The California Wigwam Motel was built within the city limits of San Bernardino in 1949, a period when citrus groves flourished throughout the region. The motel would later acquire a Rialto postal address, creating confusions as the property actually sits in San Bernardino. This Route 66 institution marks the final of seven Wigwam Motels that were constructed across the country, making it a rare survivor from that era of quirky roadside hospitality.

The most striking feature is the village-style arrangement of nineteen 30-foot-tall tepees made from wood framing, concrete, and stucco. Whether you’re pulling in from the highway or walking the grounds with your dog, these structures command attention—they’re the real deal, not a theme park approximation. The motel sits just minutes from Colton, Grand Terrace, Redlands, Big Bear, Highland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and Bloomington, making it a convenient base for exploring the San Bernardino County foothills and beyond.

Each individual wigwam is equipped with the essentials you’d need after a day of driving. The grounds include grass areas where you can stretch your legs and let your dog do the same, an outdoor barbecue grill for evening meals, and a kidney-shaped swimming pool that’s genuinely refreshing on warm desert days. The whole setup has an unpretentious charm—it’s not trying to be fancy, just honest and functional in that distinctly mid-century California way.

What makes it special for traveling with a dog is the open layout and the fact that you’re not confined to a sterile hallway corridor. You can park near your wigwam and move around the property easily. The grassy areas give dogs room to roam, and the casual vibe means no one’s fussing if your travel companion needs to settle in after a long drive. It’s exactly the kind of place that makes Route 66 trips memorable, where the accommodation itself is the attraction rather than just a place to sleep.