How to Take a Road Trip Along Route 66 in California
Take a road trip along Route 66 in California for a glimpse into a bygone era in American history. The trip west from the Arizona border to Los Angeles will include plenty of historic landmarks, man-made marvels and points of interest along the way. Complete the trip in a single day, or make it a leisurely drive with frequent stops and an overnight stay.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer with Internet access
- Route 66 map
- Current California state map
- Reliable vehicle
Instructions
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Start your trip in Needles, an oasis in the middle of the desert. Drive along the route in Needles to see historic motels and the Santa Fe Train Depot.
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Travel through the Mojave Desert passing virtual ghost towns. Notice the deteriorating homes, buildings, broken-down cars and desert graffiti lining the way down the road.
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Visit the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in the old Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Barstow. Walk next door to the Railroad Museum.
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Cross over the Mojave River on a 1930 steel truss bridge leading into Victorville. Stop in Victorville at Emma Jean's Truck Stop to stretch your legs.
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Take a picture next to the orange-shaped juice stand in Fontana. Once a common site on this leg of Route 66, this is the last one remaining.
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Pull over in Upland to enjoy a buffalo burger at the Buffalo Inn restaurant built in 1929.
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End your California road trip in Los Angeles. Walk along 7th and Broadway to see the beautiful architecture from the 1920s and 1930s.
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Tips & Warnings
Research California Route 66 on the Internet or buy a travel guide to identify other interesting places to stop.
Make sure you have a current California state map because parts of Route 66 have been bypassed or paved over with I-40.
Carry a Route 66 map with you to keep you on track. Purchase maps online or download a printable copy.
Remember to take a camera to capture photos of all the memorable places you'll be visiting.
Route 66 is no longer marked on current state maps and many roadside signs have disappeared or been damaged.
Parts of California are dry and very hot. Carry a cooler full of bottled water and wet washcloths to keep you cool.
