The Central Coast of California is a slice of paradise where rolling green hills meet ocean waves, and small-town charm walks hand-in-hand with larger-than-life culture. In the heart of the Central Coast, San Luis Obispo (SLO), is a warm and welcoming town brimming with things to do, see, taste, and discover.
The San Luis Obispo Amtrak Station is a fantastic starting point for all of your SLO adventures! Step off the train (after a cozy and scenic ride, of course) and into the area’s rich history, colorful art, and local flavors.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about riding the train to San Luis Obispo, including nearby things to do, station information, local transit options, and more!
Things to Do Near the San Luis Obispo Train Station
Explore the Railroad District
SLO’s train station is located in the heart of— wouldn’t you know it— the city’s Railroad District! This beloved neighborhood is steeped in history, offering a fascinating glimpse into SLO’s legacy of railroading and transportation. Right outside the station is the Iron Road Pioneers Sculpture, a striking tribute to the thousands of Chinese laborers who worked to build the country’s first transcontinental railroad. The sculpture is a reminder of their sacrifice and strength, as well as a memorial honoring those who lost their lives during the railroad’s construction.
A 5-minute walk from the station, the SLO Railroad Museum is an absolute must-see for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and everyone in between! The museum is located inside the beautifully restored Southern Pacific Freight House building, dating back to 1894. Don’t miss its vintage locomotives, rail cars, and detailed exhibits showcasing the role of trains in shaping the Central Coast we all know and love.
Click here to check out SLO’s Railroad District map and start planning your own route.
Discover Downtown
A trip to San Luis Obispo wouldn’t really be complete without a visit to its thriving downtown area, located just a short stroll (or an even shorter rideshare) away from the train station. Step back in time at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, an exquisitely preserved Spanish mission founded way back in 1772, complete with peaceful gardens and a museum that captures this time in California history.
If you’re visiting on a Thursday evening, the Downtown Farmer’s Market is always a hit with locals and visitors alike. Join the community as the street comes alive with local vendors, all selling fresh products, tasty street food, and handcrafted wares!
If you love art, downtown SLO is definitely the place to be. Don’t miss Bubblegum Alley, a quirky local landmark where the walls are filled with bright, wadded up chewing gum. Gross? Yes. Cool? Absolutely. We also recommend a stop at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, which offers a rotating collection of exhibitions from local artists and beyond.
Get Some Fresh Air
You know those rolling green hills and ocean waves we mentioned earlier? They’re not just for admiring from the Pacific Surfliner window— they’re all yours to explore. A short walk from the station is Terrace Hill Open Space, a lovely hill located smack dab in the middle of downtown SLO. Enjoy the easy 0.8-mile hike up to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
More into sipping than strolling? We got you! SLO is home to countless wineries and tasting rooms that all offer a unique spin on the Central Coast’s renowned cool-climate wines. Head to Edna Valley, just 10-minutes from downtown SLO, to enter a world of award-winning vineyards that’ll turn you into a wine connoisseur in no time. Make your wine adventure even more fun by taking advantage of the guided tastings, food pairings, and outdoor picnic spots offered by many local spots!
If you don’t mind a bit of a longer Uber or Lyft ride (20 minutes or so), you’ll find yourself at some of the most beautiful beaches the Central Coast of California has to offer. Morro Bay is perfect for harnessing those laid-back coastal vibes, with plenty of outdoor activities to get you out into all that fresh air. Avila Beach is the place to soak up some seaside serenity, with soft sand and beachfront dining as far as the eye can see. Pismo Beach is the quintessential California surf town, complete with a lively pier and countless spots to catch a wave.
Station Information: San Luis Obispo
Hours of Operation
The San Luis Obispo Amtrak Station is open daily between 6 am and 9 pm.
Station Amenities
The station has several helpful amenities to make your trip as smooth as can be, including: payphones, Amtrak ticketing kiosks, and checked baggage services (including bike and shipping boxes for sale). The station also has ADA-compliant restrooms, platforms, a ticket office, a waiting room, water fountains, and wheelchairs available.
Amtrak Ticket Window
The Amtrak ticket office is open daily between 6 am to 9 pm, with representatives available to help passengers book travel, modify reservations, and more.
Parking
Driving to the station? No problem! You’ll find free (unattended) parking at the San Luis Obispo train station available for both short and long-term stays. Whether you’re stopping by for the day or leaving your car overnight, you can rest easy knowing your vehicle is just steps away from the station.
Amtrak Train Connections
The San Luis Obispo Amtrak Station is a key stop for two iconic routes: the Pacific Surfliner (AKA, yours truly) and the Coast Starlight, which journeys all the way from Seattle to Los Angeles.
Local Transit Options
Thanks to Pacific Surfliner’s partnership with many local transit providers, getting around town after you step off the train is easy. Just show your valid Amtrak Pacific Surfliner ticket to the driver, and hop on any SLO Transit or San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (SLORTA) bus for FREE! Take a peek at some of our recommended bus connections:
Downtown SLO
SLO Transit Route 3B serves the station directly, and routes 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B travel around downtown.
Cambria/Hearst Castle
SLORTA Routes 12 and 15, weekends only.
Morro Bay
SLORTA Route 12.
Laguna Lake Park
SLO Transit Route 4.
Whether you’re here for the views, viticulture, or vibes, SLO has a little something for everyone. Make the San Luis Obispo Amtrak station your starting point for everything this charming Central Coast town has to offer— see you in Bubblegum Alley!