Downtown San Luis Obispo

Like all downtowns, San Luis offers its own variety of bars, restaurants, and local- and nationally-owned shopping destinations. In addition to these usual staples, it also offers its own unique landmarks.

Though the downtown area includes the adjacent blocks, Higuera is the main drag and is a ficus tree-lined street of red brick and Spanish-style buildings with only a few that are more than a few stories tall. Warping from tree roots gives the the sidewalks character and they are often spotted with leaves.

 

The traditional center of downtown and the most famous landmark of San Luis, the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, can be found at Monterey and Chorro, just a block north of Higuera. At this intersection, Monterey is blocked off to westbound traffic for a block and forms Mission Plaza, serving as both a venue for community events as well as a respite from the busy downtown.

Mission Plaza

The Mission was strategically constructed on the banks of the San Luis Obispo Creek, which in the past served as an important water source, but presently has a much more limited flow. There are walkways on both sides of the creek which are joined by two separate bridges.

Directly across from the Mission Plaza is the History Center of San Luis Obispo. Originally constructed as a Carnegie Library, it now serves as a tribute to both the Native American settlement of the region as well as the early pioneers. It was established as a result of a gift from the last surviving Dallidet family member (see below).

696 Monterey St

 

A few blocks east on Monterey is the Fremont Theater, a World War II-era building whose Streamline Moderne style makes it one of the most unique structures downtown. It now serves as part of a larger theater complex as well as a live music and film festival venue.

1035 Monterey St

 

About a fifteen minute walk from the downtown core is the Dallidet Adobe, a historic homestead that's over 150 years old. Constructed by French immigrant Pierre Dallidet, it was originally part of a much larger property that included the first commercial winery in the region. It's open seasonally from March to November, and you can walk to the gardens and even tour the inside of the adobe that retains most of its original furnishings.

1185 Pacific St

 

 

 

Within the same block on Pacific St is also located a peculiar looking office building known as the Kundert Medical Building. It owes its design to Frank Lloyd Wright and is one of only a handful of commercial buildings he created.

1106 Pacific St

 

The residential neighborhoods surrounding the commercial district downtown display a great deal of character with the styles varying from Spanish to Craftsman to Victorian.

Other notable curiosities downtown include Bubblegum Alley, the colorful hand-painted utility boxes, and the Ah Louis store.

733.5 Higuera St (Higuera between Broad and Garden)

 

800 Palm St

There's an abundance of points of interest in downtown San Luis, and the best part is that they are all within walking distance of each other.