This place is obscure and out of the way. It's not easy to find but I'm glad I took the time. A fan from Japan paid for and built this memorial and it's both sad and makes you feel good to know that there are individuals that will memorize a great actor who died young and tragically. read more

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James Dean Crash Site Memorial James Dean was an American Actor. Everyone that knows me well knows I have his image on the walls of my apartment. I've been a fan since I was a teenager. At the time I lived near the crash site this memorial was not there. Every year I remember him on this day. He died at the age of 24 in an auto accident on September 30, 1955, near Cholame, California. He had previously competed in several auto racing events, and was traveling to a sports car racing competition when he was involved in a car crash at the junction of what is currently State Road 46 and SR 41. My dear friend May from Sacramento took photos and did a review. Thanks to May I have a page to visit annually on this James Dean Remembrance Day. read more

James Dean Crash Site & Memorial - This is a limited edition poster I had framed. The car he was in September 30, 1955. Posted 09/30/24 - Local Flavor Near Me - Cholame, California

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The site is difficult to id with only one sign. Well Caltrans is completely revamping the entire area (the new roads will be great when they are done). Today You won't be able to identify the site. Hopefully they will put back the signs whenever they are done. (July 2025). read more

The 'crash site' is just an intersection with a sign that identifies it as the JD Memorial Junction. Theres a fence with some left-behind notes, etc.. It's not even the actual crash location, which is just slightly up the road. I assume that because this is an intersection, they decided to not place the memorial here in a pull-off area. The memorial up the road is a more worthwhile stop, although it's simple unto itself, and it frustrates you as to how many people try to deface it. Now, 2024 update, if you've been this way before, the memorial is now hidden in plain site and we missed it twice on our recent trip; this was due to the road being moved and now it's on the OPPOSITE side of the road that it used to be. We were so laser focused on where it was, we missed where it IS; Same place, but entirely different location! While you're there, buy something from the store to help support them. They don't have much, but you can find something to grab. read more

James Dean Crash Site & Memorial - Local Flavor Near Me - Cholame, California

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In a public service announcement filmed just before his death, James Dean had these morbidly ironic parting words: "Take it easy driving - the life you save may be mine." Look for the clip on YouTube...just type 'James Dean PSA'. It's been over 67 years, and he made just three films albeit all classics. Startling to think he would've turned 92 this week. However, my children, on September 30, 1955, at approximately 5:45PM, Dean, age 24, crashed his Porsche 550 Spyder on Hwy 46 as a Ford Tudor was turning left onto Hwy 41 in the other direction. The other driver, a 23-year-old Cal Poly student, survived. Dean did not. The intersection still looked somewhat dangerous when Jamie W. and I drove through it. Vehicles were turning left, and you can easily imagine how fast Dean was driving for him not to be able to stop in time (photo: https://bit.ly/3DXRkUH). A Japanese businessman had a memorial erected around a tree at the local post office a half-mile away (photo: https://bit.ly/40O6plk). There wasn't anything else to see, but if you're Dean-obsessed... You can stop at Blackwell's Corner about a half-hour east on Hwy 46. There are cut-out billboards of Dean outside and various memorabilia at the back of the store (review: https://bit.ly/3Ynq5uK). This was his last stop. The store doesn't market his name on the website anymore, nor is there any sign to indicate you're getting close to the fatalistic intersection. Use your GPS. RELATED - On your way between San Francisco and Los Angeles? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3KdQJ1W read more

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Imagine my surprise when I recently drove thru, headed to Disneyland, and the whole freeway (46) had moved and the crash site is no longer on the left hand side. Also, the restaurant is now permantly closed. It was still interesting to see as my friend wanted to stop and see the memorial, she enjoyed seeing it. It is now on the right side of the freeway and you now have to turn off the freeway to see. Still easy if you're like to visit the memorial. read more

Have always been a James Dean fan. Passed through the area recently and did not know this was the crash site. Stopped prior at the rest area with a dog. Discovered information about the crash site. The site can be easily missed. read more

This is just on the side of the road. I didn't see anything else. There are couple of stores. They were closed. I wanted to get a picture and I got it!! I am always so drawn to this place. I don't know why. So happy I can this done!! read more

James Dean Crash Site & Memorial - James Dean - Local Flavor Near Me - Cholame, California

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It was hard to find because the road got moved. It's been a long time since I drove this route and was able to find it. It looked like a ghost town. No visitors, the store is closed. It was just a sad monument for the great James Dean! He will and always will be the Rebel Without A Cause. RIP read more

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Stopped to pay my respects. Too bad the diner is permanently closed. Use to come here on his death anniversary with my sister Erica.

"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." ~James Dean I don't know much about James Dean except that he was taken away at a very young age of 24. I have not seen any of his movies but am very interested in watching at least one of his four films. The Memorial and the actual crash site are located in two separate places just minutes away from each other. The actual crash site once had a fence and people would place flowers, photos, memorabilia on it. It has been a popular pilgrimage spot for some. I didn't notice the fence there the last time we passed by. It is actually a dangerous place to stop located at the intersection of State Highways 41 and 46, northeast of Paso Robles. It was later named the James Dean Memorial Highway. I finally had a chance to see the Memorial. It has his name engraved and placed on a tree near the Jack Ranch Cafe on Highway 46. It is a sculpture made of concrete and stainless steel surrounding the tree. J ames Dean named the Porsche 550 Spyder he fatally crashed in, "Little Bastard" A dmired actor and was nominated for two Best Actor Oscars for his performances in East of Eden and Giant M otorcycles - although he's mostly identified with cars, he had a love for motorcycles! E ast of Eden, was his first major role S quinty, sleepy blue eyes... his trademarks! D ied September 30, 1955 in a car accident at age 24 E ffervescent and eccentric! A ttended Santa Monica Junior College and UCLA in CA N otable performance was in "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955) He was already dead a decade when I was born but the James Dean mystique continues to flourish into the 21st century and beyond... Review #1471 read more

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This location is actually the small but pleasant memorial site. The actual "crash" site is just a bit east of here but there's no marker at that site. As far as I can tell, it's just a busy intersection and I wouldn't recommend stopping there. I always assumed James Dean (having the reputation he did) was likely the culprit in the crash which killed him but apparently, someone else was at fault. I also read that he received a speeding ticket earlier that same day. The memorial is located under a nice tree and there are a couple of plaques which talk about Dean. The plaques are a bit faded and hard to read but I'm glad that they are there for those who are interested or who want to pay tribute. read more

James Dean Crash Site & Memorial - One of the two plaques at the site. The flowers are a nice touch. - Local Flavor Near Me - Cholame, California

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If you are a classic movie or automobile fan then you should stop by here and take a few minutes of your time to see history. There's not a whole lot to see but just to tell someone who has the same love for history is the main reason for being here. read more

James Dean Crash Site & Memorial - Busy highway - Local Flavor Near Me - Cholame, California

I went there for the 50 year anniversary memorial. It was great with several reproduction Porsche 550s with the number 130 on them. One detail that I believe is vital that I have never read anyone commenting on anywhere, so far is that we drove through at his time"5:45pm" but we were on daylight savings time which didn't really start till about 66 in California. The sun and light was an hour before dusk and sunset, therefore. I waited a while and one lone photographer was left. He reminded me that daylight savings time. Was not an effect in 1955 when the crash occurred. When you are there at the correct 1955 time(dusk & sunset) it is apparent that the visibility of both drivers was severely impaired. I think the road intersection design was more at fault than any one else if there is fault or something to be learned. I would like to think this would put his memory in a better light regarding this tragic event. I highly recommend you visit this intersection, preferably at the correct time, and perhaps even on an anniversary. The memorial at the diner up the street it's nice too. Since he was going to have dinner in Paso Robles, consider driving up there for dinner, and think good memories. read more

James Dean is a legend! Although he appeared in only 3 films, he is an idol to millions even now. The Memorial site here is not the exact site where the car accident occured back in 1955, but it is close. It is a nice tribute and remembrance to him. Also a reminder to me that one must always be careful yet still enjoy life cause it can be taken from us at anytime. read more

James Dean Crash Site & Memorial - Local Flavor Near Me - Cholame, California

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This place is just a memorial - it's not the actual crash site. The little cafe is great for a quick bite to eat and some casual conversation with the locals. The crash site is just a memorial symbol so if your looking. For the actual site you need to go down the road a bit. read more

A very unique location. There is the intersection and then the memorial lot about a mile down the road with the steel around the tree. Many leave coins and other trinkets in memory/appreciation. To me, it is a sobering place that commands respect and reminds me that a life can be taken in an instant. James Dean was so loved for his work... I am glad this is here because it would be way too dangerous for people to park and remember him at the actual fateful highway spot. The artist did a great job. read more

James Dean Crash Site & Memorial - Local Flavor Near Me - Cholame, California

OK, been there. Done that. Memorial of the crash site where James Dean died. There is a big parking area, so it's a good halfway point to get out and stretch your legs on the way to the coast. As for the memorial, there's a piece of metal in front of a tree. There used to be a restaurant nearby, but now it's a wine tasting place. Watch for pedestrians when you near this location, as people heading east will sometimes park on the side of the highway and walk across the road to the memorial tree. Been there, done that. read more

Four stars just for existing. It's not remarkable by any means, and the accompanying text spotted with bird poop is a bit faded, but the symbolism is eerie: steel wrapping around a tree. It's not a reason to come to SoLame, California, unless you are in nearby Paso Robles with 45 minutes to kill, or you are a huge fan of James Dean or celebrity death). The actual crash site down the street would likely provide more substance, but there's no dedicated parking and it's a busy intersection, so be careful not to follow in his footsteps. read more

James Dean Crash Site & Memorial - Steel wrapped around a tree. Subtle. - Local Flavor Near Me - Cholame, California

It's a nice memorial, but it's not the actual crash site and the memorial itself is a plaque wrapped around a highly invasive tree of heaven which is spreading like crazy and taking over the side of the freeway and surrounding valley. It's exceedingly difficult to remove and produces toxins that kill off native plant life. Would've been better to have planted a native valley oak. read more

Yeah, it's a bit morbid visiting a death site but it's a piece of history and cultural lore. James Dean did not crash where they have the steel memorial. The crash site is a little down the road. Look for a fence with some memorabilia tied to it. Better yet, here are the GPS coordinates from when we were parked right in front of the crash site: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/james-dean-crash-site-and-memorial-cholame?filter_by_userid=True&select=hpciFnN_VlncrWNNH_nGzg&userid=9xi0QUx4e-HCMO1FifqDgg#hpciFnN_VlncrWNNH_nGzg It's a must visit for all Porsche owners. read more

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For my 100th review, I wanted to review someplace special... I just started getting into James Dean & realized I had passed the site of his crash in Cholame a few years ago w/o knowing it. On the 50th Anniversary of his death (about 4 years ago), a gentleman put up panoramic pictures of the crash at the very site of the intersections it happened at. It was really sad to see but I'm glad I went. People had left coins, cigarettes, glasses like the type he wore, different little trinkets, flowers, etc. Being a James Dean fan, it was really touching to see that even after all these years, he still has an effect on people. It's amazing. I love the 3 movies he put out: -East of Eden -Rebel Without A Cause -Giant They were all fabulous, his acting was incredible!!!! Aww, I wish he hadn't passed at such a young age... read more

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If you are a true road-tripper, then this is a site not to be passed up. The memorial stands a ways down the road from the actual crash site, and once you visit you will understand why. The junction of the 41 and 46 where the crash occurred is, surprisingly enough, dangerous, and it looks like any memorabilia left at the actual crash site is promptly removed by the DoT for safety reasons. The memorial is a safe place to pull over, with turn lanes and plenty of parking for any size vehicle. It is adjacent to the Hearst Family Winery tasting room as well. The memorial itself is classy and clean. It doesn't make for a very exciting photo opp, but it does make for a respectful remembrance. The day we stopped here traffic was backed up for miles in both directions due to a...you guessed it...horrible car accident at the crash site. Apparently, the best thing the DoT could do to honor Dean's memory would be to put up big hazard signs that read: "James Dean died here and so could you." Seriously, people...slow down and pay attention. read more

James Dean Crash Site & Memorial - Doing her best James Dean impression. She has no idea who that is. - Local Flavor Near Me - Cholame, California

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Thanks to B B. I knew James Dean's memorial site was somewhere up there, though I didn't search hard enough when we're driving up and down I 5. Last Saturday, we were going down to LA from a week stay in San Francisco. Suddenly the idea of visiting James Dean's memorial site popped my mind. I googled my iPhone while Susy's driving on I 5. I read a couple of articles about it, then I yelped. We drove into 41, there I found the tree I saw on the pictures! It was very cold, and sad. He was only 24years old! Flowers almost dried laid under the tree, caught my eyes. read more

Intriging to say the least and a must for the James Dean fan. We also drove to Blackwells Corner and took in JD's last stop before He drove into history. read more

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Its 4:52 am and im two miles away from the crash sight Construction is happening. Butterflies in my stomach, because i know im going to stop. North bound RIP james Dean. read more

James Dean Crash Site & Memorial - Erie. - Local Flavor Near Me - Cholame, California

Awesome place for anyone who followed he life and death of James Dean. I have always been interested in the enigma that is James Dean. Very moving and highly recommended. The monument is close by but not the actual crash site. I have the crash site coordinates here: N 35° 44.053' W 120° 17.147' read more

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On a lonely stretch of road outside of Cholame, you'll find a fitting tribute to one of the most influential people to grace the silver screen. Whether you liked James Dean or not, this unassuming memorial is a fitting tribute to his legacy. I have very few reasons to ever drive down Highway 46. In fact, the only reason I did was because I was heading from Paso Robles to Tulare with time on my hands. It's a beautiful stretch of road once you get away from the populated cities that hug the freeways on either side of the central valley. Out in the middle of it all is Cholame, a town of little interest to anyone outside the farming community, and a couple miles further is the crash site. "Why not stop?" I thought, considering this was a trip I may never make again. I'm glad I did. The handsome, L-shaped marker is chiseled with what was supposedly one of Dean's favorite quotes and is neighbored by two plaques explaining his last ride and the story of Japanese artist who built the memorial. It's amazing to think that such a famous teen idol could have met his death in such an obscure place. There is nothing out here beyond a couple rest stops and rolling green hills. The desolation brings a certain beauty to his final resting place. It also means the impact of the memorial's isolation won't be lost behind throngs of tourists yelling at each other and snapping their cameras. read more

Really not a lot to see in this area anymore... If you're a bona fide James Dean fan, read Manabu M's review to find what little, yet profound, significance there is to be found in the area... Because at first glance to the traveler, It's just a two lane junction in a giant valley. Many years ago, there used to be fruit stands and street side merchants selling rugs and shirts and stuff... During my most recent travels, there was none of that stuff... read more

I drove there in 2010, it's something else! VIDEO of Jimmy's drive down Polino pass can be seen here: http://vimeo.com/17379976 read more

James Dean Crash Site & Memorial - James Dean's last drive down Polino Pass - Local Flavor Near Me - Cholame, California

The James Deen memorial is located a mile west of the highway 41 and highway 46 junction where James Deen and his Posrche met a grisly demise in 1955. The memorial is a metal sign wrapped around a tree. 20 miles east of the junction, Blackwell's Corner- Texaco gas station has a better memorial to James Deen with murals all along the walls to commemorate the actor. This place is worth a stop to look and stretch your legs before you continue on your journey to wherever you are headed. Be careful when traveling along highway 46. You don't want to end up like James Deen. read more

For those of us that have any admiration for James Dean and his affect on pop culture here in America, this is a place for us to pay homage to James Dean and an entire era. I take this route whenever I travel from the Southern California to the Bay Area. It's a beautiful drive from Lost Hills California (Interstate 5) to Paso Robles (U.S. 101.) This intersection is still somewhat dangerous to this very day. If you are heading West bound on Hwy 46 the East bound traffic that needs to make a left turn onto Hwy 41 still must drive across your lane to do so. If you continue East bound on California Hwy 46 for about 25 miles you will come to Blackwell's Corner. This once gasoline station and airplane fueling depot is the last place that James Dean stopped for fuel before he wrecked his Porsche 550 Spyder on that fateful day of September 30th 1955. This is a fun place for all James Dean fans to stop when coming or going to this location. Blackwell's Corner yelp spot: http://www.yelp.com/biz/blackwells-corner-lost-hills read more

Makes the drive from Fresno to Paso Robles marginally interesting :) I robot replica giving a speech might have been cool :) or scary, hard to say. Anyhow it's a neat bit of Americana. If you're near by stop and see it read more

I've been wanting to visit here since I was a kid. Based on images from Flickr and here on Yelp I think I was in the right spot. It was really strange looking at what may have been the last thing James Dean saw, or what the hell exactly happened. In any case it was a VERY special moment for me and if you're a James Dean fan this is a must-visit location. read more

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If you blink you miss it. Needless to say I blinked passing it on our way to town and I blinked on the way back. One of these days I'll see it ... maybe. read more

Today in writing a book about 'treasure mapping" I come to these 'reviews" of this place. My accident was at this same "Dean" intersection area in 1972. It's close to the Memorial for us but not at that spot actually. I died there but my fate was not Dean's fate. Kern County hospital got a pulse and shipped me off to a brain injury center. I lived, but brain damaged and burned. In 1972 this place was nothing but tumble weeds, a swinging red light hung above the road and a coffee shop. So my mother said, who took care of me her lifetime. I've accomplished a great deal since that fate. I visited this site once and said what I had to say. I've not gone back..... My first solo book, "Recovery Through the Romance Side of the Brain" is dedicated to survivors. I think it is a stop to ponder how short life is and that we never know how much time we have on earth. Make it good! read more

Some other driver got in the way of James Dean driving like a bat out of hell in a Porsche. How can some unthinking person get in the way of a young Hollywood rebel who was using a California Highway as a racetrack? How thoughtless!!! read more

Im not too into Mr Dean but my goddaughter is so stopped by here on trip from Morro Bay back to the CV.. great place for fans of this actor who life was cut short read more

A monument to an icon of the past. As generations change so will the admiration for items like this. The story of James Dean and the absolute bad luck for all who touched the car after the wreck is a wonderful piece of our local history here, and I will leave it to you to research that if you are interested. For those who were part of the James Dean era, This will definitely stir some memories. read more

It's hard to tell that it's the memorial site because there is a little cafe next to it and it's not clearly marked. :( easy to miss and the highway memorial sign isn't until after the memorial site. read more