Road trips are incomplete without stopping at a roadside attraction. California highways once had hundreds of these attractions, many disappearing with the construction of multi-lane freeways. Today, a few original roadside attractions still exist, along with new “internet attractions” that have gained fame through social media and websites like this one.
Southern California Roadside Attractions
OstrichLand USA Solvang California
One of California’s most famous roadside attractions is just off Highway 101 on the central coast, right outside Buellton. At the 33-acre farm, visitors can feed and take photos of the gigantic birds. The farm also features a small gift shop selling Ostrich-related items such as jerky and eggs. You can find Ostrichland at USA 610 E Highway 246, Solvang, California.
NeverLand Ranch Los Olivos California
Michael Jackson’s former ranch, also known as Neverland Ranch, has become a popular attraction for fans worldwide. The ranch gate is the closest most visitors can get to the property. Fans often leave notes, presents, and tributes to Michael Jackson on the gate and adjacent walls. Although you can peek over the fence, Jackson’s ranch home is not visible from this vantage point. The ranch’s address is 5225 Figueroa Mountain Rd, Los Olivos, CA.
Shields Date Garden Indio California
Shields Date Garden, established in 1924, is one of the oldest roadside attractions in California. In the 1950s, the store, theater, and date packing area buildings were added. The Shields Date Garden maintains its original appearance, including the iconic Knight Sign that guards its entrance. It is located at 80225 CA-111, Indio, CA.
Eddie World in Yermo
If you’re driving through Yermo, California, you should definitely stop at Eddie World. It’s a spacious and inviting rest stop that offers a variety of tasty treats such as candies, ice cream, snacks, burgers, pizza, jerky, and drinks. After a long drive, you’ll appreciate the clean, comfortable, and relaxed atmosphere. And if you need to use the restroom, you’ll be pleased to know that they are immaculate.
Cabazon Dinosaurs Cabazon California
Cabazon Dinosaurs could easily win the title of the best roadside attraction in California. Since 1964, these giant creatures have been grabbing the attention of motorists passing through along Interstate 10. Initially built to attract customers to a now-defunct restaurant called the Wheel Inn, the dinosaurs have become a popular destination. Visitors to the site can explore a small museum, a gift shop, and the Dinosaurs. Cabazon Dinosaurs is located at 50770 Seminole Drive, Cabazon, CA.
Hadley Fruit Orchards Cabazon California
Hadley Fruit Orchards, located in Cabazon near Palm Springs, has been a popular roadside attraction for many years, serving delicious date shakes and dried fruit snacks to travelers since 1953 at its current location, even though the original building was replaced in 2016. You can find it at 47993 Morongo Trail, Cabazon, CA.
World Famous Crochet Museum
The World Famous Crochet Museum is a fascinating roadside attraction behind the Joshua Tree Saloon. The Crochet Museum is in a small artist colony, including Soul Connection, Art Queen Gallery, Space Cowboy Books, a ceramic shop, and a glass blower.
Fallen Star Cottage La Jolla, California
The cottage perched atop a building at the University of San Diego is a masterpiece created by the Korean sculptor Do-ho Suh. The tiny house is fully furnished and adorned with paintings on its walls. You can visit the Cottage in the Sky at 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093.
Salvation Mountain Niland California
Salvation Mountain is a unique and quirky roadside attraction near the Salton Sea in California. This mountain was crafted solely by the hands of Leonard Knight, who was inspired to create it after a failed attempt to launch a hot air balloon made from bed sheets that had the words “God is Love” boldly written on it in the 1980s. This failure led to the creation of this magnificent mountain that took him 26 years to build. You can visit Salvation Mountain at Beal Road, Niland, CA.
Desert View Tower Jacumba Hot Springs, CA
The Desert View Tower is a distinctive attraction along Interstate 8 between San Diego and Imperial County. It is a throwback to the classic roadside attractions and worth stopping. Adjacent to the tower is Boulder Park, which features a collection of wind-weathered rocks forming a network of caves and walkways. The Desert View Tower is situated off In-Ko-Pah Road, approximately four miles east of Jacumba.
Historic Owl Cafe Red Mountain, California
Many travelers driving along Highway 395 usually pass the small town of Red Mountain without realizing its historical significance. Red Mountain was once home to the largest silver mine in the United States. During the prohibition era, the town attracted a wild crowd of revelers, including Hollywood celebrities, due to its thriving red-light district, gambling, and alcohol. Today, Historic Owl Cafe is a museum with hundreds of photos and artifacts about the cafe and the surrounding Randsburg mining district. On your next trip to Eastern High Sierras along Highway 395, take time out to visit Red Mountain and the Historic Owl Cafe. Red Mountain is 3 miles south of Randsburg Road on Highway 395.
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch Oro Grande, CA
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is a must-see attraction on the National Trails Highway. Elmer, who passed away a few years ago, created his masterpiece from junkyard pieces and hundreds of bottles. Despite his passing, visitors can still enjoy the view of his farm. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch can be found at 24266 National Trails Hwy in Oro Grande, California.
Galleta Meadows Borrego Springs, CA
Galleta Meadows Estates is a remarkable collection of more than 100 welded-steel sculptures. These sculptures depict prehistoric animals, farmworkers, saints, and cacti and are the creations of the talented artist Ricardo Breceda. Visitors can view these magnificent steel sculptures just outside Borrego Springs, mostly along Borrego Springs road, both north and south of downtown. Borrego Springs is situated 90 miles northeast of San Diego.
Harmony Chapel Harmony, California
Harmony, a small central coast town, was established in 1869. The town’s local dairy ranches utilized the creamery to process their products. However, in 1955, the creamery shut down, and most of the town’s residents moved on. Harmony has been revived as a roadside attraction just south of Hearst Castle on Highway 1. Visitors can explore the pottery store and glasswork, get married in the chapel or indulge in wine tasting at Harmony Cellars Winery. Harmony, California, is located along Highway 1 between Morro Bay and Hearst Castle, making it an ideal stop for tourists traveling through the area.
McDonald’s Museum San Bernardino
Have you ever wondered where the first McDonald’s was located? If so, there’s a quirky little museum along historic Route 66 that you should check out. Although the original building has been torn down, the museum stands on the original site. Inside, you’ll find a collection of McDonald’s memorabilia, including toys, bags, boxes, and pictures. Admission is free, and while the museum doesn’t serve burgers, it’s worth a visit. The museum’s address is 1398 N E St, San Bernardino, California.
Wigwam Motel San Bernardino
The Wigwam Motel is located on historic Route 66 in San Bernardino and is one of the two remaining Wigwam Villages. These motels were constructed during the 1930s and 40s, and there were seven villages at one point. However, the town became neglected over time, and the motel could be rented by the hour. There used to be a sign in front of the motel that read, “Do it in a Tee Pee.” The motel has been restored and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Moreover, the rooms can no longer be rented by the hour. The address of the motel is 2728 E Foothill Blvd Rialto, California. Website.
Ranchita Country Store Yeti
If you’re planning a trip to Borrego Springs, stop by the Montezuma Valley Market in the small town of Ranchita, California. You can’t miss the 11-foot-tall snow Yeti statue in front of the market. Take some time to snap photos with the giant Yeti and pick up some snacks for your journey. The market is midway between Warner Springs and Borrego Springs, along route S22.
Nitt Witt Ridge Cambria, California
Over 50 years, he built his castle on a hill using only a shovel and a hammer. He chiseled away at the hillside and constructed his small mansion out of salvaged materials, beachcombed junk, and other people’s trash. This unique and creative structure is located at Nitt Witt Ridge, 881 Hillcrest Drive, in Cambria, California.
Bennett’s Honey Farm Fillmore, CA
Bennett’s Honey Farm, located at 3176 Honey Lane, Fillmore, California, is the perfect place for honey lovers. They offer a variety of flavored honey, including Wildflower, Eucalyptus, Orange Blossom, Blueberry, Clover, Cinnamon, Lemon, Sage, and Hawaiian honey. In addition, they have two honey-tasting stations with tiny spoons where you can try all the different types of honey for free. All of their honey is 100% pure and raw.
Borax Visitor Center Boron, California
Stop by the Borax Visitor Center if you’re traveling between Southern and Northern California along Highway 395. You can catch sight of the Rio Tinto Borax processing plant and California’s biggest open-pit mine from afar. Inside the center, you’ll find a plethora of information about Borax and its uses.
Northern California Roadside Attractions
Trees of Mystery Klamath California
One of the few remaining original roadside attractions in California, Trees of Mystery has been welcoming visitors since 1931. This unique destination offers an unforgettable experience for people of all ages, with plenty of exciting activities to explore. Located at 15500 U.S. 101 in Klamath, California, Trees of Mystery is a must-visit spot on your Northern California itinerary.
Santa Cruz Mystery Spot Santa Cruz, CA
Since 1940, visitors have been flocking to a roadside attraction in California. Situated amid the redwoods, just three miles away from downtown Santa Cruz, this place seems to defy the laws of physics. Here, you can witness fascinating phenomena that make it appear like water flows upward and balls are rolling uphill. It’s an experience that is truly out of this world! Santa Cruz Mystery Spot 465 Mystery Spot Road Santa Cruz, California.
Bravo Farms Ghost Town Kettleman City, CA
Bravo Farms is a popular roadside attraction on Highway 99 between Tulare and Fresno. The Kettleman City location is the largest of the four Bravo Farms stores. The theme of this attraction is the Wild West, featuring a ghost town, a restaurant, and a gigantic farm store. Moreover, there is a designated area for dogs to play. If you want to visit Bravo Farms, you can find it at 33341 Bernard Drive, Kettleman City, California.
Shrine Drive-Thru Tree Myers Flat, CA
Shrine Drive-Thru Tree is a popular roadside attraction on the renowned Avenue of the Giants in Myers Flat, California. Visitors can drive through the tree for a small fee and explore some of the fantastic treehouses carved out of redwood tree stumps. In addition, there is a gift shop that offers a variety of souvenirs. It’s important to note that only small cars can drive through the tree. The address of Shrine Drive-Thru Tree is 13708 Avenue of the Giants.
Olancha Sculpture Gardens Olancha, California
There are approximately 20 sculptures that are spread out on the desert ground – merely a few of Jael Hoffmann’s artworks are available for public viewing. The sculptures are on the west side of US 395 if you are traveling from Southern California. When you are 1.5 miles south of the intersection of Highway 395 and 190, take a left turn on Walker Creek Road and then make a right turn on Old State Highway to find the sculptures.
Forestiere Underground Gardens Fresno, California
Forestiere Underground Gardens is a fascinating wonder of the world built entirely underground. Visitors are amazed by the sight of it, as seeing is believing. The gardens were constructed primarily with hand picks, shovels, and wheelbarrows. The creativity in engineering, architecture, masonry, and landscaping is breathtaking. You can find Forestiere Underground Gardens at 5021 W. Shaw Ave. in Fresno.
Winchester Mystery House San Jose, CA
According to popular belief, Winchester thought the house was haunted by the ghosts of the people who fell victim to Winchester rifles and that only continuous construction would appease them. The home has many bizarre adornments that Mrs. Winchester believed contributed to its architectural beauty. Many of the stained glass windows were created by the Tiffany company. Winchester Mystery House 525 South Winchester Boulevard, San Jose, CA 95128
Old Faithful Geyser of California Calistoga, CA
Old Faithful Geyser of California is situated near Calistoga in the upper Napa Valley. It is one of only three “Old Faithful” geysers worldwide. The geyser is accompanied by a small herd of fainting goats, a unique breed that tends to faint when startled. Due to the high number of visitors, the goats have grown accustomed to noise and are not easily frightened. The address of Old Faithful Geyser is 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA.
San Francisco Bay Model Sausalito California
The San Francisco Bay Model is a vast 320 x 400-foot model of the San Francisco Bay built-in 1957. It was designed to study water flows in and around the bay by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Although it was not initially intended as a roadside attraction, it could serve as one. The model is still operational but not in use anymore. You can visit the Bay Model Visitor Center at 2100 Bridgeway Blvd—Sausalito, California, from Tuesday to Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is free.
If you’re near Joshua Tree in Twentynine Palms, check out the Love Signs!