The Experience Motor Lodge

Rangers Lodge
Vallejo, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Yes, that is the image of a large moose holding up the sign for the Rangers Lodge in Vallejo, CA. 02-06

Roadside novelty was always a surefire way to get motorists to hit the brakes, and this quirky motel sign certainly did the trick. Set against the industrial and naval backdrop of Solano County, the Rangers Lodge made a memorable roadside statement by enlisting a big sculpted moose to prop up its primary display cabinet.

While roadside animals like horses and bucking broncos were common sights on California highways, an oversized moose balancing a lodging marquee was pure roadside showmanship. With commercial redevelopment sweeping through old transit routes over the decades, vintage eccentricities like this oversized forest critter became few and far between.

UPDATE: The current status of the Rangers Lodge and its unique moose marquee is unconfirmed. 09-26

El Bonita Motel
St. Helena, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

The El Bonita Motel in St. Helena is an old roadside motor court that probably dates back to the mid-century. 10-05

Located along Main Street on Highway 29 in the heart of Napa Valley, the El Bonita began in the 1940s as a quiet religious retreat before being expanded and converted into an Art Deco-influenced motor court in the 1950s. Advertised back in 1952 as St. Helena's first modern motel, the property offered highway travelers classic drive-up rooms surrounded by garden courtyards and palms. Standing proudly out by the pavement, the motel's landmark vintage neon marquee has greeted generations of wine country visitors, surviving the decades as a rare, authentic piece of retro roadside character amidst an increasingly upscale valley.

UPDATE: The El Bonita Motel remains open on Main Street (Highway 29), and its classic vintage neon sign still shines out front. 09-26

Tony's Motel (Gone)
Woodland, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

This old sign sitting on a pole along the sidewalk points out Tony's Motel in Woodland, CA. 02-06

Located at 155 East Street between Alice and Depot streets, Tony's Motel served travelers passing through Yolo County starting back in the mid-1950s. Operating during the heyday of post-war highway exploration in the Sacramento Valley, the motor court offered simple, convenient drive-up lodging. Mounted right along the sidewalk edge, the straightforward pole sign with its bold lettering stood guard over East Street for decades, guiding motorists in for an affordable night's rest.

As commercial patterns shifted away from vintage roadside auto courts, the aging property eventually closed down, and the classic street-side sign was removed in 2016 to make way for site redevelopment into multifamily housing.

UPDATE: Tony's Motel has been cleared for residential redevelopment, and the roadside pole sign was taken down from the sidewalk in 2016. 09-26

Peter Pan Motel (Demolished)
Santa Cruz, CA
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

Here's an old sign for the Peter Pan Motel located in Santa Cruz, CA. This motel marquee also features the Peter Pan character on the sign itself. 04-06

Located along Riverside Avenue in the Beach Flats neighborhood just blocks from the Boardwalk and the San Lorenzo River, the Peter Pan Motel opened its doors in 1963 as a friendly, budget-friendly stop for coastal travelers. The two-story complex wrapped around a central courtyard and swimming pool, but the real star was out by the street.

The funky roadside marquee featured playful lettering and was topped with a painted metal cutout of Peter Pan flying up toward the stars. After decades of welcoming beachgoers, the motel fell on hard times, eventually closing down and sitting vacant. In 2016, the entire complex was razed to make way for modern hotel redevelopment. Preservationists hoped to save the beloved flying character sign for a local museum, but sadly the fragile marquee fell apart during removal.

UPDATE: The Peter Pan Motel was demolished in 2016, and its iconic character sign crumbled and was lost during the removal attempt. 09-26

Don Pedro Motel (Closed)
Salida, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Salida is home to the Don Pedro Motel and this sign in the shape of a sombrero. The Don Pedro sign can be a bit difficult to photograph. 01-07

Located along Salida Boulevard on the old U.S. 99 highway alignment through Stanislaus County, the Don Pedro Motel served Central Valley travelers for well over four decades. While the single-story auto court offered basic, budget-friendly roadside lodging, its unmistakable novelty marquee became a landmark for anyone cruising the boulevard.

Shaped like a massive sombrero, the sign proudly captured the playful, eye-catching spirit of mid-century highway design. Getting a clean shot of it from the curb has always been a bit of a challenge due to nearby trees, utility lines, and parking traffic out front. Although the motel eventually shut its doors and ceased taking in overnight guests, the quirky roadside hat still holds its spot along the old highway.

UPDATE: The Don Pedro Motel is closed, but its classic sombrero-shaped roadside sign still survives along Salida Boulevard. 09-26