Looking for true SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) gems? Check out these things to do in Downtown San Luis Obispo. Home to some of the City of San Luis Obispo’s most treasured neighborhoods, incredible restaurants and all kinds of shopping - there are never ending possibilities of things to do, see, taste or discover in downtown! 

If you’ve visited SLO CAL before, there's a good chance you’ve spent time in Downtown San Luis Obispo. Maybe you came for the Thursday Night Farmers Market or to add a piece of gum to the famous Bubblegum Wall. While these popular attractions are absolutely worth checking out, we’ve curated a list of insider spots we want to share with you. Here’s a locals guide of things to do in Downtown San Luis Obispo! 

Dine in Downtown

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Meter of pizza from Meter Monday at Flour House in Downtown San Luis Obispo

Whatever you’re craving, you will find it in Downtown San Luis Obispo! From barbecue to sushi to Greek food, the culinary options are as diverse as they are delicious. The restaurants in Downtown San Luis Obispo are celebrated by locals for their variety and quality.  

If you’re looking for outdoor ambiance and a delicious assortment of global cuisine, Novo is your place! Situated right above San Luis Obispo creek, it's a real local gem. If you're craving a good slice of pizza and a craft beer, head to Woodstocks Pizza. Voted best pizza restaurant in San Luis Obispo for 36 years in a row, they’ve really got the pizza thing down! Try one of their unique pizzas, like the “Kickin' Carnitas” or “Pesto Primavera,” and sip one of their 24 beers on tap.

The restaurants in Downtown San Luis Obispo also feature a nice list of weekly specials, like Meter Monday at Flour House, where you can order their amazing pizza by the meter, or Taco Tuesday at Luna Red, where 10 (incredible) tacos will only set you back $28! Be sure to ask your server about specials when you dine at a restaurant in Downtown San Luis Obispo.

📍 Novo: 726 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

📍 Flour House: 690 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Check Out The Local Shops

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woman shopping at Maven Leather in Cayucos

Downtown San Luis Obispo is home to a variety of unique, locally owned shops, each offering an exclusive good or service. We highly recommend hitting the streets and exploring Downtown San Luis Obispo’s shopping scene. Grab an awesome photo print or piece of art at Buen Dia, pick up a unique gift at Blackwater, try different tea flavors from The Secret Garden Herb Shop or discover the perfect vintage find at Thrifty Beaches. 

Shop local, like a local! Be sure to chat with the local business owners if you have any questions. Who knows, you might hear about the next spot to add to your itinerary or make a new friend.

📍 Buen Dia: 790 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

📍 Blackwater: 705 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

📍 The Secret Garden Herb Shop: 740 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

📍 Thrifty Beaches: 1019 Broad St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Try an Activity

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Exterior of Palm Theater in San Luis Obspo

If you have trouble sitting still - don’t worry, Downtown San Luis Obispo is perfect for the active and adventurous. Visit BA Start, where you can sip on some SLO Cider (available on tap) and play a game of pool or an arcade game. You can also go axe throwing at Battle Axe, take a pottery class at Anam-Cre Pottery or catch a show at the Fremont Theatre! The activity options are endless in Downtown San Luis Obispo. 

For the movie fanatic, Downtown San Luis Obispo offers a variety of theaters to choose from. Downtown Centre Cinema, located beneath the streets of San Luis Obispo, offers awesome reclining seats and all the current movies. Don’t worry, although it’s underground it’s not hard to find - just look for the entrance on Marsh Street. For a less traditional movie experience, visit Palm Theater in the Chinatown district; They have an interesting historical background and often feature documentaries and smaller indie films. 

📍 Battle Axe: 691 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

📍 Palm Theatre: 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Exploring in Downtown

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Exterior of Mee Heng Low Noodle House in San Luis ObispoDowntown San Luis Obispo has so much to explore - and you can do it all on foot! Wander around the Chinatown district, where you can stop by the historic Ah Louis Store, which was built in 1885, or grab some delicious chop suey at Mee Heng Low Noodle House, which has served San Luis Obispo for 95 years!

There's tons of other historical landmarks in Downtown as well. Check out the iconic Mission Plaza, home to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the birthplace of the City that dates back to 1772. You can also see the Anderson Hotel, once a luxury destination for Hollywood's elite, or visit the Historic Center of SLO County, a former library rich with local history. Just take to the streets and look around, theres so much to see in Downtown San Luis Obispo. 

📍 Mee Heng Low: 815 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

📍 Mission Plaza: 939 Chorro StreetSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Experience The Art of San Luis Obispo

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Exterior of San Luis Obispo Museum of Art covered in muralsIf you’re into art, you're in luck. SLO CAL is home to an impressive amount of talented artists, many of which showcase their work in Downtown San Luis Obispo. For a classic gallery tour, visit SLO Gallery, Hands Gallery or the SLOMA (San Luis Obispo Museum of Modern Art). They all feature amazing pieces from local artists and make for a delightful way to spend an afternoon. Keep an eye out for art that emulates SLO CAL; Many artists draw their inspiration from the natural beauty of our region. 

If you'd prefer to spend your day outdoors and under the sun, you don't have to miss out on the Downtown San Luis Obispo art scene. You can also follow along with local street art in Downtown San Luis Obispo using the SLO CAL Mural Trail! Don't forget to snap a picture in front of your favorite mural, it makes for a great digital souvenir!  

📍 SLO Gallery: 1023 Broad St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

📍 Hands Gallery: 777 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

📍 SLOMA: 1010 Broad St, San Luis Obispo, CA 9340

More Downtowns in SLO CAL

Things to do in Downtown San Luis Obispo are endless, from shopping and dining to exploring historical spots and doing fun activities. We definitely recommend taking your time to explore the streets, try all the food and drinks and really experience everything it has to offer. Downtown San Luis Obispo is such a happening SLO CAL destination - even locals are still discovering new things to do! Don’t miss out on all the fun and be sure to add these spots to your San Luis Obispo itinerary. 

Getting around SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) is easy. You can travel between all the different communities within minutes. Looking for more Downtown adventures outside of San Luis Obispo? Check out our other recommendations below!