The 10 Best Free Things to do in San Luis Obispo, California (CA)

May 19, 2022 Nicolette Lion

Halfway between San Francisco and L.A., San Luis Obispo can be a relaxing getaway or a buzz of activity. For serenity, pack a lunch and head to one of dozens of wineries or take a drive to the beach for a leisurely swim. For a dose of history, visit the heart of the city at the beautiful Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Kids will love the Children’s Museum or Skate Park. Be sure to stroll along the creek downtown, where there are breweries, wine bars, restaurants and shopping for all tastes.
Restaurants in San Luis Obispo

1. Boo Boo Records

978 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3205 +1 805-541-0657 http://booboorecords.com
Excellent
86%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Boo Boo Records

2. Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum

801 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-2641 +1 805-543-1763 http://www.vetmuseum.org
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum

3. Highway 1 Discovery Route

Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, CA +1 805-547-2243 http://highway1discoveryroute.com
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 156 reviews

Highway 1 Discovery Route

Roam this 101-mile stretch of Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) where you'll find 10 uncrowded beaches, 12 state parks, Hearst Castle, three bountiful wine regions, farm-to-table cuisine, and unique wildlife habitats. Wherever you roam along the Highway 1 Discovery Route, you will find the best of Highway 1!

Reviewed By D4283UWwendyh

This is a wonderful road that for many mikes is along the Pacific coast. Do not use it as a freeway, it is not. Great scenic drive with lots to see and do along the way. Most is one lane in each direction, but the scenery is not something that you will want to speed past.

4. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

751 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3521 +1 805-781-8220 http://www.missionsanluisobispo.org/
Excellent
50%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 680 reviews

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Founded on September 1, 1772, this is considered one of the most beautiful missions in California and still serves as an active church in the community.

Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States

It is a Spanish mission founded in 1772 by Father Junípero Serra in San Luis Obispo, California. Named after Saint Louis of Anjou, the bishop of Toulouse, the mission is the namesake of San Luis Obispo. It offers tours of the beautiful church, gardens, school and small museum that holds a collection of its artifacts. It is open to the public every day of the year. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting this place, when in the area.

5. Poly Canyon Loop

San Luis Obispo, CA
Excellent
45%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

Poly Canyon Loop

Eight-mile running trail lined with plants, flowers, and cows.

6. Valencia Peak Trail

San Luis Obispo, CA
Excellent
69%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Valencia Peak Trail

Hiking trail that ends with a spectacular view of the whole Central Coast.

7. Farmers Market

Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA http://www.slocountyfarmers.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 350 reviews

Farmers Market

Every Thursday night through out the year, the city hosts a delightful outdoor market/festival where local farmers sell the freshest fruits, vegetables and produce while local musicians and performers entertain the crowds.

Reviewed By russellsr2018 - Santa Barbara, United States

Love the farmers’ market in SLO. It’s a street party every week! Be sure to check it out if you’re in the area.

8. Cerro San Luis

Fernando Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Excellent
60%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Cerro San Luis

Located in the center of the city this peak rises more than 1,292 feet and is marked by a big "M", for Mission School, etched in its side. Once privately owned, the city eventually acquired 75 acres around the base of the mountain which is now open to the public for hiking, biking and sightseeing.

9. Mission Plaza

San Luis Obispo, CA
Excellent
48%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Mission Plaza

Two-block area of downtown serves as the community's cultural and social center complemented with great shopping, outdoor and indoor dining and nightlife.

Reviewed By SanFranciscoTRVLR - San Francisco, United States

This is a nice plaza with the Mission on one side and the creek on the other-- makes a nice focal point for downtown SLO

10. Bishop Peak

Patricia Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 +1 805-781-7248
Excellent
65%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 237 reviews

Bishop Peak

Named because it resembles a bishop's hat, the highest peak of the Morros range is heavily used by hikers and bicyclists. The climb to the top will take anywhere from one to two hours depending on your fitness level.

Reviewed By SimonG103

2 hours round trip for our family for great views and meeting friendly hikers helping each other up the (optional) rocks at the summit. Not an easy hike but we saw small kids doing well and lots of dogs. The view Is great all the way up and it’s well work the work. No bathrooms so take care of business before.

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