Every person has encountered the well-known prehistoric creatures of the Cabazon Dinosaurs, California, at one point.
The Cabazon Dinosaurs show up in many places, like music videos and Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.
Most Southern California residents see them when traveling to Palm Springs or Arizona.
The Dinosaur website states that more than 12 million drivers come to their attraction every year. If you haven’t stopped, then next time you go by, you should.
Cabazon Dinosaur Museum Opening Hours
Visitors can experience the Cabazon Dinosaurs on any day because its operating hours span from morning until evening.
The Cabazon Dinosaurs welcome guests during operating hours from 9 AM until 6 PM from Monday to Sunday.
The operating hours might differ on special holidays or during special events. You should visit their official website or contact them directly to obtain the latest information.
Cabazon Dinosaur Museum Ticket Information
The entrance tickets can be obtained directly at the venue, as they do not support digital ticket purchases.
Ticket Price
| Category | Price |
| Adults Ages 13-55 | $15 |
| Children Ages 3 – 12 | $13 |
| Seniors & Military | $11 |
The History & Magic of the Cabazon Dinosaurs
Let us go through the history of the Cabazon Dinosaurs before you plan your visit.
Origins of the Dinosaurs
Artist Claude Bell created the Cabazon Dinosaurs during the 1960s when he worked as a sculptor at Knott’s Berry Farm. Additionally, he operated the Wheel Inn Restaurant (now closed) located near the site.
To increase Wheel Inn Restaurant’s customer traffic, Bell came up with the concept of showcasing prehistoric-size dinosaurs beside the highway, which would draw in passing drivers.
In 1964, he started building the first dinosaur, Dinny the Dinosaur. The enormous Apatosaurus took eleven years to build, and in the 1980s, the T. rex was started to be built.
Dinny serves as both an artwork and a tourist attraction since it contains a museum in its belly, and Mr. Rex lets customers explore his interior to witness jaw-dropping vistas.
Famous Film Appearances
The Cabazon Dinosaurs achieved ultimate fame through their appearances in cult films such as:
- The most popular scene portraying dinosaurs in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985) shows Pee-wee watching the sunrise from within Dinny’s mouth.
- Fred Savage stars in The Wizard as the main character who visits with the dinosaurs in a nostalgic appearance during his cross-country video game competition journey.
Through movies, the dinosaurs received cultural icon status, which made visiting them a must-see destination for fans.
Why It’s a Must-See Today
The structures of the Cabazon Dinosaurs now operate as an interactive nature destination that merges roadside attractions with children-oriented recreational experiences.
Visitors to the Cabazon Dinosaurs site can perform three main activities beyond photographing the enormous sculptures.
- Experience the gift shop driven by dinosaurs, which operates inside Dinny.
- Visitors can enjoy interactive dinosaur exhibits that feature both dinosaur fossil programs for children and other interactive displays.
- A trail that showcases more than fifty life-sized prehistoric dinosaurs can be experienced in the outdoor area.
Visitors find delight at the Cabazon Dinosaurs through their combination of historical significance and pop cultural charm and educational entertainment, which makes it a prominent roadside attraction in Southern California.
What to Expect When Visiting Cabazon Dinosaurs Palm Springs
The Cabazon Dinosaurs offer family-oriented attractions that blend natural sculpture art with interactive displays within desert land views.
During your visit to the Cabazon Dinosaurs, expect to spend a couple of hours photographing while also experiencing various attractions.
Meet the Giants
The two original dinosaurs—Dinny the Brontosaurus and Mr. Rex—remain the stars of the show.
- Dinny serves both as a gift store and photo spot, and you can traverse the jaws of Mr. Rex through his mouth to reach a peak for sightseeing.
- The entertainment continues after the traditional main events at the venue. Various new attractions have been added to complete the experience at this location.
- Visitors can follow the Dinosaur Trail, which features 50 different life-size dinosaurs scattered throughout the path with educational information beside each sculpture.
- Children have the opportunity to become like paleontologists through the Fossil Dig area, where they can practice excavating replica fossil discoveries.
- The Dino Treasure Hunt is a scavenger-style game that maintains children’s involvement across the entire park area.
Several seasonal activities take place at the attraction starting from dinosaur-themed Easter egg hunts to Halloween costume competitions.
Fun Photo Opportunities
The site offers irresistible photo opportunities for visitors who want to photo shoot themselves inside the T-Rex’s jaws and underneath Dinny, as well as reenact scenes from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.
- Social media users will undoubtedly consider this place their photo paradise.
Travel Tips for Your Visit to Dinosaur Park Palm Springs
The decision to visit the Cabazon Dinosaurs requires some planning.
Whenever you visit the Cabazon Dinosaurs, you should prepare beforehand to achieve maximum comfort along with great photos.
How to Get There
People who plan to visit the Cabazon Dinosaurs along their travels should refer here since it includes important information before the visit.
- Traversing along Interstate 10 brings you directly to the accessible location of the Cabazon Dinosaurs that serves as an accessible destination for anyone traveling in both eastern Palm Springs and western Los Angeles directions.
- From Palm Springs: Approximately 20 minutes by car
- The journey to the Cabazon Dinosaurs takes between 90 minutes to one hour from Los Angeles, because of traffic conditions.
Parking
You can find that the park is equipped for all types of visitors.
Visitors will discover complete accessibility for all groups at the destination once they reach the establishment.
- Parking: Free, on-site, and spacious enough for cars, RVs, and buses
- Strollers, along with wheelchairs, can access all outdoor pathways together with main exhibit spaces.
- Those with mobility issues might find challenges while using Mr. Rex’s interior staircase leading to the observation deck.
Best Time to Visit
The desert maintains its stunning appearance even when the heat becomes extreme during the summer. Consider your comfort needs before making your trip.
- You will find the best photo conditions during the early morning and late afternoon hours because the warmth is milder while the light quality is perfect
- Weekly visits provide the advantage of fewer visitors, which creates a quiet atmosphere with better photo possibilities.
What to Bring
A few basic items should be packed along with you because summer visits to this destination will require them.
- The place lacks shielding from the sun, thus requiring sunscreen with hats.
- Drink plenty of water since the dinosaur trail requires extensive walking.
- The paths in the desert and the gravel surfaces require comfortable footwear.
- Bring your camera because the area provides countless opportunities to take Instagram-worthy photos.
- Small snacks and bites with you are helpful, particularly when you have children since vending facilities are not available nearby
Other Things to Do Nearby Dinosaur Museum Cabazon
Desert Hills Premium Outlets
The upscale outlet mall can be reached within minutes from your location to enjoy discounted prices on luxury brands. The outlet mall serves as an excellent dining spot, along with shopping possibilities, right after your dino experience.
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa
One of the biggest casino resorts within Southern California operates from Morongo. The location includes restaurants along with spa services, and entertainment options.
Hadley Fruit Orchards
This unique store near the road serves date shakes along with trail mixes and dried fruits as its specialty products. A fun and tasty stop on your way back to Palm Springs.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The 30-minute climb aboard the well-known rotating tramway allows visitors to escape desert warmth by reaching mountain heights for an exceptional scenic experience of the area.
Conclusion | Cabazon Dinosaurs California
Planning your visit to the Cabazon Dinosaurs is a fun and nostalgic stop for travelers of all ages.
The stop will delight your traveling experience no matter whether during a family trip or enjoying Palm Springs as your final destination.
After your pre-historic visit, the Spirit of Sofia is the ideal point to relax and plan for your next adventure.
Book your stay at Spirit of Sofia today and make your Palm Springs trip unforgettable!
FAQs | Cabazon Dinosaurs California
What are the Cabazon Dinosaurs’ hours of operation?
The Cabazon Dinosaurs are open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. Hours may vary on special holidays or events, so it’s recommended to check the official website for the most current information.
How much does it cost to visit the Cabazon Dinosaurs?
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Adults (Ages 13-55): $15
- Children (Ages 3-12): $13
- Seniors & Military: $11. Tickets must be purchased at the venue as digital tickets are not available.
Can I purchase tickets online for the Cabazon Dinosaurs?
No, the Cabazon Dinosaurs do not support digital ticket purchases. You will need to buy your tickets directly at the venue.
Are the Cabazon Dinosaurs suitable for young children?
Yes! The Cabazon Dinosaurs offer plenty of interactive and educational activities for children, including the Fossil Dig area and the Dino Treasure Hunt game.
How can I get to the Cabazon Dinosaurs from Palm Springs?
The Cabazon Dinosaurs are about a 20-minute drive from Palm Springs via Interstate 10. It’s an easy trip that makes for a perfect half-day or full-day excursion.
Is there parking available at the Cabazon Dinosaurs?
Yes, the Cabazon Dinosaurs offer free on-site parking that is spacious enough for cars, RVs, and buses. The park is also accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
What is the best time to visit the Cabazon Dinosaurs for photos?
The best photo conditions are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the light quality is perfect and the weather is milder.
What should I bring when visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable footwear for walking, plenty of water, and your camera to capture memorable moments. If you’re visiting with children, it’s also a good idea to pack some snacks.
Are there any other attractions near the Cabazon Dinosaurs?
Yes, nearby attractions include:
- Desert Hills Premium Outlets for shopping.
- Morongo Casino Resort & Spa for dining and entertainment.
- Hadley Fruit Orchards for date shakes and dried fruits.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for scenic mountain views.
Can I take photos inside the Cabazon Dinosaurs?
Yes! Visitors are encouraged to take photos, especially inside the T-Rex’s jaws or under Dinny, for some fun, Instagram-worthy shots. These FAQs will provide visitors with essential information to plan their trip to the Cabazon Dinosaurs. Let me know if you’d like any further adjustments!
