California’s colorful Spanish mission heritage lives on in San Luis Obispo County. Two missions are located in the county – San Luis Obispo is home to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the fifth in a chain of Franciscan stations. The Mission church is unusual in its design in that its combination of belfry and vestibule is found nowhere else among the California missions.
North of Paso Robles is Mission San Miguel Archangel, the 16th mission. Mission San Miguel Arcangel’s appearance is much the same as it was when founded. The inside of the mission has never been repainted. The pictures and the colors you see are the originals that were created and painted by Indian artesans under the direction of Esteban Munras. Today it is still a parish church. Across from the mission is the Rios Caledonia Adobe Museum, a century-old inn and stage stop along the Mission Trail.
San Luis Obispo’s Dallidet Adobe is designated as a State Historical Monument and was the first commercial winery on the Central Coast. It is said that in 1886 there were about 7,200 vines that produced 3,300 gallons of wine. Today the property features a variety of original trees and shrubs in an enchanting Mediterranean garden.
The Dana Adobe, located in Nipomo, is the oldest residence in the county and also a State Historical Landmark.
An additional commemoration of our rich history, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail spans Arizona and California and travels through nineteen counties, including San Luis Obispo. The trail highlights the 1775 expedition of some 200 volunteer colonists who chose to start a new life and trek from Mexico to the harbor of San Francisco. Bautista’s expedition not only found a safe passage, but established friendly relations with Native Americans along the way. The trail remained a crucial link to California throughout the Spanish colonization. Visitors can experience the historic portion of the trail that runs through the county.
Find Activities
Priority Listings
Jack House & Gardens
Historic living museum of Victorian home ca. 1880 with many original furnishings. The Jack House and Gardens are located in the heart of San Luis Obispo, within walking distance… more >>
Standard Listings
Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos (D.A.N.A.)
State Historical Landmark. Oldest residence in SLO County. Open Sundays 12-4 & by appointment. Free. more >>
Estrella Warbird Museum
Military aircraft, memorabilia and artifacts museum. Meeting site. Special events. Open Saturday 10 am to 4 pm & Sunday noon to 3 pm. Groups 10 or more Mon thru Thurs by appointment. more >>
Hearst Castle Theater
The Hearst Casle Theater is a GIANT SCREEN theater showing the interpretive film, "Hearst Castle: Building the Dream", as the companion film to the EXPERIENCE TOUR at Hearst… more >>
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Enjoy the beauty and history of our Mission, located on Mission Plaza in the heart of the city of San Luis Obispo. more >>
Mission San Miguel Arcangel
Enjoy the beauty and history of our Mission, located just off of Highway 101, north of Paso Robles. Interior indefinitely closed to all visitors. more >>
Museum of Natural History
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Phone: (805) 772-2694
Fax: (805) 772-7129
Visit Website
A great family adventure! 26 interactive exhibits for all ages. Exhibits cover local habitats & conservation. Open daily 10-5, except Thanksgiving, XMAS, New Year's. Low Admission… more >>
North County Historical Co-op
Promoting the historical sites in northern SLO County. Includes: Atascadero Historical Society, Camp Roberts Historical Society, Estrella Warbird Museum, Paso Robles Historical… more >>
Rios - Caledonia Adobe
Old inn & stage coach stop - next to Mission San Miguel - awaits discovery by the history buff. Gift shop. Open 10-4 Fri-Sat-Sun. Organization also maintains Estrella Adobe Chruch.… more >>
San Luis Obispo Children's Museum
21 indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits that challenge children to learn while having fun. Museum store and birthday parties. more >>
San Luis Obispo County Historical Museum
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 543-0638
Fax: (805) 781-2919
Visit Website
County history museum in original Carnegie library, next to Mission San Luis Obispo. Also owns Dallidet Adobe & Gardens. Open Wed. - Sun. 10-4PM. Gift and books available. more >>
South County Historical Society
Visit our complex of historical buildings & collections near downtown Arroyo Grande. Open Sat 12-3, Sun 1-4. Victorian Gazebo available for weddings. more >>
