See For Yourself
Visit Cal Poly
See where "Learn by Doing" first started at our original campus in San Luis Obispo, California. Whether you explore Cal Poly in-person or online, we can't wait to welcome you.
Student-led walking tour
Join a current student, one of our Poly Reps, for a 90-minute walking tour of campus. You'll visit the colleges, popular campus spots and get inside info from students who know the university inside and out. Add a housing tour and a visit to an academic college (on select days) to see everything Cal Poly has to offer. Tours fill up quickly, so advanced registration is required.
Self-Guided Tour
A self-guided tour is a great way for prospective students, walk-ins and the general public to get to know our campus in-person and at their own pace.
Virtual Tours
Through a series of virtual tours, you can get know more about our Learn by Doing philosophy, student life, our individual academic colleges, housing, campus facilities and more .
Scroll down for virtual tours
Group Tour
Request a date for your group of 15 to 100 students (must be in high school or older). Tours begin at 1:45 p.m. on select weekdays and include a 30-minute admission presentation and a 90-minute walking tour.
Prepare for Your Tour
We're excited to welcome you to our campus! Here are some recommendations and resources to make your trip enjoyable.
Directions and Parking
Here are 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
San Luis Obispo weather is generally mild, but temperatures can sometimes fluctuate. We recommend bringing a water bottle, a light jacket, a hat and sunscreen your tour. Our campus is also hilly, so you will definitely want to have comfortable walking shoes.
Your Tour Details
Most tours begin at the Welcome Center, but you'll get full details about your tour by email once you register. If you have additional questions, reach out to Welcome Center staff Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PT) at (805) 756-5934 or welcomecenter@calpoly.edu.
Explore Cal Poly Without Leaving Home
Not able to visit campus in person? Our collection of online tours can help you get to know Cal Poly better.
See What Makes Cal Poly Special
Discover Cal Poly through the eyes of a current student. Like our in-person tours, this virtual tour is led by our Poly Reps, the university's knowledgeable student ambassadors and tour guides.
Your guides offer valuable insights into everything from our Learn by Doing academic philosophy and the distinction between our six colleges to the exciting opportunities for undergraduate research and the state-of-the-art facilities that support our programs. You'll also get a glimpse into student life, Cal Poly traditions and the vibrant local community.
Check Out What's New in Housing and Dining
Explore Dining
Craving Chik-Fil-A? Or are you interested in vegetarian or vegan options? Either way, you're covered. 1901 Marketplace is an open marketplace design inspired by the Ferry Building in San Francisco, Chelsea Market in New York and Krog Street Market in Atlanta with nine different options. Vista Grande adds another 10 venues from which to choose.
Take advantage of the sunny SLO weather at our outdoor community spaces, created through a partnership with the university, ASI and Cal Poly Partners. Each space provides WiFi, shade, picnic tables, chairs and easy access to dining venues and local food trucks.
Housing Tours
Take a video tour of each of Cal Poly's residence halls and apartments.
Cerro Vista Apartments (continuing and transfer students)
Poly Canyon Village Apartments (continuing and transfer students)
Explore Sports and Recreation Facilities
Tour Cal Poly's state-of-the-art Recreation Center, which includes a 20-lane, Olympic-sized lap pool, a leisure pool, rock climbing park, personal training facilities, racquetball courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, locker rooms, an indoor track, fitness studios and more.
Other Recreational Facilities
At Cal Poly, we work hard and we play hard. In addition to the Recreation Center, our campus is home to state-of-the-art sports, exercise and recreation facilities, which serve all our community's needs.
Whether you join one of our club sports teams, stay fit with exercise classes or unwind with recreational activities, we've got you covered. Our facilities are designed to inspire and support your physical well-being, helping you maintain a balanced lifestyle throughout your academic journey.
