Things to Do in Downtown San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is a refreshing city on the Central Coast of California. It's part of San Luis Obispo County and is a college town with students attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. While there, you'll probably walk around downtown SLO and its tree-lined streets. But what else can you do there?
There are a few things to do in downtown San Luis Obispo before you leave the area!
Bubblegum Alley
This novel stop is a must-see while roaming around downtown San Luis Obispo. You can stay briefly at Bubblegum Alley. In fact, it's a swift stop. If you have kids or teens, it's a fun activity to chew your gum and carefully place it on the wall. It's lined with old black, dusty gum, and newer colorful pieces.
Downtown San Luis Obispo Restaurants
You'll find many restaurants in the area based on your preference. Mistura Restaurant brings contemporary Peruvian cuisine to the table with a range of interesting flavors. Mistura has both indoor and outdoor seating and prioritizes locally sourced meat, poultry, and fish.
Thursday Night Farmers Market
Locals often recommend attending the Thursday Downtown SLO Thursday Farmers' Market Higuera Street while visiting the area. Obviously, this is only possible if you're there during that time. You can find it on Higuera Street starting Thursday at 6 PM in Downtown San Luis Obispo, California. Over 100 vendors gather to sell food, produce, art, and more. It's a fun family activity and a great way to people-watch.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Walk around Mission Plaza or visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
View art at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, or SLOMA. The art museum is located on the west end of Mission Plaza at 1010 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, California 93401. SLOMA has various exhibitions and events.
Jack House & Gardens
This historic building is a two-story Victorian home where you can get a guided tour of the inside and the garden. Check ahead to confirm the tour date and time. Located at 536 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Boutiques and Shopping
There are many small businesses and boutiques that you should explore while in the downtown area. You'll find a record shop (Boo Boo Records Inc 978 Monterey St), an eco-friendly kids shop, a book store, gift shops with lots of knick-knacks, and more.
Parking
Most of the nearby parking in downtown SLO is paid parking. If you're okay to walk, you'll find some spots further away. I recommend driving around the area to get the lay of the land before committing to a parking spot. There isn't a lot of traffic on the average day, so you'll find a paid spot quickly.
Depending on what you like to do, there's a lot to appreciate in downtown SLO. You can dine on delicious cuisines, explore the area, walk around the streets and mission, and enjoy a good view. If you're not sure what to do, head over to the San Luis Obispo Visitor Center to get some insights.
Beaches
Although not in downtown San Luis Obispo itself, there are beaches and bays in the surrounding areas of Avila Beach, Morro Beach, and Pismo Beach.
Hotels and Where to Stay
There are a couple options in the downtown partition of SLO, but more choices if you can be a mile or more away. Hotel San Luis Obispo and Granada Hotel & Bistro are right in the heart of downtown. Apple Farm is further down the road but it's quiet and has quaint amenities like fresh cookies each day or a small wine tasting. Of course, there are options further away as well. But you're still close to town.
Is San Luis Obispo a walkable city?
Yes and no. The downtown centre area is pretty concentrated so you can walk a lot of it, but you'll definitely want access to a car or transportation to get any further than that.
While there are several things to do in downtown San Luis Obispo, the best one is to just stroll about and enjoy your experience.
Irvine Spectrum Center: Shops, Ferris Wheel, Hours, Parking, and More
Irvine Spectrum Center has shopping, dining, and plenty of outdoor walking space. The parking garages are free, so you don't have to pay for a spot. This mall is great for all ages with its range of shops, entertainment, and food.
Irvine Spectrum Center Address: 670 Spectrum Center Dr. Irvine, CA 92618
Phone number: (949) 790-4871
Dining and Restaurants
Irvine Spectrum Center in Orange County has restaurants with full-service dining, fast food, and other places to grab a bite. These include BRIO Italian Grille, The Cheesecake Factory, Dave & Busters, Habana, Javier's Cantina & Grill, P.F. Chang's, Silverlake Ramen, and other sit-down eateries.
If you prefer to eat someplace quicker, there are a lot of options. Head to Luna Grill, The Melt, Panda Express, Pieology Pizza, Sweetgreen, or other casual food spots. There are also quick eats like Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Cold Stone Creamery, Hello Kitty Cafe, Sprinkles Cupcakes, and more. Learn more about the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine, CA at Irvine Spectrum.
Shops
Find retailers for men, women, kids, and beyond. This includes Brandy Melville, Claire's, Cotton On, Foot Locker, H&M, Hot Topic, Nordstrom, Old Navy, MINISO, Quicksilver, Target, and more. You'll find accessories and clothes that suit your style.
Family Bathrooms
The Irvine Spectrum Center is very family-friendly, not only because it's a mall with plenty of outdoor spaces and things to look at, but because they have an entire family restaurant. You can breastfeed in a private space on a chair with a curtain. There are private bathrooms with changing tables, a small sink, and a small toilet for littles.
Ferris Wheel
See the world up high on the Irvine Spectrum Center Ferris wheel, also known as the Giant Wheel. It's unique to experience at a mall, that's for sure.
They have other attractions and entertainment, too. Irvine Spectrum Center has a carousel, Spectrum Climber, which is a climbing sculpture. There are many outdoor chairs and spaces where you can stop and enjoy the view or nice weather.
Spend the whole day at Irvine Spectrum Center. Start out by walking around to get the lay of the land, then head to the Giant Wheel, shop, and grab a bite to eat.
Hours
This may vary by the store or restaurant.
Shops Sun - Thurs 10am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 10am - 10pm
Attractions Sun - Thurs 10am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 10am - 10pm
Quick-Service Restaurants Sun - Thurs 11am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 11am - 10pm
Full-Service Restaurants Sun - Thurs 11am - 10pm, Fri - Sat 11am - 11pm
Irvine Spectrum Center is family-friendly for all ages. It's a fun place to spend the day walking around, ordering food, shopping, and being outside. Just park and enjoy your time there. There's a lot to do in the Irvine and Orange County area.
Summer Bucket List Ideas: 100+ Things to Do in the Summer
There are many fun things to do in the summer, whether you stay home or venture somewhere fresh. The important thing is to write down a summer bucket list so you can make sure you're making the most of your time. This way, you can look at the list to see what you still need to do and can plan around it. This is a great idea for families that want to keep the kids entertained.
Not everything has to be expensive, like a trip to Disneyland. You can do free and affordable things like having picnics at local parks or regular outdoor activities like playing kickball or soccer with family. Or you can buy exciting experiences like science kits.
There are plenty of summer activities and fun ideas to keep you busy all season long. Summer break doesn't have to be dull or filled solely with scrolling TikTok or watching movies all day long. Family members of all ages can enjoy fun activities together.
Summer Bucket List Ideas - 100 things to do in the summer
- Keep a list of the best things you did during the summer
- Host an outdoor movie night using a laptop or projector
- Take a bike ride around the neighborhood
- Go to an outdoor concert
- Go get ice cream
- Take a cooking class to learn how to make something new
- Go for a swim
- Take the whole family to a local park
- Go bird watching
- Spend all day outside (100+ Things to Do Outside)
- Play a new podcast
- Organize a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt with your friends
- Sign up for a yoga class
- Go rock climbing
- See if you can spot lightning bugs outside
- Spend the day at a water park as a way to cool off
- Walk around the mall and window shop
- Visit a local playground
- Draw with sidewalk chalk
- Play hide and seek
- Drive to a different street to go on a walk
- Have the kids create puppets
- Have a puppet show
- Take a walk or stroll around the neighborhood
- Go to a drive in movie
- Listen to an audiobook
- Invite a couple friends or family members over for a potluck or BBQ
- Play kickball
- Play tennis
- Play volleyball or beach volleyball
- Host a sleepover (100+ Things to Do at a Sleepover)
- Go on a fishing trip
- Try to learn a new language, whether you learn on an app, books, or videos
- Eat hot dogs
- Go on a hot air balloon ride
- Take one photo a day to create an album of your summer
- Schedule a helicopter tour
- Try doing a science experiment- there are science kits online for kids of different ages
- Have a bonfire
- Looking into tutoring to learn a subject or be a tutor and teach something you're good at
- Make paper airplanes and see which one goes that furthest
- Fly a kite - you can find different kites online for different ages
- Make a lemonade stand in your front yard
- Go to a flea market
- Watch videos and try to learn a new skill
- Build a sandcastle
- Run through the sprinklers on a hot day
- Spend the day at a nearby city
- Play frisbee
- Write in a journal (100+ Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery)
- Visit your local botanical garden or nature preserve
- Complete a puzzle - like a wildflower puzzle or something with a design you like
- Make a snow cone
- Spend time at your local library and check out a couple of books to read for the summer
- Go to the beach, lake, or body of water close to you
- Find somewhere dark to star gaze
- Have a movie marathon - especially if they are movies about summer
- Start planting a garden
- Go for a scenic drive
- Take a pottery class
- Start a DIY project like making body scrub
- Build a sandcastle
- Create a summer bucket list of everything you want to do, see, make, read, or accomplish - have the entire family create their own bucket list
- Go to an art museum or gallery
- Visit a landmark near you
- Make homemade popsicles with fruit or fruit juice
- Make cotton candy
- Roast marshmallows for s'mores - make the process even easier with a s'mores kit
- Sign up for a class and try to make new friends
- Attend a summer camp
- Go camping
- Visit a petting zoo or animal sanctuary
- Invite friends over (100+ Fun Things to Do at Home with Friends)
- Sit in a hammock
- Write and send someone a physical letter in the mail
- Host a game night with family or friends
- Go ice skating
- Go to a rollerskating rink
- Cook a new recipe - look online or through cookbooks for inspiration on what to make
- Go on a hike
- Volunteer someplace like your local library or animal rescue
- Pick strawberries at a local you-pick farm
- Make a time capsule of your summer - get a time capsule kit or make it yourself
- Make ice cream from scratch and include your favorite add-ins
- Take a dance class
- Create an obstacle course in your yard
- Watch a sunset
- Watch a sunrise
- Ride a Ferris wheel
- Build your own bird feeder
- Go to a miniature golf course
- Visit an amusement park or a theme park
- Bake homemade pizza (just be sure to buy the ingredients ahead of time and plan out your toppings)
- Stay cool by tossing water balloons - try reusable water balloons
- Check online to find a cafe or someplace that has live music
- Head to your local farmers market for fresh summer produce
- Take a road trip (can be just a day trip or longer)
- Sit outside at one of the nearby parks and cloud watch
- Go to a garage sale
- Spend quality time with your besties or family
Fun Ideas to Create Your Own Summer Bucket List
These summer bucket list ideas should keep you entertained. Write down your own list based on things you want to do the most. Aim for a list of 20 things to do, which gives you time to complete without feeling overwhelmed. After all, it is summer and sometimes you just want to sleep in and watch 5 seasons of your favorite show. There's nothing wrong with taking it slow during the summer months. But if you're feeling adventurous you can make your fun summer list as long as you want. Many creative ways exist to have a fun summer and cross things off each person's bucket list.
Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine, CA at Irvine Spectrum
Located at the Irvine Spectrum, the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine is a small spot with Hello Kitty merchandise, handmade hot and iced beverages, cakes, donuts, other sweet treats, and seasonal goodies.
The Hello Kitty Grand Cafe offers merch like t-shirts, tote bags, pins, keychains, and more. It's quite small, and there is a queue to order food. There is no indoor seating. Reservations are required for the Bow Room afternoon tea with seating. There are tables and chairs outside for mall patrons to use. The treats are packaged in Hello Kitty boxes or packaging for you to take with you.
![]() |
Hello Kitty Grand Cafe interior |
Drinks and Treats
You can expect mini donuts like cinnamon sugar, rainbow, and cookies and cream. Desserts are limited in quantity. The Hello Kitty Cafe has birthday cake, strawberry cake, chocolate cake, mama's apple pie, mixed berry pocket pie, macaron set, freshly baked cookies, and other sweets. They also have the seasonal strawberry tart, blueberry pocket pie, and rainbow mini donuts.
If you want something cold, they have pineapple and vanilla Dole soft serve. The Hello Kitty Cafe has iced drinks like teas (green or black), lemonades, blended drinks, espresso drinks, and strawberry milk. Even if you don't go for the tea service, you can still make a quick stop to soothe your sweet tooth. Get a couple of little cakes or donuts before you leave the Irvine Spectrum.
![]() |
Supercute menu at Hello Kitty Cafe |
Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine Address
Located at the Irvine Spectrum at 860 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, California 92618. It's near the Giant Wheel Court. Park for free at the mall and then walk to the store. Depending on the day and time you arrive, parking might be hard to find, so I recommend just going to the parking structure. There's a lot more parking there.
![]() |
Hello Kitty Cafe Irvine sign |
Hello Kitty Cafe Irvine Hours
Monday - Thursday 10 am - 9 pm
Friday - Sunday 10 am-10 pm
Afternoon Tea Hours
Wednesday - Friday 11 am - 2:30 pm (last seating)
Saturday & Sunday 10 am - 3:30 pm (last seating)
Afternoon tea at the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe starts at $60 per person. The expanded menu has savory foods like the pesto tart, salmon croissant, and cucumber sandwich with dill cream cheese served on milk bread. It also serves sweet options like strawberries and cocoa cream, seasonal scone, Hello Kitty mini cake, and more. This is a cute spot to come with a Hello Kitty-loving friend for a fun afternoon tea service and a sweet experience.
Cocktail Service
Wednesday - Saturday 5 pm - 9:30 pm (last seating)
Hello Kitty Grand Cafe also has a cocktail menu featuring items like the Kitty Colada with rum, pineapple soft serve, and coconut or the Bee Kind with gin, vermouth, lemon, lavender honey, and ginger.
![]() |
Bow Room at Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine |
Bow Room
The Hello Kitty Cafe's chic pink Bow Room has a bar area, tables, and chairs. This is a separate space inside of the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe where you can dine with a reservation.
You should check out the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe at the Irvine Spectrum if you or someone you know is a Helloy Kitty fan. Making reservations to experience the afternoon tea service and ensure its availability. It is something kids will never forget for a birthday celebration or special occasion. You can also pick up Hello Kitty Cafe merchandise if you want to take a souvenir home that you can wear.
Take videos and enjoy the moment.