If you’ve ever driven along Interstate 10 between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, you’ve probably spotted them rising up from the desert – two giant dinosaurs standing proudly against the mountain backdrop. The Cabazon Dinosaurs are one of California’s most beloved roadside attractions, and yes, they’re just as fun to visit as they look from the freeway.
Whether you’re road-tripping with kids, reliving childhood nostalgia, or just love quirky Americana, this stop is pure desert charm!
Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs
History of the Cabazon Dinosaurs
The Cabazon Dinosaurs were created in the 1960s by Claude Bell, a sculptor and former Knott’s Berry Farm employee who built them as a way to attract visitors to his restaurant, the Wheel Inn Café which operated for decades next door.
- Dinny the Dinosaur (the Apatosaurus) was completed in 1964 and stands about 150 feet long.
- Mr. Rex, the towering Tyrannosaurus rex, was finished in 1981 and stands 65 feet tall.
Bell built them largely by hand using concrete and steel, and they were originally meant to draw hungry travelers off the freeway. Mission accomplished!
It was planned that Dinny’s eyes would glow, and he would spit fire out of his mouth. However, these features were not added. Allegedly, Mr. Rex, the second dinosaur, used to have a slide on his tail, but it is now filled with concrete and sand.
Over the years, they’ve appeared in movies, including PeeWee’s Big Adventure, music videos, commercials, and countless family photo albums. In the 1990s, new owners added a dinosaur-themed gift shop and museum area, leaning fully into the prehistoric fun. Subsequent new owners leaned more religious, specifically Creationists, and turned the attraction into a Young Earth Creationist museum and gift shop. Idiots.
Luckily, the dinosaurs were then sold again to new owners and the current owners like to paint the dinosaurs using various themes throughout the year/years. I’ve seen Mr. Rex painted as Santa, the Eater Bunny, in a tux for Valentine’s day, and as PeeWee Herman in a grey suit and red bow tie (after Paul Reubans died).
And Dinny has been painted purple with a collar like the Flintstone’s Dino, green with blue dots, bright red, or bright pink for Valentine’s Day!
You can check out the Cabazon Dinosaur‘s website and instagram to usually see what the latest paint job is. Currently looks like a Valentine’s Day/Easter “Love Blooms” theme with Dinny painted purple with colorful flowers!
Today, you can still walk right up to them – and yes, once you’ve paid admission to the “museum” you can climb inside Mr. Rex for views from his mouth. It’s wonderfully weird in the best possible way.
What to Expect When You Visit
The Cabazon Dinosaurs are located in Cabazon, just west of Palm Springs, off Interstate 10.
While you can enjoy the gift shop and the up-close views of Dinny and Mr. Rex for free, there is an admission fee charged for admission to the park. The admission fee also allows you to climb inside Mr. Rex to the top of his head. The view is amazing from there!
Admission prices are currently:
- Adults: $15
- Children: $13
- Seniors & Military: $11
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Plenty of photo ops (classic roadside Americana vibes)
- A small dinosaur “museum” with animatronic exhibits
- a dino-dig where kids can dig in the sand and find a rock with a dinosaur name to redeem for a prize
- A gold/gem/fossil water sluice to pan for gold
- A gift shop full of dinosaur-themed souvenirs
- The chance to climb inside Mr. Rex (seasonal/availability may vary)
It’s not a huge attraction – you can explore it in 30–60 minutes which makes it the perfect stretch-your-legs stop on a desert drive.
The gemstone/ gold/ fossil water sluice is my kids’ favorite. All kids love playing with water and sand!
It does cost extra – you need to pay for the bag of rocks to dump into the sand for them to then find. We always buy the larger, more expensive bag.
Tips for Visiting
- Go earlier in the day during summer — it gets hot in the desert.
- Bring water (especially if you plan to explore outside).
- Parking is easy and right off the freeway, but remember to hide valuable if traveling and lock your car!
- Combine it with a trip to Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, or apple picking in Oak Glen for a fun day trip.
Plan for the weather! Odds are that it is probably going to be sunny and hot as hell. Although there are misters in the open areas to keep you cool, be sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen, bring sunglasses, and a hat!
Also, it’s sometimes very windy, so plan for layers if you’re visiting in winter months. When we stopped on our way home from Joshua Tree, the kids were comfortable in their sweatshirts!
Where to Eat Nearby:
Here are some tasty places to eat near the Cabazon Dinosaurs in Cabazon, California whether you’re craving a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or something unique:
Casual & Quick Bites – Great for Families & Road Trippers:
- In‑N‑Out Burger: A beloved West Coast fast-food favorite for burgers, fries and shakes – perfect after your dinosaur photos.
- Poki Bowl: Fresh, customizable poke bowls and Asian-inspired dishes if you want something lighter.
- Krispy Krunchy Chicken: Crispy fried chicken and sides for a satisfying lunch or snack.
- Hadley Fruit Orchards: A local staple for date shakes, fruit goodies, sandwiches, and snacks – great for dessert or a picnic treat.
Read More: California Foods Every Visitor Must Try!
Sit-Down Dining Options:
Many sit-down options are located in or near the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa area:
- Cielo: Upscale steak and seafood restaurant with California-inspired fare (best for a nicer dinner).
- The Marketplace by Fabio Viviani: Italian/Mexican fusion with a lively vibe.
- Good Times Cafe: Casual American comfort food – great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Pit Stop Diner: Classic diner eats with breakfast and hearty lunch/dinner options.
- Ruffled Feathers: A fun casual spot with a relaxed atmosphere inside the resort.
What Else to Do Nearby
The Cabazon area has more going on than you might expect. If you’re making a day of it, here are a few nearby stops worth adding to your itinerary:
Desert Hills Premium Outlets
Right next door, Desert Hills Premium Outlets is one of the most popular outlet malls in Southern California. You’ll find high-end brands at discount prices – great if you need retail therapy after hanging out with dinosaurs.
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa
If you’re feeling lucky (or just want a nicer dinner than fast food), Morongo Casino Resort & Spa is right nearby. It has restaurants, a pool area, and a full casino floor.
Palm Springs
Just about 20 minutes east is Palm Springs, known for its mid-century modern architecture, palm-lined streets, and desert glam vibes.
While you’re there:
- Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for stunning mountain views.
- Explore downtown’s boutiques and restaurants.
- Snap photos of the iconic wind farms on the drive in.
- Go on a self-guided colorful, midcentury-modern, Door Tour!
Read More: My Ultimate Palm Springs Travel Guide
Read More: Korakia Pensione Palm Springs Hotel Review
Read More: Palm Springs Door Tour
Read More: The Most Colorful Places in California
Joshua Tree National Park
If you’re up for a little adventure, Joshua Tree National Park is about an hour away. The otherworldly rock formations, twisted Joshua trees, and epic desert sunsets make it worth the drive.
It pairs perfectly with a dinosaur stop – prehistoric vibes all day long!
Read More: A Travel Guide to Joshua Tree National Park and Gateway Towns
Read More: Exploring the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Art Museum in Joshua Tree
Read More: Pioneertown, CA – A Travel Guide
Why the Cabazon Dinosaurs Are Worth the Stop
There’s something nostalgic about roadside attractions. They’re a reminder of old-school American road trips when the journey mattered just as much as the destination.
The Cabazon Dinosaurs aren’t fancy or high-tech. They’re quirky, oversized, and a little kitschy and that’s exactly why they’re wonderful! Whether you’re passing through or planning a desert weekend, they’re a fun slice of California history that’s absolutely worth pulling over for. And tell ’em Large Marge sent ya!
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Land Acknowledgement
Salty Canary wants to acknowledge that we live, operate, gather, and benefit every day on the traditional stolen lands of several Indigenous peoples and nations including the Tongva (Gabrieleno), Kizh (Gabrieleno), Chumash, Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun), Ohlone, Awaswas, and Fernandeño Tataviam peoples who have stewarded the lands and waterways throughout their many generations in what is now the state of California.
I wanted to personally acknowledge these Indigenous people and nations and both their commitment and current contributions to the land with a donation to the American Indian College Fund because acknowledgment without action does not begin to address the systemic issues facing Indigenous people. If you feel as though you benefit from the land you’re living on or traveling to and you have the means, I kindly ask that you donate at least $1 to a Native-led organization such as the Native American Rights Fund or the American Indian College Fund.
Cabazon is located on Ɂívil̃uwenetem Meytémak (Cahuilla) land. You can learn more about the Indigenous land you’re living on or traveling to by visiting the Native Lands website.