Fresno Motel (Demolished)
Fresno, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

The Fresno Motel sign partially lights up along the old motel row of yesteryear. Check out the diving girl perched above the lettering, ready to take a plunge while motorists pass below. Even with some neon taking the night off, this marquee gave the roadside camera plenty to catch.

The sign advertised more than a room for the night. Restaurant, cocktails, air conditioning, and color TV all got a mention, with the diving girl adding a hint about the swimming pool. Quite a few comforts packed onto one sign. After a warm drive along Highway 99, that pool probably sounded pretty good.

Located on North Motel Drive, the Fresno Motel was part of the strip that welcomed travelers before the freeway bypass drew traffic away. Its big neon display belonged to the days when each motor court had to catch the eye from the road. This one had a swimmer helping out with the introductions.

UPDATE: The motel has been demolished, and its marquee was removed in 2016. The historic sign was saved for the Fresno County Historical Museum at the fairgrounds. A full-size replica was also produced by A-1 Signs, giving the familiar diving girl another appearance away from the old motel property. 09-26

Casa Grande Motel (Closed)
Madera, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Here's a familiar sight along Highway 99 near Madera. The neon sign for the Casa Grande Motel catches the eye at dusk, much like an old friend along the road. Check out the script lettering while making the evening photo rounds through the Central Valley.

Located on Golden State Boulevard, the motel's single-story rooms form a U-shaped motor court, with palms adding a little vacation flavor. A handy stop for travelers ready to call it a night.

UPDATE: The former motel has been repurposed for Madera County's behavioral health bridge housing program. The roadside sign remains standing. 09-26

Cinderella Motel
Hollister, CA
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

Check out the marquee for the Cinderella Motel in Hollister, CA. The curved top and script lettering give this roadside sign a little storybook flavor along San Felipe Road. Catch it glowing after dark while making the evening photo rounds. No glass slipper needed to find this place. 04-06

The motel has been family-owned since 1978, with themed rooms carrying the playful name indoors. Princess, Jungle, and Little Mermaid decor have all had a turn here. A little different from the usual roadside room waiting at the end of a drive.

UPDATE: The Cinderella Motel remains open, and its familiar marquee survives with fresh paint and some changes over the years. The original accompanying arrow has been removed. 09-26

Los Banos Motel
Los Banos, CA
Photo courtesy The Los Banos Motel

Here's a night shot of the Los Banos Motel along Highway 152, also known as Pacheco Boulevard. Check out the neon lettering on this roadside stop, giving travelers something to catch after the sun goes down. A little motel glow while making the evening rounds through Los Banos, CA. 12-06

Pacheco Boulevard carries motorists between the Central Valley and the coast via Pacheco Pass. Along the way, the motel's low-rise buildings and open parking area offer the familiar roadside setup, with the car close by when it's time to unload for the night. For those just passing through with a camera, the sign makes a stop of its own.

UPDATE: The Los Banos Motel remains open on East Pacheco Boulevard, and its vintage roadside marquee survives. Another old motel sign to look for while taking the 152 through town. 09-26

Ranch House Motel (Rem.)
Tehachapi, CA
Photo courtesy John King

Along Tehachapi's main drag, check out the Ranch House Motel and its rather relaxed roadside rancher. Leaning on a wooden fence, this fellow looks in no hurry to get anywhere. Some neon was still glowing when this photo was taken, giving the camera a little extra to catch along the boulevard. 07-10

Built in 1953, the motel welcomed travelers along old U.S. Highway 466 between the San Joaquin Valley and the Mojave Desert. The “Ranch House” script and rancher graphic added a little Western flavor to the drive through town. Apparently watching traffic was enough work for this fellow.

UPDATE: The former motel buildings remain in residential use, with an apartment conversion proposal brought before the city in 2025. The familiar rancher marquee disappeared sometime prior to 2022. 09-26

Santa Fe Motel
Tehachapi, CA
Photo courtesy John King

Heading along West Tehachapi Boulevard, check out the Santa Fe Motel and its colorful neon sign. The script lettering sits inside a big yellow arrow, with “MOTEL” below making the message clear. Catch this one as dusk settles in and the glow adds a little extra to the drive through town. 07-10

The boulevard follows the old Highway 466 route, where travelers passed through Tehachapi before the freeway bypass. Signs like this helped point out a room for the night. The Santa Fe also advertises “Color TV” and “Free Cable,” a couple of reasons to settle in after a day behind the wheel. Yes, there's entertainment after the roadside photo rounds are done.

UPDATE: The Santa Fe Motel remains open, now listed as Santa Fe Motel Tehachapi by Hotel O. Its familiar roadside marquee survives along West Tehachapi Boulevard, giving travelers another old sign to catch on the main drag. 09-26