San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Alex Madonna
Creator of Madonna Inn
Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 2, 2026
1. Alex Madonna Marker
Alex's personality was complex and ran in a wide and broad spectrum. He was as colorful as a rainbow, as stormy as a hurricane and as unpredictable as the weather. He was an introvert, quiet, serious, shy and sometimes solemn. He was an extrovert, flamboyant with quick wit and humor. His laughter was hearty and sometimes ended with tears. He moved fast, thought fast and had a mind like a computer. He was strong, gentle and kind. He was thoughtful and was always giving and doing for others. He never accepted failure. When faced with a closed door, he simply opened another.
November 19, 1918 - April 22, 2004
You are loved by all who knew you!
"You will always be in my heart"
Phyllis Madonna
Erected by Phyllis Madonna.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is April 22, 2004.
Location. 35° 15.961′ N, 120° 40.543′ W. Marker is in San Luis Obispo, California, in San Luis Obispo County. It can be reached from Madonna Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 180 Madonna Road,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Central Coast and specifically on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pacific Coast Railway (approx. 1.1 miles away); Carnegie City Library (approx. 1.1 miles away); De Anza Expedition 1775 - 1776 (approx. 1.2 miles away); Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (approx. 1.2 miles away); Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (approx. 1.2 miles away); Chong's Candy Store (approx. 1.2 miles away); Site of Ah Louis Store (approx. 1.3 miles away); Presbyterian Church (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Luis Obispo.
Also see . . . Madonna Inn (Wikipedia). Overview:
The Madonna Inn is a motel in San Luis(Submitted on September 25, 2026.)Obispo, California. Opened in 1958, it quickly became a landmark on the Central Coast of California. It is noted for its unique decor, pink dining room, and themed rooms. It was created by Alex Madonna, a successful construction magnate and entrepreneur (d. April 2004), and his wife Phyllis.Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 2, 20262. Alex Madonna Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 2, 2026
3. Alex Madonna Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2026, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 21 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 22, 2026, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
