This huge three story building was built in 1924. It had a bowling alley and billiard hall on the first floor with apartments on the top two. It was a local hotspot and hosted several celebrity athletic events until it closed in the 1970's. The restored sign and building are now a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. They can be seen on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA

This motel still has that classic L shaped layout from when it opened in the 1940's. It has been a filming location for some old movies and shows including "Police Woman and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (as the Royal Viking Motel). More recently it was in an episode of "The OC". You can still stay here on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA

This neon sign was installed in 1967 and has the classic Googie style that was prevalent in this area at the time. The business changed ownership a few times and the neon was removed but the current owners added "Highland Park" at the top and reinstalled the neon in 2017. You can see it on North Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, CA

This theatre was built in 1925 and was featured in the movie "LA LA Land". At the time of it's closing in 2007 it was the only single-screen, still operating, movie palace in LA County. It has been remodeled and opened as a church. Unfortunately much of the theatre's unique Jazz Age charm was lost during renovations. However, the great neon marquee was restored and you can see it on Fair Oaks Avenue in South Pasadena, CA

Serving real pit BBQ since 1946, proving if it ain't broke, don't fix it. There was more great neon on the front of the building, but unfortunately there was a big moving truck out front so I didn't get to see it when I drove by. You can stop and sample some of their southern hospitality, but don't wear white because honestly, no white shirt is making it out of there alive. It's on Fair Oaks Avenue in South Pasadena, CA

This restaurant chain began in 1922 as Sonora Cafe but in 1925 a diner, waiting for his meal, drew a figure of a man and called him El Cholo. The owner liked it so much, he changed the name and used the image as his logo. This location opened around 2000 but has since closed. The little neon sign depicting El Cholo is gone now too. It was on the cafe building on East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA

This hotel opened in 1959. The Arabian Nights style font had me peeking beyond the canopy looking for magic carpet rides (I only saw a pretty nice looking pool area). Used a lot in the 1950's and 60's this elaborate cursive styled lettering was meant to evoke a sense of glamour and adventure to lure in travelers. Due to it's cultural significance, the sign was designated a Pasadena Historic Sign in 2002. Check in for the night on East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA

Purposefully not leaving anything to the imagination, this neon sign said it all. The restaurant opened in 1984 but sadly didn't survive the Covid-19 shutdown orders and, the big neon fish is the one that got away. You can still see the building signage on East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA

It was a bit overcast when I snapped this photo, but trust me when I say that this sign is great. The train appears to be in motion when it's lit. The model train hobby shop opened in 1951 nearby and moved to this building in 1988, brining the sign with them. You'll see it on East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA

This neon sign is definitely a stand out on this stretch of road. The motel was built in 1957 and is still operating. So, if you are driving down the "Hi-Way" (or East Colorado Boulevard), let this motel be your "Host" in Pasadena, CA

A classic motor court built in a square around a central courtyard. It was built in 1959 and is still in operation. The Pasada got it's moment of fame as the motel, and filming location, in the Keanu Reeves and Elle Fanning movie "The Neon Demon". See the motel and working neon sign on East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA

This bar opened in 1986 and is billed as one of the oldest cocktail lounges in Pasadena. Aside from a dark chapter in the early 1990's involving one of the regulars shooting and killing three other regulars, the bar continues to be a go-to neighborhood spot with a great neon sign. You can see it on East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA

This Mayan styled design, curiously named the Aztec Hotel was opened in 1925 and was reportedly quite the hotspot with celebrity quests and all, but it didn't last long as the original hotel closed less than 10 years later. Thankfully no one changed this testament to architectural audacity of a building design so it is still a spectacular head turner today. You won't miss it on Foothill Boulevard in Monrovia, CA

This sign is on a 1924 building that began as a retail store and the sign was added in 1955, likely when the store became The Copper Lamp Liquor store. While not exactly the Aladdin's Lamp I was looking for based on the nostalgic Arabesque Style font in the sign, the little copper lamp on top of the sign lights up at night. You will find it on Foothill Boulevard in Monrovia, CA

The motel opened in 1948 and has operated continuously under the same name ever since. The neon sign was added in the 1950's. The property itself has been pretty well updated but the neon sign with that classic large arrow design is there to maintain a bit of it's heritage. You'll find it on East Huntington Drive in Monrovia, CA

This California based grocery warehouse chain got into the route 66 sprit by adding this retro style neon sign with that classic V and iconic shield to their Azusa Route 66 location. It's great to see a well established business, that doesn't need a gimmick to attract customers, add a little splash of the Mother Road experience. It's like they just know that a little neon can make the ordinary feel like an adventure! See it on Foothill Boulevard in Azusa, CA

Opened in 1961, this drive-in theatre lasted a little over 40 years with it's last show in 2001. When the property was sold, a stipulation of the sale was the retention of this classic neon sign. The sign was declared a California Landmark in 2002 and was restored and relit in 2007. You'll see it glowing proudly on East Alosta Avenue in Azusa, CA

This restaurant began in 1918 as a hamburger stand for folks on horse back. By 1932, it had evolved into a full fledged steakhouse. The name and this neon sign were a great tribute to it's origins. The restaurant closed but this classic 1950's era sign boasting a giant boot with a spur hanging off it's heel has been partially preserved at the location. You can see what remains on East Route 66 in Glendora, CA

This restaurant opened in 1995. The retro neon sign is a replicate of the original sign from the first location in Alhambra, opened in 1951. You can see this one on West Route 66 in Glendora, CA.

The building was built in the 1920's as Wilson's Sandwich Shop, then La Paloma opened in 1966. The neon sign is a great example of signs from that time with it's googie style shapes, stars and bright colors. If you look closely, you can see the dove on the chef's sombrero on the sign as paloma is Spanish for dove. Stop in and sample some of Abuela Maria's recipes as the place is still operated by the same family. It's on Foothill Boulevard in LaVerne, CA