Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Motel in Northern California

There's something so quintessentially American about a motel stay. The low-rise buildings, vintage signs, and just-off-the-road location inspire a real sense of adventure, or at the very least, a good road trip. But these types of lodging have been replaced over the years by chain hotels, resorts, and short-term vacation rentals. Luckily, there's still a very real nostalgia for the motor hotel. I've found the perfect place to live out your vintage motel dreams: Foothills Motel in Auburn.

The aesthetic of a 1959 California motor hotel is alive and well at the Foothills Motel, where you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time. It has everything you're looking for in a motel experience, but with fresh and totally updated amenities. Motels aren't typically known for their luxe beds, but the ones at Foothills Motel are, to quote the listing, "the best beds money can buy."

Sink into your bed for a quality night of sleep and enjoy the en-suite bathroom and shower, which have also been recently renovated. Walk out to your private deck to enjoy a beautiful weather day, or, if you'd like to keep the vintage vibes going, head next door to the property's Foothills Bowling. This retro classic has also been reimagined, offering 24 lanes with automatic scoring, a pool table, arcade games, a full bar, and a grill.

Other on-site amenities include a pool, which is open seasonally. For more outdoor fun, you can head to Auburn State Recreation Area, a nearby park that includes nearly 42,000 acres, plus 50 miles of the American River. A favorite trail is the Clementine Trail to Lake Clementine, a 4.4-mile trail that leads to the place where the American River tumbles to the rocks, creating magnificent falls.

Another local favorite? Knee-Deep Brewing Company, a family-owned microbrewery with a spacious, family-friendly taproom and in-house pizza.

After a day filled with adventure, you'll be grateful to return to your cozy, comfortable, and oh-so-retro room. Folks who have stayed here appreciate the true value of this place. By all accounts, it's affordable, approachable, and a whole lot of fun.

Are you ready to book your stay at this wonderfully retro motel? If so, be sure to check out the official Airbnb listing for additional information, including rates, reservations, and reviews. Then send this article to your favorite travel buddy and let the planning begin! Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.

Looking for related content? We've put together a list of our 11 all-time favorite road trips through Northern California, and there's something for everyone on the list! So gas up the car and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! And here's more on why Auburn, California makes for a great weekend getaway destination.