Parks
36 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- Meadow Park0.5 mi from downtown
- Railroad Recreation Trail0.8 mi from downtown
- Laguna Lake Dog Park1.3 mi from downtown
On a budget
Free things to do in San Luis Obispo
5 kinds of free outings in and around San Luis Obispo.
Good days out in San Luis Obispo don’t have to cost anything. These ideas come from the city’s parks, libraries, historic landmarks and nearby public lands. For free concerts, markets and festivals this week, see the free events calendar.
Libraries
Borrow books, movies and museum passes, and join free programs.
- San Luis Obispo City-County Library995 Palm St.
Historic places
8 landmarks on the National Register, many easy to see on a walk.
- San Luis Obispo Carnegie LibraryBuilt 1905
- Myron Angel House
- Pacific Coast Railway Company Grain Warehouse
Hiking
Trails on public land; some areas charge a parking or day-use fee.
- Cerro Alto Campground11 mi north
- Navajo Flats Campground21 mi east
- Point Sal26 mi south
Wildlife viewing
Birding and nature watching on public land.
- Santa Margarita Lake10 mi northeast
- Cerro Alto Campground11 mi north
- Navajo Flats Campground21 mi east
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Things to do in San Luis Obispo
A local activity Short shared by roinwanderlust.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
BEST things to do in San Luis Obispo💛🚐
A local activity Short shared by Choose The Path You Take.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What are free things to do in San Luis Obispo?
Parks, Libraries, Historic places, Hiking, Wildlife viewing. City parks and libraries are free; some outdoor areas on federal land charge a parking or day-use fee, noted on each listing.
Are there free events in San Luis Obispo this weekend?
Check the free events calendar, updated daily from local organizations, libraries and the city.
Do I need a library card to use the library?
No card is needed to visit or attend most programs; a free card from the local library lets you borrow books, movies and often museum passes.