If you drive anywhere in the San Francisco area you'll see beautiful sea views, majestic mountain tops, and iconic Bay area landmarks. However, we may neglect the quirkier attractions around San Francisco that will make you do a double take. Many odd and assorted roadside attractions are in more places than you can imagine around San Francisco. Let's take a look at these bizarre and random roadside attractions around San Francisco.
1. Indiana Jones and Yoda Statues: 535 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo
You'd never expect to see these characters in a downtown park, but if you go to San Anselmo you will indeed. The impact of George Lucas is undeniable, so the area where he worked and still lives is part of his inspiration.
2. Steel Bunny Foo Foo: West side of Hwy 29 , St. Helena
If you're ever in Napa Valley and spot a bunny don't freak out. The Steel bunny was created by artist Lawrence Argent, and it features the steel bunny Foo Foo. You can see the 35 ft. tall mesh rabbit leaping across a vineyard off Highway 29 in St. Helena.
3. Doggie Diner Head: Sloat Blvd. at 45th Ave., San Francisco
Originally part of the the Bay Area hot dog chain, which has been closed since the 1980s. Today, there are various locations within the San Francisco Bay area to see the Doggie heads.
4. Muffler Men: 2020 National Ave., Hayward
These roadside giants were the promotional fronts for mufflers, car washes, and all other roadside services. You can see these arcane figures and more still in Hayward. Apparently, the cast of odd roadside characters is always changing too.
5. Showfolks of America: 1601 Hillside Blvd., Colma
In Colma, check out the Showfolks of America memorial that displays clowns and graveyards in the Olivet Memorial Park. A huge granite monument features a clown and carnival scene.
6. Tin Man: Petaluma, California
An imaginative piece of art for all to see. The Tin Man and much of the artwork was originally building material that was recycled and re-purposed and molded to become a couple of junk art sculptures.
7. Fish House: 2747 Mathews St., Berkeley
This is worth driving by because it will make you scratch you head in wonder. Built in 1995, the architect was inspired by a micro-animal called a waterbear, a tiny alien-looking animal.
8. Glaum Egg Ranch Chicken Machine: 3100 Valencia Rd., Aptos
This is a truly random and inspiring attraction. An automated-egg-vending-machine and animatronic chicken-show called the Glaum Egg Ranch Chicken Machine. Yes, this is real and you can buy eggs from a vending machine for $3-$5.
9. Chainsaw marker: 690 Stage Rd., Pescadero
If you're driving around Pescadero and see a chainsaw off the road don't get alarmed. This roadside chainsaw grave marker symbolizes what the deceased person loved, not how he died.
Did we miss any spots? Let us know of any bizarre things around the San Francisco Bay area. If you're curious about great attractions near San Francisco this winter, then check out The One Town Near San Francisco That Turns Into A Winter Wonderland Each Year.
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