Cabazon Dinosaurs
Iconic roadside giants, the Cabazon Dinosaurs offer a nostalgic and fun stop with massive sculptures and a gift shop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Cabazon Dinosaurs
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic roadside giants, the Cabazon Dinosaurs offer a nostalgic and fun stop with massive sculptures and a gift shop.
"A truly unique, one-of-a-kind experience that's worth making time for."
Free to See Outside
Admire the massive dinosaurs from the outside for free! Great for a quick photo stop. :camerawithflash:
Climb Inside Mr. Rex
Pay to enter Mr. Rex for unique views and seasonal decorations. A must-do! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinny the Apatosaurus
Main entrance
Marvel at this 150-foot-long gentle giant, which houses a quirky gift shop inside.
Mr. Rex
Main entrance
Climb inside this massive T-Rex for incredible desert views and seasonal decorations.
Dinosaur Park Grounds
Surrounding the main dinosaurs
Wander through a landscape dotted with various dinosaur replicas, offering endless photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Just Drive By!
Inside the Giants
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free to See Outside
Admire the massive dinosaurs from the outside for free! Great for a quick photo stop. :camerawithflash:
Climb Inside Mr. Rex
Pay to enter Mr. Rex for unique views and seasonal decorations. A must-do! :ticket:
Gift Shop Treasures
Explore the gift shop inside Dinny for unique souvenirs and dinosaur-themed items. :gift:
Pee-wee's Big Adventure
Visit the filming location for a nostalgic trip, especially for fans of the movie. :movie_camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free to See Outside
Admire the massive dinosaurs from the outside for free! Great for a quick photo stop. :camerawithflash:
Climb Inside Mr. Rex
Pay to enter Mr. Rex for unique views and seasonal decorations. A must-do! :ticket:
Gift Shop Treasures
Explore the gift shop inside Dinny for unique souvenirs and dinosaur-themed items. :gift:
Pee-wee's Big Adventure
Visit the filming location for a nostalgic trip, especially for fans of the movie. :movie_camera:
Seasonal Decorations
Check out their festive holiday and seasonal makeovers – they're always a hit! :christmas_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cabazon Dinosaurs as a fun, nostalgic, and visually striking roadside attraction. Many highlight the iconic status, the unique experience of going inside the dinosaurs, and the well-maintained condition of the sculptures. While some find the experience brief, most agree it's a worthwhile stop for photos and a dose of quirky Americana.
"Just do it, it's right off the highway and even if you don't go in it's a great old world roadside attraction to get a modern selfish with. Perfect for a text or social media update your friends will enjoy. There very well taken care of. The fresh paint really pops.
My wife didn't get the point but knew I was enjoying the break from driving and leet me have my fun"
Steve
"When one of your best friends says, "Oh man, you haven't been to Cabazon? We need to go,"—listen to them. I’m so glad I did. Visiting Cabazon was a truly unique, one-of-a-kind experience that I’ll cherish forever.
The main attraction? Two giant dinosaurs—and yes, you can actually go inside them. One houses a quirky and fun gift shop, while the other is a massive T-Rex that's repainted for different seasons and holidays, adding a playful and ever-changing vibe to the visit.
Beyond the iconic dinosaurs, I really enjoyed the outdoor enclosures you can walk through. The flowers and vegetation were unexpectedly beautiful, adding a peaceful, almost whimsical backdrop to the prehistoric theme. The dinosaurs throughout the grounds looked well-maintained and in great shape, which made the whole experience feel more immersive.
Overall, Cabazon is more than just a pit stop—it’s a nostalgic, creative, and fun detour that’s worth making time for. If you're driving through on your way to California, don’t miss it."
Shannon
"I just love the Cabazon Dinosaurs where the famous scene from the 1985 movie Pee-Wee's Big Adventure was filmed at and today's the day of the 40th anniversary when it came out on August 9th, 1985 with the late Paul Reubens. Of course, the World's Biggest Dinosaurs are the best attractions that many parents and children would ever visit! I can imagine making friends with Mr. Rex and Dinny when I was a little kid somewhere between 2005 and 2006. I remember when I first came to Cabazon Dinosaurs where my parents took me and my sister Marina here and all the moments are refreshing my sweet childhood memories."
Franklin Martinez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cabazon Dinosaurs location is conveniently situated right off Interstate 10 in Cabazon, California, making it an easy stop for road trippers. Take exit 118 for Seminole Drive. You can't miss the giant figures!
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Cabazon Dinosaurs site, both for those who are just stopping for photos and for visitors planning to explore the grounds and gift shop.
Absolutely! The Cabazon Dinosaurs are a popular roadside attraction located just a short drive west of Palm Springs, making them a perfect stop on your way to or from the desert city. +1
While it's most convenient to visit by car, some tours heading to Palm Springs may include a stop. Public transportation options are limited in this desert area.
From Los Angeles, take I-10 East. The Cabazon Dinosaurs will be on your right-hand side shortly after you pass the Morongo Casino. It's about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Viewing the Cabazon Dinosaurs from the outside is completely free! If you wish to go inside Dinny the Apatosaurus (gift shop) or climb Mr. Rex, there is an admission fee. Check their official website or inquire on-site for current Cabazon Dinosaurs prices and Cabazon Dinosaurs tickets.
For general admission to view the dinosaurs from the outside, no tickets are needed. If you plan to enter the attractions, it's usually best to purchase Cabazon Dinosaurs tickets upon arrival, though checking their website for online options is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
The Cabazon Dinosaurs are typically open seven days a week. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
While not always available, keep an eye out for Cabazon Dinosaurs coupon or Cabazon Dinosaurs discount tickets on travel deal sites or through local promotions. Following their social media might also yield special offers.
Absolutely! Many visitors stop just to take photos with the iconic Cabazon Dinosaurs from the exterior. It's a fantastic and free way to experience this unique roadside attraction.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take photos with the massive dinosaurs, explore the grounds with various dino replicas, visit the gift shop inside Dinny, and climb Mr. Rex for a unique perspective. They also have seasonal decorations and sometimes themed events. 
Yes, toddlers who love dinosaurs will likely enjoy seeing the giant figures. While there aren't extensive toddler-specific activities, the sheer size of the dinosaurs is captivating. The outdoor grounds are generally safe for little ones to explore.
Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours at the Cabazon Dinosaurs, depending on whether they go inside the attractions and how much time they spend browsing the gift shop. A quick photo stop can be as short as 15-30 minutes.
No, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are not real dinosaurs. They are enormous, 1960s-era concrete sculptures created by artist Claude K. Bell.
The Cabazon Dinosaurs gained significant fame as a filming location for the iconic 1985 movie 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure.' They are also featured in other media, making them a pop culture landmark.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a dinosaur-themed ice cream stand and often other snack options available for purchase. You can also find restaurants in the nearby town of Cabazon.
While there aren't strict rules against it, the Cabazon Dinosaurs site is primarily an attraction with limited seating for picnics. It's best to enjoy your meals before or after your visit.
The main attraction inside Dinny the Apatosaurus is a gift shop. While there isn't a full-service restaurant inside, there is an ice cream stand and snack options available.
📸 📸 Photography
The front of both Dinny and Mr. Rex offer classic photo opportunities. For unique shots, try climbing inside Mr. Rex or capturing the dinosaurs against the desert landscape. The grounds also offer many angles. +1
Drone usage may be restricted. While some aerial footage exists, it's crucial to check local regulations and any specific rules posted at the attraction before flying a drone.
Yes! The Cabazon Dinosaurs are frequently decorated for various holidays and seasons, such as Halloween and Easter, adding a fun, festive element to your photos.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' provides beautiful lighting for photos. However, any time of day offers unique perspectives, especially with the vibrant paint jobs.
There are no official photo packages offered. Visitors are encouraged to take their own photos with their devices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main attractions are the two large dinosaurs, the surrounding park grounds offer additional dinosaur figures to discover, keeping little ones engaged. The gift shop inside Dinny is also a hit, offering a wide array of dinosaur-themed toys and souvenirs. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds and allow children more freedom to explore.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Day-trippers from Los Angeles or the surrounding areas will find this a fun and quirky destination. It's a great way to break up a longer drive or add a unique element to a trip to Palm Springs. The accessibility and visual impact make it an ideal spot for a spontaneous adventure.
📸 Photographers & Social Media Enthusiasts
For social media enthusiasts, these dinosaurs are practically made for the 'gram. The instantly recognizable figures, especially with their seasonal decorations, are guaranteed to garner likes and engagement. The ability to climb inside Mr. Rex and explore the grounds offers diverse backdrops for Reels and TikToks, making it a popular spot for content creators.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Roadside Icon: History and Fame
Their fame skyrocketed after being featured in the cult classic 1985 film Pee-wee's Big Adventure. The iconic scenes filmed at the Cabazon Dinosaurs cemented their place in pop culture history. Today, they continue to draw millions of visitors, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era of quirky, unforgettable roadside attractions.
Recent updates and fresh paint jobs ensure the dinosaurs remain vibrant and well-maintained, reflecting the ongoing care and affection for this unique California treasure.
Exploring the Attractions: Inside and Out
For a more immersive visit, you can purchase Cabazon Dinosaurs tickets to explore the interiors. Dinny the Apatosaurus houses a gift shop filled with dinosaur-themed souvenirs, toys, and apparel. Climbing inside Mr. Rex allows visitors to ascend to the top of the T-Rex, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape and unique photo opportunities.
+2Beyond the main two, the grounds are dotted with various other dinosaur replicas, creating a fun, prehistoric park atmosphere. The well-maintained grounds and seasonal decorations add to the charm, making it a delightful place for families and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.
+1Seasonal Fun and Themed Events
+1These seasonal updates not only add a fun, ever-changing element to the attraction but also provide unique photo opportunities. Visitors often share their excitement about seeing the dinosaurs in their holiday best on social media. It's a great way to experience the Cabazon Dinosaurs in a new light and adds an extra layer of appeal for repeat visitors or those looking for themed activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit