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A road trip along Route 66 in California is a journey through history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're a history buff, a roadside attraction enthusiast, or simply looking for an adventure, this legendary route offers something for everyone. Buckle up and hit the road for an unforgettable ride along the Mother Road!

Top Stops Along Route 66 in California:

1. Needles - Gateway to California

The first California town on Route 66, Needles is rich in Old West history. Visit the El Garces Hotel, a historic Harvey House. Enjoy views of the Colorado River.

  • Needles Regional Museum (📍929 Front St)- the town’s cultural hub and the closest functional equivalent to a Route 66 visitor center.
  • El Garces Hotel (📍950 Front St) - It operates today as the El Garces Intermodal Transportation Facility, serving Amtrak’s Southwest Chief and local transit services.
  • Needles Borax Wagon (📍305-399 W Broadway St)- an authentic borax freight wagon sits prominently along West Broadway Street.
  • 66 Motel (📍91 Desnok St) - It no longer operates as a motel, now used as long‑term apartments rather than nightly lodging.
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2. Amboy

  • Home to the famous Roy’s Motel & Café (📍87520 National Trails Hwy) - functions as a gas station, small café counter, and gift shop. Not as lodging or a full-service restaurant.
  • See the striking Amboy Crater, an ancient volcanic site.
  • Take stunning photos of the vast Mojave Desert.

3. Ludlow and Bagdad Café (Newberry Springs)

  • Bagdad Café (📍46548 National Trails Hwy, Newberry Springs)
    • The café made famous by the 1987 film Bagdad Café was originally the Sidewinder Café. After the movie became a cult hit, it was renamed to match the film. Today it’s a small, quirky, still‑operating café filled with memorabilia and traveler signatures.
  • Bagdad Ghost Town (east of Ludlow)
    • The actual town of Bagdad is a true ghost town with nothing left standing—just a site in the desert. The café is named after it but is not located there.
  • Ludlow Ghost Town
    • Ludlow offers scattered ruins from its railroad and mining past, plus a modern café and gas station for travelers.

4. Barstow - The Main Street of America

Barstow grew around the Santa Fe Railroad and later became a major stop for motorists traveling west from Needles, Amboy, Ludlow, and Newberry Springs.

Explore Barstow: Highlights, Dining & Lodging

5. Oro Grande

Oro Grande is a small but historically rich Route 66 town in the Mojave Desert, known for early roadside architecture, antiques, and one of the most iconic folk‑art installations on the entire highway. It sits just north of the 1930 Oro Grande Bridge, a steel truss span that carried Route 66 across the Mojave River.

  • Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch (📍24266 National Trails Hwy) - created by artist Elmer Long that covers about 2 acres filled with more than 200 bottle trees—metal “trees” using thousands of bottles he and his father collected while exploring the desert.
  • Antique Station (📍19176 National Trails Hwy) - travelers can spend hours exploring vintage collectibles, furniture, tools, décor, and quirky roadside finds.
  • Dining:
    • Cross Eyed Cow Pizza (📍19242 National Trails Hwy) - pizza, wings, and Italian‑style comfort food.

6. Victorville - Key City of the High Desert

  • California Route 66 Museum (📍16825 D St) - functions as Victorville’s primary Route 66 visitor center. The museum is housed in the historic 1930 Red Rooster Café building and offers more than 4,500 square feet of Route 66 exhibits, photo ops, and local history.
  • Route 66 Old Town Gateway (📍16825 D St) - The structure serves as a symbolic archway into Victorville’s historic corridor.
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7. San Bernardino - The Heartbeat of Route 66

San Bernardino has one of the richest clusters of still‑standing Route 66 heritage sites in California.

Explore San Bernardino: Highlights, Dining & Lodging

8. Pasadena

Route 66 enters Pasadena from Arcadia and travels along Colorado Boulevard, passing through Old Pasadena and the Playhouse District.

  • Pasadena Visitors Center (📍300 E Green St) - serves Route 66 travelers. Provides maps, brochures, local attraction info, and guidance for Route 66 sites in Pasadena.
  • Colorado Street Bridge (📍504 W Colorado Blvd) - The bridge stretches 1,467.5 feet with a height of about 150 feet above the Arroyo Seco, using a series of grand concrete arches
  • Visit the Norton Simon Museum (📍411 W. Colorado Blvd), featuring world-class art.
  • Rose Bowl Stadium (📍1001 Rose Bowl Dr)
  • Pasadena Playhouse (📍39 S. El Molino Ave) - It is the official State Theatre of California, a historic performing arts venue.
  • Stroll through Old Town Pasadena for shopping and dining.
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  • Lodging:
    • Pasadena Hotel & Pool (📍928 E. Colorado Blvd)

10. Santa Monica – The End of Route 66

Conclude your journey at the Santa Monica Pier, where Route 66 officially ends. Walk along the beach, visit the amusement park, and take in ocean views. Snap a picture with the famous “End of the Trail” sign.

  • 66-to-Cali (Route 66 Shop & Visitor Point) - functions as the Route 66 visitor center for travelers finishing the road. It is located on the Santa Monica Pier, at the traditional ending point of Route 66.
Explore Santa Monica: Highlights, Dining & Lodging

Road Trip Tips

  • Best Time to Go: Spring and fall offer mild weather, making the trip more enjoyable.
  • What to Pack: Sunscreen, water, snacks, a camera, and a good playlist.
  • Driving Tips: Watch for old road segments that may be unpaved or require detours.
  • Lodging: Stay in vintage motels or historic hotels for an authentic experience

California Route 66 Map

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