San Luis Obispo Tour – Self-Guided Walk

Welcome to the San Luis Obispo Tour

Experience lush scenery, history, and laid-back vibes in this self-guided walking tour of San Luis Obispo. Visit the famed Repertory Theater. Hear the famed Bells of San Luis Obispo, and learn about the city’s origins as a Spanish mission! Hear stories about the city’s darker side, including murders and learn about the once-vibrant Chinatown. Plus discover how downtown served as the setting for some very well-known movies!

About the Tour

Your self-guided walking tour of San Luis Obispo begins next to the parking lot at 919 Palm Street. From there, you’ll pass the famed Repertory Theater, hear how it started with no budget and staff, and discover one of its most famous performers.

Next up, you’ll find out about the famed bells of San Luis Obispo and learn how they commemorated many events, including weddings, danger, and funerals.

As you keep walking, you’ll go back in time and hear about the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and get to know Father Junipo Serra. You’ll even hear how he got lost and ended up here unintentionally! Then you’ll hear more about the Spanish Period here. You’ll get stories about the broader mission system and El Camino Royal, as well as hearing how it all came to an end.

Your journey will take you over the Queenie Warden Bridge, where you’ll hear about its famed namesake, active in many civic causes. She was the first woman to run for mayor, back in 1917! As you keep strolling, uncork the secrets and maybe sample a glass of the city’s unique wine. The journey takes you next to bustling Mission Plaza with its statue of a grizzly bear. It’s a reminder that these mighty creatures once roamed free here! As you continue, you’ll come to the San Luis Obispo County Museum. Inside, you can find various photos highlighting the city’s growth. You can also trace the city’s history back with a timeline, going back to the Chumash.

Speaking of history, listen to accounts of the Mexican Rancho Period and how the Mexican government seized the resources the Spanish left behind. Then stroll into Bubblegum Alley, whose walls are covered in gum! Hear about the shenanigans that birthed this delightfully odd tradition. After that, you’ll get to visit the bustling Farmer’s Market. Here you’ll also uncover John Harford’s shrewd vision, which resulted in the growth of the railroad in San Luis Obispo!

More stories are up next, as you find out about the city’s dangerous past, complete with outlaws, hijackings, and murders! You’ll be spooked, hearing about one of the most infamous murders, led by the ruthless Jack Powers Gang. Then step back in time again and learn about the city’s old Chinatown, a once-thriving community that dwindled in the face of prejudice and pressure.

But that’s not all! You’ll also get to uncover the well-known movies that were shot in downtown and the surrounding areas, including Sandra Bullock’s Murder by Numbers and Cecil B. DeMille’s 1923 classic, The Ten Commandments.

The journey concludes just after your visit to the historic Fremont Theater, an Art Deco masterpiece that embodies glamor.