Walking and Hiking
With its mild climate and pedestrian-only paseos, San Luis Obispo's downtown is made for walking. Here you’ll find all the treasures of a small town – a vibrant downtown center, with irresistible shops, casual sidewalk cafes, superb restaurants, the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and the infamous Bubblegum Alley. Try out the Google Trip Planner for step by step directions by foot, bike or transit! If you get tired of walking, hop on the SLO Trolley. See Car Free Attractions and Itineraries for more ideas on how to be car free. Listed below are a few locations exceptionally well-suited for exploring on foot.
Walk San Luis Obispo │Guided Walking Tours │Self-Guided Walking Tours │
Other Places to Walk | Trail Hiking│Trail Maps
Walk San Luis Obispo
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
The historic Mission is the anchor of downtown SLO. Walk or take SLO Transit to the downtown to take a tour around the Mission, enjoy the summer Concerts in the Plaza or stroll along San Luis Obispo Creek.
San Luis Obispo Historical Museum
The San Luis Obispo Historical Museum is located across the street from the Mission. It is housed in the former Carnegie Library Building, which was built in 1904/05. The museum is open from 10:00am-4:00pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Visit their website for exhibit information.
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Jack House and Gardens
The Jack House is a restored elegant Victorian house, which was the home of a prominent family in San Luis Obispo’s past. The house is filled with many of the family’s original furnishings, artwork, kitchen utensils, dishes and keepsakes. The Jack House is conveniently located within walking distance of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and the City’s historic downtown.
Dallidet Adobe and Gardens
The Dallidet Adobe is a unique adobe dwelling tucked away in a historic neighborhood in San Luis Obispo. The Dallidet Adobe features breathtaking gardens, original furnishings and houses the Ramona Depot with one of the original street cars in SLO. The Dallidet Adobe is open every second Sunday from 1:00pm-4:00pm during the winter and every Sunday from 1:00pm-4:00pm during the summer.
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Fremont Theater
Built in 1940, the historic Fremont Theater is a landmark for downtown San Luis Obispo. Murals adorn the walls of the large original main theater. Additional screens are located in an adjacent building. Located at 1025 Monterey Street, the Fremont Theater is less than two blocks from the Downtown Transit Center.
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SLO Farmers’ Market
Every Thursday evening from 6:00-9:00pm, delicious, tempting aromas fill the air and pedestrians flood on to Higuera Street for the weekly Farmers’ Market in Downtown SLO. Enjoy strolling through the several blocks of fresh produce, flowers, BBQ, great food, free music and entertainment… tasting as you go! Walk, bike or take SLO Transit to the Downtown Transit Center and follow your nose (or the parade of others) two blocks south to the festival! The SLO County Bicycle Coalition provides free bike valet parking.
Court Street
Located between Osos and Morro streets along Higuera and Monterey, Court Street is in the heart of the shopping district in downtown SLO. This pedestrian-only promenade allows you to enjoy the best of downtown shopping away from the bustle of cars on the street. Walk, bike or take SLO Transit to the Downtown Transit Center. From the transit center, walk one block south and turn right on Monterey Street. Walk half a block and you’re there!
Bubblegum Alley
Love it or hate it, charmed or disgusted by it, Bubblegum Alley is located in the heart of the downtown, just off Higuera Street between Garden and Broad streets. Walk through the alley if you dare! Be sure to bring a camera and don’t forget the bubblegum!
Art After Dark
Every first Friday of the month from 6:00-9:00pm, art galleries in San Luis Obispo keep their doors open late for Art After Dark. Many galleries offer wine and appetizers to quench the palettes of aesthetes as they walk from gallery to gallery viewing the art collections.
Guided Walking Tours
SLO Walking Tours
SLO Walking Tours provides fun and informative walking tours – you’ll explore both historic and contemporary San Luis Obispo, ranging from the Mission, Old Chinatown and Bubble Gum Alley to cool galleries, theaters, cafes and restaurants frequented by SLO locals that you’ll enjoy discovering as well! They offer tours for individuals and groups that will be one of the highlights of your trip to SLO. Call for tour times and locations.
Self-guided walking tours and maps
Path of History
Take a step back in time with the Path of History self-guided walking tour of San Luis Obispo’s historical treasures. From the historic Mission or County Historical Museum to the Fremont Theater, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this tour. For more information on San Luis Obispo’s historic buildings or the “Path of History,” visit the San Luis Obispo Visitors Center or call (805) 781-2777.
Other Great Places to Walk
San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens
Come experience the diversity in plant life of the Mediterranean climate zones of the world in this educational and beautiful botanical garden. Located just north of SLO in the El Chorro Regional Park, the botanical gardens feature a preview garden with a small creek and a sustainably-constructed Educational Center. The garden is open to the public daily during daylight hours. Admission is free. The business office and gift shop are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Trail Hiking
Sierra Club Santa Lucia Chapter Trails of San Luis Obispo County
State Parks of the San Luis Obispo Coast
San Luis Obispo County Parks
ECOSLO’s Hiking Trails in San Luis Obispo
Hostel Obispo Hiking/Cycling
Trail Maps
San Luis Obispo Open Space and Recreational Trails
Bishop Peak Natural Reserve
Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Irish Hills Natural Reserve
Islay Hill Open Space
Laguna Lake Open Space
Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve
South Hills Open Space
Terrace Hill Open Space