Bubblegum Alley
This quirky, 70-foot-long alleyway is lined with decades of chewed gum left by locals and travelers alike. It is a bizarrely colorful, sticky masterpiece that represents one of California's most unusual community art projects. Don't forget to bring your own piece of gum to add to the wall.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open 24/7
- Duration
- 10-15 minutes
- Parking
- Metered street parking and public parking garages are available nearby in downtown San Luis Obispo
- Access
- The alleyway is flat and paved, though it is narrow and can sometimes be crowded.
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Located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, Bubblegum Alley is one of California's most bizarre and enduring roadside landmarks. This narrow, 70-foot-long alleyway is lined with decades of chewed gum left behind by locals and travelers alike.
Visitors walking through the passage will find themselves surrounded by walls covered in a colorful, textured mosaic of sticky, sweetened wax. While some view it as a quirky community art project, others find it delightfully grotesque, making it a must-see stop for the curious.
The alley has survived multiple professional cleanings over the years, only for the gum to return stronger each time. It stands as a testament to collective, albeit sticky, public participation and remains a staple of the local culture.
Ratings
roadside attractionLore & References
- Take Me Down · "Weird Al" Yankovic · 1978Yankovic name-checks the alley in his very first recording — credited as Alfred Yankovic, released on the local benefit LP "Slo Grown" while he was a Cal Poly student DJing at KCPR.
- The High School RivalryLocal legend suggests the alley started in the late 1950s as a rivalry between San Luis Obispo High School and Cal Poly students, who competed to see who could stick the most gum on the walls.
- The Survival of CleaningsDespite being fully steam-cleaned and scrubbed twice in the 1970s by disgruntled business owners, the community fully replastered the walls with fresh gum within days each time.
Visitor Tips
- ◆ Bring your own pack of gum so you can contribute to the wall.
- ◆ Use a coin or key to press your gum firmly into the brick so it stays in place.
- ◆ Visit during the day for the best lighting to capture photos of the vibrant colors.
- ◆ Keep your clothing and hair clear of the walls, as the alleyway is extremely narrow.
Heads Up
- ◆ The alley has a distinct, strong sugary-sweet odor that some visitors find overwhelming.
- ◆ Be mindful of your personal belongings, as brushing against the walls will ruin clothing and gear.
Common questions
Where can you buy gum near Bubblegum Alley?
Several convenience stores, restaurants, and shops on Higuera Street sell bubblegum just a short walk from the alley.
Does Bubblegum Alley smell bad?
The alley has a strong, overwhelmingly sweet, and sugary scent of artificial fruit, which some visitors find unpleasant, especially on hot days.
How do you find the entrance to Bubblegum Alley?
The alley is located in downtown San Luis Obispo on Higuera Street, situated between the businesses at 733 and 734 Higuera Street.
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