Looking for a wonderfully kitschy roadside attraction? The Cabazon Dinosaurs deliver exactly that kind of weird, wonderful experience. Your kids and your leashed dog will get a kick out of it—there’s something about these massive concrete creatures that just works for families on a road trip through the desert.

These dinosaurs have been a Southern California landmark since the 1960s, iconic enough to show up in Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure and The Wizard. Mr. Rex and Dinny are the stars, but they’ve got more than 70 dinosaur companions scattered across the property, so there’s plenty to explore and photograph. The whole scene has that authentic vintage roadside vibe that you can’t manufacture—it’s genuinely quirky without trying too hard.

The dinosaur walk takes you through the collection, and there’s also a dino dig area and fossil panning station that keeps kids engaged. Your dog will be fine on leash as long as you keep them under control and watch for the uneven ground in places. The setting is typical high desert Inland Empire—hot, sunny, and wide open. There’s good shade in spots, but bring water for both of you.

The area around Cabazon sits along I-10 between the Coachella Valley and San Bernardino County, so it works well as a quick stop if you’re heading to or from Greater Palm Springs or heading east toward Joshua Tree. If you’re staying in the Palm Springs area and want a slightly offbeat outing with the dog, it’s maybe 45 minutes away depending on where you’re based. The whole experience takes a couple of hours if you’re moving at a leisurely pace and actually looking at everything. Parking is straightforward, and the grounds are easy to navigate with a dog in tow.