I Drove California's Central Coast -and These Stylish Motels Were the Highlight of the Road Trip

"The Milestone Mo-Tel, an elegant, whitewashed structure modeled on an old Spanish mission, marked the beginning of a new form of accommodation and an entire travel movement."

"As construction began on the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s and car ownership surged, motels sprang up everywhere, with 61,000 in America by 1964."

"The motel industry was in decline by the 1970s as faceless, cookie-cutter properties dominated America's roadsides, coinciding with the deregulation of air travel."

"Moteliers are now returning to Heineman's original idea, focusing on individuality and style, reminiscent of the golden age of car culture."

Motels, once seen as last-resort accommodations, are being revitalized along California's Central Coast. This area, where the motel concept originated, features restored properties that blend nostalgia with modern amenities. The Milestone Mo-Tel, opened in 1925, symbolizes the birth of motels, catering to the growing number of road travelers. However, the industry faced decline in the 1970s due to corporate standardization and the rise of air travel. Today, moteliers are embracing the original spirit of motels, focusing on unique experiences for travelers.

Read at Travel + Leisure