Picturesque San Luis Obispo is tucked in the foothills in rich California farmland and gently rolling hills shadowed by ancient volcanic peaks. The city of 45,000 is the county seat, and is home to California Polytechnic State University, historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a beautiful and vibrant tree-lined downtown, and the world famous Thursday Night Farmers' Market street fair.

Farmers Market    Plan on at least a day to explore downtown San Luis Obispo. The charming shopping district features many historic buildings housing a delightful array of stores - from fragrant shops featuring country merchandise to big city clothing stores offering up-to-the-minute styles. Downtown is also a lively meeting place, complete with outdoor cafes, movie theaters, and coffee houses.

   Thursday evenings, an open-air Farmers' Market fills up four blocks of Higuera Street where visitors & locals an buy just-picked produce and sample a variety of barbecued specialties from local restaurants. Arts & crafts booths offer unique merchandise and an ever-changing selection of entertainment is featured - from jugglers and mimes, to up-and-coming bands.

   If downtown is the heart of San Luis Obispo, then Mission Plaza is its soul. The beautifully landscaped plaza built around the Mission was once the center of the town, and to this day, continues to be a focal point for the community. Mission Plaza hosts significant events and festivals year-round - from holiday gatherings and winetasting events, to a festival honoring the art of sidewalk painting and a series of concerts paying homage to the classical musician, Mozart. San Luis Creek adds further ambiance to the site as it gently meanders through the Plaza, providing hours of entertainment for young children on a hot summer day or a quiet, solitary place for adult reflection. And, each Sunday, the Mission still welcomes parishioners who worship at the Catholic services.

   Visitors from all over the world are charmed by the small town atmosphere of San Luis Obispo, from the friendly people to the casual atmosphere. Once you experience it, you'll embrace the "SLO Life."
  

 

General Information

Performing Arts Center

  • The brand new $30 million facility on the Cal Poly Campus is a joint partnership between Cal Poly, the City of San Luis Obispo, and the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center, a private, non-profit organization. The striking facility boasts state-of-the-art acoustics, an impressive concert hall styled after a European opera house, and a total seating capacity of 1,350. A variety of professional performances are staged year-round.

    For a complete schedule and ticket information, call (805) 756-2787 or (888) 233-2787.

Thursday Night Farmers Market

  • Downtown on Higuera between Osos and Broad Streets A popular street fair taking up five city blocks, Thursday Night Farmers Market is held every Thursday night in downtown San Luis Obispo (except on Thanksgiving). Farmers Market features fresh produce and flower stands, arts and crafts booths, barbecued ribs and other scrumptious treats, as well as a variety of entertainment. Don't miss this San Luis Obispo tradition!

Average Daily Temperature
San Luis Obispo
Winter - cool days, cool nights, high 63, low 44
Spring - breezy days, cool nights, high 68, low 46
Summer - warm days, cool nights, high 76, low 52
Fall - Indian summer days, cool nights, high 75, low 49

San Luis Obispo Lodging

San Luis Obispo Restaurants