Northern and Southern California might be the most popular destinations for visitors to the Sunshine State, but nothing beats the charm of California’s stunning Central Coast. Fairytale-esque oases, pastures with running horses, and sweeping views of foggy beaches make the region an ideal place for rest and relaxation. Nestled along one Central Coast highway is a hidden hotel gem long adored by California visitors for decades, The Madonna Inn.

Initially opened in 1958 by Alex and Phyllis Madonna, the Gold Rush-inspired inn is known worldwide for its flamboyant decor and imaginative, themed rooms, each offering a completely unique experience. Painted in light pink tones and with a storybook façade, this whimsical landmark fully embraces the kitsch.

A visit to the hotel—whether as a diner or an overnight guest—means embracing this sentiment. From sampling the diner’s massive cakes featuring an exorbitant amount of icing piping designs to trying on the sequined and bright colors frocks found in the gift shop, it’s vital to conjure up childlike wonder when exploring the place.

Although there are a handful of decoration themes for the rooms, there are no two rooms at the Madonna Inn that are exactly the same, in either decor or layout. This is likely the only place on the West Coast where you can sleep inside a dark cavern, fully decked out in cave-like walls, on one night only to have your very own Swiss chalet room the next night. While some rooms feature Wild West-style decor, others are more ornate, with Rococo details and high ceilings.

From the outside, the hotel, which consists of buildings stacked on a hillside, is a unique architectural landmark. Blending historic European and fairy-tale aesthetics, the exterior features chalet-style elements with heavy stonework and timber framing. Surrounded by gardens and looking out onto horses running in a field below, a trip to the inn is a complete maximalist escape like no other.

Not just a cozy place to rest your head, the sprawling motel also features one of the most visited restaurants in the region, Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House, which is lavishly decked out in bright leather booths, gilded decor, and overrun with flowers, dripping from the ceiling. Restaurant staff serving up large steaks while live bands play music for diners who took to the dancefloor after a few local wines.

The Central Coast is a relaxing place and the Madonna Inn allows guests to embrace that atmosphere. On top of the hill, overlooking the pastoral land below, is the inn’s large infinity pool, complete with multiple hidden jacuzzi hot tubs. Early mornings at the inn means empty pools and tubs along with pristine views of the region’s famous fog rolling over.

Located in San Luis Obispo, the Madonna Inn may feel as if it's a world all its own but it’s located only a few miles outside the city’s downtown, which features a bustling dining and art scene. The historic city (nicknamed “SLO” by locals) features plenty to do, including visiting antique shops and cozy bars offering local wines.

There’s also plenty of outdoor options in and around San Luis Obispo. A nearby hiking spot Bishop Peak offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area from the summit. Just a short trip away is Pismo Beach, a great place for kayakers, swimmers, surfers, and even those who want to drive an ATV. The close-by Montaña de Oro State Park is known for its dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and rugged coastline. Many travelers stop by San Luis Obispo on their way to California’s beloved Big Sur from Los Angeles. It’s also a great mid-point for anyone traveling from Southern California to San Francisco.

Nestled along California’s stunning Central Coast, the Madonna Inn is a world unto itself and because of that, the inn has developed a reputation as a destination itself. Be transported to another world by stepping into the quirky fairytale-esque oasis that has grown to become one of the state’s most beloved hidden gems.