Court Street Mall is a small European-style mall with a few stores and cafes in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. There's a great feeling here which makes you want to linger a while. The architecture is consistent with downtown San Luis Obispo's highly decorated 19th century buildings, except that they are modern and bright. Strung lights with paper stars are strung across the alley, which is loaded with fun: a cute candy shop called Powells Sweet Shop, and SLO Froyo, a brightly painted, cheerful shop with yogurt and a zillion toppings. There is a pretty restaurant called Thai Palace, and a breakfast and lunch place called Seeds, with outdoor seating on the corner. Upstairs there are popular chain stores such as Pottery Barn and Sephora. This attractive mall, along with its neighbor Downtown Center Mall, liven up the otherwise grotty-looking downtown San Luis Obispo.

If you have kids, check out the San Luis Obispo Childrens Museum, where your kids will use their imagination in a number of themed rooms. Or if the weather is too nice to be inside, play at Santa Rosa Park.
Make sure you check out the coast, which is spectacular. There's an amazing playground with an ocean view in Shell Beach called Dinosaur Caves Playground. Or for a romantic walk check out Shell Beach Panoramic Walk.

Directions

Court Street Mall is located at Court Street, a pedestrian-only alley that leads from Higuera St to Monterey St. Osos St is to the north. Drive along Higuera Street or Monterey Street and park along the road. You will need quarters for the meters.
Exit Highway 101 northbound at Osos St. After half a mile, turn right on Monterey St. Park along the road as soon as you can. Exit Highway 101 southbound at Santa Rosa St. Turn right on Santa Rosa St and go half a mile. Turn right on Higuera St and drive for a block, then park along the road as soon as you can.
SLO Froyo, 1075 Court Street, San Luis Obispo CA 93401.
Powells Sweet Shop, call (805) 543-7933‎.
Thai Palace, 1015 Court Street, call (805) 594-1744‎.

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