Your Passport To
1926-2026
The Route
Route 66 covers remarkably diverse terrain as it traverses Southern California, including
the Pacific Coast, cityscapes, tiny towns, mountainous regions, and the high desert.
Santa Monica
Smart strategies for navigating route 66 in the Golden State
Road Rules
Not All Photo ops are created equal: here are seven landmarks to look for during your drive.
The Icons
End of the Trail Sign
Santa Monica
The symbolic western terminus of the Mother Road meets the Pacific Ocean right on the Santa Monica Pier.
100 years
Fab Food
& Drink
Los Angeles County
Slide into a booth at one of these old-school eateries located throughout Los Angeles County—the vintage vibes will satisfy your appetite for Americana.
The End of the Trail sign on Santa Monica Pier was dedicated on the 83rd anniversary of Route
66 in 2009, creating what
many consider the highway’s
symbolic western endpoint.
Did you know?
01
Grand Central Market, Los Angeles
This food hall features dozens of vendors in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building—choose your own culinary adventure.
02
Pink’s Hot Dogs,
Los Angeles
A SoCal landmark since 1939, this venerable institution doles out 1,200 dogs and 200 burgers a day.
San Bernardino County
The diners, drive-thrus, and dives on the San Bernardino County portion of the route deliver heaping helpings of personality.
01
Richie’s Real American Diner, Rancho Cucamonga
The expansive kids’ menu and a monthly place mat coloring contest make this spot perfect for families with young kids.
02
Vince’s Spaghetti,
Ontario
Slide into a booth and order the namesake dish with garlic bread—
locals have been doing so since 1945.
Mai tais, martinis, Popsicles, cioppino, Jack cheese, Doritos, Hidden Valley Ranch dressing, and taquitos were all invented in the Golden State.
Did you know?
Grab a Gringo (espresso, hot water, steamed milk) at Dogtown Coffee in Santa Monica, a local hang that celebrates surf and skateboard culture. Specialty drink aficionados should pull over at Blackwood Coffee Bar in Hollywood, known for artfully crafted drinks like its vanilla bean latte. For more of a throwback feel, elbow up to the counter at Andy’s Coffee Shop in Pasadena—they’ve been slinging hot cups of joe for more than 80 years. If you need a feel-good fix in San Bernardino, stop at Bear and Kono’s Coffee, a family-owned spot that donates proceeds to charities. Six Beans Coffee Co. in Victorville and Crave Kaffee Haus in Barstow are great options for eastbound motorists seeking to stay alert in the desert.
Java Jumpin'
A curated collection of caffeine coaches along the route.
Commemorate your Route 66 Centennial adventure with photos and videos that reflect your adventurous spirit.
Pics & Pans
Check items off the list below as you photograph each one!
Vintage Vehicles
Savvy Road-Trippers know the secret to delighted youngsters: sunday strategic stops. Here are a few favorites.
Happy Kids,
Happy Trip
Put those phones away and play like old-school road-trippers! The miles will fly by while you tickle your brain and celebrate quirky roadside wonders.
Fun & Games
Word Jumbles
Shuffle the letters of the words and phrases on the left to create new ones inspired by Route 66.
Bumper Stumper
Decipher the hidden meanings behind custom license plates that would be perfectly at home on a vintage ride.
Nine Songs
Meltso
in a Camera
Her Gum Bar
Soda Stars can ride to it
Click to Reveal
Click to Reveal
Click to Reveal
Click to Reveal
Click to Reveal
roadside Attractions
Hamburger
Americana
Motels
Neon Signs
How well do you know Route 66? Take our trivia challenge and find out.
Trivia Time
1/15
Which of these New Wave bands recorded a version of Bobby Troup’s 1946 song, “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66”?
Tears for Fears
The Cars
Depeche Mode
The Go-Gos
Correct!
D
C
b
A
So close!
Just off Route 66’s path through West Hollywood, the Sunset Strip packs decades of music history into a single mile. The Whisky a Go Go launched The Doors as a house band and gave Van Halen their breakthrough. Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young recorded celebrated live material at The Roxy. Johnny Depp co-owned the Viper Room, where Tom Petty and Johnny Cash made surprise appearances. Rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Green Day considered the Sunset Marquis hotel their SoCal home, while Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead claimed his barstool at Rainbow Bar and Grill for decades.
Sunset Strip Side Trip
Here are some of the best
opportunities to connect with Mother Nature along the Mother Route.
The Great Outdoors
Third Street Promenade
Check items off your list as you shop each spot!
You’ll find plenty of Ways to fill
your shopping bags at these boutiques,
malls, outlets, and vintage shops.
Retail
Therapy
Santa Monica
This pedestrian-only streetscape brings together retailers, dining outlets, street performers, and a twice-weekly farmers market in a lively three-block outdoor mall.
This newer property is ideal for Route 66 explorers wanting modern comforts, complimentary breakfast, and proximity to the California Route 66 Museum.
Avid Hotel Victorville-Hesperia
02
Sleep inside one of 19 towering concrete tepees that helped inspire the animated classic movie Cars. Bonus: Vintage vehicles dot the grounds surrounding the pool.
Wigwam Motel,
San Bernardino
01
Lodging options are limited as you
head deeper into the desert, but intrepid
travelers will find the right fit.
San Bernardino County
Rest
Your Head
You won’t have any trouble finding
a Los Angeles County hotel or motel
that suits your road trip crew.
Los Angeles County
For Families
For splurgers
For retro-enthusiasts
The Garland in Studio City offers midcentury charm with spacious rooms and a heated pool, perfect after a day at nearby Universal Studios Hollywood. Magic Castle Hotel in Hollywood puts families within walking distance of the Walk of Fame, while providing complimentary breakfast and treats. The Westin Pasadena serves as an easy launching point for the Rose Bowl and Old Pasadena’s shops and restaurants, with the brand’s signature Heavenly Beds ensuring everyone gets proper rest between adventures.
Chateau Marmont’s storied Hollywood Hills perch has hosted countless celebrities in its bungalows and suites—book a stay to see how they roll. Shutters on the Beach brings understated elegance to Santa Monica’s shore with direct beach access and refined California cuisine. Beverly Wilshire, located right off of Rodeo Drive, delivers timeless glamour: marble bathrooms, attentive service, and the polish that comes with nearly a century of welcoming discerning guests to Beverly Hills’ most prestigious address.
The Hollywood Roosevelt, opened in 1927, is where Marilyn Monroe once lounged poolside and the first Academy Awards took place. The Saga Motor Hotel in Pasadena preserves midcentury motor-lodge charm with period-perfect rooms and original neon signage. The Georgian in Santa Monica delivers Art Deco elegance steps from the pier—right where Route 66 ends at the Pacific Ocean.
Expand your horizons by peeling off the Will Rogers Highway and seeing more of what California has to offer.
Off the Path
Start or finish your Route 66 Centennial journey in the Golden state. Either way, the memories will stay with you for a lifetime.
Last Look
Visitcalifornia.com
Listen now!
CALIFORNIA NOW PODCAST
Route 66 Centennial
Road Trip in California
On this special on-location episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers celebrates the 100th anniversary of America’s most legendary highway with a road trip across California’s stretch of Route 66.
Newberry Springs
Bagdad Cafe
Thanks to ongoing renovations, this former film location with a steep, shake-style roof is open seven days a week—an irresistible draw for fans of the 1987 film.
Oddball landmarks and quirky
attractions help make Route 66
an unforgettable experience.
Wacky
Wonders
Click Each Location to Learn More!
During Route 66's golden age, California’s 315 miles promised something no other stretch could deliver: the glittering payoff at journey’s end. Families in finned Chevrolets stopped at motor courts with neon cowboys, rolled past desert landscapes and orange groves, and finally glimpsed the Pacific—proof they’d conquered America’s most storied highway. A century later, that romance endures. As Route 66 celebrates its centennial in 2026, California’s segment remains wonderfully intact, from the sun-bleached outposts of the Mojave Desert to the palm-lined streets of Santa Monica. No matter which direction you’re heading, the roadside diners still sling burgers, vintage motels welcome road-weary travelers, and quirky attractions beckon around every bend.Think of this guide as your personal passport—a document designed to grant you access to the fabulous sights and sounds that await on the Mother Road. Bring it along on your trek, circle the places you want to see, and make your own history on America’s highway of dreams.
The fact that so many celebrities choose to live in this sophisticated coastal town tells you everything you need to know. It’s luxurious, lovely, and laid-back—and depending on which way your headlights are pointing, the Mother Road either ends or begins here.
Opulence is on display everywhere you look in this tony town. Hit the fashion boutiques on Rodeo Drive, splurge on a Michelin-star meal, and pamper yourself at one of the many luxe hotels.
Beverly Hills
Arresting architecture, world-class museums, buzzing bistros, and stylish shops help make Pasadena something of a hidden gem. You may know it from the Rose Parade—but there is so much more to explore.
Pasadena
Home to September’s Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion with over 1,000 classic cars, Ontario is an Inland Empire hub that boasts its own international airport; a top outlet mall, Ontario Mills; and a California Welcome Center. Don’t miss historic Euclid Avenue downtown, lined with grand homes and majestic trees, plus Logan’s Candies, an institution since 1933.
Ontario
Route 66 is such a big part of
San Bernardino’s identity that the city’s California League baseball team is named the Inland Empire 66ers. Order some hard-shell tacos
at Mitla Cafe and snap a few
photos at the Wigwam Motel.
San Bernardino
This High Desert hub is bigger than you think—population 140,000—and features sunny days, epic mountain vistas, and star-filled skies. You’ll also find the California Route 66 Museum, an essential stop for all motorists.
Victorville
This Mojave Desert town gets a shout-out in the song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,” and it’s easy to see why. The recently reopened Route 66 Mother Road Museum, located within the historic Barstow Harvey House and Rail Depot, is a mandatory stop.
Barstow
Although no longer offering lodging or dining, you can refuel your car and grab snacks at Roy’s Motel & Cafe, home to one of the most photogenic signs on the route. Check out Amboy Crater, a dormant cinder cone that rises 250 feet above the desert floor.
Amboy
First inhabited by the Mojave people, Needles is located on the state’s eastern edge along the Colorado River. The recreation hub marks Route 66’s end (or beginning) in California, and is named for the sharp, needle-like peaks that rise to the southeast.
Needles
Driving on the Mother Road in California requires some effort—and that’s part of the fun. The last section of the original Route 66 was decommissioned decades ago, but portions of the original thoroughfare now exist under a variety of different names. Keep your eyes peeled for Historic Route 66 signs and consider downloading either the Route 66 Navigation or the Route 66 Ultimate Guide apps, which offer turn-by-turn directions.
Navigating
the Route
California’s remarkable diversity is on full display along Route 66. The western portion in densely populated L.A. County features countless attractions and every amenity imaginable. The San Bernardino County stretch, on the other hand, crosses some of the Mojave Desert’s most adventurous terrain. Prepare for the journey by downloading maps, gassing up frequently, and bringing water and snacks.
A Tale of
Two Counties
Whether you’re navigating urban L.A. or driving across the desert, this is a journey meant for savoring, not sprinting. Pull over and pose in front of a road sign or mural, spend time at a few scenic overlooks, and let serendipity guide you to vintage motels and forgotten Americana. Your kids, pets, and other travel companions will thank you for the frequent breaks and unhurried discoveries.
Immerse Yourself
Amboy
A towering neon beacon stands sentinel over the Mojave Desert—it’s a vibrant relic of the Atomic Age.
Roy’s Motel
and Cafe Sign
This 1913 Beaux-Arts bridge spans Arroyo Seco with graceful elegance.
Pasadena
Colorado
Street Bridge
Hundreds of glass bottles catch sunlight on metal “trees” at this whimsical roadside attraction.
Oro Grande
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
The unofficial birthplace of the Golden Arches now serves up nostalgia instead of Big Macs.
San Bernardino
Original McDonald’s Site and Museum
Spanish Colonial Revival architecture distinguishes this 1915 fuel stop that now operates as a mini museum.
Rancho Cucamonga
Cucamonga Service Station
An 1880s silver mining
camp brings Old West history to life in the High Desert.
Yermo
Calico
Ghost Town
If it’s good enough for John Wayne and Drew Barrymore, this 1931 Mexican restaurant is good enough for us.
El Coyote,
Los Angeles
04
This sawdust-floor deli claims to be the home of the first French dip sandwich, invented accidentally in 1918.
Philippe The Original, Los Angeles
03
This landmark features smart-aleck waitstaff, red-checkered tablecloths, and classic Italian fare.
Dan Tana’s,
West Hollywood
06
Author Nora Ephron claimed its hand-cut hot pastrami sandwich is the best in the world, a true “work of art.”
Langer’s Deli,
Los Angeles
05
They boast laminate counters, a soda fountain, no-nonsense burgers, and pies that dreams are made of.
Pie ’n Burger, Pasadena
08
A-listers have been knocking back impeccable martinis and juicy steaks here since 1919.
Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood
07
This favorite predates Route 66 by more than a decade.
Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda
Fountain, South Pasadena
09
01
04
Order the Trucker’s Special breakfast combo, or maybe an Ortega chile-kissed Brian Burger.
Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe, Victorville
04
Hard-shell taco fans have been crunching their way through the menu at this Mexican spot since 1937.
Mitla Cafe,
San Bernardino
03
Walk through the jukebox-shape entrance to indulge in diner favorites—and don’t miss the photogenic “Dinersaur Park.”
Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner, Yermo
06
It’s a chain, sure, but the no-frills menu, car-centric approach, and high-quality ingredients make it feel like a meal from another era.
In-N-Out Burger, Barstow
05
Horseshoes adorn the walls at this no-frills stop. Grab a patty melt and a slice of homemade pie.
Ludlow Cafe, Ludlow
08
Take a detour south to this former Western movie set-turned-barbecue joint and live music venue.
Pappy & Harriet’s, Pioneertown
07
This local favorite serves all-day breakfast and hand-breaded chicken fried steak.
Wagon Wheel Restaurant, Needles
09
Nothing says Route 66 better than a classic car or convertible—and they’re everywhere in Southern California.
Look for painted signs in South Pasadena, Victorville, Barstow, Amboy, and elsewhere.
Route 66
road shields
These outdoor signs became popular in the 1920s—just like the Mother Road.
Something Neon
Keep your eyes peeled for these (typically brown) markers throughout your trek.
Historic
Route 66 signs
Californians cannot abide blank walls, and your selfie collection stands to benefit.
Murals
If you see something
strange, snap it.
Quirks and
Oddities
A perfectly composed hot fudge sundae photo is the memento equivalent of a cherry on top.
Frozen Treats
Try to get the jukebox in frame when you’re snapping that oversized mound of meat.
Eating at a
classic diner
These otherworldly yuccas are incredibly photogenic (bonus points for including
a sunset or the Milky Way).
Joshua trees
Go-Go Golden Staters love their mobility,
and you can experience it for yourself at these Route 66-adjacent pit stops.
California Is
Car Country
Victorville’s California Route 66 Museum is an Instagrammer’s dream: You can climb aboard a genuine 1917 Model T or hop aboard a VW “Love Bus” complete with hippie props. The recently reopened Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow includes exhibits celebrating the highway’s cultural impact. Cap off your car culture collection at the nearby Skyline Drive-In, where two screens show first-run movies beneath desert stars.
Selfie supersite
Just off the Mother Road in Pomona, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum showcases dragsters, land speed vehicles, and hot rods across 30,000 square feet in a historic Art Deco exposition building. After relishing the righteous rides here, head 13 miles east to the Cucamonga Service Station, a pic-friendly 1915 landmark that houses all sorts of Route 66 artifacts and memorabilia.
Hot rod heaven
Start at Petersen Automotive Museum in
Los Angeles, where you can take in exhibits like
The Cars of Film and Television—including a
1989 Batmobile and Deckard’s Spinner from Blade Runner. Or head downstairs to The Vault, which features 300 of the world’s rarest automobiles. You can imagine what
it was like driving the
Will Rogers Highway in a 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom or a 1948 Tucker.
Wheels of wonder
Route 66 may end at the Santa Monica Pier, but the fun never stops at Pacific Park, an amusement park perched above the water that features the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel, classic arcade games, and funnel cakes. Rent bikes at Blazing Saddles on the pier, then head south on the easy 3-mile ride to Venice Beach. In Venice, kids love watching street performers—including jugglers, musicians, and dancers. Then stroll the pedestrian-friendly Venice Canals, where ducks paddle past eclectic homes—a peaceful break from the boardwalk’s energy.
Outdoor Activities
In Los Angeles, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures draws from a collection of more than 52 million film-related objects. Admission is free for visitors under 18. About 70 miles to the east, San Bernardino’s Original McDonald’s Site and Museum sits at the birthplace of the Golden Arches and showcases a wealth of vintage memorabilia. The Needles Regional Museum celebrates local Route 66 history and honors Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, who lived in Needles as a child. Snap a photo next to the statue of Spike, Snoopy’s mustachioed, desert-dwelling brother in the comic strips.
Playful Museums
Breaking up your Route 66 adventure doesn’t require breaking the bank. Start by stretching your legs on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where kids can hunt for stars like Drew Barrymore, Daniel Radcliffe, and Minnie Mouse. Then head to Griffith Observatory and take advantage of free admission to exhibits and breathtaking city views—the planetarium grounds alone offer hours of exploration. In Oro Grande, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is a whimsical outdoor art installation made from thousands of glass bottles that captivates children and adults alike.
Free & Fun
Start at Soda Jerks inside Santa Monica Pier’s historic Carousel Building, serving hand-scooped ice cream and old-fashioned fountain sodas with 1940s style. In West Hollywood, grab a photo at the hot dog-shape Tail o’ the Pup, then head east to Pasadena to explore the Boba Trail for a taste of Asian American culture at 29 bubble tea shops along Colorado Boulevard. Continue to The Donut Man in Glendora. It’s located right on Route 66 and open 24/7. And don’t skip out on Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner in Yermo, where kids can explore the “Dinersaur Park” between bites.
Snack Fix
D
C
b
A
D
C
b
A
D
C
b
A
Fontana
San Bernardino
Claremont
Pasadena
So close!
D
C
b
A
Correct!
D
C
b
A
Which California cities are named in the song?
2/15
Barstow
E
E
E
D
C
b
A
Danny Trejo
Jim Brown
Jack Palance
Charles Bronson
So close!
D
C
b
A
Correct!
D
C
b
A
The 1987 film Bagdad Cafe was filmed in Newberry Springs and featured which Hollywood tough guy?
3/15
D
C
b
A
William Shatner
Joan Crawford
Marion Ross
Ron Howard
All of them!
D
C
b
A
The original Route 66 TV series debuted in 1960 and ran for four seasons and 116 episodes. Which of the following performers appeared on the show?
4/15
Robert Redford
E
E
b
A
False
True
So close!
b
A
Correct!
b
A
True or False: Route 66’s western terminus has always been located in Santa Monica.
5/15
(The original terminus was in downtown Los Angeles, at 7th and Broadway. It was extended west to Santa Monica in 1936.)
(The original terminus was in downtown Los Angeles, at 7th and Broadway. It was extended west to Santa Monica in 1936.)
D
C
b
A
144
44
14
4
So close!
D
C
b
A
Correct!
D
C
b
A
In 1993, NBC launched a reboot of Route 66 starring former MTV Sports host Dan Cortese. How many episodes were aired?
6/15
b
A
False
True
So close!
b
A
Correct!
b
A
True or False: The 2006 Pixar film Cars was originally going to be titled Route 66, but it was changed to avoid confusion with the TV series.
7/15
D
C
b
A
Melvin Van Peebles
Jack Nicholson
Dennis Hopper
Peter Fonda
So close!
D
C
b
A
Correct!
D
C
b
A
Who directed the 1969 road trip film Easy Rider?
8/15
D
C
b
A
William Faulkner, in Light in August
Norman Mailer, in An American Dream
John Steinbeck, in The Grapes of Wrath
Jack Kerouac, in On the Road
So close!
D
C
b
A
Correct!
D
C
b
A
Which acclaimed author first called Route 66 “the Mother Road”?
9/15
D
C
b
A
Angels Flight Railway
Griffith Observatory
Hermosa Beach Pier
Watts Towers
So close!
D
C
b
A
Correct!
D
C
b
A
Which of the following locations used in the 2016 film La La Land was located on Route 66?
10/15
Colorado Street Bridge
E
E
E
E
D
C
b
A
Annie Lennox
Seal
Billy Bragg
Petula Clark
Paul Weller
So close!
D
C
b
A
Correct!
E
D
C
b
A
Which British troubadour recorded an Anglicized version of “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,” complete with tweaked lyrics, called “A13, Trunk Road to the Sea”?
11/15
E
D
C
b
A
1968
1958
1948
1938
So close!
D
C
b
A
Correct!
D
C
b
A
Dirk and Mac McDonald opened the world’s first McDonald’s drive-in, self-service restaurant in San Bernardino in which year?
12/15
b
A
False
True
So close!
b
A
Correct!
b
A
Cars Land, the theme area within Disney California Adventure, was originally going to be called “Carland,” to celebrate automotive culture in general. It was only after the success of the film Cars that the name was changed to Cars Land.
13/15
D
C
b
A
Doc Hudson’s Auto Shop
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
Radiator Springs Racers
So close!
D
C
b
A
Correct!
D
C
b
A
Which of the following is NOT an attraction within Cars Land?
14/15
D
C
b
A
Arroyo Seco Pharmacy
South Pasadena Pharmacy
Uncle Mike’s Pharmacy
Oaks Fair Pharmacy
So close!
D
C
b
A
Correct!
D
C
b
A
What was the Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena called when it opened in 1915?
15/15
Road Trip Tunes
The ancestral territory of the Mojave and Chemehuevi people, this 1.6 million-acre preserve offers Route 66 travelers a prime desert escape between Needles and Barstow. Hike the 600-foot Kelso Dunes (where the sand sometimes sings), take advantage of the wheelchair-accessible Kelso Depot Visitor Center, and discover Joshua tree forests and lava tube caves. The preserve’s vast landscapes and brilliant night skies are ruggedly beautiful.
Mojave National Preserve
This 250-foot volcanic cinder cone rises dramatically above Mojave Desert lava fields and features a 4.1-mile round-trip trail that crosses sandy terrain before climbing steeply to the crater rim. For those not hiking, a wheelchair-friendly overlook features shaded benches with crater views. Facilities include picnic tables and restrooms at this National Natural Landmark, but visitors should bring sun protection and plenty of water—especially during summer months.
Amboy Crater
Hollywood’s urban wilderness delivers sweeping Los Angeles views across multiple trails—which is why so many celebrities frequent this oasis. The wide fire road offers gentle grades, while ridgeline routes climb steeply via wooden steps. Dogs roam off-leash throughout much of this 160-acre hillside park, and hikers score some of the city’s best close-up views of the Hollywood Sign.
Runyon
Canyon Park
The world’s most famous luxury shopping street delivers high-end allure with fashion powerhouses like Gucci, Chanel, Dior, and Versace housed in architect-designed spaces. It’s not to be missed.
Beverly Hills
Rodeo Drive
Decades of Hollywood glamour and style-conscious residents have created one of America’s richest vintage shopping scenes. Check out hot spots like Wasteland, The RealReal, Maxfield, and the Melrose Trading Post flea market on Sundays.
West Hollywood
Vintage Shops
Take a lap around Macy’s, Hollister, Aeropostale, or one of the many other stores at this premier shopping destination. You can also grab a bite to eat or see a movie.
Victorville
The Mall of victor Valley
California’s largest indoor outlet center delivers serious savings on brands like Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Sephora in a climate-controlled mega mall.
Ontario
Ontario Mills
This historic district blends locally owned boutiques, galleries, and restaurants inside beautifully restored brick buildings spanning 22 walkable blocks.
Pasadena
Old Pasadena Shopping District
Head straight to the California Welcome Center for local tips and directions, then shop for discounts at outlets for brands like Nike, Coach, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Barstow
Outlets at Barstow
Head to this quirky roadside classic to see vintage cars and memorabilia throughout the property. Each room comes with a microwave and a refrigerator.
Route 66 Motel, Barstow
04
Travelers looking for straightforward convenience will like this full-service hotel with an on-site restaurant and seasonal pool.
Holiday Inn Victorville
03
This Colorado River spot is more vacation resort than overnight stop, with beachfront cabins, a 250-slip marina, award-winning restaurant, and water park.
Pirate Cove Resort, Needles
06
A giant Route 66 shield marks the entrance at this well-regarded property near the Arizona border that boasts a pool and hot tub.
Best Western Colorado River Inn, Needles
05
Just minutes from Route 66 in the Hollywood Hills, this theme park blends behind-the-scenes moviemaking with thrilling attractions. Road-trippers should dedicate a full day to experience all it offers, starting with the hour-long Studio Tour that transports guests through the back lot, visiting a constantly changing lineup of authentic production sets. The theme areas—including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD—offer spellbinding immersive experiences and rides galore. Classic attractions include the WaterWorld live show, featuring stunts and stunning pyrotechnics, alongside newer thrills like Jurassic World–The Ride. The park offers a wide variety of accessibility offerings, including quiet rooms for guests with sensory issues.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal City
Setting the standard since 1955, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim has been the ultimate realm of make-believe for generations. The sprawling resort comprises two theme parks—Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park—plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District shopping and dining area. Route 66 travelers will especially love Cars Land at California Adventure, which brilliantly captures the Mother Road’s spirit with authentic roadside charm. Other highlights include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and enduring classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. The resort offers comprehensive accessibility features, including wheelchair rentals and sensory-friendly experiences for all guests.
Anaheim
Disneyland Resort
One of California’s most luxurious shopping centers draws 22 million visitors annually and boasts 230 boutiques. Big names like Hermès, Chanel, Prada, and the first Nordstrom outside of the Pacific Northwest make this a retail destination where splurging is almost a given, cementing Orange County’s reputation as a world-class shopping mecca.
Costa Mesa
South Coast Plaza
This all-ages theme park started as a family farm where Walter Knott grew boysenberries in the 1920s. Today it features the longest, fastest, and tallest wooden roller coaster on the West Coast (GhostRider) alongside kid-friendly Camp
Snoopy attractions.
Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, a reliable favorite, sits outside park gates.
Buena Park
Knott’s Berry Farm
The largest municipal park in Los Angeles protects 4,210 acres of mountains and canyons with more than 50 miles of hiking trails. Beyond nature, visitors can check out the landmark Griffith Observatory for free, see a live performance at the Greek Theatre, and explore the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the Autry Museum of the American West.
Los Angeles
Griffith Park
Located just north of Joshua Tree National Park, this desert town features luxurious lodgings, tempting eateries, and eclectic shops. Browse Desert General for chic hats and books, or hunt previously owned treasures at Delilah’s Vintage. Hungry travelers should score a table at
The Tiny Pony Tavern or Yucca Kabob, both in Yucca Valley.
Twentynine Palms/Yucca Valley
This otherworldly park lies where the high Mojave Desert meets the low Colorado Desert, creating landscapes you can enjoy by scenic drive or active exploration. Hike to Lost Horse Mine, seek palm groves at 49 Palms Oasis, tackle 8,000 climbing routes, or enjoy a sunset at Keys View. Visitors centers and two picnic areas offer wheelchair accessibility.
Joshua Tree National Park
“The Cheech” opened in 2022 and is home to entertainer Cheech Marin’s personal collection of works by Chicano artists. Housed in a renovated former city library, the massive facility displays paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures by artists, including Patssi Valdez and Carlos Almaraz.
Riverside
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano
Art and Culture
Two mysterious marble Chinese foo dogs appeared here in 2013; the benefactor remains a mystery to this day.
near Amboy
Guardian Lions of Route 66
Walk through a forest of 200 metal “trees” adorned with thousands of colorful vintage bottles.
near Oro Grande
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
Reputedly haunted and currently closed to guests, this 1925 structure is known for its elaborate Mayan Revival architecture.
Monrovia
Aztec Hotel
If you dare, stand outside the bungalow that served as the iconic killer’s childhood home in the 1978 film Halloween.
South Pasadena
Michael Myers’ house
This store stocks 700-plus sodas from around the world, including birch, blueberry, and butterscotch flavors.
Highland Park
Galco’s Soda Pop Stop
This 22-foot, rooster-headed statue is the westernmost of the Route 66 “Muffler Men.”
Los Angeles
Chicken Boy
Visit the graves of Judy Garland, Paul Reubens, Burt Reynolds, and many others.
Hollywood
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Wander through this bewildering, dimly lit museum that playfully discombobulates visitors.
Culver City
The Museum of Jurassic Technology
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In This Guide
The Route
Road Rules
The Icons
Fab Food & Drink
Pics & Pans
California Is Car Country
Happy Kids, Happy Trip
Fun & Games
Trivia Time
Road Trip Tunes
The Great Outdoors
Retail Therapy
Rest Your Head
Off the Path
Wacky Wonders
Last Look
