Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
All the United States California San Luis Obispo

The Atlas Obscura Guide To San Luis Obispo

8 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in San Luis Obispo, California

Updated August 3, 2023

Email
Attractions
Map
Leaderboards
Hotel Deals

Unusual Attractions in San Luis Obispo

Dining room at the Madonna Inn

San Luis Obispo, California

Madonna Inn

A hotel and restaurant serving as the mecca of kitsch.
The Underground House.

San Luis Obispo, California

Poly Canyon - Experimental Structures Lab

A deserted hodgepodge of experimental structures designed by nearby university students.
Dorn Pyramid in San Luis Obispo

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.
Bell at Mission Santa Inez

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."
Motel Inn

San Luis Obispo, California

Motel Inn

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

San Luis Obispo, California

'The Iron Road Pioneers'

A simple statue outside a California Amtrak station honors the overlooked contributions of the "silent spikes."
Ah Louis Store - View from across Palm Street.

San Luis Obispo, California

Ah Louis Store

One of the last surviving buildings of a once large and thriving Chinatown.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

Summer Radio Road-Trip

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

View Itinerary
Upper Hoh Road, Olympic National Park, Oregon.

Explore San Luis Obispo, California

Architecture 2
Monuments 2
Architectural Oddities 2
History & Culture 2

San Luis Obispo Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. tralfamadore
    1
  2. cargocultnoise
    1
  3. lee
    1
  4. leiris
    1
  5. REWALLS
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to San Luis Obispo.

Places Edited

  1. Avoiding Regret
    4
  2. borjakarla
    3
  3. ccesare
    3
  4. jeremybrooks
    2
  5. James Ricci
    2
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. kinggwangi
    8
  2. ElvishXLex
    8
  3. joshbrandli
    8
  4. josuee
    8
  5. ExplodingLemur
    8
Join the Ranks!
Visit a place in San Luis Obispo.

Recent San Luis Obispo Activity

  • MollyBoBolly

    wants to go to San Luis Obispo's Bubblegum Alley

  • MollyBoBolly

    wants to go to Madonna Inn

  • vixnkitten

    has been to San Luis Obispo's Bubblegum Alley

  • adelleibbetson

    has been to San Luis Obispo's Bubblegum Alley

  • Pumasalad

    wants to go to The Dorn Pyramid

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.

Learn More

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.