Our 10 favorite things to do in San Luis Obispo

1. Catch a movie at the Sunset Drive-In

Drive-in theaters are increasingly rare in America. Cozy up in the comforts of your vehicle and take advantage of San Luis Obispo’s Sunset Drive-In Theatre for some good old-fashioned movie-watching.

2. Hike to the top of Bishop Peak

Bishop Peak in San Luis Obispo features spectacular views and a challenging workout. The tallest of the Nine Sisters, representing the local volcanic peaks, Bishop Peak is a 1,546-foot, 20-million-year-old rock. The 3.5-mile round trip starts from a trailhead at Highland Drive. For a steeper climb, try the entrance off Foothill Boulevard.

3. Make your mark on Bubblegum Alley

Perhaps one of the most bizarre, disgusting or fascinating attractions of the city, depending on perspective, Bubblegum Alley is a wall adorned by chewing gum on the 700 block of Higuera Street in the heart of downtown. Visitors can enjoy making their mark, discovering messages and designs, or simply viewing the gum graffiti that has been featured in television shows, news programs and periodicals worldwide.

4. Shop for fresh produce at Farmers Market

The Farmers Market takes place every Thursday, barring rain or major holidays, downtown on Higuera Street from 6 to 9 p.m. Farmers offer a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Try a free sample and check out the variety of music and other entertainment that accompanies the multi-block row of vendors between Nipomo and Osos streets.

5. Dig into a tri-tip sandwich

Those looking for a bite have good options for tri-trip, whether it’s Firestone Grill, Old San Luis Barbecue Company, the Rib Line BBQ, F. McLintocks, Laguna Bar and Grill, or other venues of choice. Firestone is an established hangout for Cal Poly students and grads.

6. Take a break at Mission Plaza

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was built in 1772 by Father Junípero Serra. The historic building at 751 Palm St. is an architectural gem where visitors can attend Mass, take a tour, or stop in at the museum and gift shop. Its plaza also is the core of many popular city events — Concerts in the Plaza, the Jazz Festival, Dia de Los Muertos and the annual street painting festival, to name a few.

7. Enjoy a movie at the Fremont Theater

Catch a show or movie at the historic art-deco-style theater at 1035 Monterey St. It is among the last Streamline Moderne theaters, which emerged in the 1930s. The facility was built by architect S. Charles Lee and opened in 1942. It’s also a venue for the annual San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.

8. Eat cake or stay overnight at the Madonna Inn

Often one of the first attractions that catches people’s eye as they drive through San Luis Obispo is the Madonna Inn. It’s home to the popular pink champagne cake. You can stay overnight in one of the themed rooms, such as the Austrian Suite or Rock Bottom, or make a daytime visit to the restaurant for a steak or the dance floor to listen to live music multiple nights a week.

9. Relax beside San Luis Creek

San Luis Obispo Creek runs through the heart of downtown. Looking to stretch your legs after a meal at a nearby eatery or meditate on a rock, this spot offers natural beauty, especially after a rainy winter.

10. See a show at the Performing Arts Center

Located on the Cal Poly university campus, the Performing Arts Center offers state-of-the-art acoustics and multi-level seating to showcase a wide variety of music and other entertainment. Opened in 1996, it hosts well-known orchestras, bands, speakers, dancers and more.

This story was originally published October 11, 2017 at 5:52 PM with the headline "Our 10 favorite things to do in San Luis Obispo."