Mother Lode Motel
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

Tired travelers with weary eyes feel like they hit the Mother Lode when they see this motel marquee coming close.

Western Motel
Santa Clara, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

The Western Motel in Santa Clara features some of the best neon in town. A vintage sign amidst rapidly declining roadside eye catchers, the Western is a throwback to an era where a special neon sign may have meant more business. Check out a daytime shot here.

UPDATE 08/12 : For the most part, the neon on this sign is gone. The sign still remains and looks good in the day. 08-12

Solano Lodge
Fairfield, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

The Solano Lodge in Fairfield, CA features a sign out front with great retro lettering. Interested in seeing what this sign looks like in the day?

Ranchotel
Vacaville, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

Standing tall alongside the freeway in Vacaville, CA is the neon sign for the Ranchotel. Check out the daylight version here.

Gables Motel
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

This neon sign for the Gables Motel still lights up the sky.

Capri Motel
S. Lake Tahoe, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

The bright red neon of the Capri Motel shines brightly next to the building in S. Lake Tahoe.

Cabana Lodge (Removed)
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

The Cabana Lodge features a nice neon sign outside that just lights up the sky in Northern California.

UPDATE 03/09 : The Cabana Lodge lost its sign to the big plastic backlit sign factory. 03-09

Sage Motel (Left)
Oakland, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Here's a shot of the Sage Motel located just off of the freeway and its half lit neon sign.

Commodore Motel (Far left)
Oakland, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

The Commodore Motel in Oakland still shows it vacant sign lit.