Higuera Street
Higuera Street is the lively heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, buzzing with shops, eateries, and the famous Thursday Farmers' Market.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Farmers Market buzz
Higuera Street
Best Time
Farmers Market buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Higuera Street is the lively heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, buzzing with shops, eateries, and the famous Thursday Farmers' Market.
"The heart of downtown SLO, Higuera Street offers a vibrant mix of local flavor, unique sights, and community spirit."
🎯 Thursday Market Must-Do
Arrive early for the Farmers Market on Higuera Street to beat the crowds and enjoy the best food options!
🍬 Bubblegum Alley Fun
Bring some gum to add to the colorful mosaic in Bubblegum Alley for a unique souvenir.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market
Higuera Street (Osos St to Nipomo St)
A vibrant Thursday night market with fresh produce, diverse food vendors, and live music. A true taste of SLO!
Bubblegum Alley
Off Higuera Street
A quirky, colorful alleyway famously adorned with chewed gum. A unique and slightly sticky photo opportunity.
Downtown SLO Shops & Eateries
Higuera Street
Explore a delightful mix of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants offering local flavors and unique finds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Thursday Night Buzz
Explore Beyond the Main Street
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Thursday Market Must-Do
Arrive early for the Farmers Market on Higuera Street to beat the crowds and enjoy the best food options!
🍬 Bubblegum Alley Fun
Bring some gum to add to the colorful mosaic in Bubblegum Alley for a unique souvenir.
🚶♀️ Stroll the SLO River Walk
Connect to the River Walk behind Higuera Street for a peaceful 4.4-mile paved path along the creek.
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
From Mediterranean delights at Petra to Turkish sweets at Lokum, Higuera Street offers a culinary adventure.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Thursday Market Must-Do
Arrive early for the Farmers Market on Higuera Street to beat the crowds and enjoy the best food options!
🍬 Bubblegum Alley Fun
Bring some gum to add to the colorful mosaic in Bubblegum Alley for a unique souvenir.
🚶♀️ Stroll the SLO River Walk
Connect to the River Walk behind Higuera Street for a peaceful 4.4-mile paved path along the creek.
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
From Mediterranean delights at Petra to Turkish sweets at Lokum, Higuera Street offers a culinary adventure.
🚗 Parking Tips
Street parking can be tricky; consider nearby garages or walking if staying downtown.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Higuera Street is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during the Thursday Farmers' Market, offering a fantastic array of food and local culture. Visitors appreciate the unique attractions like Bubblegum Alley and the diverse shopping and dining options. While parking can be a challenge, the overall experience is highly regarded as a quintessential downtown SLO experience.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Higuera Street is the main thoroughfare in downtown San Luis Obispo, easily accessible by car. If you're coming from out of town, San Luis Obispo Regional Airport (SBP) is the closest airport, about a 15-minute drive away. Public transportation options within SLO are limited, so driving or ride-sharing services are common.
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak times like the Thursday Farmers' Market. There are several parking garages downtown, including the Marsh Street Garage and the Downtown SLO Parking Garage. Street parking is also available but often has time limits.
Absolutely! Higuera Street is very walkable and is the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. Many shops, restaurants, and attractions are located along this vibrant street, making it ideal for exploring on foot.
Most of Higuera Street is accessible, with sidewalks and ramps. The SLO River Walk, accessible from behind Higuera Street, is also paved and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Walking is the best way to explore the immediate area around Higuera Street. For longer distances or if you're staying further out, consider ride-sharing services or the local bus system, though routes may be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Higuera Street itself is a public street and does not require tickets to access. However, individual shops, restaurants, or specific events held on the street may have their own admission fees or cover charges.
Higuera Street is always open as it's a public street. However, individual businesses along the street have their own operating hours, typically ranging from morning to late evening. The Farmers' Market runs on Thursday evenings.
Bubblegum Alley is a free, open-air attraction. There is no entrance fee to walk through the alley and experience its unique, gum-covered walls.
The most notable recurring event is the San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market every Thursday evening, which takes over several blocks of Higuera Street. Other community events and festivals may also occur throughout the year.
Higuera Street is accessible on holidays, but individual business hours may vary. It's always a good idea to check the specific hours of any shops or restaurants you plan to visit on a holiday.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the vibrant Thursday Farmers' Market for local food and entertainment, the quirky Bubblegum Alley for a unique photo op, and the diverse array of shops and restaurants that line the street.
Higuera Street offers a variety of shops, including boutiques, gift shops, candy stores like Rocket Fizz, and specialty stores. You can also find services like Quality Tinting and Signs.
Solo travelers can enjoy browsing the shops, sampling food at the Farmers' Market, exploring Bubblegum Alley, or taking a peaceful walk along the nearby SLO River Walk.
Downtown San Luis Obispo, including Higuera Street, is generally considered safe. However, as with any urban area, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
Go with an appetite! Sample the diverse food offerings, enjoy the live music, and browse the fresh produce. Arriving earlier in the evening can help you avoid the largest crowds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Higuera Street boasts a variety of dining options. Petra Mediterranean offers pizza and falafel, High Street Deli is known for its sandwiches, and Lokum Turkish Delight & Baklava provides authentic Turkish sweets.
The market features a wide array of food vendors, including Korean street food, Mexican street corn, raclette cheese sandwiches, and fresh seasonal fruits.
Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan choices. Petra Mediterranean has falafel, and the Farmers' Market often has diverse options catering to various dietary needs.
Trying authentic Turkish delights and baklava at Lokum, or exploring the global street food at the Thursday Farmers' Market are unique culinary adventures.
Yes, Higuera Street and the surrounding downtown area have several coffee shops and cafes where you can grab a drink and relax.
📸 📸 Photography
Bubblegum Alley is a must for its colorful, albeit sticky, visual appeal. The vibrant atmosphere of the Thursday Farmers' Market and the charming storefronts of downtown SLO also make for great photos.
Golden hour, just before sunset, can cast a beautiful warm light on the street and its architecture. The evening buzz of the Farmers' Market also offers dynamic photo opportunities.
Generally, there are no restrictions on photography on public streets like Higuera Street. However, always be respectful of private businesses and individuals when taking photos.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is excellent for capturing the vibrant colors of Bubblegum Alley and the lively Farmers' Market. A DSLR or mirrorless camera will offer more flexibility for capturing architectural details and wider street scenes.
Drone usage is typically regulated in urban areas. It's essential to check local ordinances and FAA regulations before flying a drone over Higuera Street or any part of San Luis Obispo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day to avoid the peak crowds of the evening market. Many of the shops along Higuera Street are also kid-friendly, with candy stores like Rocket Fizz offering a sweet treat.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
For a more relaxed experience, consider a stroll along the SLO River Walk, accessible from behind Higuera Street, offering a peaceful escape. Solo travelers can also find a variety of dining options, from quick bites to sit-down meals, making it easy to enjoy meals without feeling out of place.
🛍️ Shoppers & Foodies
Beyond the market, explore the permanent culinary offerings, including Mediterranean cuisine at Petra, classic deli sandwiches, and authentic Turkish sweets. Whether you're hunting for souvenirs or craving your next delicious meal, Higuera Street delivers a rich and satisfying experience for those who love to shop and eat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thursday Night Farmers' Market Experience
To make the most of your visit, it's recommended to arrive earlier in the evening, as the market can become quite crowded. This allows for easier navigation and a better chance to sample popular food items before they sell out. The market is not just about food; it's a true community gathering, offering a fantastic opportunity to experience the local culture and flavor of San Luis Obispo.
Exploring the Quirky Side: Bubblegum Alley
Visitors often participate by adding their own chewed gum to the walls, contributing to the ever-evolving artwork. It's a popular spot for photos, offering a distinctly quirky and memorable experience. While some may find it a bit gross, its sheer uniqueness makes it a must-see for those looking for something a little different. Be prepared for the visual impact and perhaps bring a piece of gum to leave your mark.
Higuera Street: A Culinary Journey
For those with a sweet tooth, Lokum Turkish Delight & Baklava provides an authentic experience with traditional Turkish confections and coffee. The Thursday Farmers' Market further expands the culinary landscape, featuring a rotating selection of food trucks and stalls serving global street food. This makes Higuera Street a fantastic place to embark on a gastronomic adventure, exploring different flavors and local specialties.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit