Bubble Gum Alley
Category: Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
Higuera StSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401
85 reviews for Bubble Gum Alley
Review Highlights
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85 reviews in English
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Review from Kaycie L.
Sacramento, CA
4/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
There's not much to do in SLO so add this onto your list. It's a must see as it is unique, fun, and can be yucky! Haha..
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Review from Leyna K.
Garden Grove, CA
2/25/2012
Despite how dirty it is, this place is pretty cool in the sense that everybody can leave a little something behind. It also makes for some good pictures. There isn't really much to see though, since it's just gum.. I guess it's one of those places you go to just to say that you've been there.
My friends and I stopped by to add our gum to the wall, and while we were taking a picture, a piece of gum came off the wall and fell down right behind us!! Needless to say, we quickly got outta there! -
Review from S D.
San Luis Obispo, CA
3/20/2012
Live in SLO and everyone wants to see Bubblegum alley. I guess it's interesting in the fact it's been around for awhile and the history of the people who stuck their gum on the wall BUT it's still nasty ass ABC gum. Blah. Think of all the spit that's on that wall and you won't want to eat the rest of the day. The day I saw a condom stuck on the wall with a piece of gum pretty much nixed my future plans of ever going there again.
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Review from Tim W.
Orange County, CA
10/9/2011 4 photos
A zillion pieces of ABC gum stuck on the walls in a narrow alley!?
How could you not love it?
well... it is actually pretty gross, but something to see if you are in the area.
I think it is pretty cool that the city doesn't remove it all and ruin the fun.
Be sure you have some gum when you go so you can leave your mark as well. -
Review from Scott L.
1/22/2012
Yep, it's an alley where thousands of people have stuck gum on the wall. It's interesting to see how creative some people have been. I wouldn't go to San Luis Obispo just to see this, but if you're downtown it's worth checking out.
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Review from Ann L.
10/8/2011
Bubble Gum Alley is up the street from Firestone Grill. It's on the Left side of Higuera St and is very gross.
Took some pictures, B. didn't even want to walk through the alley, but I did.
Worth going at least once when in SLO. -
Review from Theodore O.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's an alley I checked in at and Yelp wants me to write a review. Gum alley is not as good as Seattle Pike's, but pretty similar. Gum Alley, yes.
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Review from Connie G.
1/9/2012
Very cool! And yup my gum is on the wall! I felt like I was living on the edge posting my gum for others to witness for years to come lol! I am glad I left apart of me somewhere on this earth! I was surprised this has lasted for so long which is why it makes its cool to see and experience!
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Review from Randoll C.
Orange County, CA
If you're the type of person that finds it disgusting when you put your hand under a table and find stranger's gum, then this place isn't for you.
Gum lines the walls the entire length of the alley on both sides and in some spots, it's on the sidewalk. If you choose to scrutinize the wall, you'll find people's masterpieces they left made out of bubblegum.
As for me, I can say I've been there and done that. I stayed long enough to have Anna take a picture of me there as proof and left. -
Review from ashley s.
Arroyo Grande, CA
8/30/2011
I can't believe anyone would "check in" to the bubblegum alley.
Good photo stop for tourist who are already downtown. -
Review from j j.
Anaheim, CA
7/27/2011
Alley stinks from all the old gum, wrappers, mysterious things, etc.
But quite a fun alley to take pictures and absorb all of the random art people have created upon the walls.
I wouldn't go out of my way to stop here and see it, but if you are in SLO it's definitly a fun alley to check out and get a picture. -
Review from MommyRN J.
Burlingame, CA
1/9/2012
Brought my children here as I found out about this place on Yelp. We decided to make a visit to the Downtown area for a bite to eat. it was hard to find at first - no numbered address. We just stumbled upon it after parking.
We were amazed to see the amount of gum on the alley walls. But, aside from that, not much else. We took pictures but the kids we scared to place their gum on the filthy walls. An experience nonetheless.. -
Review from Alysha M.
11/9/2011 2 photos
Definitely a must-go-to spot if you're in SLO. Never seen anything like it before. Make sure to make your mark!
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Review from Crystal P.
New Orleans, LA
3/15/2011
Disgusting, but legendary.
My first time there? I was six, my grandmother showed it to me... It's filthy, and older than you are, but one of SLO's finest attractions- add a piece. How can one resist becoming a part of history? -
Review from John C.
Citrus Heights, CA
12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sure Bubblegum Alley is disgusting but it's apart of SLO history. I remember walking through it as a child. It's defiantly a must see. Add to it and be sure to purell and or wash your hands afterward. To all you people complaining about it... If you don't like it, don't look at it!
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Review from Jackie F.
San Juan Capistrano, CA
4/7/2011
This isn't a review, what is there to review?
A good local tourist location to freak people out. Add a piece to the wall, take a picture, just don't touch anything here. :) -
Review from Charley C.
Atascadero, CA
10/22/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Another piece of history and a unique piece of 'How did this get here?' in history. How this got started will always be a mystery with local legend drumming up some concoction of a yarn. It is here and must be seen to be explained as mere words, even a thousand of them, will not explain it or the patterns that have emerged over the years. Think of it as tagging with gum, gone wild!
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Review from Kenny P.
9/18/2011 3 photos
Something strange, sickening, and attractive about a place like this. Definitely a local tourist attraction that we had to check out for ourselves since I had known about it for so long but never really saw it for myself. We had passed by it the night before while bar hopping; and the next day after eating a late lunch we headed over while exploring town. The alley is both gross and interesting at the same time. All types of things written with long strings of gum, and random small memorabilia stuck to the wall. You can read a lot of crazy stuff on here if you look close enough. Since our trusty friend provided us with gum beforehand, so I was able to simply stick mine on top of a penny!
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Review from FroSays C.
Atascadero, CA
8/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been putting my gum up in Bubble Gum Alley for over 30 years and it was a treat to finally take my kids and let them have at it.
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Review from Keisha A.
Los Angeles, CA
4/3/2010 2 photos
I love that an alley of discarded chewing gum is a tourist attraction. Bubblegum alley is gross, but it's a cool gross. There's not much to do besides look at gum, be disgusted and then frantically search for a piece of gum to chew so you can add your own contribution.
For fun don't tell your carmates where you're taking them. Just walk them down the alley, and as they curiously wonder where you're taking them, say devilishly, "Look closely at the walls!" You'll cackle with glee as they jump in disgust.
Bypass the alley if you're weak.Listed in: California Love
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Review from CeCe C.
It's a must see "local flavor" if you are visiting this town. But it's not all that exciting...
In fact, I think it's super gross to see everyone's chewed gum on the walls! =\ yuck!
I was first introduced to this place by my WOW leaders many years ago. And then I became a WOW leader and brought my wowies here! I've been back and left my mark yet again. :P
Yes, go see it... Then check it off on your list... Been there done that! Next?!Listed in: eat SLOwly
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Review from Christine L.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2008
Really, it's a little anti-climactic and...well...it SMELLS like gum. So here's the story:
Me: Do you want to go check out this alley that is COVERED in ABC?!?!
My out of town friend: ABC?
Me: ALREADY CHEWED GUM!
My out of town friend: ok..........
So we go and...we look...and five seconds later we leave. The only other time I've been there is when I'm running through the alley holding my breath when I want to get to DTB (bar) from Mother's (another bar) and I don't want to take the long way!
Anyway, it's kinda cool to see it once in your life. Crazy college kids.Listed in: The SLO Life
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Review from Veronica G.
San Francisco, CA
8/23/2009
I was just inspired by another Yelper's review of a similar horrific space on this earth.
I lived in SLO for 5 years. I've never contributed to the wall. I've never walked its length. I would only acknowledge its presence by pointing out Bubble Gun Alley to friends visiting out of town and watch as they would stop walking down Higuera and stare in disgusted fascination at decades large mounds of chewed and smashed in gum. Their assorted facial expressions and the entertainment they brought me is why I gave the second star to this vertical multicolored petri dish.
*Shudder* -
Review from Len L.
Oakland, CA
2/18/2009
Most of the gum I try here has little to no flavor left.
Disappointing. -
Review from Holly S.
Los Angeles, CA
4/21/2009
When I was 8 it was novel and exciting....
Now?
It's an alley covered in gum... yeah SLO is that pathetic -
Review from Christine S.
Fremont, CA
11/17/2009 3 photos
Helpful Hints:
1. Do not go here if you are a germaphobe.
2. Bring the most colorful gum you can possibly find to make your art stand out.
I went to Cal Poly for a few years and a trip to Bubble Gum Alley was always an essential when showing visitors around SLO. This alley never fails to amaze me.Listed in: Central Coast Living
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Review from Dylan K.
Seal Beach, CA
10/24/2011
This place is disgusting, and when it gets hot it smells bad. I love downtown SLO and all of the cool things it has to offer. Bubble Gum Alley is not one of them.
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Review from Stephanie D.
Sacramento, CA
5/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
What can you say about an alleyway covered with ABC gum? Either GROSS or AMAZING. This is a must-see spot and feel free to add to the flavor. Just don't take any souvenirs and try not to get too close. You could put yourself in a sticky situation.
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Review from Patrick M.
Los Angeles, CA
11/19/2010
It's dark, you're not sober, and suddenly you're walking down an alley surrounded by waded up bubblegum! The floodlight above shines down and shows in grisly detail the years of chewing fun stuck up against the walls like surreal gross dream that is strangely appealing.
You have to see it but make sure it's on the way to something else. -
Review from carrie l.
Chicago, IL
8/31/2008 1 photo
Perhaps the most disgusting participatory art project ever.
Some people get creative and actually try to make something sort of art like out of the gum (and other materials, like wrappers and cigarettes). Some people make a kind of graffiti out of it. Some enterprising people use it to advertise for upcoming shows, like a community bulletin board. Other people just stick their gum on the wall. All of it is really, deeply gross, but it looks cool, and it's fun to stand there gawking with other people. And it's great to have a spot in any city where you can indulge your inner disrespectful brat AND your desire to share your creative genius with your fellow citizens. -
Review from Chili B.
Los Angeles, CA
12/3/2010
Really gross. It smells like gum before you even enter the alley.
You gotta check it out at least once. -
Review from Jade H.
8/22/2010
Blech! Blech!
There is a bubble gum wall in seattle too. What is the draw? Blech! It was still interesting to look at .... from far away. Blech! I walked through it! Blech!!!!! Two someones thought they were so smart to cut through here while carrying their big sofa! -
Review from Chris Y.
San Jose, CA
12/27/2008
I don't know how or why, but my friends and I stumbled into bubble gum alley after leaving the bars one night. I didn't realize at first what it was until someone yelled out, "Look it's gum!" Then I thought to myself... "Sweet"
I decided that we all had to add to it, so I immediately pulled out a pack of gum from my pocket and gave a stick to everyone. While everyone else added their gum by hand, I thought it'd be a good idea to stick it on with my mouth. Needless to say, I got sick the next day.
I give the alley 5 stars, minus 1 for making me sick -
Review from Marc M.
Fresno, CA
2/25/2009
"touch it or not"
- killa cam
cinco de cam'o coming soon! A! -
Review from A. N.
San Luis Obispo, CA
9/30/2011
While I guess it is worth a look once, when you get down to it the place is quite disgusting. There is a mix of Minty and Fruity odor as you pass the area. I might be best to visit when you have anosmia.
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Review from Diana G.
11/30/2009
Germs yes, but do you really know how many ga-zziolions there are once you include all the deposited "business" of the late night clubbers that is done here after the bars close...
This is one of the spots that I bring every central coast/SLO visitor to, for it is that amazing! And yes, every time I have left a piece of gum, along with spit and cheek cells, behind. I have yet to create a gum masterpiece though.
Did you know this place even made it on the PlayBoy Bunny TV show tour? GO SLO!! -
Review from sharon g.
San Francisco, CA
8/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's a place to visit while you're in SLO. Some may say it's disgusting while others find it to be cool. It's this little alley in the heart of downtown that, over the years, has turned into a place where people will visit and make their mark by putting a piece of gum on the wall. Some have gotten creative (and nasty enough) to attempt to create their own piece of art in this little narrow alley. Give it a shot if you're up for it :)
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Review from Rosalee C.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2008
AMAZING. DISGUSTING.
i cannot stand in this alley for a long period. but i wanna bring everyone here and say, "hey close your eyes and give me your hand!"
i kid. -
Review from Oleg H.
1/12/2010
"Should have warning signs for hypochondriacs and OCD ppl"
Why is this a thing? To give it 2 stars would imply that "i've experienced better". That naturally raises the question - better what? A better sketchy alley covered in other peoples chewed up and spat out gum?
Having talked all that trash i'd say it is "unique" and if you're into "unique" for the sake of being unique it's conceivable that you will derive some entertainment value from stopping by here. -
Review from Kelly P.
La Jolla, CA
2/22/2010
HAHAHA! Ok there is a LOT of gum mixed in with a LOT of residual throw up from the clubs and bars and what not... so don't linger too long, but this alley is definitely something to store in your memory.
Putting all the obvious hygienic negatives aside, the bubble gum alley is a pretty cool place. Think of how long it took all that disgusting gum to accumulate! Suppress your gag reflex and take a look around the wall to see all the different... art?... that people have created with gum. Look at all the different things they've stuck ON the wall with their gum. Grab your own gum and contribute! How many places are there in the world that you can do that and be completely normal?
Yeah, it's a tourist attraction, but live a little, it's fun! (and then get out quick and take a nice long shower)
