Route 66 in San Bernardino and the nearby area is still home to several vintage Route 66 establishments including the iconic Wigwam Motel and the original McDonald’s location. It’s a city with a rich history and beautiful scenery. It was once an oasis for all sorts of travelers along the famous Route 66 highway, which during its heyday, brought thousands of visitors to this unique area every year. Let’s explore the history of Route 66 in San Bernardino.
The Surprising origins of San Bernardino
The area now known as San Bernardino was not largely settled until 1851. A colony was established by Mormons pioneers after their purchase of Rancho San Bernardino. The town of San Bernardino was formed in 1851 followed by San Bernardino County in 1853 from parts of Los Angeles County.
The area now known as San Bernardino was not largely settled until 1851. A colony was established by Mormons pioneers after their purchase of Rancho San Bernardino. The town of San Bernardino was formed in 1851 followed by San Bernardino County in 1853 from parts of Los Angeles County.
The Mormons laid out the town based on a plan that was typical of Mormon urban planning. The Mormon pioneers developed irrigated fields, commercial farming, and lumbering, supplying agricultural produce and lumber throughout Southern California. The city was officially incorporated in 1857. Late that year, most of the Mormon pioneers were called back to Utah by Brigham Young.
Some Mormons stayed in San Bernardino and some later returned from Utah, but a real estate group from El Monte and Los Angles bought most of the land from the original rancho and from the departing Mormons. The lands were sold to new settlers who became the cultural and political leaders in the county and San Bernardino became a typical American frontier town.
Credit: Route66postcards
In 1860 a gold rush began in the nearby mountains and by the mid 1860s, San Bernardino had become an important trading hub in Southern California. As San Bernardino continued to grow, it became a railroad town with the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1875 and later the Santa Fe Railway. The Santa Fe Depot, built in 1918, is now a national historic landmark and home to the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum.
The city continued to grow and prosper and in 1889 word of a special source of crystal clear spring water became known in Arrowhead Springs where a hotel had been opened. Visitors to the hotel raved about the clear cool water from the springs. Then in 1905, an entrepreneur, Seth Marshall, set up a bottling operation in the basement of the hotel and before long, the water from the cold springs was being shipped to Los Angeles under the newly created brand, “Arrowhead Spring Water”.
The Rapid Rise of Route 66
In 1926, the historic Route 66 highway was established with a segment passing through San Bernardino on its way from Chicago to Los Angeles. As the travel in the automobile gained popularity, for thousands of travelers coming across the Mohave Desert, San Bernardino served as a great resting place after their difficult journey. Many businesses set up shop along Route 66 to take advantage of the increased tourism and to cater to these travelers, including motels, motor courts, service stations, restaurants, and other roadside attractions.
One of those motels, the Wigwam Motel, is one of the most iconic landmarks on all of Route 66. Built in 1950 on the western edge of San Bernardino, the Wigwam features nineteen 32 foot tall teepees and provide overnight accommodations to travelers. It continues to operate to this day. Where else can you sleep in a wigwam?
Another piece of restaurant history lies just off of Route 66 in San Bernardino. A burger stand just off of Route 66 is the location where, in 1940, Richard and Maurice McDonald founded McDonald’s along with its innovative fast food concept. The original building is long gone, but in its place is now an unofficial McDonald’s museum.
The Modern Present Day in San Bernardino
Today, San Bernardino is still home to many businesses along Route 66 that have been around for decades and continue to draw in visitors from all over the world. In addition to its historical attractions, however, this city also offers plenty of modern amenities such as shopping centers, museums, parks and much more. With so much history and beauty to offer visitors young and old alike, it’s no wonder why San Bernardino has become an increasingly popular tourist destination over the years.
While it may not be as well-known as some other cities in California like Los Angeles or San Francisco, there’s no denying that San Bernardino is full of fascinating history waiting for travelers from near and far alike! Whether you’re looking for historical attractions or modern amenities—or both—you can find them here in this vibrant city at every turn! If you ever find yourself traveling down Route 66 or just want to take a break from your everyday life for some sightseeing fun then make sure you don’t miss out on this amazing place! You won’t regret it!
Route 66 in San Bernardino
Alignment of Route 66 in San Bernardino
Route 66 enters town from the east on what is now Cajon Blvd. Kendal Drive, the original City 66 Route splits off of Cajon Blvd. to the left. A more recent alignment follows Cajon Blvd. which continues through town and then bends to the right where it turns into Mt. Vernon Ave. Stay on Mt. Vernon to 5th Street where Route 66 turns right onto 5th Street. After a few blogs it jogs over to 4th Street which becomes Foothill Blvd. Foothill heads west out of town toward Rialto and then on through several other town on the way to Los Angeles.
Mt. Vernon Ave. is home to a few vintage service stations, garages, and several older motels that were bypassed years ago. Some are still operating as motels, others have either been torn down, turned into apartments, or converted to long term tenants.
Fun Sites to See on Route 66 in San Bernardino
The Wigwam Motel on Route 66 in San Bernardino
The Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino is a business built to take advantage of the growing popularity of automobile travel in the post World War II years. It opened on Route 66 in 1950 as the seventh and last of the Wigwam motels to be built.
The Wigwam was built between 1947 and 1949 as the last of seven Wigwam Villages. The one in San Bernardino was known as Wigwam Village No. 7 when it opened in 1950. After several more additions to the property in 1953, it ultimately offered 19 motel rooms modeled after Native American teepees. It’s unique appearance was surely an eye catching sight for travelers looking for a place to stay for the night.
Read More About the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino
The Unofficial McDonald’s Museum
The original McDonalds Restaurant opened just off of Route 66 here in San Bernardino. This is where Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald founded McDonald’s and the original fast food concept for providing customers their meals within minutes of ordering. They sold 15 cent hamburgers using their “Speedee Service System” and they became an instant hit.
I’m 64 years old and I still remember going to the McDonald’s on Pacific Coast Highway near where I grew up to get a hamburger for 20 cents. In fact, the real decision was whether or not to get a Big Mac for 59 cents or three regular hamburgers for one cent more!
The original building is long gone but the very site was purchased by the founder and owner of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain in Southern California, and converted it into a McDonald’s Museum. It’s full of McDonald’s memorabilia, the Hamburgler, Ronald McDonald, Happy Meal toys, and a lot more.
The owner of the McDonald’s site was Albert Okura, who not only owned the Juan Pollo restaurant chain but was also the owner of the classic Route 66 town site of Amboy. When we were visiting the museum, we were told that he had special appreciation for what the McDonald’s brothers created and wanted that to be known. He also kept an office there at the museum. Okura purchased the location of the original McDonald’s restaurant, opened by Dick and Mac McDonald in 1948, which was being foreclosed on in 1998 for the sum of $135,000.
Unfortunately, Mr Okura recently passed away on January 27, 2023.
The McDonald’s Museum is located at:
1398 N E St, San Bernardino, California 92405. (Located close to the old Route 66.)
Great Food at the Mitla Cafe on Route 66 in San Bernardino
Located at 602 N Mount Vernon Ave San Bernardino, CA 92411
We stopped at the Mitla Cafe during our visit on Route 66 in San Bernardino in 2019. We’re big fans of mexican food so for us, there’s nothing better fresh hot chips and salsa, a margarita, and some good mexican food. We were impressed with the service and the food at the Mitla Cafe. Here’s a little history about the cafe.
Doña Lucia Rodriguez opened the Mitla Cafe in 1937. What started as a simple lunch counter on Route 66 quickly grew in popularity. We stopped there on our trek across Route 66 in California in 2019. They serve great mexican food. We really enjoyed our chips and salsa, tacos, and enchiladas. Today the Mitla Cafe is still family owned and run by Dona Lucia’s grandson.
Motels, Diners, & Service Stations in San Bernardino
Vintage Wilshire Style Station
3300 N. E. Street
999 N. E. Steet
1548 N. Mt. Vernon – Across from Motel Holiday Inn
Mitla Cafe
Spot Cafe – Rt. 66 & Kendall
Desert Inn Motel
Motel 66
Valley Motel
Motel Holiday Inn
Andy’s Motel
Travel Lodge
Sahara Motel
Oasis Motel
Motel San Bernardino
Vintage Wilshire Style Gas Station
The Wilshire style gas stations had unique canopies pierced by spear-like supports. They were built in the late 1950s. In 1960, these stations were rebranded as Gulf stations when Gulf bought out Wilshire. These stations were primarily built in California.
This was a Wilshire style gas station on Route 66 in San Bernardino at the corner of 5th and H Street. The Sahara Motel was directly across the street. Both have since been torn down. The Sahara Motel is now an In-N-Out-Burger and the lot where this gas station sat is now empty.
Spot Cafe and Gas Station at Cajon and Kendall Drive.
Not much is known about this cafe except that it was located on the east end of San Bernardino near where Cajon Blvd. and Kendall Drive parted ways. Kendall Drive was the original City 66 route through town. The Hobbs MoHawk Guide for 1932 informed travelers that a rest stop was recommended at the “Junction” where Cajon Blvd. and Kendall intersect. At this stop was a gas station, a store and 4 (AA) cabins equipped with locked garages ranging in price from $1.50 – $2.00 per night.
There was another cafe at this location. The Junction Cafe at Kendall Drive and Cajon Blvd. posted a help wanted ad in the July 8, 1954 edition of the San Bernardino Sun newspaper: DISHWASHER wanted Must have transportation. Junction Cafe, 9 mL No. of San Bdno. at Kendall Dr. & Caion.
Interesting Fact – On November 1954, Sammy Davis Jr. lost his eye in an early morning accident at this same intersection. He was driving in his Cadillac from Las Vegas to Los Angeles and had just come down through the Cajon Pass. From news accounts: “Sammy encountered the fork where Kendall Drive split off to the left and Cajon Boulevard continued to the right. At the split, an elderly lady driving a Chrysler had missed her turn onto Kendall and was backing into Sammy’s lane to get herself back on course. Mr. Davis crashed into the back of the lady’s car and suffered numerous injuries, including the loss of his left eye.
This was the Spot Cafe at the corner of Route 66 and Kendal Drive. It was advertised as the Spot Cafe and Loomis Chevron Service. Eight miles East of San Bernardino. Refrigerated air conditioned cafe. Complete meals. Get you car serviced while you wait.
It appears to be a vacant lot now.
Desert Inn Motel (Now the Roadway Inn)
The Desert Inn Motel was located on Route 66 at the corner of 5th & “F” Street, San Bernardino, California.
It advertised 51 deluxe units, right downtown. Large, airy, sound proof rooms. Private phones, Free T.V. Refrigerated air conditioning. Heated Pool. Complimentary Coffee.
As can be seen below, the this motel is now operating under the name, Roadway Inn.
Credits: Route66postcards – Google Images
Motel 66
Motel 66 was located on Route 66 at 1400 No. Mt. Vernon Ave. (U.S. 66, 395 & 91)
San Bernardino, California.
It advertised 33 nicely furnished, fully carpeted units with full tile showers, individually controlled Panelray vented heat for winter and cooled for summer, Radios and TV in units, Private Garages, Some completely equipped kitchen apartments. Close to good restaurants. A member of the Best Western Motels and rated by AAA and recommended by Duncan Hines.
As can be seen below, the lot where this motor court once stood is not a vacant lot.
Valley Motel
Motel 66 was located on Route 66 at 1640 No. Mt. Vernon Ave. (U.S. 66, 395 & 91)
San Bernardino, California.
It advertised an air-conditioned motel with wall-to-wall carpets and full-tile showers, Panelray vented heat, Beautyrest and foam rubber mattresses, Radios, Closed Garages.
This motel appears to still be in operation at under the same name and address today.
Motel Holiday Inn
Motel 66 was located on Route 66 at 1564 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. (U.S. 66, 395 & 91)
San Bernardino, California.
In the 1950s, it advertised as “San Bernardino’s Friendly Motel”. Cooled by refrigeration, Fully carpeted, Tile baths, Free TV, Free Breakfast, Pets OK, Commercial Rates, Five Top Credit Cards Honored, Owner Operated. Approved by AAA
This motel appears to still be in operation at under the same name and address today.
Andy’s Motel (Most Recently the Lido Motel)
Andy’s Motel was located on Route 66 at 2180. N. Mt. Vernon Ave. (U.S. 66, 395 & 91)
San Bernardino, California.
In the 1950s, it advertised itself as “Andy’s Motel – The first modern Motel entering San Bernardino from East on Highway 66”. Air Cooled — Heated. Your Home Away from Home. Managed by I. Culbertson.
This motel still stands and is operating under the name, The Lido Motel. The arch seen in the before picture is not longer there right side of the building appears to have been altered.
Credits: Andy’s Motel Postcard, Route66postcards, Google Image on Right
San Bernardino Travel Lodge
The Travel Lodge was located on Route 66 at 746 “E” Street. State Highway 18
San Bernardino, California.
In the 1950s, it advertised itself as the “San Bernardino’s Travel Lodge – Two Blocks from Business Center”. Recommended by: AAA, Automobile Club of Southern California.
While this motel appeared to still be in operation as late as 2019 under the name: San Bernardino Town Lodge, as of this writing (2023) it is now a vacant lot.
Credits: Travel Lodge PostCard, Route66postcads – Google Images
Sahara Motel in San Bernardino
The Sahara Motel was located on Route 66 at 95 West 5th Street.
San Bernardino, California 92410.
In the 1950s, it advertised itself as the The Sahara Motel – Take 5th Street off ramp from Freeway on US 66. Three blocks West of Business District. 52 Units – Air Conditioned, Restaurants opposite – Room Phones – Free T.V. – Queen Beds – Heated Pool.
At some point in it’s history, this motel changed it’s name to the Paradise Hotel which appears to have gone out of business in 2007 or before. By 2008, it had been torn down and was left as a vacant lot for several years. By 2012, this corner lot had become an In-N-Out-Burger and a small strip mall.
Credits: Route66postcards – Google Images
More Great Resources – Route 66 in San Bernardino
Mitla Cafe Video by CBS News
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