California is full of surprises—not just beaches, celebrities, and theme parks, but also some of the weirdest, quirkiest roadside attractions you’ll ever come across.
Whether you’re road-tripping along the Pacific Coast Highway or cruising through the desert, there are plenty of odd stops that make the journey just as fun as the destination. Here are 11 of the weirdest roadside attractions in California that are totally worth pulling over for.
1. Cabazon Dinosaurs – Cabazon
Located near Palm Springs, these giant fiberglass dinosaurs—Dinny the Dinosaur and Mr. Rex—are a classic stop for families and Instagram lovers alike. Built in the 1960s, they were even featured in movies like Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. You can even climb inside Mr. Rex’s mouth!
2. Salvation Mountain – Niland
This massive, colorful hill made of adobe, paint, and love messages was built by one man, Leonard Knight. Covered in religious sayings and vibrant art, Salvation Mountain sits in the middle of the desert and feels like stepping into a dream—or a surreal painting.
3. Bubblegum Alley – San Luis Obispo
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: an entire alley filled with chewed bubblegum stuck to the walls. It’s gross, yes, but also oddly fascinating. Locals and tourists have been adding to it for decades. Just try not to touch anything.
4. The Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz
One of California’s most famous “gravity hills,” this strange tourist attraction messes with your mind. Balls roll uphill, people seem to lean at impossible angles, and tour guides keep the fun going with wild explanations. Is it a trick? Is it magic? You decide.
5. World’s Largest Thermometer – Baker
In the scorching Mojave Desert, there’s a 134-foot-tall thermometer that marks the highest temperature ever recorded—134°F in nearby Death Valley. It’s big, bold, and perfect for a quick desert photo stop.
6. The Last Bookstore – Los Angeles
More than just a bookstore, this spot is part art gallery, part maze, and all-around weirdly wonderful. Think tunnels made of books, floating shelves, and a vault filled with rare finds. It’s one of LA’s coolest and quirkiest hidden gems.
7. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch – Oro Grande
Along Route 66, you’ll find this forest of “trees” made entirely of bottles and metal scraps. Created by one man, Elmer Long, this junkyard-style art piece is a peaceful, whimsical place to walk around and snap unique photos.
8. Charlie Brown Farms – Littlerock
This roadside mega-store in the High Desert sells everything from dinosaur statues and deep-fried Oreos to candy, hot sauce, and antiques. It’s a crazy blend of flea market, food stop, and oddity shop all in one.
9. Winchester Mystery House – San Jose
A mansion with 160 rooms, staircases that lead to nowhere, and doors that open into walls—this house is a real-life mystery. Built by Sarah Winchester, who believed ghosts haunted her family, it’s one of California’s most haunted and strangest buildings.
10. Museum of Death – Hollywood
If you’re into the macabre, this one’s for you. The Museum of Death houses crime scene photos, body bags, serial killer letters, and other creepy displays. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but undeniably weird.
11. Bigfoot Discovery Museum – Felton
Yes, a whole museum dedicated to Bigfoot. Located in the redwood forests near Santa Cruz, it’s run by a man who’s devoted his life to proving the creature is real. Inside, you’ll find plaster casts of footprints, news clippings, and lots of cryptid curiosity.
California isn’t just about Hollywood or the Golden Gate Bridge. The state is packed with offbeat, oddball attractions that make any road trip memorable. From giant dinosaurs to gum-covered alleys and haunted mansions, these weird roadside stops are full of character and charm.
So next time you hit the road in California, don’t just rush to the next big city—pull over, explore, and enjoy the weirdness.
