What do you do when all the flavor is gone in your piece of gum?

Well, if you happen to be at Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California, just stick it on the wall.

Bubblegum Alley is presumably one of the most outlandish and well-known attractions in San Luis Obispo.  It is literally just as the name suggests, an alley that has thousand upon thousands of pieces of ABC (Already Been Chewed) bubblegum stuck to every square inch {within a hands reach} of the 70 foot long, 15 foot high, alley.  The alley is located right in the middle of downtown.

The exact history of how Bubblegum Alley began is not known, but some historians believe it started by a San Luis Obispo High School graduating class as a prank.  While others believe it started in the 1950’s as a competition between students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and San Luis Obispo High School students.

 No matter how this San Luis Obispo attraction started, it is a site to see.  When you first walk in to the ally it just seems as though it is thousands of pieces of gum stuck to the wall, upon a closer look you can find some pretty interesting items stuck to those walls.  In the most broad terms this alley is a walkway of art that is constantly changing with each new passer by.

 Besides the basic chewed gum pieces there are pennies, as well as beer caps stuck to the wall, no doubt from the many local bars that are in walking distance of the alley.  There are pieces of paper on the wall with initials and dates and messages.  Take your time as you walk down the alley for you never know what you will come across.

No gum?  There is Powell’s candy store, located right down the street.

So if you get a chance to spend some time in the adorable college town of San Luis Obispo, make sure you stop by and check out Bubblegum Alley and leave your mark on history!

Bubblegum Alley

733.5 Higuera

San Luis Obispo, CA