See For Yourself
The best way to explore our campus is to see it for yourself. Whether in-person or virtually, our tours are a perfect way to get to know Cal Poly from the inside out.
Student-led walking tour
We offer student-led walking tours of our campus, as well as of our housing options and our academic colleges (on select days). Space is limited and advance registration is required.
other ways to tour our campus
Self-Guided Tour
Our self-guided tour is a great way for prospective students and supporters, walk-ins and the general public to get to know our campus in-person and at your own pace.
Virtual Tours
Get to know our campus and learn more about Learn by Doing, student life, our individual academic colleges, housing, campus facilities and more through our series of virtual tours.
Welcome Center
You can find our Welcome Center in Building 172H within the yakʔitʸutʸu residential community. Our team is available weekdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. to answer your questions and distribute printed copies of our self-guided tour. All in-person campus tours begin at the Welcome Center.
The Welcome Center’s hours are subject to change during academic breaks. It will remain closed on weekends and during campus closures listed on the academic calendar. If you plan to visit during an academic break or holiday, please contact our Welcome Center beforehand at 805-756-5934 to verify our operating hours.
Group Visits
Group visits are designed for high school and community college level groups (including community-based organizations) with 15 or more guests. These visits require advanced reservations. Visits begin at 1:45 p.m. on select weekdays and include a 30-minute admission presentation and a 60 to 90-minute walking tour of campus. Groups are limited to a maximum of 100 student participants on one reservation. If you need to accommodate more than 100 people, please request multiple dates. Group visits are not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email from our Welcome Center team.
Groups looking for a self-guided visit due to lack of availability on their preferred date may register in advance and pick-up brochures and a self-guided tour map at the Welcome Center (Bldg. 172H) between 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday (except campus closure dates).
Guided group visits for elementary and middle school groups are not available at this time. However, K-8 groups can register for a self-guided tour and pick up materials including a chaperone-led scavenger hunt and self-guided tour map at the Welcome Center.
Preparing for your tour
We are excited to welcome you to our campus! Here are some recommendations and resources to make your trip the most enjoyable.
Directions and Parking
It’s easy to get detailed directions to Cal Poly as well as required paid parking and permit information for your visit to the campus. We recommend parking in structure 131 (shown on the campus map) and watching the "Ways to the Welcome Center" video to learn more.
What to Wear and Bring
While San Luis Obispo weather is generally perfect, temperatures can fluctuate. We recommend bringing water, a light jacket, a hat and sunscreen with you on your tour. Our campus is also hilly, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Tour Route
Tours will generally focus on the campus core. We encourage you to explore the rest of campus if you like.
Safety Precautions
We ask that you follow all health and safety precautions while you are on our campus, including those regarding face coverings. Please do not visit campus if you are sick or have any COVID-19 symptoms.
