Art or garbage: The Alley full of Chewing Gum that Attracts Thousands of Tourists

Some say it's fascinating, others say it's the nightmare of those who have germ phobia. Bubblegum Alley is real and accumulates a huge amount of chewing gum.

Bubblegum Alley
A very peculiar tourist attraction.

Pink streets, alleys covered with graffiti or giant murals painted on the facades of buildings. Each city has its own traditions and methods to attract tourists, but there is one that has gone beyond a few simple brushstrokes.

When we think of art, we quickly associate it with theater, painting, sculpture and even some dances. More or less consensual, all these manifestations have a somewhat aesthetic or communicative aspect. But what if we told you that there is a very creative work made with chewing gum?

It's true! Forget about paintings and drawings. In San Luis Obispo, California (United States of America), the protagonist has other forms... and many bacteria!

bubblegum alley
The origin is not certain.

What are we talking about? From Bubblegum Alley, an alley full of chewing gum that is one of the most popular attractions on the Central Coast.

Yes, this anomaly, as many call it, is located right in the center of San Luis Obispo, a city known for its tree-lined streets, boutiques and restaurants.

San Luis Obispo

Between Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Luis Obispo is really an incredible place to spend a weekend. With several trails, close to beaches and wine regions, full of shops and breweries, it offers a wide range of activities, but there is a peculiar experience that stands out.

Hidden in an alley, right next to Higuera Street, between Broad and Garden Streets, there are: walls full of tablets, which receive hundreds of new elements every day.

In total, the wall is 4.5 meters high and 21 meters long and invites visitors to participate in an unusual initiation rite: creating art with chewing gum.

bubblegum alley
No one resists.

Although the number of tablets is quite disgusting, this wall has a funny story and is a great place to take pictures. For the most sensitive, for germphobes and for anyone tormented by the memory of having found chewing gum under the school table, however, the narrative is different. It is fair to say that the nightmare here is real; consider yourselves very warned.

Some call this tourist place art, others say it is simply disgusting, but no one can resist putting their own stamp on the wall.

In fact, if you stop by but don't have any chewing gum on you, don't worry. You can buy one at the machine outside the alley. We bet it is one of the most profitable points of sale in the state.

Anyone can come by and make their contribution. Even so, the challenge has increased in recent times. In addition to taking photographs, many tourists have come to the place to lick the old chewing gum that gives a colorful and cheerful look to the walls of the alley. Would I be able to?

The origin of the Bubblegum alley

There are two versions of the origin of this unusual tourist place. Some historians believe that the tradition of the alley began after World War II, with a graduation event from the San Luis Obispo High School. Others think that it began in the late 1950s as a rivalry between the students of San Luis Obispo High School and Cal Poly.

Anyway, in the 1970s, Bubblegum Alley was on the right track when store owners complained that it was "unhygienic and disgusting." Then the alley was thoroughly cleaned.

In the following years, another one was built, but since the 90s those walls have not been cleaned.

bubblegum alley
A strange challenge.

Nowadays, opinions about the attraction differ. If many local politicians consider Bubblegum Alley to be a monstrosity, the most creative turn the place into an art space.

Curious? Take advantage of the trip to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the city. Stroll through the center of San Luis Obispo, visit the famous Farmers' Market, take a walk through Bishop Peak and then relax on the beach of Ávila, a few kilometers from San Luis Obispo.