San Luis Obispo is a city in California and the seat of San Luis Obispo County. It was founded in 1772 and the name translates into English as St Louis Bishop. The city is located between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The city is also known as SLO or simply 'San Luis'. In 2006, the estimated population in the city was 42,963.The first motel in the nation, the Milestone Mo-Tel, was constructed in San Luis Obispo as a result of the city's popularity as a stop on the US Route 101.

Served by the San Luis Obispo International Airport, the city is also accessible through Amtrak and the Greyhound Bus Lines. Public transit within the city includes the bus line SLO Transit. Bicycling is also increasing in popularity as a mode of transportation. The Bill Roalman Bicycle Boulevard is one of few in the country that gives priority to bicycle traffic with the use of special bike traffic signals.

Popular landmarks in San Luis Obispo include the Madonna Inn, which was established by Alex Madonna in 1958. The Fremont Theater is also known for its Art Deco design. It was built in the 1940s but still continues to run movies.

The city has several unusual ordinances and one of this is the ordinance that prohibited the sale of any alcoholic beverages at any institution selling gasoline except for one service station. This ordinance was in place until 2007.Another ordinance also prevents business, most often fast food restaurants, from construction drive-throughs.