These 11 Renovated Californian Motels Are Perfect for a Road Trip

Since the advent of the automobile, California has emerged as one of the top road-trip destinations, boasting stunning coastal cliffs, majestic redwoods, and the glitz of Hollywood—there's so much to adore about the Golden State. But for the ideal road trip, what's essential? A cozy room to relax in at the end of the day.

In the early 20th century, before motels were invented, travelers typically stayed in "tourist houses" (homes offering lodging for a fee) or camped at scenic spots. As road trips grew in popularity during the late 1920s and ’30s, motor cottages or motor courts—where travelers could drive right to their room—began to emerge. The term evolved to "motor lodge" and then "motor hotel," which was shortened to "motel" in 1926 by Arthur Heineman, owner of the Milestone Mo-Tel in San Luis Obispo, California. As more Americans could afford cars, the motel industry surged, reaching its peak in the 1950s and early ’60s.

By the late 1960s, small family-run motels started to decline as large hotel chains like Holiday Inn appeared along highways. However, vintage motels have seen a resurgence in recent years. Attracted by nostalgia and unique midcentury-modern features, hoteliers and property investors are reviving once-overlooked motels, adding local artisanal touches, modern conveniences, and thoughtful design. While motels were once merely stops for weary travelers, the following 11 motels have become destinations in their own right.

1. Flamingo Resort

Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, surrounded by sprawling grapevines and over 200 wineries, the Flamingo was a hotspot during Hollywood's golden age. It attracted stars like Jayne Mansfield who sought a getaway that felt close yet distant enough from Los Angeles. In 2019, the hotel was acquired by Point Hospitality, which embarked on a mission to restore it to its former splendor; the newly refurbished Flamingo Resort reopened in June 2021. The property features 170 rooms, a full-service spa, a fitness center, a tennis court, and a year-round heated pool. The resort also provides a comprehensive wellness program, offering classes in reiki, breathwork, astrology, and yoga.

2. San Luis Creek Lodge

Situated on the outskirts of San Luis Obispo’s charming downtown along the Central California coast, this delightful bed-and-breakfast features 25 rooms spread across three distinct buildings. Designed by Nina Freudenberger, the rooms showcase a bohemian, contemporary farmhouse aesthetic, with many equipped with cozy fireplaces. Every morning, fresh coffee and breakfast pastries are delivered right to guests’ doors. The lodge’s prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring local vineyards, scenic coastal hikes, and the renowned Pismo Beach.

3. Cuyama Buckhorn

Nestled blissfully in the remote New Cuyama of Santa Barbara County’s high desert, the Cuyama Buckhorn features 21 rooms and offers locally sourced dining at its Buckhorn Restaurant & Bar, all infused with a charming, western-inspired vibe. Originally built in 1952 as a roadhouse for the local community, the property was revitalized into a boutique motel by Jeff Vance and Ferial Sadeghian in 2018. The Cuyama Buckhorn also boasts a pool, hot tub, and sauna, with its dark skies providing an ideal backdrop for stargazing. For those wanting to explore, just over an hour away lies the Carrizo Plain National Monument, home to California's largest native grassland prairie, spanning over 250,000 acres. This area teems with wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, giant kangaroo rats, and various lizards, and is famous for its stunning wildflower blooms that attract visitors each spring, weather permitting.

4. Sky View Los Alamos

Originally built in the 1950s, this wine country motel underwent a comprehensive multimillion-dollar renovation in the mid-2010s after a period of vacancy, reopening in 2019. Perched on a hillside with stunning views of the Santa Ynez Valley, the motel boasts panoramic sights of its vineyard and the picturesque landscape beyond. With 33 rooms available, the Skyview features a full-service restaurant, Norman, which offers delicious dishes like chorizo breakfast burritos, wagyu tallow cornbread, and sous vide duck confit. Additional amenities include a heated pool, hardwood flooring in the rooms, and elegant marble bathrooms.

5. The Pacific Motel

The Pacific Motel is run by local resident Ryan Fortini, who grew up in the charming beach town of Cayucos in central California. The motel features 20 rooms, including 6 located in historic 1920s bungalows that once served as military barracks at Camp San Luis Obispo and were relocated to Cayucos in the 1950s. Each room has been carefully redesigned to reflect a bright, airy ambiance inspired by coastal California. The lobby includes an indoor fireplace, a fridge stocked with refreshing snacks, and a cozy lounge area. Just a three-minute stroll from the beach, the Pacific Motel is an ideal spot to explore some of the best surfing in the San Luis Obispo area.

6. The Green Room Hotel

The Green Room Hotel is the vision of husband-and-wife team Stephen and Brett Poovey, who discovered the 1950s motor lodge along the Pacific Coast Highway during a date. Committed to preserving the original character of the building, they made no significant changes during the renovation, keeping all walls intact. Opened in July 2021, the Green Room exudes a vibrant and modern vibe, perfect for a surfer returning from a day on the waves, with the beach just a 10-minute walk away.

The Green Room boasts 12 suites, each featuring midcentury modern furnishings, local artwork, and Moroccan rugs. Staying true to the classic motor lodge concept, there’s no traditional lobby; guests check into their rooms using an electronic code sent directly to their phones.

7. Cambria Beach Lodge

The PRG Hospitality Group, which owns and renovated Cambria Beach Lodge, drew inspiration from three elements: “surf, wine, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets you can imagine.” Situated on Moonstone Beach, just eight miles from the iconic Hearst Castle, the lodge features everything modern travelers desire in a boutique beach hotel, including stylish coastal decor, bicycles for guests to use, a thoughtfully curated mini-bar, and stunning views. It's conveniently located within walking distance of Cambria’s downtown area and some of the best local dining options, such as the Sea Chest Oyster Bar, which is just a minute’s walk away. (Be sure to arrive early; it fills up quickly, and the restaurant doesn’t accept reservations.)

8. White Water

For design enthusiasts on the move, the newly renovated White Water, built in the 1980s, features 25 exquisitely designed rooms, crafted by interior designer Nina Freudenberger, renowned for her work in private residences and her books Bibliostyle and Surf Shack. Freudenberger took inspiration from the Central Coast's distinctive ecosystem, filled with Monterey pines, cypress trees, and tide pools. Guests can expect a color palette of dark greens paired with vibrant melon-orange hues, along with textiles sourced from local coastal shops. Each room at White Water also boasts stunning ocean views. For a bite to eat, visit the lobby lounge, offering a selection of small plates featuring locally sourced meats, cheeses, and an array of local beers, wines, and ciders.

9. The Bungalows by Homestead Modern

This converted motor lodge has everything travelers look for in a Joshua Tree escape: vast desert landscapes, midcentury-modern design, and a hint of New Age charm. The Bungalows, which opened its doors in June 2022, is nestled within the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, also known as the Institute of Mentalphysics, dedicated to enhancing physical and emotional wellness through Eastern-inspired teachings. It boasts the largest collection of Lloyd Wright (son of Frank Lloyd Wright) buildings worldwide. The rooms feature quintessential midcentury elements: original post-and-beam ceilings, polished concrete flooring, and expansive sliding glass doors. Bordering the Mojave Desert Land Trust, even if you don’t venture to the nearby Joshua Tree National Park, there are numerous hiking trails and scenic spots to discover right at your doorstep.

10. Trixie Motel

Owned by the renowned drag queen Trixie Mattel, the Trixie Motel debuted in September 2022 with great excitement and is just as vibrant and Instagram-friendly as you'd imagine. Trixie stumbled upon this motor inn, originally built in 1953, while browsing Zillow and swiftly initiated renovations in 2020 after her purchase—a journey showcased on the Discovery+ series Trixie Motel. Situated in Palm Springs’ historic Old Las Palmas neighborhood, frequented by Hollywood icons like Judy Garland and Elizabeth Taylor, the Trixie Motel is conveniently located within walking distance of the city’s main strip. Each of the seven suites is uniquely themed, from “Queen of Hearts” (featuring a heart-shaped mirror above the bed and plush carpeting) to “Yeehaw Cowgirl” (adorned with pastel blue and pink horseshoes and various western decorations). While there isn't a full-service restaurant, the on-site café offers treats like sweet and savory popcorn, margherita pizza, and cookies made from a recipe crafted by David Silver’s (Trixie’s boyfriend) mother.

11. Azure Sky Hotel

Established in 1959, the Azure Sky Hotel provides guests with an ideal mix of midcentury-modern charm and desert elegance. With only 14 rooms (21+ only), the atmosphere is intimate and inviting—11 rooms feature private patios, perfect for enjoying views of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains that loom over the city. While there is a bar on-site (guests receive a complimentary cocktail upon check-in) and a daily continental breakfast, a full-service restaurant is absent. Luckily, Azure Sky is just a five-minute drive from the vibrant downtown of Palm Springs. Additionally, the hotel boasts a spacious heated pool and a relaxing Jacuzzi. For those preferring a drier experience, two firepits are available near the lounge seating.