San Luis Obispo Creek Park

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The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden on Dairy Road just off Highway 1 is definitely a work in progress.  If you are in the area, however, there is a charming park along a creek in the heart of downtown historic San Luis Obispo, planted with a mix of Mediterranean and native Californian plants.

Two important historical sites are adjacent to the park:  The San Luis Obispo Mission and the San Luis Obispo Historical Society museum. Shops and art galleries line nearby streets. Altogether it makes a lovely place to stop on a trip between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

san luis obispo creek park
Purple Agapanthus, sycamores and colorful sculpture line the southern end of the path down to the San Luis Obispo creek park.
san luis obispo creek downtown
On a hot July day the creek is low enough that children can skip across it on flat boulders.  During the rainy season, the creek is a torrent. Outdoor cafes line the west side.
san luis obispo mission and fountain
The fountain in front of the San Luis Obispo Mission shows two California bears with a native child–a romantic image from decades ago. The Mission is a parish church and services are held in it daily
san luis obispo historical society
While many small town museums are dull, the San Luis Obispo Historical Society museum contains very interesting revolving exhibitions about the area.  No charge for entry.

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