10 Roadside Attractions In California You Need To See To Believe

Thanks to Pop Culture and Media, California’s Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland, Hollywood, Coachella, Silicon Valley, and surf culture have always been obvious sights. Nevertheless, California also has dozens of strange roadside attractions that will delight visitors.

With its Mediterranean climate, June to August is the peak time whereas November to March is the low season to beat the crowds. Decide the suitable season and gear up for these roadside attractions!

10 Awe At The Cabazon Dinosaurs

Two giant steel and concrete dinosaur sculptures will make visitors awestruck due to their formidable height and structure. Dinny the Dinosaur, a 150-foot Brontosaurus & Mr. Rex, a 65-foot tall Tyrannosaurus have also been featured in cult classics such as “The Wizard” & “Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure.”

Moreover, their creation took place owing to the sculptor, Knott’s Berry Farm & artist, Claude K. Bell’s intention to attract customers to Wheel Inn Restaurant back in 1958.

The site also features an open-air museum with fiberglass and robotic dinosaurs as well, making it a must-see spot for dinosaur lovers.

Location: 50770 Seminole Drive, Cabazon CA 92230

9 Astound Over The World’s Largest Lemon

This giant citrus fruit sits in the center of Lemon Grove, a suburb of San Diego. A symbol constructed for a parade float in 1928, this lemon is almost 6 feet long and 3000 pounds in weight.

There are many lemon trees growing behind this sculpture serving as a reminder of being a lemon grove before the development.

Also, on the concrete base is engraved, “Best Climate On Earth”, a slogan used by the town persistently throughout. This massive sour fruit was designed by the architect, Alberto O Treganza, and is located next to the Orange Line Trolley Tracks.

Location: 3361 Main St (near), Lemon Grove, CA

8 Gape at the Salvation Mountain

One of the surreal sites of California is the Salvation Mountain, Palm Springs which also boasts itself to be one of the trendiest Instagram able spots in the Golden State.

This sprawling vast art creation has been created by artist, Leonard Knight. Indeed, that will leave any tourist flabbergasted as it's a man-made mountain & not a natural mountain. This monumental creation is made of adobe bricks, discarded tires, and other car parts, paints, and a bent of creativity throughout.

Owing to the spiritual awakening of the artist, he started building this mountain in the first place, from the ground.

Indeed, a Herculean task, he met the challenges of nature, but his persistence met success. Devoting 28 years of his life, this impressive piece of art has colorful inscriptions of Bible verses, a red heart, an austere cross, an American flag, and also the inscription "God Is Love."

Location: Near Salton Sea in Niland, California

7 Visit the Whimsical Structures

Seeking a bizarre adventure? The enticing and eccentric landscape of "Galletta Meadows" has almost 130 crafted metal sculptures dispersed meticulously. The sparse desert of Borrego Springs has massive serpents, mammoths, prehistoric camels, colossal birds, and creatures with formidable essence.

This overwhelming sculpture display seems similar to a Hollywood set that has been created by artist, Ricardo Breceda. The owner, Dennis Avery of Galleta Meadows Estate initiated this owing to the creatures which once roamed the valley.

The largest of the creatures measures 12 feet tall and 20 feet long and can be witnessed from the car while driving.

Location: Borrego Springs Rd, CA

6 Be Surprised By The Mystery House

One of the strangest mansions in the entire country is the Winchester Mystery House, which is deemed to be haunted. The mansion’s modification comprised of secret doorways, doors opening into walls & steps leading to nowhere which struck the mystery more.

The owner, Sarah Winchester, believed that the mansion was haunted yet never left it. The allure of the mansion owes to its seven-storied construction with 161 rooms, 47 fireplaces, 10,000 panes of glass & three elevators.

The mansion tour is available for the public which involves a tour of the mansion as well as the mercantile gift shop around for souvenirs. Tickets for the tour can be booked online.

Tour Duration: Mansion Tour (65 minutes) & Mercantile Tour (15 minutes)
Location: 525 South Winchester Boulevard, San Jose

5 Visit This Giant Artichoke

Until now, colossal, unique, and bizarre have been the adjectives for attractions in California. This Golden State continues to hold this reputation with this giant “Artichoke Restaurant.”

Located in Castroville, also known as the “Artichoke Center Of The World”, this huge vegetable acts as a photo opportunity at the start of the restaurant.

Also, the menu lets one feast on treats made of artichoke.

Location: 11261 Merritt Street, Castroville

4 Gape At “Trees of Mystery”

Harking back to 1931, this is California’s oldest roadside attraction. The “Trees of Mystery” in the lush forest make up for a gorgeous view owing to its unusual formations, and some unbelievably beautiful hikes abound in the area.

Located at the very center of Redwood National & State Parks, there are canopy trails, “Motel Trees” a motel with nature-themed rooms, a forest café, and the ultra-unique, Sky Trail Gondola ride.

This magical setting is also available for private events and celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, or any other occasion.

Tickets: The admission fee is around $20 for adults and $11 for kids
Location: 15500 US-101, Klamath

3 Go Bananas Over The Museum

The "International Banana Museum", a roadside attraction is home to more than 25,000 banana-themed items. Indeed, it also sets the Guinness World Record for being the largest museum devoting its love to this one fruit.

One can drop by the banana bar as well to order tasty treats like homemade banana ice cream, banana milkshakes, and other food items made from bananas.

Also, one can wear the banana suit & click funky pictures of being a mascot & check out the unique merchandise too.

Cost: The ticket for the museum is $1.
Location: 98775 CA-111, Mecca
Hours of Operation: 1.00 PM to 5.00 PM

2 Visit The Original McDonald's Museum

A signature food outlet in the USA, McDonald's has earned recognition across the globe (and it has some very strange locations, too). So, here is the museum of this famous outlet beholding the history throughout the years and also memorabilia.

The museum chronicles everything right from the rise of the food outlet, its evolutionary journey, and everything about it to date. Visitors can also see the modifications in its mascot and its first logo also.

Also, the exterior of the museum has a large sign from the old McDonald’s, a Hamburglar Jail, Ronald Statues, and Route 66 plaques. This site had been the first McDonald’s in 1940 and is believed to be later converted into a museum.

Location: 1398 N E St, San Bernardino, CA 92405
Hours Of Operation: 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM

1 Stay In A Unique Shaped Motel

While paying a visit to these quirky roadside attractions, if one is seeking to stay in a unique stay, Wigwam Motels should be given a shot. The accommodation shaped like a teepee has stunning scenery around it with palm trees and enveloping mountains.

With 30-foot tall concrete tepees, it has all the modern amenities. The budget is around $124 per night.

Location: 2728 Foothill Boulevard, San Bernardino