clear and the lack of light pollution makes it easy to see the stars․

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when visiting Bishop Peak⁚

• The trail to the summit is steep and rocky․ Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water․
• The trail is not suitable for young children or people with mobility issues․
• There is no shade on the trail․ Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat․
• Dogs are not allowed on the trail․

Bishop Peak is a beautiful and challenging hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding area․ If you’re looking for a great workout and some amazing views, be sure to add Bishop Peak to your list of places to visit in San Luis Obispo․