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Things to do in San Luis Obispo

Not Just Any Hotel – Only the Best Things to do in San Luis Obispo, Selected for You!

Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025
2 adults, 1 room
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Good (268)

California Polytechnic University
Open 24 hours
University
1 Grand Ave (at S Perimeter Rd)
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California Polytechnic University, located in San Luis Obispo, is recognized for its hands-on learning approach and diverse academic offerings.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Campus access is free, but some events may require tickets.

Good (58)

El Chorro Regional Park
6:00 AM–8:00 PM
Park
2990 Dairy Creek Rd Highway 1
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El Chorro Regional Park offers diverse outdoor activities near San Luis Obispo, featuring golf, hiking trails, and picnic facilities.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours.

Free. Some recreational activities may require a fee.

Good (104)

San Luis Obispo Children's Museum
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
1010 Nipomo Street
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San Luis Obispo Children's Museum offers hands-on exhibits for preschool to elementary-aged children focused on health, history, safety, science, nature, and the arts.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

General Admission: $10, Children under 1: Free.

Good (94)

History Center and Museum of San Luis Obispo County
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
696 Monterey St
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History Center and Museum of San Luis Obispo County details the county's history from Indigenous cultures to today, located in a restored Carnegie Library.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Good (84)

San Luis Obispo botanical garden
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Park
3450 Dairy Creek Rd El Chorro Regional Park
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San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden showcases Mediterranean ecosystems and plants across California, Chile, Australia, and South Africa. Enjoy miles of paved trails.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special programs may require an admission fee.

Good (29)

Cheng Park
6:00 AM–9:00 PM
Park
1095 Marsh St
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Cheng Park in San Luis Obispo features scenic walking paths, lush greenery, and recreational facilities, serving as a vibrant space for community gatherings and outdoor activities.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Certain events may have fees for participation.

Good (12)

Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Museum
801 Grand Ave
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The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum in San Luis Obispo honors military history with exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories from local veterans.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for special programs.

Good (3)

Art Central
10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Museum
1329 Monterey St
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Art Central, located in San Luis Obispo, offers art and drafting supplies sourced and curated by local artists, fostering the visual arts community.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Art classes and specific events may involve a fee.

Good (80)

San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Museum
1940 Santa Barbara Ave (Upham St)
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San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum showcases regional railroad history through exhibits, restored equipment, and themed rides in a historic freighthouse.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Trinity Hall Assn
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Event hall
6565 Edna Rd
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Trinity Hall Assn in San Luis Obispo offers a versatile auditorium space for community events, performances, and gatherings, reflecting local culture and history.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours for most events.

Varies by event. Some free community events available; additional fees for special performances.

Good (1087)

Mission San Luis Obispo
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
751 Palm St (at Chorro St.)
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Mission San Luis Obispo, founded in 1772 by Junipero Serra, is a historic Catholic church featuring gardens, a museum, and an active community role.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Guided tours available most days for a small fee.

Good (203)

Irish Hills Natural Reserve
Open all day
Park
Prefumo Canyon Rd & Isabella Way
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Irish Hills Natural Reserve in San Luis Obispo features 8+ miles of trails for hiking and biking, set within a diverse and expansive natural area in California.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. No admission fees required.

Good (9)

Johnson Ranch Open Space
Open 24 hours
Park
Johnson Ranch Loop
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Johnson Ranch Open Space is a sprawling natural preserve in San Luis Obispo, offering hiking, scenic views, and diverse wildlife in a tranquil environment.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. No charges for accessing the trails.

Good (1925)

Bubblegum Alley
Open 24 hours
Monument
off 700 block of Higuera St
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Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California, features 2 million pieces of chewed gum lining a 70-foot pedestrian passage. A quirky tourist attraction worth seeing.

Duration: 15-30 minutes.

Free. Donations for cleaning efforts are accepted.

Good (46)

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
1010 Broad St (at Monterey St.)
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San Luis Obispo Museum of Art features works by local artists, showcasing painting, sculpture, and photography in a cozy gallery setting.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Good (27)

Leaning Pine Arboretum
8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Garden
San Luis Obispo
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Leaning Pine Arboretum offers a 5-acre collection of diverse plants located on California Polytechnic State University campus in San Luis Obispo.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require registration.

Good (35)

Jack House and Gardens
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Museum
536 Marsh Street
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Jack House and Gardens features a Victorian house with period furnishings, offering tours and events in beautifully landscaped grounds in San Luis Obispo, California.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated during events.

San Luis Obispo Little Theater
1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Theater
888 Morro St (Palm St.)
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San Luis Obispo Little Theater, founded in 1940, offers diverse performances in a historic venue, fostering a vibrant community arts scene in San Luis Obispo, California.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Varies. Adult tickets generally start at $20, with discounts for seniors and students.

Downtown Centre Cinemas
11:00 AM–12:00 AM
Mall
893 Higuera St (btwn Morro & Chorro St)
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Downtown Centre Cinemas in San Luis Obispo offers a diverse film selection in a modern setting with advanced technology and comfortable seating.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Adult: $12, Child: $8, Senior: $10. Discounts available on Tuesdays.

Saint Anne Catholic Church of the Byzantine Rite
5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Church
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Saint Anne Catholic Church of the Byzantine Rite in San Luis Obispo serves the local Byzantine Catholic community with rich traditions and architectural beauty.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and community programs.

Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church and Old Mission School Nativity Campus
9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Church
San Luis Obispo
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Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church and Old Mission School Nativity Campus is a historical Catholic site in San Luis Obispo, California, blending spiritual significance with local history.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free entry. Donations welcomed for maintenance and local programs.

Good (2)

San Luis Obispo County Historical Museum
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Museum
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The San Luis Obispo County Historical Museum explores regional heritage through exhibits of artifacts and documents, showcasing the area's rich history.

Duration: About 1.5 hours.

Free. Special events may have a fee.

First Baptist Church Of San Luis Obispo
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Church
San Luis Obispo
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First Baptist Church Of San Luis Obispo features a historic architecture, community-focused services, and extensive church history since its establishment.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations accepted during services and events.

Throop Park
Open 24 hours
Park
Cuesta Dr (Cerro Romaldo Ave)
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Throop Park in San Luis Obispo, USA, offers 10 acres of open space, playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking paths for recreation and relaxation.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.