The iconic – and iconicly pink – Madonna Inn is a must-visit staple on California’s Central Coast. Located in San Luis Obispo just off Highway 101 on Madonna Road, this Golden State treasure has been a home for weary travelers since the late 1950’s. The bakery and Copper Cafe have been serving up goodness made from locally sourced dairy, produce, beef and more since the early 1960’s – including Phyllis Madonna’s famous Cheese Pie.
You can learn more about the history of the Madonna Inn here.
Planning your visit to the Madonna Inn:
We have great news: you can pop in to the Madonna Inn pretty much anytime! There’s often an open seat at the Copper Cafe, and if you need to wait a moment, you can walk through the Secret Garden or grab a sip in the “Silver Bar” – which is mostly pink. The gift shops are absolutely worth a stroll too.
If you’d like to stay overnight, you can view all 110 rooms online, and you’ll want to, because they’re all different! Reservations are recommended for dining in Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House (dinner only) and the Madonna Inn Spa.
The Bakery Is Totally a Thing
The Bakery at the Madonna Inn is legendary for a reason. While the Pink Champagne Cake and Cheese Pie get most of the fanfare (understandably), locals will tell you there is nothing like strawberry season! Sweet berries are the star of the Strawberry Cake & Strawberry Pie, and can be found on top of waffles + more. Fall months bring the Pecan + Pumpkin Pies, and seasonal cakes and fruit cobblers are available throughout the year.
If you can’t get to the Madonna Inn during strawberry season, you can make a Strawberry Pie at home with this recipe.
The Madonna Inn is a true California Icon
From the (not so) Secret Garden full of fruit + butterflies to the bathroom waterfall, the Madonna Inn offers Golden State delights to travelers of all ages. Look for the pink + white sign (yes, the horses are running in neon!) and head west from Highway 101 to sit for a spell under the stained glass and ornate woodwork. Stop and sip from one of the must-have-souvenir goblets.
We recommend grabbing a slice from the bakery too.
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, California 93405, United States
Phone: (805) 543-3000
Find more Only in California original locations like this one!
Article by K.C. Cornwell. Photos by James Collier and courtesy of Madonna Inn.