Palm Theatre: SLO's Arthouse Cinema
San Luis Obispo's independent movie house, showcasing arthouse films, classics, and community events in a historic Chinatown setting.
The Palm Theatre, now also known as the SLO Film Center, is a beloved independent movie house located in San Luis Obispo's historic Chinatown. Founded in 1988, it offers a curated selection of independent, foreign, and arthouse films, as well as classic movies and community events.
A brief summary to Palm Theatre - Home of the SLO Film Center
- 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, Downtown, California, 93401, US
- +1805-541-5161
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the Palm Theatre's website for showtimes and special events, as schedules are typically posted on Tuesdays.
- Arrive early, especially on Thursday and Friday nights, to allow extra time for parking in the downtown area.
- Consider parking in the Palm Street Parking Lot for accessible parking spaces.
- Take advantage of the theater's accessibility features, including closed captioning devices and audio description headsets.
Getting There
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Walking
The Palm Theatre is located in downtown San Luis Obispo, within easy walking distance of many hotels, restaurants, and shops. From the intersection of Higuera Street and Broad Street, walk west on Broad Street, then turn left onto Palm Street. The theater is located on the right side of the street. Walking time is approximately 5-10 minutes.
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Public Transport
SLO Transit provides bus service to downtown San Luis Obispo. Several routes stop near the Palm Theatre. From the SLO Transit Center, walk west on Palm Street to the theater. A single ride on SLO Transit costs $1.50. Transfers from SLO Transit to SLO Transit are free.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Luis Obispo. A taxi ride from the San Luis Obispo Amtrak station to the Palm Theatre typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or app before starting your trip.
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Parking
Several parking options are available near the Palm Theatre. The Palm Street Parking Structure (842 Palm Street) and the 919 Palm Street Parking Structure are both located nearby. Metered street parking is also available, but can be limited, especially during evenings and weekends. Parking rates in the downtown core are $2.75 per hour, with a 3-hour time limit. Parking meters are enforced Monday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Discover more about Palm Theatre - Home of the SLO Film Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
California Historical Landmark No. 802
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