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. In fact the font ont he sign really stand out both in the day and at night. Located along North Texas Street on the historic alignment of old U.S. 40 and State Route 12, this mid-century stop caught motorists traveling through Solano County long before the freeway era took over.
Built as a classic single-story motor court featuring 35 drive-up units alongside mobile spaces, the property catered to both overnight travelers and longer-term residents. Out by the road, its vintage marquee was an eye-catcher thanks to a distinctive mix of contrasting retro typography and custom neon lettering that popped in daylight and glowed brightly after dark. While the court continues to operate today as a hybrid motel and mobile home park, the landmark neon sign was eventually taken down and replaced by a plain, modern plastic box sign.
UPDATE: The Solano Lodge along North Texas Street in Fairfield remains open, though its vintage roadside neon marquee with retro lettering has been removed and replaced with modern signage. 09-26
Don Pedro Motel (Closed) Salida, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Don Pedro Motel is found somewhere up in Northern California, beaming its sombrero to hardy travelers. Located along Salida Boulevard just north of Modesto, this unique stop caught motorists traveling along the historic surface route of old U.S. 99 through the Central Valley.
Capitalizing on the popular post-war trend of themed roadside motor courts, the property originally operated as the Don Pedro Motel and Restaurant, pairing its drive-up rooms with on-site dining for highway motorists. Its standout feature was undoubtedly the one-of-a-kind roadside marquee shaped like a giant sombrero, complete with colorful neon outlining designed to catch the eye of valley drivers from a distance. In later years, the property transitioned to the Don Pedro Salida Inn before eventually shutting down permanently.
UPDATE: The Don Pedro Motel along Salida Boulevard in Salida is permanently closed, and the current condition of its unique vintage sombrero sign remains unknown. 09-26
Ranchotel (Rem.)
Vacaville, CA Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Standing tall alongside the freeway in Vacaville, CA is the neon sign for the Ranchotel. Situated off Rivera Road facing the busy lanes of Interstate 80 along the historic route of old U.S. 40, this towering roadside pylon has caught the eyes of passing motorists since opening to travelers in 1953.
Built with a Western roadside theme, the property served long-distance drivers for decades before retiring from traditional overnight lodging. Today, the complex has taken on a second life as the Ranchotel Horse Center, featuring boarding stables, an on-site tack shop, and long-term residential units. Out along the freeway corridor, the tall vintage sign frame still survives, though its signature neon horseshoe topper has been lost and its weathered panels are now partially obscured by mature trees.
UPDATE: The former Ranchotel has its towering vintage roadside sign still surviving by the freeway despite losing its original neon horseshoe topper. 09-26
Rancho Grande Motel
Lodi, CA Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Check out this cool neon sign for the Rancho Grande Motel in Lodi. The motel features a palm tree neon outline and eye popping colors. Situated along South Cherokee Lane on the historic alignment of old U.S. 99 and 50, this vibrant roadside court has caught the attention of travelers passing through the Central Valley since opening around 1948.
During the post-war road trip boom, the AAA-rated motel offered popular mid-century luxuries like a heated swimming pool and free in-room television. Its roadside marquee remains one of the finest surviving neon sights in the region, sporting bright colors, a glowing neon palm tree, and a sleeping siesta figure added to the top of the pylon later in its run. Today, the independent motor court remains open for business, with its historic neon marquee still lighting up the evening sky along the old highway strip.
UPDATE: The Rancho Grande Motel along South Cherokee Lane in Lodi remains open for business, with its eye-popping vintage neon marquee and palm tree outline still surviving and illuminating at night. 09-26
Thunderbird Motel
Bishop, CA Photo courtesy Tony Craig
The Thunderbird Motel in Bishop shows off its neon at night to the travelers off the 395. Tucked just one block west of Main Street at the corner of West Pine and North Warren streets, this classic post-war motor court has long welcomed vacationers, anglers, and mountain explorers navigating the scenic Eastern Sierra corridor.
Originally opening its doors during the height of the mid-century travel boom, the property was established as a member of the popular West Coast Thunderbird referral chain that stretched across California, Oregon, and Washington. Built with a traditional low-rise, exterior-corridor layout, the independent motel has successfully adapted over the decades, updating its cozy rooms with contemporary conveniences while adding modern touches like airport shuttle service to the nearby Eastern Sierra Regional Airport.
Thunderbird Motel
Bishop, CA Photo courtesy Matthew Hands
Despite the changes along the highway, the motel has carefully preserved its authentic automotive heritage. The real star of the property is the towering vintage roadside pole marquee standing out by the curb. Styled with bold mid-century lettering and vibrant exposed neon tubing, the classic sign still comes alive at dusk, cutting through the crisp mountain air and casting a warm, welcoming glow for night travelers heading into town off U.S. 395.
UPDATE: Here's another shot of the Thunderbird Motel neon sign. 01-07
UPDATE: The Thunderbird Motel remains open for business along West Pine Street in Bishop, with its classic vintage neon roadside marquee still surviving and glowing brightly at night. 09-26
El Rancho Motel
Bishop, CA Photo courtesy Tony Craig
Off on the east side of the 395 is the El Rancho Motel with its shining star. Tucked just off Main Street on Lagoon Street in Bishop, this classic post-war motor court has long offered travelers a cozy, authentic stopover along the Eastern Sierra highway route.
Built as a traditional single-story drive-up court with 22 units, the El Rancho caters directly to Owens Valley outdoor enthusiasts, featuring multi-room family suites, standalone kitchenette bungalows, and barbecue picnic spaces out under the mountain skies. Out front, its vintage neon pole marquee remains an unmistakable favorite for roadside fans, crowned by a glowing five-point neon star that continues to shine over the quiet side street.
UPDATE: The El Rancho Motel remains open for business along Lagoon Street in Bishop, with its vintage neon marquee and iconic shining star still surviving intact. 09-26
Don Pedro Motel (Closed)
Thunderbird Motel
Thunderbird Motel
El Rancho Motel
