San Luis Obispo Top Attractions

Path of History Bubblegum Alley Obispo De Tolosa State University Obispo Wineries

Hearst Castle.

A California Historical Monument, the enchanting hilltop retreat of William Randolph Hearst is one of the world’s most magnificent palaces. Nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountains on the San Simeon Coast, 45 miles north of San Luis Obispo, Hearst Castle is a magnificent 250,000 acre estate that includes four houses, 12 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and a zoo. Hearst Castle offers several tours that highlight the estate’s 165 rooms adorned with European artwork, Byzantine tapestries, Spanish and Italian art, ceilings from monasteries, fireplaces from Gothic castles, Egyptian statues and amazing artifacts from America's most famous publishing tycoon. Explore the beautiful grounds with stunning gardens, walkways and ornate swimming pools. The history and construction of Hearst Castle comes alive in the film "Hearst Castle - Building the Dream” showing on the massive iWERKS screen at the National Geographic Theater at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center. For tickets, visit www.hearstcastle.org.

Path of History.

Discover the rich history behind San Luis Obispo, settled by the Spanish in 1772. Walk the Path of History Tour and see the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (1772) in the center of downtown and San Luis Creek, which winds through Mission Plaza, a central meeting place for festivals, fairs and community celebrations. The foundation of San Luis Obispo's history, the Mission is the perfect place to begin your tour of historic San Luis Obispo. You will also see Judge Walter Murray Adobe (1849), Dallidet Adobe (1853), Jack House (1875), St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (1867), Myron Angel Home (1883), Ramona Depot (1889), County Historical Museum (1905), and several other historic buildings.

Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo.

The magnificent, state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center presents quality arts and cultural activities for the people of San Luis Obispo. The Performing Arts Center is a spectacular venue that presents live musical concerts, theater, plays, shows, dance performances, ballets, and special events. Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo is home of the acclaimed San Luis Obispo Symphony and presents symphonic orchestras from around the world. For events and tickets, visit www.pacslo.org.  [Top]

Bubblegum Alley.

Located on Higuera Street in downtown San Luis Obispo, Bubblegum Alley is a local tourist landmark known for its bubble gum encrusted walls of a 15-foot long alley. Many San Luis Obispo locals consider the wall a form of art. Some shops near the popular alley have gumball machines on the sidewalk, so you can chew, add to the wall and create your own gummy masterpiece.

Morro Bay/Morro Rock.

Morro Bay is a tranquil fishing village and vacation destination on the Central California Coast. Famous for Morro Rock, an ancient volcanic peak that rises 576 feet from the Pacific Ocean, Morro Bay is a bird sanctuary for Pelegrine Falcons and 250 bird species. The picturesque town of Morro Bay offers miles of pristine beach, a peaceful lagoon, fishing piers, marinas, Morro Bay State Park and Morro Bay Golf Course. Morro Bay is an outstanding spot for surfing, kayaking, sailing, hiking, rock climbing, bird watching, sport fishing, whale watching, biking, horseback riding and wine tasting. Rent a boat, cruise the beautiful bay and enjoy the sounds of the waves. Ride the wild surf on Morro Bay - an ideal surfing destination - hop aboard a fishing charter for huge rockcod, or enjoy watching California Gray and humpback whales. Downtown Morro Bay is lined with wonderful restaurants, shops, theatres, museums, wineries, and art galleries.  [Top]

Mission San Luis Obispo De Tolosa.

Anchoring downtown San Luis Obispo, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is the 5th Mission of 21 in California. Founded 1772 after Saint Louis of Anjou, bishop of Toulouse, the Mission is a stellar example of 18th century Spanish architecture. It’s unusual in design - a combination of belfry and vestibule - is unique among California missions and is the only "L"-shaped mission church among all the California missions. Today, the Mission is a working parish with a school and gift shop. Visit http://www.missionsanluisobispo.org/.

Big Sur.

One of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Places of a Lifetime/ World's Greatest Destinations,” Big Sur is a beautiful and spiritual destination on California’s Central Coast. From magical beaches to mountains to majestic redwoods, Big Sur is an amazing coastal getaway for romantic retreats and playful vacations. Hike through scenic tree-lined valleys, climb high ridges for breathtaking vistas of the coastline, or stare into a massive wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest and rejuvenate your spirit. Explore hiking trails through redwood groves to towering waterfalls at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Enjoy hiking and horseback riding through wildflower meadows to the pristine beach at Andrew Molera State Park. Hike the scenic trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades onto the sandy beach. Visit the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and witness the California Condors and gray whales. Cross over Bixby Bridge, one of the highest single-span arch bridges in the world, for incredible sights of the Big Sur coast.  [Top]

California Polytechnic State University.

Located in San Luis Obispo, California, Cal Poly is a top ranked, four-year, comprehensive university with a "learn by doing" educational experience for 18,000+ students. Nestled in the foothills of San Luis Obispo, the prestigious California state university offers an innovative academic environment, hand-on learning and a diversity of enriching academic programs that combine technical and professional curricula with arts and humanities. Cal Poly offers 66 bachelor's, 29 master's, and one doctorate of education at 7 colleges - Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Architecture & Environmental Design, Business, Education, Engineering, Liberal Arts and Science & Mathematics. Cal Poly offers collegiate sporting events at Mott Gym (basketball, volleyball, wrestling), Mustang Stadium (soccer, football), Baggett Stadium (baseball), and Bob Janssen Field (softball). The Cal Poly Wine Festival in April at Santa Margarita Ranch highlights Central Coast wineries and restaurants. Visit www.calpoly.edu.

Edna Valley Wine Country.

Wander through the charming coastal vineyards and rolling hills of Edna Valley in the southern corner of San Luis Obispo County - bordered by San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, and Pismo Beach. With one of California’s longest growing seasons and a distinct Central Coast microclimate created by clay-rich soil and cooling Pacific winds, the fertile Edna Valley offers distinctive wines with complex flavors. While grape growing began with Spanish missionaries 200 years ago, new vineyards were planted in the early 1970s by Paragon and Chamisal Vineyards. Edna Valley is home to 3,000 acres of vineyards and 30 wineries with 17 tasting rooms. Visit the Jack Niven Hospitality Center at Edna Valley Vineyard and sample delicious Chardonnays with views of Islay Peak, an ancient volcanic plug that rose from the ocean. Raise a glass of Edna Valley’s flavorful Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rhône varietals - Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache and Syrah - heaven to your lips!   [Top]

San Luis Obispo Wineries.

San Luis Obispo is one of the crown jewels of the Central California Coast Wine Country. Nurtured by the mild Mediterranean climate and ocean breezes, the finest vineyards in the world thrive just south of the city. In San Luis Obispo, wine creates an uplifting experience that brings people together. Discover the wine culture at its purest: breathtaking, untarnished, and free of imitation and pretension. A relaxing drive through San Luis Obispo's revered wine country offers spectacular views of rugged hills, lush vineyards, crystal-blue skies and the most flavorful wines on the Central California Coast. Savor the wines and vines at charming San Luis Obsipo wineries

• Cerro Caliente Cellars - www.cerrocalientecellars.com - (805) 544-2842
• Claiborne & Churchill Winery - www.claibornechurchill.com - (805) 544-4066
• Domaine Alfred - www.domainealfred.com - (805) 541-9463
• Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards - www.kelseywine.com -  (805) 595-9700
• Salisbury Vineyards & Fine Art - www.salisburyvineyards.com - (805) 595-9463
• Shadow Canyon Cellars - www.shadowcanyon.com - (805) 781-0862
• Nipa Cellars - www.nipacellars.com - (805) 704-4920
• Opolo Vineyards and Winery - www.opolo.com
• Per Bacco Cellars - www.perbaccocellars.com - (805) 787-0485
• San Luis Obispo Vintners - www.slowine.com - (805) 541-5868
• Sextant Wines/ 10 Knots Cellars/ Windemere Wines - www.sextantwines.com - (805) 542-0133
• Tolosa Winery - www.tolosawinery - (805) 782-0500
• Baileyana & Tangent Wineries - www.baileyana-tangent.com - (805) 269-8200
• Edna Valley Winery - www.ednavalleyvineyard.com - (805) 544-5855  [Top]