20 Must-See California Roadside Attractions!

California is home to many iconic landmarks and attractions, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Disneyland. However, there are also many unique and quirky California roadside attractions that can be found throughout the state. These attractions often capture the imagination of travelers and provide a fun and memorable experience. Whether it’s a giant dinosaur, a towering thermometer, or a museum dedicated to crocheting, these California roadside attractions offer a glimpse into the diverse and eclectic culture of the state.

In this list, we’ll explore 20 of the most fascinating and entertaining roadside attractions in the Golden State.

Cabazon Dinosaurs – Cabazon, California

Cabazon Dinosaurs is a beloved roadside attraction located in Cabazon, California, a small desert city located in Riverside County, about 20 miles west of Palm Springs and 90 miles east of L.A. This California roadside attraction features two towering dinosaur sculptures, which are both unique and quirky, as well as its historical significance in pop culture.

The Madonna Inn – San Luis Obispo

The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo is a quirky and colorful roadside attraction that has been captivating visitors since 1958. From its unique architecture to its vibrant and eclectic decor, the inn is a testament to the creativity and vision of its founder, Alex Madonna. The inn’s 110 rooms are each uniquely decorated, featuring everything from rock walls and velvet upholstery to themed suites like the Caveman Room and the Old Mexico Room. With its charming ambiance, fun amenities, and stunning surroundings, The Madonna Inn is a must-see destination for anyone traveling through central California.

The Giant Artichoke – Castroville, California

The Giant Artichoke in Castroville is a popular California roadside attraction located in the heart of the “Artichoke Capital of the World.” Castroville is a small town located in Monterey County, just off of Highway 1. The Giant Artichoke is a 20-foot-tall artichoke statue that has become a symbol of the town’s agricultural heritage and its status as a major producer of artichokes. Visitors can explore the adjacent gift shop and restaurant, which offer a variety of artichoke-themed souvenirs and delicious dishes made with fresh, locally grown artichokes. With its unique and quirky charm, The Giant Artichoke is a must-see attraction for anyone traveling along the scenic California coastline.

World’s Largest Thermometer – Baker, California

The World’s Largest Thermometer is an iconic roadside attraction located along the historic Route 66. Standing at a towering height of 134 feet, the thermometer serves as a tribute to the extreme temperatures that can be found in the Mojave Desert. The thermometer was first built in 1991 by Willis Herron as a way to promote his travel center, and it has since become a beloved landmark for travelers passing through the area. The thermometer is fully functional and can display temperatures up to 134 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the highest temperature ever recorded in the United States. The World’s Largest Thermometer is a worthy California roadside attraction due to its unique and quirky design, as well as its historical significance as a tribute to Route 66 and the American West.

The Big Donut Drive-In – Inglewood, California

The Big Donut Drive-In is a captivating roadside attraction that has been serving up delicious donuts and coffee since 1950. Located just off of the historic Route 66, the drive-in is impossible to miss thanks to its iconic giant donut sign, which stands at 32 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The donut shop has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including “Iron Man 2” and “Mad Men,” and it has become a beloved local landmark for residents and visitors alike. The Big Donut Drive-In’s classic American diner vibe and delicious, freshly baked donuts make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through Southern California.

Bubblegum Alley, San Luis Obispo

Bubblegum Alley is a unique and quirky roadside attraction that has been drawing visitors since the 1950s. The alley is exactly what it sounds like: a narrow pedestrian alleyway that is completely covered in used chewing gum. Visitors are encouraged to add their own piece of gum to the wall, creating a constantly evolving work of art. While the origins of Bubblegum Alley are unclear, it has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with some estimates putting the number of pieces of gum on the walls at over one million. Despite its unconventional nature, Bubblegum Alley is a beloved part of San Luis Obispo’s history and culture, and it is well worth a visit for anyone passing through the area.

The World Famous Crochet Museum – Joshua Tree, California

The World Famous Crochet Museum is a one-of-a-kind California roadside attraction that celebrates the art of crochet. The museum is housed inside a tiny, 7-foot-by-7-foot roadside stand, and it is home to a vast collection of crochet pieces, including everything from hats and scarves to animals and household items. The museum was founded in 2006 by artist Shari Elf, who began filling the tiny space with her own crochet creations before opening it up to contributions from other artists and enthusiasts around the world. While the museum may be small, its dedication to celebrating the creativity and artistry of crochet has made it a beloved destination for visitors to Joshua Tree and beyond.

The Salton Sea – Imperial and Riverside Counties

The Salton Sea is an interesting roadside attraction in California due to its unique and complex history and natural features. Located in the southeastern part of the state, the Salton Sea is a vast and shallow saltwater lake that was created by accident in 1905 when the Colorado River breached an irrigation canal. Over the years, the Salton Sea has gone through periods of boom and bust, with the surrounding area once being a popular resort destination in the 1950s and 60s. Today, the Salton Sea is a fascinating ecological and environmental site, with its high salt content and increasing pollution levels making it a challenging environment for wildlife to thrive in. Despite its challenges, the Salton Sea remains a popular destination for photographers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts, and its stark and otherworldly beauty continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Eclectic California Roadside Attractions in Slab City and Salvation Mountain

Slab City/Salvation Mountain is one of the most interesting and eclectic California roadside attractions in the state. Located just a short distance from the Salton Sea, Slab City is a unique and offbeat community of artists, musicians, and free spirits who have made their home in a former military base. At the heart of Slab City is Salvation Mountain, a vibrant and colorful art installation that is dedicated to spreading love and the message of Christianity. Created by artist Leonard Knight over a period of several decades, the mountain is made entirely out of adobe, straw, and thousands of gallons of brightly colored paint. Together, Slab City and Salvation Mountain offer a glimpse into a truly alternative way of life, and their unconventional beauty and spirit of freedom and creativity have made them a beloved destination for travelers from around the world.

The Integratron, Landers

The Integratron is a remarkable roadside attraction located in Landers, California, just a few miles north of Joshua Tree National Park. It is a white dome-shaped structure made entirely of wood and designed to enhance human potential through sound, meditation, and other forms of alternative healing. The Integratron was built in the 1950s by George Van Tassel, who claimed to have received the design for the structure from extraterrestrial beings. The unique architecture and its history, coupled with the promise of an otherworldly experience, make the Integratron an intriguing and popular destination for travelers and spiritual seekers alike. Visitors can participate in sound baths, meditation sessions, and enjoy the surrounding desert landscape, making the Integratron an unforgettable roadside attraction.

The Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz

The Mystery Spot is one of the best California roadside attractions because it offers a unique and mind-bending experience that visitors can’t find anywhere else. Located in the middle of a dense forest, the Mystery Spot is an area of land where the laws of physics seem to be distorted. Visitors can witness strange optical illusions, such as objects appearing to roll uphill, people appearing to change heights, and water flowing uphill. The site’s history is shrouded in mystery, adding to the allure of the attraction. It’s a popular destination for those seeking a bit of excitement and wonder, and the staff provides an entertaining and informative tour of the area. The Mystery Spot is also conveniently located near other popular attractions, including the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and scenic coastal drives, making it an ideal addition to any California road trip itinerary.

California Roadside Attractions to The Tree Circus – Gilroy, California

The Tree Circus is one of the most unusual California roadside attractions in the state. This whimsical arboretum features a collection of trees that have been carefully pruned and shaped into fanciful shapes, including hearts, chairs, and even a giant telephone. The Tree Circus was created in the early 1900s by horticulturist Axel Erlandson, who spent decades experimenting with tree shaping techniques to create these incredible works of living art. Today, the Tree Circus remains a beloved and offbeat destination for travelers passing through the area, located approximately 33 miles from San Jose.

Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California

The Winchester Mystery House is one of the best and most unique California roadside attractions in the state. This sprawling mansion was built in the late 1800s by Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun magnate William Winchester. Legend has it that Sarah was haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles, and she believed that the only way to keep the spirits at bay was to continuously build and expand her home. The result is a maze-like mansion with over 160 rooms, secret passageways, and staircases that lead to nowhere. The Winchester Mystery House is a fascinating example of Victorian architecture, as well as a testament to one woman’s singular vision and obsession. Today, the house is open for public tours, and it remains a popular destination for those looking for a spooky and intriguing roadside attraction.

Watts Towers, Los Angeles

The Watts Towers in Los Angeles is considered one of the top California roadside attractions due to its impressive and unique artistry. The towers were constructed over a period of 34 years by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia using found materials such as broken glass, sea shells, and ceramic tiles. The towers stand at a height of up to 99 feet and are adorned with intricate mosaics and sculptures, making them a true masterpiece of outsider art. The Watts Towers also hold historical significance, as they were built in the 1920s and 30s during a time of racial tension and social unrest. The towers have since become a symbol of community resilience and cultural pride. Visitors can tour the site and learn about the history and construction of the towers, making it a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts alike.

The Nut Tree – Vacaville, California

The Nut Tree is a beloved and historic roadside attraction that has been entertaining travelers for decades. Originally a small fruit stand, the Nut Tree evolved into a sprawling complex that included restaurants, shops, and even a small amusement park. Today, the Nut Tree continues to draw visitors with its nostalgic charm and family-friendly atmosphere. It features an eclectic mix of attractions, including a toy store, a train ride, and a life-size model of a T-Rex dinosaur. The Nut Tree is located just off the I-80 freeway between San Francisco and Sacramento, and is approximately 20 miles from the nearest large city of Fairfield.

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox – Klamath, California

The Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statue is one of the most iconic and recognizable California roadside attractions in the state. The giant statue of the legendary lumberjack stands at a towering 49 feet tall, while his companion, Babe the Blue Ox, measures in at an impressive 35 feet long. The statue was built in 1949 as a tribute to the timber industry that once dominated the region, and it quickly became a beloved and enduring symbol of the area’s rich history and culture. Today, the statue remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The Monarch Butterfly Grove, Pismo Beach

The Monarch Butterfly Grove is a natural wonder and a top California roadside attraction. This grove is home to thousands of monarch butterflies, who flock to the area each year to escape the colder temperatures in the north. Visitors to the grove can witness the incredible sight of the butterflies as they cluster together in massive groups, covering the trees and creating a truly breathtaking spectacle. The Monarch Butterfly Grove is a unique and enchanting destination that offers a rare opportunity to witness the majesty of nature up close. It is located just off the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Central Coast region of the state.

The Caboose Motel – Dunsmuir, California

The Caboose Motel is a memorable roadside attraction that offers travelers a truly one-of-a-kind lodging experience. As the name suggests, the motel consists of a collection of renovated train cabooses, each converted into a cozy and comfortable guest room. Visitors to the Caboose Motel can enjoy the thrill of sleeping in a real train car while also taking in the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area. The motel is located in the small town of Dunsmuir, which is approximately 60 miles north of Redding, the largest city in the area. The Caboose Motel is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a quirky and unforgettable overnight stay on their California road trip.

The Painted Cave, Santa Barbara

The Painted Cave in Santa Barbara is a striking and ancient cave painting site that dates back over a thousand years. Located in the Santa Ynez Mountains, the cave is adorned with intricate and vibrant depictions of animals, symbols, and other images, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and culture of the Chumash people who once inhabited the area. The Painted Cave is one of the largest and most well-preserved cave painting sites in California, and it is a testament to the rich and complex history of the region. Today, the cave is protected by the National Park Service, and visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the art and history of this unique and captivating site.

California Roadside Attractions to The Desert View Tower – Jacumba, California

The Desert View Tower is a unique and historic roadside attraction that has been drawing visitors since it was built in the 1920s. The tower stands at over 70 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape, as well as a fascinating collection of artifacts and curiosities, including a preserved specimen of a prehistoric camel. The tower was built by a local entrepreneur, Bert Vaughn, who wanted to create a unique attraction for travelers passing through the area. Today, the Desert View Tower remains a beloved destination for road trippers and history buffs, offering a glimpse into the wild and untamed spirit of the American West.

If you have any suggestions for additional California roadside attractions to be included, please leave a comment below. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…