Higuera Street - Image 1
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Higuera Street

4.6
·491k reviews·San Luis Obispo, United States

Higuera Street is the lively heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, buzzing with shops, eateries, and the famous Thursday Farmers' Market.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursday evenings

Farmers Market buzz

CrowdHigh
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Higuera Street - Image 1

Higuera Street

Best Time

Thursday evenings

Farmers Market buzz

CrowdHigh
Highlights

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.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The heart of downtown SLO, Higuera Street offers a vibrant mix of local flavor, unique sights, and community spirit."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market

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

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

Downtown SLO Shops & Eateries

Higuera Street

Explore a delightful mix of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants offering local flavors and unique finds.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Thursday Night Buzz

Don't miss the San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market on Higuera Street every Thursday evening. It's a vibrant hub for local produce, delicious food, and live entertainment, drawing significant crowds. Arrive early to navigate the bustling atmosphere and snag the best eats.

Explore Beyond the Main Street

While Higuera Street is the heart of downtown SLO, venture into its charming side streets and alleys. Discover unique shops, hidden eateries, and the quirky Bubblegum Alley for a more intimate exploration of this lively area.

Best Times

When
Thursday evenings
Why
Farmers Market buzz
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍HIGH STREET DELI @highstreetdeli 350 High St. San Luis Obispo, California 🥪Dutch Punch $13 🥒Picklewhich $13 📍BUBBLEGUM ALLEY 733 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, California 📍ROCKET FIZZ CANDY STORE 699 Higuera St San Luis Obispo, CA 📍MIKE THOMPSON’S RV @mikethompsonrv Santa Fe Springs, Colton, Fountain Valley, Cathedral City It’s time to get out and get dirty, Toyhauler RV season is offic...
@grubwithgreg
2.3K likes • 52.9K views

🎯 Thursday Market Must-Do

Arrive early for the Farmers Market on Higuera Street to beat the crowds and enjoy the best food options! Instagram+2

🍬 Bubblegum Alley Fun

Bring some gum to add to the colorful mosaic in Bubblegum Alley for a unique souvenir. TikTokInstagram

Romance is written in the glow of the setting sun… The 120-year old barn at Higuera Ranch captures the true spirit of the Central Coast, where cowboy boots meet golden sunsets in the rolling San Luis Obispo foothills. With western elegance and epic views, our luxury ranch wedding venue offers couples a timeless celebration under the vibrant evening sky! #WesternWeddingVibes #SunsetAtTheRanch #Cent...
@higuera.ranch
1.2K likes • 12.8K views
When they hold a FREE TINT outside of the tint shop Ava’s submission for the Quality viral video contest📈 Quality Tinting and Signs is your go-to shop on South Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo, CA — specializing in top-tier tinting, custom signage, and paint protection film (PPF) 📸: @aldenphillipz
qualitytintingandsigns
6.1K likes • 547.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the SLO River Walk

Connect to the River Walk behind Higuera Street for a peaceful 4.4-mile paved path along the creek. Instagram

🍽️ Diverse Dining Options

From Mediterranean delights at Petra to Turkish sweets at Lokum, Higuera Street offers a culinary adventure. TikTokInstagram

Join us this Thursday on Higuera Street for San Luis Obispo’s signature event. 🧡🌽 Featured this week: 🇰🇷 japchae, kimbap, & more Korean street foods from @seoulfood.kitchen 🌽 Mexican street corn from @californiasweetroastedcorn 🍑 peaches, plums, & more fruits from @rockingchairfarms 🧀 raclette cheese sandwiches from @slo_meltdown 🌰 gluten-free granola from @marysallnatural 🎵 live music from ...
downtownslofarmersmarket
116 likes • 4.7K views

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! Instagram+2

🍬 Bubblegum Alley Fun

Bring some gum to add to the colorful mosaic in Bubblegum Alley for a unique souvenir. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the SLO River Walk

Connect to the River Walk behind Higuera Street for a peaceful 4.4-mile paved path along the creek. Instagram

🍽️ Diverse Dining Options

From Mediterranean delights at Petra to Turkish sweets at Lokum, Higuera Street offers a culinary adventure. TikTokInstagram

🚗 Parking Tips

Street parking can be tricky; consider nearby garages or walking if staying downtown. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Vibrant Farmers' Market
Unique Bubblegum Alley
Diverse shops and food

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+2

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokInstagram+2

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. TikTokInstagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+2

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTokInstagram+1

The market features a wide array of food vendors, including Korean street food, Mexican street corn, raclette cheese sandwiches, and fresh seasonal fruits. Instagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram

Trying authentic Turkish delights and baklava at Lokum, or exploring the global street food at the Thursday Farmers' Market are unique culinary adventures. Instagram+1

Yes, Higuera Street and the surrounding downtown area have several coffee shops and cafes where you can grab a drink and relax. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Higuera Street offers family-friendly fun, especially during the Thursday Farmers' Market, where kids can enjoy diverse food options and a lively atmosphere. Instagram+1 Bubblegum Alley provides a quirky, albeit sticky, point of interest that kids often find fascinating. The nearby SLO River Walk offers a safe and paved path for strollers and little legs to explore along the creek. Instagram

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. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Higuera Street is an excellent destination for solo travelers looking to explore downtown San Luis Obispo. The walkable nature of the street makes it easy to discover shops and eateries at your own pace. Reddit The Thursday Farmers' Market is a great place to mingle, sample local foods, and enjoy live entertainment. Instagram+1 Don't miss the unique experience of Bubblegum Alley for a memorable solo photo opportunity. Instagram

For a more relaxed experience, consider a stroll along the SLO River Walk, accessible from behind Higuera Street, offering a peaceful escape. Instagram 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. Reddit

🛍️ Shoppers & Foodies

Higuera Street is a paradise for shoppers and foodies alike. The street is lined with a diverse range of boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores, offering unique finds and local crafts. Instagram The Thursday Farmers' Market is a highlight, boasting an abundance of fresh produce, artisanal products, and an incredible selection of food vendors serving up everything from international street food to local delicacies. Instagram+1

Beyond the market, explore the permanent culinary offerings, including Mediterranean cuisine at Petra, classic deli sandwiches, and authentic Turkish sweets. TikTokInstagram 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. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thursday Night Farmers' Market Experience

Every Thursday evening, Higuera Street transforms into a lively hub for the San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market. Spanning several blocks between Osos Street and Nipomo Street, this event is a cornerstone of the community's social calendar. Visitors can expect a dazzling array of fresh, locally sourced produce, artisanal goods, and an incredible variety of food vendors offering everything from Korean street food to gourmet grilled cheese. Live music often fills the air, creating a festive and energetic atmosphere that draws locals and tourists alike. Instagram+2

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. Instagram+1

Exploring the Quirky Side: Bubblegum Alley

Tucked away just off Higuera Street, Bubblegum Alley is one of San Luis Obispo's most unique and talked-about attractions. This narrow alleyway is famously covered from floor to ceiling with discarded chewing gum, creating a bizarre and colorful mosaic. While its origins are somewhat unclear, the tradition of adding gum has persisted for years, making it a peculiar landmark. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

Higuera Street: A Culinary Journey

Higuera Street is a vibrant culinary destination, offering a diverse range of dining experiences that cater to various tastes. From casual delis to international cuisine, there's something for everyone. High Street Deli, located on Higuera Street, is a local favorite for its hearty sandwiches, while Petra Mediterranean offers a taste of the Mediterranean with pizzas and falafel. TikTok+1

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. Instagram+2

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