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.

This activity is suitable for:

View Larger Map and directions

Old Mission Parish
751 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo CA, 93401
Phone: (805) 781-8220
Parish Office: office@oldmissionslo.org
Gift Shop: info@missionsanluisobispo.org

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.

View Larger Map and walking directions

San Luis Obispo Historical Museum
696 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 543-0638

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. 

Ride the free Downtown Trolley, disembarking at Nipomo and Marsh Streets.  Walk one half block south to the Jack House. All tours are $2.00 per person; children under 12 are free.  Tours are every Sunday, April through December from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. except for holidays (last tours start 30 minutes prior to closing time).

View Larger Map & Step-by-step directions

Jack House and Gardens
536 Marsh Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
24-hour information hot-line: (805) 781-7303
To schedule group tours: (805) 781-7308

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.

From the SLO Transit Center, you can walk 4 blocks south on Osos Street, turn left on Pacific Street and walk to blocks to the end of the cul-de-sac. The Dallidet Adobe will be on the right at 1185 Pacific Street (about a 10 minute walk). Or take SLO Transit Route 4, disembark at Santa Rosa at Marsh Street, continue one block to Pacific Street and turn left onto Pacific Street.

View Larger Map and walking directions

Dallidet Adobe
1185 Pacific Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 544-2303

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.

View Larger Map and walking directions

Fremont Theater
1025 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 541-2141

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.

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!

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.

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.

SLO Walking Tours
PO Box 15253
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406-5253
Steve Akers, Owner
Phone: 805-215-3228
info@slowalkingtours.com

SLO Walking Tours offers a discount for SLO Car Free participants.

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.

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.

www.slobg.org

Bus directions to the SLO Botanical Gardens: From the SLO Transit Center, take Route 12A (Monday through Friday) or 12B (Saturday & Sunday) to Cuesta College Romauldo Road at Parking Lot #3. Cross HWY 1 at Hollister Ave at the traffic light to enter the El Chorro Regional Park. Walk approximately 1 mile up Dairy Creek Road to the SLO Botanical Gardens.

Another idea: take your bike on the bus, or bike to the Botanical Gardens from SLO!

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