Experience the best of late summer in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy pleasant temperatures, beautiful scenery, and plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation in our downtown neighborhood.
From boutiques to board games, downtown SLO’s indie shop scene is home to dozens of businesses specializing in Californian Central Coast culture. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Arts, Crafts & Gifts
Making SLO
San Luis Obispo’s creative spirit is alive and well at Making SLO, a curated shop gathering locally made crafts, home goods and souvenirs that reflect the Central Coast’s charm. Support local artisans and bring home a little piece of SLO for someone you love. (Or treat yourself, of course.)
Buen Dia
Buen Dia Art Studio is more than just a place to shop–it’s a place to be inspired. SLO’s cozy haven for art lovers and creatives alike houses original work, prints and handmade goods by local artists. Its warm, laid-back marketplace makes it perfect for browsing…or just soaking it all in.
HumanKind Fair Trade
As a non-profit retail store, HumanKind operates with a distinctive business model. It is their mission to support artisans in developing countries by providing them with fair income through the sale of their Fair Trade products while sharing their stories with the SLO community.
Idlewild Floral Co.
Nature becomes art at Idlewild. This SLO floral studio takes a modern approach to arrangement design, guaranteeing oohs and ahhs upon delivery. Choose from signature bouquets made with perfectly dried blooms and other unique creations that require no water and no maintenance.
Blackwater
Mother-daughter-owned Blackwater perfectly blends bohemian style with contemporary trends. Offering an eclectic mix of clothing, accessories and home goods, Blackwater caters to visitors who crave a different kind of shopping experience–one curated to artfully discerning tastes.
Vintage & Boutiques
EcoBambino
Sustainability is the name of the game at EcoBambino, a children’s boutique specializing in eco-friendly toys, clothing and baby essentials. Each product is carefully selected for environmental impact, as well as safety and design quality, for guilt-free shopping every time.
Thrifty Beaches
Step back in time at Thrifty Beaches, specializing in handpicked vintage clothing and accessories. Love retro styles? Hungry for sustainable fashion? Just feeling nostalgic? Look no further: each pre-loved item comes with a story you’ll add onto for years to come. They will soon have a new HQ on Higuera Street.
Junk Girls
Old meets new meets one-of-a-kind design genius at Junk Girls, specializing in repurposed, upcycled and vintage finds. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure here: Junk Girls is known for creative flair, turning discarded items into beautiful, functional pieces.
Sandbox Kids
A whimsical children’s boutique by Wildflower Women, Sandbox Kids offers a curated collection of European-inspired fashion. From the enchanting Mayoral brand to the adventurous Splendid and Bella Dahl Kids lines, find pieces that celebrate a child’s individuality and imagination.
Wildflower
Catering to women, Wildflower Woman Boutique is one of SLO’s most popular family shopping spots. With its thoughtfully curated selection, the store is a go-to for modern, on-trend pieces that are both fashionable and functional.
Books, Music & Games
Boo Boo Records
Boo Boo Records has remained a cornerstone of the San Luis Obispo community for decades. This indie record store carries a huge selection of vinyl, CDs and music memorabilia fit for serious collectors and hobbyists alike. Discover new music and connect with fellow enthusiasts!
Phoenix Books
Lose yourself for hours, discover new reads and revisit old favorites at Phoenix Books: a cozy indie bookstore offering a curated selection of new and used tomes across all genres. Book lovers will appreciate the warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration and slow browsing.
Cheap Thrills
Cheap Thrills is a music lover’s paradise. Locally famous for its enormous, colorful vinyl collection, this record shop has something to suit every music aficionado, from classic rock to obscure indie bands. Looking for something hard to find? Ask the staff–they’re happy to share their knowledge.
Captain Nemo Comics & Games
Captain Nemo Comics & Games is the ultimate destination for comic book enthusiasts and gamers. Seasoned fans and newbies alike will appreciate the sheer diversity of comics, graphic novels and tabletop games (plus regular community events, where you can meet and chat with fellow geeks).