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.
Area and 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.
Attractions and Recreation
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 City Facts
| City | San Luis Obispo |
| State | California |
| County | San Luis Obispo County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Central Coast |
| Incorporated | February 16, 1856 |
| Founded | 1772 |
| Total Area | Approximately 13.3 sq mi (34.4 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 13.3 sq mi (34.4 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 233 ft (71 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 47,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 47,063 |
| Population Density | Approximately 3,500 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 93401, 93403, 93405, 93406, 93407, 93408, 93409 |
| Area Code | 805 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 101, State Route 1 |
| Public Transit | SLO Transit, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner |
| Major Attractions | Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Bubblegum Alley, California Polytechnic State University |
| Official Website | https://www.slocity.org/ |
Distance from San Luis Obispo, CA to Nearby Cities
- Pismo Beach, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
- Grover Beach, CA – 14 miles (23 km)
- Arroyo Grande, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Atascadero, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Morro Bay, CA – 14 miles (23 km)
- Los Osos, CA – 16 miles (26 km)
- Paso Robles, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Cambria, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- San Miguel, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
- Lompoc, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
- Santa Maria, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Buellton, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
- Solvang, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
- Santa Barbara, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
- King City, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
- Salinas, CA – 110 miles (177 km)
- Monterey, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
- Fresno, CA – 140 miles (225 km)
- San Jose, CA – 190 miles (306 km)
- Los Angeles, CA – 190 miles (306 km)
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