Mill Street Historic District

The City of San Luis Obispo, in California's Central Valley, is a vibrant community full of small towns, vineyards, wineries and world-class restaurants. It is also home to the San Luis Obispo Historical Society and the San Luis Obispo County Historical Society. Mill Street is one of those places you just have to visit - it's so funky, it should be the New York City of the West Coast. What's more, it's about 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. If you love shopping, food and wine, you will love this place.

This district is very proud of its rich Spanish history and in fact it is still making many of the buildings that were damaged during the Spanish-American War still standing to this day. You can find beautiful narrow streets with past century structures, old brick streets, boutiques and unique shops. This area is popular for its clothing boutiques as well as antiques and specialty stores. Of course shopping is not the only thing that this historic area offers.

In addition to its clothing stores, there are museums such as the San Luis Obispo of California Historical Society, the City of San Luis Obispo's Spanish American War Museum, the Galt Park Historical Society and one of the largest collections of Chinese art ever assembled in the United States. There are many parks in this historical district as well including a state park. The San Luis Obispo High School History Team is one of the most active clubs in town with a number of field trips and workshops designed to introduce students to this interesting history.

The most important area to focus on when visiting this region is definitely the Historic District. It includes a wide variety of buildings and areas ranging from an early twenty-five hundred house built by Merchants in the mid nineteenth century to the present. Most tourists are intrigued by the Gaslamp Quarter, but you might also enjoy visiting the Santa Fe Depot, the old Court House, the Alhambra Palace and many others. Additionally you will see the Science and Environmental Control Building, the William Heath Davis House, the Alton Towers Hotel, the Alameda Point Lighthouse and many others.

Other interesting sites to investigate while visiting this historic district are the historic Gaslamp Quarter downtown and the Alton Towers Hotel. These hotels were among the first constructed in California and as such offer excellent views of the city. The Gaslamp Quarter is particularly interesting due to its numerous gas lamps which burn throughout the day. The Quarter was designed by renowned architect Oscar De La Renta. Other sites include the San Pablo Pier and Presidio Park, which is home to the famed Presidio Park Theater.

In order to truly experience the unique beauty of San Francisco's Historic District, you should do some research before touring the region. However, if you're well versed in urban travel and architecture then the tours and trips offered will be very appealing to you. This historic district is one that offers a great deal to those who are willing to explore its history. You'll be able to appreciate many of the architectural wonders while enjoying the beautiful natural scenery.