Extra romantic, extra fun or just… extra. Thematic motels and inns are here to make every fantasy, even the one you don’t yet dare to have, come true. Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo provides an array of unique suites, in designs ranging from slightly over top to outrageous. A Valentine’s Day in Barbie core pink from floor to ceiling? Check. A night in a cave or with a rock shower? They have it too. Leave ‘’good’’ taste at home and indulge.

Huge cactuses and other succulents grow all over southern States, but if you’re looking for a really immersive botanical experience, spend a day at Lotusland in Santa Barbara. Created by Ganna Walska, an eccentric opera singer with a penchant for massive plants, the place boasts hundreds of unique species divided in 25 different thematic gardens. A horticultural nirvana filled with cactuses, lotus flowers, gigantic aloes and fantastic animal topiaries (fancy word for funny-shaped trees and bushes) awaits!

If you’re dreaming of a classic American road trip on Route 66, you can’t miss Roy’s Motel & Café. What’s so special about it? Mostly its history: it used to be the only service station in the area and it has seen a lot since its construction in 1938. It has also starred in many movies and music videos ( Enrique Iglesias’ ‘’Hero’’ from 2001, iconic!). Its emblematic neon sign in Googie architecture style, inspired by atomic and Space Age aesthetics, against the backdrop of the Mojave Desert makes for a terrific Insta spot.

You’re still on Route 66 and now it’s time for your favorite vacay activity: getting some souvenirs! Or at least grabbing an ice cream or a coffee in unique surroundings. Hackberry General Store was originally a grocery store, opened in the 1930s. In 1992 it had been reopened by a local artist who gathered vintage automobiles, billboards and lots of other memorabilia of the greatest era of Route 66. Get a pin, a magnet or a keychain and take a piece of history with you home.

There are many cowboy-themed attractions in Texas, but you won’t get any rodeo or line dancing recommendations from us. Instead, we’ve got something less obvious, but much more happiness-inducing for you: an Eiffel Tower wearing a red cowboy hat! A 2-in-1 deal: Paris meets Texas in Paris, Texas. Get it? No? No worries, just enjoy!

Forget the Statue of Liberty, the Egyptian Sphinx and other sculptures humanity holds in high regard. Why wouldn’t a pickle statue deserve similar fame and glory? Stop by the town of Tomball in Texas and greet the Pickle Man if you agree!