Old Town Historic District
Old Town San Luis Obispo is one of the most well-known towns in all of Southern California. For more than a century, Old Town has been an important focal point of the Southern California real estate scene. Founded in 1869, Old Town is one of the earliest built up areas in California and is one of its best-preserved historic areas. The rich history of this small historic town of California has earned it the title of being one of California's Oldest Natural Wonders.
Old Town sits on a peninsula that separates the Coastal Range on one side from the Coastal Pacific on the other. This unique area was one of the first planned towns in California, and as such, was designed around the needs of its planned inhabitants. The city was designed around the wishes of the people who settled there, including a planned school system, a municipal police force (the first in California), and a system for electric lighting.
Old Town sits between two large peninsula communities on the Southern California coastline: Torrey pines on the west, and San Diego on the east. The peninsula is home to a variety of California native species and a variety of exotic wildlife. Due to the inaccessibility of the Pacific Ocean, the city experiences some pretty fog most of the year. Luckily for travelers, the fog does not reach the historical core of the city.
Old Town is home to a variety of attractions. There are many hiking trails around the historic core, and an abundance of historic buildings and sights can be seen throughout city of San Luis Obispo, CA. Old Town is also home to many homes and historic buildings throughout the area. These buildings can range from Spanish homes to exquisite villas to rustic cabins.
In addition to the many cultural events, Old Town San Luis Obispo is home to a variety of shopping venues. This includes a variety of independent bookstores and galleries, many of which offer exhibits and lectures on various topics. Old Town is also home to one of the largest art centers in Southern California. The International Association of Art Exhibitions holds several prestigious events throughout the year.
The Old Town Square is a popular gathering place during the Christmas and New Year's Eve festivals. This area of Old Town is also known as Gaslamp District. Gaslamp District is filled with restaurants, hotels, and bars, and has one of the best food and music scenes in all of Southern California. During the daytime, one can enjoy the beautiful flowers that line the walkway to the Gaslamp District. Throughout the year there are many festivals in Old Town, including Orange County Strawberry Festival, San Diego Free Winter Festival, Annual Old Town Film Festival, and the San Jose Symphony.
