Route 66 in California was founded on November 11th, 1926, and continued until June 25th, 1979. Covering 316 miles in the state, it traveled through major destinations like Los Angeles, San Bernadino, and more.
Unfortunately, the Route 66 signage has been removed, and many sections of the old Route 66 have now been bypassed. However, remnants of Route 66 remain throughout California, and it has still managed to attract thousands of travelers over the years. Some want to see unique artwork, others want to sample a classic American diner, and all want to see one of the most important roads in American history.
If you’re looking for top California Route 66 destinations, you’re in the right place. We’ll share our fifteen favorite destinations plus introduce you to a few places to eat. This really is your ultimate guide to Route 66 in California.
Route 66 California Stops
California is a big state, which meant putting together a list of the best locations along California Route 66 was a bit of a challenge since there’s so much to see and do both on the track and slightly off the beaten track. We reckon we’ve put together a great list, though. There’s a little of something for everybody here, from the weird and quirky (basically Route 66) to the top tourist destinations and even a couple of museums that highlight the history of Route 66.
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Table of Contents
1. Pirate Cove Resort, Needles
You’ll need to head into Moabi Regional Park for this one, which is beautiful enough as it is. However, the real highlight is the Pirate Cover Resort. Nestled on the banks of the Colorado River, there’s a beautiful Oasis. While we’re sure it probably would have looked so much better before the commercialization, you can’t help but feel relaxed looking at those tranquil waters. There’s RV parking and cabins here, plus plenty of activities on the water. It is a bit busy, but that’s fine. Even when the hordes of crowds are around, you’ll just feel relaxed.
Address: 100 Park Moabi Rd, Needles, CA
2. Roy’s Motel & Cafe, Amboy
When Route 66 in California was bustling, Roy’s Motel & Café was a must-see checkpoint. This place played host to the thousands of travelers who traversed the California route for decades. Roy’s opened in 1938, and while it is now defunct, it is currently in the process of being restored to its former glory.
You can still swing by for a coffee and refill your vehicle (although most people don’t do that due to the high costs). While most people will just skim past Roy’s Motel & Café, we encourage you to take a look and maybe even donate if you can. It is a true piece of Route 66 history and, hopefully, one that will be around for decades to come (if the current trustees have their way).
Address: 87520 National Trails Hwy, Amboy, CA 92304
Also Read: Historic Hotels & Motels on Route 66
3. Amboy Crater, Amboy
We told you we have a little something for everybody! Amboy Crater is a dormant cinder cone volcano. Don’t worry about eruptions, though. It is last thought to have erupted about 10,000 years ago. It is just a beautiful ‘mountain’ that overlooks a stunning lava lake. The area is incredibly scenic, and California Route 66 travelers have been relaxing around Amboy since the Route started. It’s one of a few volcanos along Route 66, but in our opinion, Amboy Crater is the best.
4. Calico Ghost Town, Mojave Desert
Because of the silver rush in 1881, tons of people headed to this part of San Bernardino County, hoping to strike it lucky. A few decades later, it was defunct, and despite the best efforts of those who lived in Calico, it never became popular again—well, at least for a place to live. Now? Calico is a restored ghost town. It is said to be a perfect replica of what the town would have looked like back in its heyday.
We assume most of it is accurate. Unfortunately, most buildings are not original and have just been designed for tourists. Although, we love it. It is a popular stop along California Route 66 and shouldn’t be too far out of your way. At the very least, you’ll be able to see one of the better ‘restored’ ghost towns in the region.
Read Next: Eerie Ghost Towns on Route 66
5. Route 66 Mother Road Museum, Barstow
If you regularly read our articles about Route 66 in the US, you’ll know that we always recommend people visit at least one Route 66 museum in each state they travel through. This will let people see the route’s impact on each state. While there are a few must-see stops on California Route 66, the Route 66 Mother Road Museum is up there with the best.
It is loaded with memorabilia, photographs, and more from the route. It is small, but it works. Unfortunately, it has recently closed indefinitely due to water damage. So, if you plan to take a trip here, check whether it has re-opened. If it has, it is unmissable.
Address: 681 N 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311
Read Next: Best Museums to check out on Route 66
6. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, Oro Grande
One of the things we love about Route 66 (and we love a lot about Route 66) is that it has given artists the ability to show off their artwork; much of it wouldn’t be suitable for a museum, probably because it is too quirky or not ‘in.’ Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is one of these. The name is self-descriptive, it is a ranch made of bottle trees, which is basically just metal pipes with bottles stuck on them. Unfortunately, the original creator of the ranch passed away in 2019, but his family continues his legacy and allows people to wander around the ranch as they traverse Route 66.
Address: 24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368
7. California Route 66 Museum, Victorville
With over 4500 sq. ft. of space, this is one of the larger Route 66 museums. The California Route 66 Museum includes a re-created 50s diner, a VW Love Bus, and more. While there’s quite a bit of memorabilia on show here, the museum is (mostly) about grabbing some fantastic shots with some awesome items. This includes the aforementioned hippy love bus, with ancient gas pumps from the route, a motel room, and more. It’s interesting, plus you’ll have plenty of fantastic photos to plaster over social media.
Address: 16825 D St, Victorville, CA 92395
8. First Original McDonald’s Museum, San Bernardino
Many people will tell you that Illinois had the first McDonald’s, but it didn’t. The very first one was here in San Bernardino, where the fast-food story began. This museum is free to enter and includes all sorts of McDonald’s memorabilia from around the world. This includes old menus, plenty of toys from Happy Meals, old uniforms, and more. If you’re a McDonald’s fanatic, then you really need to stop by.
Address: 1398 N E St, San Bernardino, CA 92405
9. Wigwam Motel, San Bernardino
Are you looking for somewhere to rest your weary eyes? Well, how about checking out the Wigwam Motel, one of the top California Route 66 attractions? The Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino is full of stone wigwams, each boasting a cute motel room. A stay here will put you in a great position, too. You’ll be surrounded by palm trees, with beautiful, rugged mountains off in the distance. You’ll also be just a stone’s throw away from the McDonald’s Museum. Oh, and this isn’t like your typical motel. Expect excellent amenities, including a great swimming pool.
Address: 2728 Foothill Blvd, San Bernardino, CA 92410
10. The Huntington Library, San Marino
The Huntington Library probably won’t be for everybody; however, if you’re after a stunning art museum coupled with even more stunning botanical gardens, head by. Established in 1920, the Huntington Library charts the history of 18th—and 19th-century European artwork and 17th—to 20th-century American artwork. However, our highlight is the large botanical gardens, with unique locations to explore, including a Japanese Garden and a Desert Garden.
Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
11. Hollywood, Los Angeles
Hollywood is probably a place that needs no introduction. It’s where the center of the movie industry is. So, if you’re in Hollywood, you can have tours of movie studios, see locations where some of your favorite movies were made, and, of course, head to one of the many restaurants where the servers are just failed actors waiting for their big break (sorry if you’re wait staff in Hollywood). Hollywood is a big place, and not all of it is that great. Make sure you do your research, because you’ll want to spend a few days here if you want to see everything.
Also Check: Route 66 Stops in Missouri
12. Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles
Built in 1909, Santa Monica Pier is one of the most photographed locations in the world. This well-traveled destination offers various shops, a small amusement park, some great views, and even areas to fish. If you only have a few hours here, head up on the Ferris Wheel. You’ll have some great views of nearby Colorado and even better views over the ocean.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
13. Chicken Boy, Los Angeles
Chicken Boy has been dubbed ‘The Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles’. While we can’t say Chicken Boy has quite the same allure as the Statue of Liberty, it is a unique sight. Chicken Boy was a statute built in the 1960s for the now long disappeared Chicken Boy Fried Chicken Restaurant, which was just a touch off Route 66. The Chicken Boy statue can now be found on 5558 North Figueroa Street, just outside Downtown Los Angeles. There’ll be many people snapping photos, so you should too!
Address: 5558 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Read Next: Quirky Attractions on Route 66 You Need to See
14. Cucamonga Service Station, Rancho Cucamonga
Interestingly, no record of who built the Cucamonga Service Station or when it was built exists. No. It isn’t a service station sent by God to service the weary travelers of Route 66. Those documents were lost. However, most people believe it opened in 1915. It was in a decent position, too, since Route 66 opened in 1926 right alongside it. The station was used by Route 66 travelers until 1971 when it closed. Nowadays, the restored building operates as a small museum dedicated to the history of the building and this part of US Route 66.
Address: 9670 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
15. Road Runner’s Retreat, Chambless
The Road Runner’s Retreat was a top restaurant and service station on Route 66 for decades. It is in ruins, but many of the original buildings still stand. The beautiful neon sign (unfortunately, unlit) still looms over the area. The Road Runner’s Retreat will never be restored to its former glory, although there are hopes the neon sign can be relit one day.
The area currently stands as a reminder of the slow death of Route 66 and how many businesses ended up suffering when the road died out. If you’re in Chambless, head to the Road Runner’s Retreat. Snap a couple of photos. We have no idea how long the buildings here will remain.
Address: Chambless, CA 92304
Places to Eat Along Route 66 in California
So, now with the California Route 66 attractions out the way, let’s talk about places to eat. Of course, California is packed with loads of awesome diners and restaurants. Head to most places, and you’ll probably eat well. This section isn’t about the ‘best’ places to eat in California. It is more about those diners that really exemplify what Route 66 in California is all about.
1. Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe, Victorville
Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Café is the perfect example of a Route 66 diner. Originally built in 1946, this burger still serves up some proper American classics, all with the décor that one would expect from a diner along one of the most famous roads in the world. Plenty of food is on offer here, and each dish is loaded with deliciousness. Not too expensive either. Perfect if you’re heading through Victorville.
Address: 17143 N D St, Victorville, CA 92394
Read Next: Best Diners & Cafes on Route 66
2. Galco’s Old World Grocery, Los Angeles
Galco’s Old World Grocery is a strange little shop packed full of nostalgia. It includes candies that you probably haven’t seen for decades, as well as sodas. Oh, and there is an amazing machine that’ll let you make your own soda from a treasure trove of different flavors. You won’t be grabbing anything healthy here at all. It is all soda and candy, but boy, oh boy, it is good!
Address: 5702 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
3. The Donut Man, Glendora
A donut store open 24/7? YES PLEASE! The Donut Man sells handmade donuts. These are donuts like you’ve never seen. Many are topped with fresh fruit, delicious cream, and whatever is in season. Trust us: once you’ve eaten at The Donut Man, you’ll never see another donut in the same light. None of them can hold a candle to what is on offer here.
Address: 915 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA 91741
4. Ludlow Cafe, Ludlow
Ludlow Café is just a quality café. Nothing more. Nothing less. While you won’t get any Michelin-starred fare here, you’ll be eating calorie-laden American food. Think decent sandwiches, breakfasts, and more. This place is heavily visited by truckers, but they love anybody just swinging on by.
Address: 68315 National Trails Hwy, Ludlow, CA 92338
Frequently Asked Questions
What towns in California does Route 66 go through?
Route 66 in California goes through Los Angeles, Hollywood, Ludlow, San Bernadino, Chambless, and more.
How long is Route 66 in California?
Route 66 in California was 316 miles long.
What are the most famous California Route 66 stops?
The most famous stops on California Route 66 include Santa Monica Pier, Calico Ghost Town, and the Amboy Crater.
What is the most unusual Route 66 attraction in California?
The most unusual Route 66 attraction is Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande.
Closing Thoughts
California Route 66 is right at the end of Route 66 (or start, depending on where you’re approaching from). While the signage of Route 66 has long been removed from the state, the remnants of Route 66 remain. This includes unique attractions, plenty of diners, and some fantastic museums.
If you’re heading to California, whether you’re driving Route 66 or not, you owe it to yourself to check out at least some sights along the 316-mile stretch of the Mother Road that once traveled through here. You’ll be looking at a real piece of American history. You’ll see why so many people traveled Route 66 across California over the years.