Where is San Luis Obispo, California Located in the United States? - San Luis Obispo is a city located in the San Luis Obispo County in California, United States. San Luis Obispo lies between 35.2828 Degrees North latitudes and -120.6596 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
About Map: The map shows the location of San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo County, in the U.S. state of California.
San Luis Obispo Map, California, USA
About San Luis Obispo Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California
San Luis Obispo is located in San Luis Obispo County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the central part of the state in the state of the United States along the Central Coast region between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The city was incorporated in 1856 and was named after the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa founded by Spanish missionaries in 1772, and it developed from a mission settlement into a regional cultural and educational center.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of San Luis Obispo is 47,063 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,600 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, San Luis Obispo covers a total area of approximately 13.9 square miles (about 36.0 square kilometers), including about 13.6 square miles (35.2 square kilometers) of land and 0.3 square miles (0.8 square kilometers) of water.
Location and Surroundings
San Luis Obispo is situated inland from the Pacific coast and surrounded by a series of volcanic hills known as the Nine Sisters. The city features historic neighborhoods, rolling hills, and nearby vineyards and coastal landscapes. U.S. Route 101 runs through the city, providing a major transportation route connecting San Luis Obispo to other communities along California’s Central Coast.
Top Attractions
San Luis Obispo offers historic landmarks, parks, and cultural attractions that support tourism and recreation. Popular destinations include Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Bubblegum Alley, and Bishop Peak Natural Reserve. The city is also home to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), contributing to higher education, research, and cultural life in the region.
Transportation
San Luis Obispo is served by U.S. Route 101 and nearby State Route 1, offering convenient highway access along the Central Coast and throughout California. Public transportation includes regional bus services and Amtrak rail connections linking the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, located approximately 4 miles to the south.
Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official San Luis Obispo City Website.
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San Luis Obispo, California Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| City | San Luis Obispo |
| County | San Luis Obispo County |
| State | California |
| State Capital | Sacramento |
| US Region | West |
| Latitude | 35.2828° N |
| Longitude | 120.6596° W |
| Elevation | 233 ft (71 m) |
| Land Area | 13.15 sq mi |
| Water Area | 0.00 sq mi |
| Total Area | 13.15 sq mi |
| Population (2020 Census) | 47,063 |
| Population Density | 3,579 per sq mi |
| ZIP Codes | 93401, 93405 |
| Area Code | 805 |
| Time Zone Standard | Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC−8 |
| Time Zone Daylight | Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC−7 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| FIPS Code | 06-68154 |
| Congressional District | California's 24th Congressional District |
Transportation and Connectivity in San Luis Obispo, California
| Transportation Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport |
| IATA Code | SBP |
| Port | Port San Luis |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 101, State Route 1, State Route 227 |
| Train Service | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight service |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and SLO Transit |
- U.S. Highway 101: Main north-south highway connecting San Luis Obispo with Santa Barbara, Monterey, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
- State Route 1: Provides access along California’s scenic Central Coast.
- Amtrak Coast Starlight: Provides passenger rail service connecting major West Coast cities.
- San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport: Provides commercial air service for the Central Coast region.
Top Places to Visit in San Luis Obispo, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa | Historic Mission |
| Bishop Peak | Mountain Hiking Area |
| Downtown San Luis Obispo | Historic Downtown District |
| San Luis Obispo Museum of Art | Art Museum |
| Bubblegum Alley | Historic Local Attraction |
| Poly Canyon | Natural Recreation Area |
| California Polytechnic State University Campus | University Landmark |
| Laguna Lake Park | Community Park and Nature Area |
| Irish Hills Natural Reserve | Open Space and Hiking Area |
| Avila Beach | Coastal Recreation Area |
Driving Distances from San Luis Obispo, California to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pismo Beach | California | 12 mi | 15 minutes |
| Morro Bay | California | 14 mi | 20 minutes |
| Santa Maria | California | 35 mi | 45 minutes |
| Santa Barbara | California | 90 mi | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Monterey | California | 140 mi | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Fresno | California | 145 mi | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Los Angeles | California | 190 mi | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| San Jose | California | 210 mi | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| San Francisco | California | 230 mi | 4 hours |
| San Diego | California | 280 mi | 4 hours 45 minutes |
Colleges and Universities Near San Luis Obispo, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo | Public | University | Engineering, architecture, agriculture, business, and applied sciences |
| Cuesta College | Public | Community College | Career education, technical programs, and transfer studies |
| California State University, Monterey Bay | Public | University | Marine science, education, business, and environmental studies |
| Allan Hancock College | Public | Community College | Workforce training, technology, arts, and academic programs |
| San Luis Coastal Unified School District | Public | K–12 District | Primary and secondary education |
Waterbodies Near San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo Creek, Laguna Lake, Pacific Ocean, Morro Bay, and nearby coastal waterways throughout San Luis Obispo County.
Golf Courses Near San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo Country Club, Dairy Creek Golf Course, Avila Beach Golf Resort, Cypress Ridge Golf Course, and Morro Bay Golf Course.
San Luis Obispo, California — Key Historical Facts
- The San Luis Obispo area was originally inhabited by the Chumash and Salinan Native American peoples.
- Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was founded in 1772 by Spanish missionaries and became the center of early settlement.
- The city developed through agriculture, ranching, education, and tourism along California’s Central Coast.
- San Luis Obispo was incorporated as a city in 1856 and became one of California’s oldest communities.
- Today, San Luis Obispo is known for its historic downtown, university community, nearby beaches, wineries, and outdoor recreation.
Stadiums and Sports Facilities Near San Luis Obispo
| Facility Name | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Alex G. Spanos Stadium | College Football Stadium | San Luis Obispo, California |
| Mott Athletics Center | College Sports Arena | San Luis Obispo, California |
| San Luis Obispo High School Sports Facilities | High School Sports Facility | San Luis Obispo, California |
| French Hospital Medical Center Sports Complex | Community Recreation Facility | San Luis Obispo, California |
| Mission Prep Sports Facilities | High School Sports Facility | San Luis Obispo, California |
References
- City of San Luis Obispo Official Website
- San Luis Obispo County Government
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Visit California Tourism
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
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