Love is in the air at Cabazon Dinosaurs as Valentine’s Day nears

Decked out in messages of love with flowers, the Cabazon Dinosaurs greet passersby on the 10 Freeway and those who stop to visit.

This time of year they are painted with flowers and Mr. Rex, the recognizable T-Rex’s message reads “Let Love Bloom,” as Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, draws near.

“I think it’s really neat that they paint them,” said Phoenix resident Caryn Smith on Friday, Feb. 6. She and her husband Billy Smith were visiting the site for the first time.

The iconic roadside attraction, known by all who travel the 10 Freeway corridor through Riverside County, has been featured in movies including “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” and “The Wizard.”

Mr. Rex and Dinny, two of the most recognized, along with more than 100 others are around the property, according to the Cabazon Dinosaurs Park website.

Erin and Jason Pagano, and their three daughters, Presley, 8, Navy, 5, and Delaney, 2, on Friday, were making their annual trek to Rancho Mirage for a Super Bowl weekend golf tournament, where Jason would play.

“We have stopped here every year on this trip,” Erin Pagano said. “This is a favorite spot.”

As Erin shared details about their trip to the desert from their Huntington Beach home, their young daughters could be heard talking about a hat that flew off.

“One time it was very, very windy and my hat flew off in the air,” Erin said, recounting a past stop at the Cabazon Dinosaurs Park. “I don’t think they will ever forget that.”

The site is nostalgic for Jason Pagano.

“I remember stopping here every year as a kid,” he said. Coming “now and bringing our own kids,” is a full circle moment for the family.

“The girls love to see it,” Jason said, “and we love to see it painted with all the flowers.”

In the past, they’ve been transformed into pumpkins, Santa Claus, superheroes and have “dressed up” for Valentine’s Day. They have even been painted in a tribute to the late Paul Reubens, for his Pee-wee Herman character.

The Cabazon Dinosaurs Park, 50770 Seminole Drive, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Cost is $15 for ages 13-55, $13 for ages 13-12 and $11 for older adults and military.

For information: 909-272-8164 or cabazondinosaurs.com