Bubblegum Alley San Luis Obispo
A bizarre and colorful alleyway in San Luis Obispo, completely covered in chewed gum, offering a unique visual and sensory experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Bubblegum Alley San Luis Obispo
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bizarre and colorful alleyway in San Luis Obispo, completely covered in chewed gum, offering a unique visual and sensory experience.
"It's wild. It's weird. It's wonderfully wacky. Bubblegum Alley isn't just a wall, it's a full-on sensory experience."
Bring Hand Sanitizer! :hand_sanitizer:
You'll want it after touching anything or adding your gum. Gloves are also a good idea!
Buy Gum Nearby :candy:
Gum dispensers are often available nearby, making it easy to contribute to the alley's unique art.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gum Walls
The entire alley
A vibrant, sticky tapestry of chewed gum in every color imaginable, creating a truly unique visual spectacle.
Adding Your Own Mark
Near gum dispensers
Participate in the tradition by adding your own chewed gum to the ever-evolving, colorful artwork.
Quirky Photo Opportunities
Various sections of the alley
Capture unique and memorable photos against the backdrop of this bizarre, yet fascinating, living art installation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Grossness
Quick Stop, Big Impact
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Hand Sanitizer! :hand_sanitizer:
You'll want it after touching anything or adding your gum. Gloves are also a good idea!
Buy Gum Nearby :candy:
Gum dispensers are often available nearby, making it easy to contribute to the alley's unique art.
Watch Your Step :athletic_shoe:
The ground can be sticky and uneven, so wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of where you're walking.
It's a Quick Visit :stopwatch:
Most visitors spend only 5-15 minutes here. It's a quirky stop, not a full-day attraction.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Hand Sanitizer! :hand_sanitizer:
You'll want it after touching anything or adding your gum. Gloves are also a good idea!
Buy Gum Nearby :candy:
Gum dispensers are often available nearby, making it easy to contribute to the alley's unique art.
Watch Your Step :athletic_shoe:
The ground can be sticky and uneven, so wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of where you're walking.
It's a Quick Visit :stopwatch:
Most visitors spend only 5-15 minutes here. It's a quirky stop, not a full-day attraction.
Embrace the Weirdness :sparkles:
It's gross, it's sticky, but it's also a unique piece of San Luis Obispo's charm. Enjoy the spectacle!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bubblegum Alley is a polarizing but undeniably unique attraction. Visitors often describe it as 'gross' yet 'fascinating,' a 'sticky spectacle' that's a must-see for its sheer oddity. While some find it unappealing, many appreciate its quirky charm and the opportunity for memorable photos and participation.
"Anyone who gives Gum Alley a bad review because it’s “gross” or “stinky” needs to remember what this place is. It’s an alley of gum. It’s a cumulation of blotches of gum people have chewed up in their mouths and stuck onto dirty building walls, eroded, faded, and melded together by the forces of nature. Of course it’s going to be a bit nasty.
Even still, I give this place a measly 3 stars because it’s really only interesting for 5 minutes or less before you want to move on to something else. Just a silly landmark. 3/5."
Hana Estalilla
"Such a fun place to visit!
Watch for it or you'll walk right past it. 😄🫧"
J R
"Even though our travel companions from the UK displayed emotions ranging from gobsmacked to troubled to sickened, my wife & I had a 5-Star memorable time examining the Alley Art & contributing our own simple chews."
JMC STL
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bubblegum Alley is located in downtown San Luis Obispo, California, specifically on Higuera Street between Chorro and Osos Streets. It's often described as being near the Frog and Peach Pub.
The alley is easily accessible on foot in downtown SLO. If you're driving, look for parking garages or street parking in the downtown area. It's a popular spot for a quick stop while exploring the city.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available in downtown San Luis Obispo. The closest parking structures are typically the Downtown SLO Parking Garage and the Marsh Street Parking Garage.
Absolutely! Bubblegum Alley is centrally located in downtown San Luis Obispo, making it easy to walk to from shops, restaurants, and other points of interest.
The alley itself is narrow and can be sticky, which might make it challenging for strollers or wheelchairs. It's best to assess the conditions upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bubblegum Alley is a public space and does not require an entrance ticket. It's free to visit and explore.
Bubblegum Alley is an outdoor public alley, so it's accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and photo opportunities.
There is no admission fee to visit Bubblegum Alley. It's a free, quirky attraction in downtown San Luis Obispo.
Yes, contributing your own chewed gum is part of the tradition! You can often purchase gum from nearby machines or bring your own.
While the primary 'art' is chewed gum, visitors are encouraged to stick to gum. Please be respectful of the space and avoid leaving other trash.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Daylight hours offer the best lighting to capture the vibrant colors of the gum. Mid-morning or late afternoon can provide softer light and potentially fewer crowds.
Be prepared for a distinct, sweet, and sometimes pungent smell of chewing gum. Some visitors find it off-putting, while others find it part of the unique experience.
Children often find Bubblegum Alley fascinating and enjoy adding their own gum. However, supervise them closely due to the sticky surfaces and potential for unpleasant smells.
The origins are debated, but it's believed to have started in the 1950s or 1970s, possibly as a prank or rivalry between students. It has since evolved into a unique, unofficial landmark.
Most visitors spend between 5 to 15 minutes at Bubblegum Alley. It's a quick stop for photos and to experience its quirky nature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Bubblegum Alley is located in downtown San Luis Obispo, which has a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs. You'll find many dining options within walking distance.
Yes, there are often vending machines selling gum located near the alley, or you can purchase gum from nearby convenience stores and shops.
No, Bubblegum Alley is strictly an art installation made of gum. There are no food vendors within the alley itself.
Downtown San Luis Obispo offers diverse dining, from casual cafes and pizza places to more upscale restaurants and pubs.
While you can technically eat in the alley, it's not recommended due to the sticky environment and the smell. It's best to enjoy your food at a nearby restaurant or cafe.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider buying gum from a nearby machine for them to add. It's a fun way to engage them in the experience. While it might not be the most educational stop, it's certainly one of the most unusual and talked-about places they'll encounter.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Visit during daylight hours for the best natural light. Golden hour can create a beautiful shimmer on the gum. Be mindful of other visitors and try to capture the essence of the alley without being intrusive. The 'gross' factor can also be played up for humorous or edgy content.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Plan for about 15-30 minutes to park, walk through the alley, take photos, and perhaps add your own contribution. It's a memorable and quirky experience that breaks up a long drive and provides a unique story to tell.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sticky Origins and Evolution
+1Over the decades, Bubblegum Alley has become an unofficial landmark in San Luis Obispo. Despite occasional clean-up efforts, the gum art persists, with visitors from around the world adding their own colorful contributions. It's a testament to spontaneous, community-driven art, where every piece of gum tells a small story. The alley is approximately 70 feet long and 15 feet high, showcasing a massive accumulation of this unique 'art form'.
+1Today, Bubblegum Alley is a popular stop for tourists seeking quirky and memorable experiences. It's a place that sparks conversation, often eliciting reactions ranging from fascination to mild disgust. The ever-evolving nature of the gum wall means that no two visits are exactly alike, making it a dynamic and unusual attraction.
Experiencing Bubblegum Alley: Sights, Smells, and Sensations
+1The smell is perhaps the most debated aspect of Bubblegum Alley. It's a distinct, sweet aroma of chewed gum, which some find overwhelming or unpleasant, while others describe it as part of the alley's charm. Some visitors have noted that adding mint gum can help mask other odors.
For many, the act of contributing to the alley is a highlight. Vending machines often dispense gum nearby, allowing visitors to participate in this quirky tradition. It's a chance to leave your own small mark on this unusual landmark, making your visit even more memorable.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit