California, renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance, offers plenty of sites where dog owners can explore with their canine companions. From iconic landmarks to quirky attractions, these destinations provide both educational and enjoyable experiences.
Salvation Mountain
In the Colorado Desert near Slab City, Salvation Mountain is a vibrant, eccentric art installation created by Leonard Knight. This colorful monument, made from adobe, straw, and thousands of gallons of paint, is adorned with murals and religious scriptures. It’s a unique and weird destination perfect for adventurous travelers and their dogs. Caveat: it’s HOT!
- Brightly colored art installation
- Near the off-grid community of Slab City
- Open desert space for dogs to explore
- Instagram-worthy backdrops
Cabazon Dinosaurs
Near Palm Springs, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are two massive dinosaur statues that have become a kitschy roadside attraction. Dogs are welcome to explore the grounds on leash, making it a fun stop for unique photo opportunities. You might recognize these dinos from their cameo in “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure”—and your pup will probably want to pose with the towering T-Rex too.
- Giant T-Rex and Brontosaurus statues
- Dog-friendly outdoor area
- Fun and quirky photo ops
Wigwam Motel
The Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino offers a nostalgic Route 66 experience with its teepee-shaped rooms. This kitschy motel welcomes dogs, making it a fun and unusual place to stay while exploring historic Route 66. There’s a $35 pet fee for hotel guests. The vintage cars parked outside make for great photo ops with your pup, and the retro vibe is hard to beat for a road-trip pit stop.
Western Railway Museum
In Suisun City, the Western Railway Museum preserves the history of Northern California’s interurban electric railroads. The museum offers dog-friendly electric train rides, making it a unique historical experience for both you and your pet. Your dog can ride right alongside you in the vintage rail cars—a one-of-a-kind outing you won’t find at many other California attractions.
- Dog-friendly electric train rides
- History of interurban electric railroads
- Scenic rides through California’s flatlands
- Great for vintage train-themed photo shoots
Tips for visiting dog-friendly roadside attractions
- Leash requirements: Always keep your dog on a leash and follow posted rules.
- Hydration: Bring plenty of water for both you and your dog, especially in warmer climates. Learn the signs of overheating in our heatstroke prevention guide.
- Waste disposal: Clean up after your dog to keep the sites clean and enjoyable for everyone.
- Plan ahead: Check specific dog policies for each site before visiting.
- Respect wildlife and other visitors: Keep your dog under control to avoid disturbing wildlife or other guests.
- Watch the pavement: At desert stops like Salvation Mountain and Cabazon, asphalt and sand can get scorching hot. Touch the ground with the back of your hand—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Exploring these roadside attractions with your dog is a great way to enjoy California’s quirky history and diverse landscapes, from scenic train rides to desert art and retro motels. If you’re heading through the desert, consider adding dog-friendly Greater Palm Springs to your itinerary or veering off toward Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego. For more dog-friendly attractions across the state, browse our full directory. Load up the car, bring plenty of treats, and hit the road for a dog-friendly California adventure.
