Say “cheese” to the SLO Life! San Luis Obispo’s most beautiful landmarks are some of the most memorable. Share a piece of small-town Central Coast (and big-time charm) with a little help from our 10 favorite photo spots around the city.
SLO Irresistible Mural
Big, bright and everything SLO, Higuera Street’s most colorful mural has welcomed visitors to San Luis Obispo since 2018. It’s easily accessible from the Creamery Marketplace, a sweet destination for dining and shopping, so be sure to swing by and take a photo with this Canned Pineapple Co original.
Mission Plaza
The heart of downtown SLO, Mission Plaza, is home to a handful of must-see gems: Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, music and art pop-ups and plenty of seasonal decorations. You never know what you’ll stumble across–depending on the time of year, you might catch a live concert, a parade, or even Santa Claus, so keep your camera ready!
SLO Botanical Garden
Home to native Mediterranean climate plants and flowers, the SLO Botanical Garden offers a fresh backdrop for family photos. This kid-friendly destination regularly serves as a venue for special events, including weddings and other celebrations, so check with garden staff before you start snapping away. You can expect lots of fresh air, beautiful flora and plenty of colorful photo ops–maybe even a few with local wildlife, like birds and butterflies.
Fremont Theater
Built in 1941, SLO’s Fremont Theater is a retro, art deco-style building that transforms into a pastel-neon beacon by night, drawing locals and visitors alike for movie nights and live performances. You don’t have to wear a poodle skirt or leather jacket, like the theater’s patrons did in its heyday, but we certainly won’t discourage you.
Cal Poly
Must you be a Mustang to enjoy a visit to Cal Poly? Neigh, we think not–but you just might find yourself “Riding High” right along with the students, staff and alums once you’re there. The campus is full of beauty–some natural, some student-made, especially in the Design Village–that serves as the ideal backdrop for selfies and ‘stang souvenir shots. (Maybe even with Musty, the school mascot.)
Terrace Hill Open Space
You don’t have to hustle for this view. Clocking in at just 0.8 miles, SLO’s Terrace Hill Open Space is one of our most welcoming hikes. Treat yourself to sweeping views of San Luis Obispo and snap golden hour photos when the setting sun makes everything glow. Toward spring, you might be lucky enough to see the wildflowers bloom all over the nearby rolling hills–the perfect backdrop for picnics and photoshoots.
SLO Coast Wine Country
SLO vineyards are without a doubt some of the most beautiful places on the Central Coast: rolling green hills, blue skies and oh SLO charming wineries. Let vintners like Chamisal, Edna Valley, Tolosa and others set the stage for romantic photoshoots, friend group shots and sunny family greetings. (And of course, don’t forget to enjoy a glass of wine while you’re there.)
Railroad District
The Railroad District is one of SLO’s nine unique neighborhoods and a favorite with history buffs. The construction of the railway station–and the surrounding railways–brought industry, ideas and new residents to San Luis Obispo in the early 1900s. Admire the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture-style depot, originally constructed by the Southern Pacific Railroad, and don’t skip snapping a souvenir photo with the historic Railroad Museum’s boxcars, cabooses and locomotives.
SLO Chinatown
Not much remains of the once-thriving district Chinese immigrants called home beginning in 1874, when they arrived to work on the Central Coast railroad. But SLO’s former Chinatown still boasts a handful of historic landmarks: the Ah Louis Store, Mee Heng Low restaurant and the colorful Love and Double Joy letters by artist Peter Ladochy. Dress up in red (a lucky color in Chinese culture) and snap a photo well ahead of the Lunar New Year in January.
Bubblegum Alley
You didn’t think we’d forget SLO’s most famous (or infamous) social media destination, did you? This quirky and colorful alley is the final resting place of hundreds of thousands of pieces of chewing gum. Don’t forget to leave your own before you snap that selfie.
Golden hour? Engagement announcement? Holiday card? Show off your best shots with #ShareSLO and spread Central Coast holiday cheer this December!