Cabazon Dinosaurs
- Admission
- Free to view the main two dinosaurs from the parking lot and enter the gift shop; $15 adults, $13 children for the Dino Walk exhibit area.
- Hours
- Typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM depending on the season.
- Duration
- 30 to 60 minutes
- Parking
- Large, free paved parking lot directly on-site.
- Access
- The outdoor pathways and the gift shop inside Dinny are wheelchair accessible, but the interior climb up Mr. Rex is not.
Standing tall along Interstate 10, these colossal steel-and-concrete beasts are the ultimate Southern California roadside icons. Visitors can climb inside a giant T-Rex named Mr. Rex and shop for souvenirs inside a massive Apatosaurus named Dinny. It is a nostalgic slice of retro Americana that has delighted travelers since the 1970s.
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Created by sculptor and former Knott's Berry Farm artist Claude Bell, construction on the massive dinosaurs began in the 1960s to attract hungry travelers to his nearby Wheel Inn Cafe. Dinny the Apatosaurus was completed first in 1975, followed by the formidable Mr. Rex in 1986. Following Bell's death, the site transitioned into a quirky creationist museum before evolving into the vibrant, seasonally painted roadside park visitors enjoy today.
Now, the site features a paid dinosaur walk with dozens of robotic and static dinosaurs, a fossil dig, and panning for gold. However, the stars of the show remain the original two behemoths, which have been immortalized in pop culture classics like Pee-wee's Big Adventure and Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" music video.
Depending on the time of year, you might find the dinosaurs painted as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or in bright neon colors. It is an essential pitstop for anyone road-tripping through the Coachella Valley or heading out to Palm Springs.
Ratings
roadside attraction◆ Visitor Tips
- ◆ Climb up the stairs inside the belly of Mr. Rex to look out through his teeth.
- ◆ Check the schedule online to see what seasonal outfits or paint schemes the dinosaurs are currently wearing.
- ◆ Stop by the nearby Hadley Fruit Orchards for one of their famous date shakes after your visit.
- ◆ The main gift shop is located entirely inside the belly of Dinny the Apatosaurus.
Heads Up
- ◆ Temperatures in the desert can exceed 100°F (38°C) in the summer, making the metal stairs inside Mr. Rex very hot.
- ◆ The stairs inside Mr. Rex are steep, narrow, and not suitable for those with claustrophobia or limited mobility.
Common questions
Can you go inside the Cabazon Dinosaurs?
Yes, you can go inside both of the main giant dinosaurs. Dinny the Apatosaurus houses a gift shop, and Mr. Rex has stairs inside that allow visitors to climb up and look out of his mouth.
Is there a fee to see the Cabazon Dinosaurs?
Viewing and taking photos of the two main giant dinosaurs from the parking lot is free. However, there is an admission fee to enter the enclosed dinosaur walk exhibit, which features additional dinosaur models.
Was Pee-wee's Big Adventure filmed at the Cabazon Dinosaurs?
Yes, the Cabazon Dinosaurs were featured prominently in the 1985 film Pee-wee's Big Adventure. The scenes where Pee-wee meets Simone and sits inside the mouth of the T-Rex were shot on location here.
Do the Cabazon Dinosaurs change colors?
Yes, the giant dinosaurs are repainted throughout the year to match different seasonal themes and holidays. Visitors may see them painted for Christmas, Halloween, or other promotional events depending on when they visit.