SLO’s Mission Plaza makes top-10 list of best public squares in U.S. Here’s where it ranked
Mission Plaza is the crown jewel of San Luis Obispo’s downtown.
At the plaza, folks can rest on the lawn outside of the Mission founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1772 or rock out at the city’s free concert series in the summer. In the winter, children can meet Santa Claus at the plaza’s Holiday Market, and they can enjoy a number of art and light displays year-round.
Now, USA Today readers have ranked Mission Plaza as the fifth best public square to visit in the United States, according to a news release from tourism group Visit San Luis Obispo.
“With grassy lawns, a roomy plaza with seating and a fountain, it’s a great place to chill and enjoy one of the many special events hosted here throughout the year,” USA Today wrote.
An expert panel nominated 20 public squares for the reader’s choice awards, and the public voted for their favorite 10 destinations, according to the news release.
The results of USA Today’s 10Best reader’s choice awards for the public square contest were released on Friday.
The top ten winners include:
- Campus Martius in Detroit, Michigan
- Centerway Square in Corning, New York
- Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, Vermont
- Decatur Square in Decatur, Georgia
- Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo
- Santa Fe Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Fountain Square in Cincinnati, Ohio
- Mallory Square in Key West, Florida
- Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Wright Square in Savannah, Georgia
This story was originally published February 20, 2023 at 11:51 AM.
