San Luis Obispo Museums and Galleries Tour (Self Guided), San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is a great opportunity to have incredible family fun. The museum is situated on the central Mission Plaza and features three floors with fascinating exhibitions, numerous hands-on activities and educational games to keep the little ones happy. The first floor has an intriguing archaeological area, a volcano, exploration caves and several learning games. Plenty of exciting make-believe play areas including play Doctor, food, cash register and others on the second floor. The third floor boasts a children's book section, colorful puzzles, play trains and other activities for kids age 4 and under. The museum is open Mondays through Wednesdays 10am-3pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays 1pm-5pm.

Situated since 1956 inside the beautiful red brick building, former Carnegie Library, San Luis Obispo County History Museum always attracts visitors to its exciting exhibitions and collections. Here visitors can see exciting displays of antique furniture items, colorful china, old photographs and many more. Since December 2010 the museum features new photograph collections of the San Luis Obispo fishing society acquired by Thom Halls in the 1970s. There is also a lovely gift shop with numerous attractive souvenirs. The museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 11am to 5pm.

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is another cultural center situated in the heart of the city. The changing exhibitions of the museum display fascinating items of contemporary art designs such as paintings, prints, pottery, ceramics and sculptures in all colors and shapes. The workshop offers hand-on activities and educational facilities for children and all those willing to learn about the art creation process. The museum always collaborates with various cultural societies and hosts such thrilling events such as Jazz At the Museum, Movies At the Museum and many others. The museum is open from 11am to 5 pm every day except Tuesdays.

Founded in the Mission Mall in September of 1984, Just Looking Gallery is one of the leading galleries featuring fine artwork created by local, national and international artists. In a modern light gallery hall, visitors can admire impressive contemporary art, limited version prints and very unique sculptures. The gallery is open Monday-Saturday from 10am to 6pm, Thursdays from 10am to 9pm, Sundays 11pm to 5pm.

Gene Francis Gallery is a private art gallery situated in the heart of the city. The gallery is owned by talented artist Gene Francis and all the artwork that is beautifully displayed here is made by him. Exhibitions include contemporary art paintings, street scene images, photography of natural landscapes and many more.

Hands Gallery is one of the most popular private art galleries in the city for its fascinating exhibitions and attractive gift ideas. For over 16 years, the gallery has been working to support and promote talented local and national artists by displaying their work. Here visitors can purchase contemporary art paintings, glassware, metal and ceramic objects, furniture décor, jewelry accessories and other gorgeous crafts. Works by John Ramos, Phoebe Palmer, David Gurney and other artists can be seen here. The gallery is open Monday-Wednesday 10am-6pm, Thursdays - Saturday 10am-8pm, and Sundays 11am-5pm.