Route 66 in California

Exploring Route 66 in California

Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road,” is one of the most iconic highways in American history. It stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles and passes through eight states. One of the most interesting sections on Route 66 is the California portion, which takes you through some of the state’s most beautiful and historic places. From Barstow to Needles, Roy’s Cafe to Amboy, and Lupton, here are some of the sites and activities you can experience while traveling on this legendary highway.

Needles, CA – Just a few miles down the road from Barstow lies Needles, an old western town situated right on the Colorado River. It’s here that you’ll find some of the most stunning views along Route 66—including panoramic vistas of desert sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. You can also take a stroll down Main Street, where many original buildings from days gone by still stand today.

Amboy – Next up is Amboy itself—an unincorporated community located just outside Roy’s Café that boasts a number of interesting sites including an abandoned gas station (which was featured in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome), an old schoolhouse, and even an abandoned motel called “The Hotel Lazy Lizard!” Of course, no trip to Amboy would be complete without stopping by Roy’s Café again for another bite to eat!

Amboy, CA – Roy’s Cafe – Your next stop should be at Roy’s Café in Amboy—a mid-century diner that has been serving travelers since 1938! Here you can get classic American food like burgers and fries or indulge in something more unique such as their famous chili-cheese steak sandwich or homemade peach cobbler for dessert. In addition to its great food, Roy’s Café is also known for having an incredible atmosphere with vintage decorations from all over America’s past.

Bagdad, CA –

Ludlow, CA –

Newbeery Springs, CA – If you’re visiting Southern California, the iconic Route 66 is bound to be on your itinerary. It’s hard not to get excited about taking a drive along this legendary highway, but don’t forget that one of the attractions along your journey should be Newberry Springs! This small town might look unassuming from afar, but it has plenty of surprises and beauty awaiting those who take time to explore its winding roads and vast desert landscape. From historic sites carved out in the canyons to abandoned mines speckled with minerals, here’s what you should expect when you visit Newberry Springs – a unique stop along one of America’s most beloved highways.

Daggett, CA – Attention all Route 66 adventurers! Are you looking for a unique and fun detour while exploring the iconic highway? Then put Daggett, California on your list of must-visit cities. Situated in the Mojave Desert between Barstow and Needles, this small desert oasis is teeming with history and natural wonders that are second to none. From its deep roots to its current state, Daggett offers something special for visitors just waiting to be discovered! Keep reading as we dive into fascinating details about this charming town off of America’s beloved Route 66.

Barstow – Located halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Barstow is a great place to start your journey on Route 66 in California. This small town was once a major stop for travelers making their way along the highway and is still home to plenty of great attractions like Calico Ghost Town & Regional Park and Barstow Station shopping center. The area also has several historic buildings like the Harvey House Railroad Depot that are worth checking out.

Oro Grande, CA – Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch – Do you like quirky roadside attractions? If so, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, CA is definitely a can’t-miss! Situated along historic route 66 and founded by the late Elmer Long himself, this fascinating attraction draws visitors from around the world to take in its unique displays. On any given day at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch you’ll find an oasis of brightly colored recycled glass bottles embedded into trees, creating a magical display that will dazzle and entertain. Furthermore, traveling through Elmer’s incredible ranch gives you the opportunity to explore some truly hidden gems while learning more about desert history and culture as well.

Emma Jean’s Cafe –

Victorville, CA – Victorville, California is a historically-rich town located along famous Route 66. Home to over 120,000 residents and growing rapidly, this small city holds some amazing stories of the Old West. From Native American ruins to the expansive Mojave desert and everything in between – Victorville has so much to offer travelers! Whether you’re interested in learning more about earlier inhabitants of this area or just wanting to take a road trip down historic Route 66, there’s something interesting for everyone exploring Victorville. Keep reading if you want to learn why this once sleepy mining town is now one of the fastest growing cities on the west coast!

Cajon Pass –

San Bernardino, CA – Are you an adventurous traveler looking to explore the exciting sites of Route 66? Then you’ve come to the right place! San Bernardino is an essential stop in any Road Trip along the iconic US highway, with a wide selection of attractions and things to do. From California-style classic diners to historic museums, there’s something here for everyone – so join us as we explore some of the absolute must-see stops on your journey down The Mother Road! The Wigwam Motel, Original McDonald’s Hamburger Stand, McDonald’s Museum,

Rialto, CA – Have you ever wanted to explore the Route 66 of the future? Then look no further than Rialto, California. This is a city that was originally founded in 1886 and brings with it a deep backstory permeated by tradition and regional pride. Not only is Rialto known for its great connection to Route 66, but also its place in local history -from its days as an agricultural powerhouse to now as one of the most dynamic areas found along this section of Southern California’s storied past. So if you’re looking for more information on how to experience all that is classic yet contemporary here in Rialto, let us give you the nitty gritty details about what makes this city unique and worthy of visiting!

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – For most Route 66 travelers, taking a trip down America’s iconic highway promises an exciting adventure full of nostalgia and history. If you’re making your way through California on the legendary road, then you won’t be disappointed by what Rancho Cucamonga has to offer! Aside from being home to one of the original stops on Route 66, this charming city is filled with everything from historical monuments and fun activities for families to world-class attractions and unique eateries. In our latest blog post, we’ll take you through some must-see spots in Rancho Cucamonga that are sure to make your journey unforgettable. Get ready – it’s time to hit the open (old) road!

Claremont, CA –

Glendora, CA –

Pasadena, CA – If you’re a lover of history, culture, interesting landmarks and lots of sunshine, Pasadena might just be the perfect destination for you. Located in Los Angeles County about 10 miles from downtown LA, Pasadena’s roots are firmly planted in Americana; it was even an important crossroad on Route 66 during its heyday. With that said, there is plenty to explore and discover when traveling through this vibrant city! From eating your way around town to checking out some of its top attractions—including the world-famous Rose Bowl Stadium—Pasadena has something inspiring waiting around every corner. Keep reading to discover what makes this sunny city so special and how you can make the most of your stay here.

Santa Monica, CA – Santa Monica, California is a well-known city situated right on the Pacific Ocean. It’s often associated with surfers and beach culture, but its history goes much deeper than that. From a Native American settlement to the endpoint of Route 66, Santa Monica has had many lives and continues to grow. In this blog post we’ll explore some of Santa Monica’s storied past and look at how the city grew over time into what it is today. Let’s delve into the fascinating story of Santa Monica!

Route 66 in California offers travelers a chance to explore some of America’s most beloved cities along one legendary stretch of highway. From Barstow all the way to Lupton there are so many amazing sites and activities waiting for you—so make sure not to miss out! Whether it’s visiting historic landmarks or indulging in delicious local cuisine at Roy’s Café; there truly is something special about this route that everyone should experience at least once! Happy travels!