Visit the University
Welcome to Cal Poly! Whether you're thinking about attending, are a proud graduate, prospective employee or part of the local community, we invite you to visit.
The Welcome Center
Start your campus visit at our Welcome Center in the Yakʔitʸutʸu residential center. Hear from staff and students why Cal Poly, and the surrounding Central Coast, is such a special place to live and to learn and how Learn by Doing is part of everything we do.
Bring your questions about campus and the San Luis Obispo area. If you've registered for a tour, most begin at the Welcome Center.
Explore Cal Poly
In-Person and Online
Join our student ambassadors for an on-campus tour where you'll learn about the university from a student's perspective. Or choose from on of many options to see campus from home. Whichever way you go, there's a lot to see and a lot to learn about Cal Poly, our Learn by Doing approach, and our community.
Tips for a Great Visit
Getting To San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly is located in San Luis Obispo, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on U.S. Highway 101. Our campus is easily accessible via car, plane or train.
Parking
Visitor parking for campus tours is located at Parking Structure 131 adjacent to the Welcome Center. Visitor permits are required. Parking is also available at various campus lots.
Welcome Center Directions
Looking for directions to the Welcome Center? Here's a short video with all the information you'll need. If you just need the address, the center is located at 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407) in the yakʔitʸutʸu residential community.
Campus Map
Finding your way around campus is quick and easy using our interactive campus map.
Dining Facilities
Campus dining options include grab-and-go meals and dine-in at our Vista Grande Dining Complex.
Tourist Information
Make the most of your campus visit by setting aside some extra time to explore San Luis Obispo County.
Once You're Here
Getting to campus, things to do in and around San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly traditions.
Life on the Central Coast
San Luis Obispo (often referred to as "SLO") is a classic university town full of restaurants, shops, culture and nightlife. Just outside of town, you'll find hiking trails, miles of Pacific coastline, beaches and more.
Getting to Campus
Once you're in San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly isn't hard to find. We recommend entering campus via the Grand Avenue entrance which will take you past the Welcome Center. Turn left at the light for our main parking structure.
You can also find us on Google Maps. The university's address is 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93407.
Campus Traditions
From our nationally-acclaimed Week of Welcome (WOW) to the infamous Tri-Tip Challenge—and everything in between—Cal Poly's history is rich with formal, and not-so-formal, traditions.
Connect with Us
Ask specific questions of admissions and financial aid, reach out to Human Resources, join our mailing list to stay current and connected to campus. Also find and follow Cal Poly’s official social media channels and accounts.