7 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in San Luis Obispo - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, California

Madonna Inn

A hotel and restaurant serving as the mecca of kitsch.

San Luis Obispo, California

Cal Poly Architecture Graveyard

A deserted hodgepodge of experimental structures designed by nearby university students.

San Luis Obispo, California

The Dorn Pyramid

A Mysterious Masonic tomb in San Luis Obispo.

San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo's Bubblegum Alley

An alley covered with 20 years of bubble gum.

San Luis Obispo, California

The Bells of El Camino Real

A chain of bells connect the California Missions and honor the legend of the "King’s Highway."

San Luis Obispo, California

'The Iron Road Pioneers'

A simple statue outside a California Amtrak station honors the overlooked contributions of the "silent spikes."

San Luis Obispo, California

Motel Inn

The world's first motel is now an administrative building for an apple farm.

Are we missing something unusual in San Luis Obispo?

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

Summer Radio Road-Trip

Follow along on our 2,200-mile adventure with NPR's 'All Things Considered.'

Upper Hoh Road, Olympic National Park, Oregon.

Community Forums / United States / US: West

Top Discussions in the US: West Travel Forum

Post	Replies	Views	Activity
Looking for places to visit in Tucson Az	13 January 3, 2020	2677	January 3, 2020
Blenheim Apricot	10 January 13, 2020	2433	January 13, 2020
Visiting Utah and Colorado	11 December 5, 2019	577	December 5, 2019
Traveling through MT, WY, CO, TX. Need advice!	9 June 12, 2019	1429	June 12, 2019
Tracing a town with a square with a lovely scent, near Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA	8 September 22, 2019	1461	September 22, 2019

New Post Visit the Forum

Explore San Luis Obispo, California

Launch Map

San Luis Obispo Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent San Luis Obispo Activity

kimberlin wants to go to The Dorn Pyramid

kimberlin wants to go to Cal Poly Architecture Graveyard

loganczar has been to The Bells of El Camino Real

loganczar has been to Motel Inn

kimberlin wants to go to Madonna Inn