Page 17 - SLO Visitors Guide Summer 2024

slovisitorsguide.com SUMMER 2024 17
The city of San Luis Obispo has
much to see and do. It is the seat
of county government, a popular
dining and shopping destination and
a traditional college town reflecting
eclectic choices in art, entertainment,
food and activities.
Attractions
The San Luis Obispo de
Tolosa Mission
The San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
mission is one of the best known
historical sites in town. Founded by
Father Junipero Serra in September
1772, the mission was the fifth of
the California missions and named
after Saint Louis, Bishop of Toulouse,
France. For information about tours
and the gardens or attending mass
visit missionsanluisobispo.org.
Historical buildings
Other historical buildings, many
featuring unique architecture,
include the Sinsheimer store with
an iron front built in 1884 at 849
Monterey St., the Jack House at 536
Marsh Street, which was built in
1875, the State Historical Landmark
Dallidet Adobe at 1185 Pacific St
and the 1884 Ah Louis Store at 800
Palm St, originally a supply station
for the Chinese laborers who built
the railroad tunnels through the
mountains of the Cuesta Grade.
The Madonna Inn, known world-
wide for its elegant and quirky décor,
has been a stop for visitors since first
built in 1958. The inn, restaurant and
over 100 rooms occupy 1000 acres of
scenic Central Coast land.
The historic Carnegie Library
on Monterey Street is home to the
History Center of San Luis Obispo.
Built in 1905, the library is one
in a chain of over 1600 libraries
funded by the United States by
Scottish-American businessman and
philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
The SLO Carnegie Museum is one
of three still standing and in use on
the Central Coast. The other two are
located in Lompoc and Paso Robles.
San Luis Obispo Botanical
Gardens
Gardeners and outdoor
enthusiasts are not left out. The San
Luis Obispo Botanical gardens, on
Highway 1 near Dairy Creek Road
is the only garden in the United
States exclusively featuring plants
and ecosystems from the five
Mediterranean climates in the world.
The design includes miles of paved
trails and shady resting spots and a
variety of other activities.
Hiking and cycling
The city’s Parks and Recreation
Department operates several parks
that span 7000 acres of breathtaking
views and hiking trails. Visit the
website for the City of San Luis
Obispo for park maps details about
the ease or difficulty of the trails.
There are many things to discover around SLO
The city has over 75 miles of bike
paths and what better way for cycling
enthusiasts to enjoy a vacation. San
Luis Obispo was designated a Bicycle
Friendly Community by the League
of American Bicyclists in 2007. Visit
bikeslocounty.org for cycling maps
for the City of San Luis Obispo, wine
trails and other locations in San Luis
Obispo County.
Attractions & Tours
Be Hoppy Tours & Tastings
Take a tour that will tantalize your taste
buds! Cruise along in a pub-styled
limo bus to the best craft beverage
destinations in San Luis Obispo
county. Great party idea for birthdays,
anniversaries, family reunions,
bachelor/bachelorette celebrations.
Beer-Wine-Distilleries-Cider Fun Starts
Here! BeHoppyTours.com,
866.BE.HOPPY
Ride-On Transportation
Ride-On Transportation has been
transporting guests to weddings,
wine tours, corporate outings, and to
San Luis Obispo Airport and Amtrak
stations on the Central Coast for over
30 years. Call for a free quote today
and ride with them to your next event.
Ride-on.org, (805) 541-8747.
San Luis Obispo Wind
Orchestra
Discover the magic of the SLO Winds!
Distinguished from traditional
orchestras by a focus on wind and
percussion, they offer a mesmerizing
experience with a 45-member
ensemble. It's the pinnacle of artistic
excellence, showcasing the finest
repertoire for wind bands. Tickets at
SLOwinds.org or call (805) 464-7804
Sidecar Tours Inc.
The World's First and Only Tandem
Sidecar Experience. We combine the
freedom of the open road with a
one-of-a-kind thrilling adventure.
sidecartoursinc.com, (951) 840-0178
SLO Olive
San Luis Obispo's only olive oil tasting
room. Award winning, locally sourced
olive oils, Italian Balsamic vinegar's and
artisan specialty foods. Come in for a
complimentary tasting experience.
958 Higuera St., sloolive.com,
(805) 439-2455
Dining & Drinks
Louisa’s Place
Voted the county’s “Best Breakfast”
over 15 times. Open every day from
6am-3pm. Serving up a huge selection
of classic breakfast and lunch items
as well as vegetarian, gluten free
and vegan options. We’ll see you
there! Located at 964 Higuera St. in
Downtown SLO, louisasplace.com,
(805) 541-0227
San
Luis
Obispo