How to Get to Gum Alley in California?

Located in San Luis Obispo, in the U.S. state of California, Bubblegum Alley is a quirky and somewhat gross tourist attraction—a narrow alleyway covered in layers of chewed gum.

Gum Alley

What’s Gum Alley?

Located in downtown SLO, this 15-foot-high, 70-foot-long alley has been accumulating gum since at least the 1950s. The origins of Bubblegum Alley are unclear. Some believe it started as a rivalry between local high school and college students, while others think it was just a spontaneous trend that stuck—literally. Tourists and locals add their own gum to the wall, creating a colorful (and gross) mosaic of chewed gum. Some people even form words, drawings, or patterns with their gum.

Why Is Gum Alley So Popular?

Considered one of the germiest tourist attractions in the U.S., the alley has been featured in TV shows, newspapers, and travel blogs. Despite periodic cleanups over the years, the city eventually embraced it as a cultural landmark. It’s a popular spot for photos—if you don’t mind the smell!

How to Get to Gum Alley in San Luis Obispo?

Located between Garden Street and Broad Street, the alley is accessible via Higuera Street, which is fully paved.
Pic: Norm P.

 

 

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