ROUTE 66
Calling All ROAD TRIPPERS
Calling All ROAD TRIPPERS
Visit California invites you to join us in celebrating 100 years of one of North America’s most iconic road trips.
Greetings from the Golden State!
California’s tourism industry is buzzing with excitement over the 2026 centennial of historic Route 66. Our state is home to the iconic final stretch of this world-famous highway from Chicago to Santa Monica, which made the dream of heading west attainable for generations of road trippers.
This milestone is deeply significant for California tourism, as independent travelers have long fueled visitation— planning their own journeys and embracing the freedom of the open road. For more than two decades, Visit California has championed this passion—publishing over 20 road trips guides, building a robust road trips hub on VisitCalifornia.com and recently launching the next evolution of our road trips campaign: Playful Journeys.
As a proud member of the Route 66 Centennial Commission, established by President Biden, I have been working closely with our partners at the California Historic Route 66 Association
to preserve and promote this legendary highway. Their efforts continue to safeguard its landmarks, experiences and stories for future generations. It is our collective hope the centennial reignites interest in this rich slice of Americana.
We’ve put together this guide to help you incorporate Route 66 into your clients’ itineraries. The possibilities for adventure and discovery are endless, from quirky roadside attractions to breathtaking landscapes. As our Playful Journeys campaign theme song— Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Up Around the Bend”—says: “There’s a place up ahead and I’m going, come along, come along with me!”
Let’s celebrate this momentous occasion together and continue inspiring travelers to hit the open road.
Travel well,
Caroline Beteta, President & CEO
On the Road Again
The
Road Trip Essentials
Travel
Drive the Mother Road
A
California
Resources
California
On the
RoadAgain
RoadAgain
Celebrating its centennial milestone anniversary in 2026, Route 66 is a national treasure and bucket list—worthy journey steeped in nostalgia.
One of the most iconic highways in American history, Route 66 was established on November 11, 1926.
Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, it came to symbolize a spirit of freedom and adventure.
The route played a pivotal role in the development of the American West, especially during the Dust Bowl era, when it served as a migration route for displaced families. Over the years, the highway became emblematic of the American road trip experience, inspiring countless stories, songs and pop culture references.
Route 66 also contributed to popularizing car travel and served as a beacon for people pursuing the California Dream. Ultimately, the highway paved the way for a new era of road trips. It shaped California’s car culture, and helped make the state one of the country’s most popular tourism
Today, Route 66 still encapsulates the open road, anything-is-possible California ethos and the eclectic nature of our diverse state. Even though it was decommissioned more than 40 years ago, most of the original highway remains traversable in California. It travels through deserts, small towns and vibrant cities and ends at the coast. A deep well of fascinating stories, it’s filled with vintage relics, colorful characters and historic
Vintage photo op stops include the Cucamonga Service Station in Rancho
In recent years, California and our Route 66 partner states have worked to preserve historical landmarks, old motels and iconic signage. These efforts allow the highway’s legacy to live on, particularly in California’s desert regions, where abandoned gas stations, old Route 66 signs and historical buildings evoke the spirit of the past.
Route 66 is woven into the fabric of California’s identity. It represents both the state’s historic role in the American migration westward and its enduring status as a center for culture, tourism and nostalgia.
As we celebrate the centennial in 2026, there is no better time for travelers to join the legions of adventurers and dreamers who have traveled the famed Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. Whether your clients want to experience the full drive or get a taste of it on their next Southern California road trip, the open road beckons!
ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
The German film “Bagdad Cafe” became a cult classic when it debuted in 1987, and has drawn many fans to the remote town of Newberry Springs to see the film’s primary setting. It follows the story of a German woman who gets stranded in the Mojave Desert after a fight with her husband. She finds her way to the rundown roadside motel and restaurant, Bagdad Cafe, where she develops a friendship with the owner and gets to know the local customers.
The film’s haunting song, “Calling You” by Jevetta Steele, was nominated for an Oscar.
In 1990, a short-lived American television series inspired by the film ran for one season and starred Whoopie Goldberg and Jean Stapleton. Visiting the original Bagdad Cafe is a must-see on any Route 66 itinerary.
©NICK FOX (1); ©HAINES WILKERSON (5)
“The centennial is a way to honor a roadway that is a part of American history. Dust Bowl migrants, WWII soldiers and wanna-be Hollywood stars all traveled the Mother Road. Today, visitors from around the globe come to experience this piece of Americana as well as new, diverse places keeping the spirit of Route 66 alive.“
-Lynne Miller, Trustee and Desert Region National Byway Liaison, California Historic Route 66 Association
Tongva Park in Santa Monica
©DAVID H. COLLIER PHOTOGRAPHY
“California has always been and will continue to be a destination for worldwide travelers. For many Americans, the journey to the destination was via Route 66. For international travelers, Route 66 is the symbol of Americana that gets them there.“
-Scott Piotrowski, President, California Historic Route 66 Association
Head Out on the HIGHWAY
PACKING LIST
Just the basics!
Midweight jacket
Sweater
T-shirts
Jeans
Swimsuit
Comfortable sneakers
Sandals
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Portable charger
TRAVEL TIPS
n Temperatures typically fluctuate from day to night, with more extreme swings in the desert. Dress in layers.
n Check the hours of operation for museums, restaurants and attractions before you plan to visit; some have limited hours and you might not have many other options nearby.
n If you’re using mobile phone navigation, pull up your destination in a map app while you have service; there are gaps in service in some stretches.
n Be very careful when stopping to take roadside photos, no matter how remote it seems.
n Travel with a robust supply of water and nourishing snacks.
Eight TRACKS
“On
the road again, goin’ places that I’ve never been, seein’ things that I may never see again...”
-Willie Nelson
ADD THESE SONGS TO YOUR PLAYLIST
“ROUTE 66”
Chuck Berry (1961)
“CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’” The Mamas & the Papas (1963)
“UP AROUND THE BEND”
Creedence Clearwater Revival (1970)
“GOING TO CALIFORNIA”
Led Zeppelin (1971)
“HOTEL CALIFORNIA”
The Eagles (1976)
“ON THE ROAD AGAIN”
Willie Nelson (1980)
“CALLING YOU (FROM “BAGDAD CAFE”)”
Jevetta Steele (1988)
“OUR TOWN (FROM “CARS”)”
James Taylor (2006)
TUNE IN:
Scan to download the California Now podcast with more road trip tips.
SCAN ME
The
MotherRoad
A five-day road trip tracing the California leg of the historic “Mother Road” from its western terminus in seaside Santa Monica to Needles in the Mojave Desert
©DAVID H. COLLIER
Roy's Motel & Café in Amboy
©DAVID H. COLLIER PHOTOGRAPHY
315 mi 507 km
This itinerary starts at Route 66’s western end in Santa Monica and heads east, traveling roughly 315 miles (507 kilometers) through the Mojave Desert with the option to continue into Arizona or to loop back to Los Angeles via Joshua Tree National Park or Big Bear Lake. En route, expect to be immersed in vintage vibes with quirky roadside stops and epic photo ops.
Arrival Day
Santa Monica
In 1936, the end of Route 66 was extended from Downtown Los Angeles to the corner of Lincoln and Olympic boulevards in Santa Monica. In 1952, the Will Rogers Highway plaque was placed at the route’s symbolic end, where Santa Monica Boulevard reaches the Pacific Ocean.
Get into the California groove in sunny Santa Monica. After checking into your hotel, have lunch at the recently restored Mel’s Drive-In diner, which was once the Penguin coffee shop, an iconic Googie-style landmark and the true western terminus of Route 66.
Stroll along the iconic Santa Monica Pier and take photos by the “End of the Trail” Route 66 sign as well as the blue and yellow Santa Monica Pier sign.
Ride the Pacific Park Ferris Wheel, taking in elevated views of the entire Los Angeles coastline. Check out the Original Muscle Beach, located on the south side of the pier with history dating back to the 1930s.
Do dinner at The Lobster, established in 1923 at the base of the pier and serving up ocean views alongside Michelin-endorsed cuisine. Sip a nightcap at nearby Chez Jay, a Santa Monica institution since 1959.
RESOURCES
SOUVENIR STATION
The 66 to Cali shop on the Santa Monica Pier was opened by passionate Route 66 fans. Check out their selection of exclusive Route 66 merchandise, including “End of the Trail” T-shirts, travel guides and route "passports."
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism ☎ (800) 771-2322 seesantamonica.com
Discover Los Angeles
☎ (213) 765-4601 discoverla.com
Attractions
Petersen Automotive Museum
606 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles ☎ (323) 930-2277 petersen.org
Restaurants
Mel’s Drive-In
1670 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica ☎ (310) 392-0139 melsdrive-in.com
The Lobster
1602 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica ☎ (310) 458-9294 thelobster.com
Chez Jay
1657 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica ☎ (310) 395-1741 chezjays.com
Where to Stay
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica ☎ (310) 576-7777 fairmont-miramar.com
The Georgian Hotel
1415 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica ☎ (310) 395-9945 georgianhotel.com
Palihouse Santa Monica
1001 3rd St., Santa Monica
☎ (310) 394-1279 palihousesantamonica.com
Scan to find more lodging options at santamonica.com.
SCAN ME
Palihouse
THE BEND UP AROUND
Detours worth the drive.
● Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to explore the beaches of Malibu along California's other legendary roadway.
● Ride the coastal bike path to the colorful Venice Beach community. Stop for a stroll around the Abbot Kinney Boulevard retail district.
● Tour the Petersen Automotive Museum, home to one of the world's largest automotive collections.
Dodger Stadium and Downtown Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES to PASADENA
Eastern
29 mi 47 km
LA Cruise
Before Route 66 was extended to Santa Monica the route ended in Downtown Los Angeles at Broadway and 7th Street—later it ended in Pasadena at Colorado Boulevard and Arroyo Parkway. This day has you exploring Los Angeles neighborhoods from west to east, ending in elegant Pasadena.
Depart Santa Monica via Santa Monica Boulevard (SR-2), a former stretch of Route 66 that will take you through Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. Check out classic, photogenic eateries heading through West Hollywood, including the revitalized Formosa Café, an Old Hollywood icon located across from the Samuel Goldwyn Studio dating back to 1939. Tail O’ the Pup is a hot dog-shaped walk-up stand established in 1946, while the original Barney’s Beanery on Santa Monica Boulevard dates back to 1920.
When you reach Sunset Junction in artsy Silver Lake, stop for a wander around the concentration of
hip neighborhood shops and eateries. Then take Sunset Boulevard through the eclectic Echo Park neighborhood to continue on the original Route 66 toward Downtown Los Angeles. Sunset Boulevard ends near Olvera Street, LA’s oldest neighborhood and a living museum that is home to El Pueblo de Los Angeles, historic adobes, cultural museums and more.
After exploring the historic DTLA district, hop on the Arroyo Seco Parkway (SR-110) to Pasadena, traveling the first freeway of Route 66 built in the 1940s and passing by Dodger Stadium. (The Figueroa Street Tunnels are the only vehicular tunnels along all of Route 66.)
If you need refreshments en route, take the Fair Oaks exit in South Pasadena to Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain, which has been serving patrons since 1915. Continue on SR-110 to its end on East Colorado Boulevard, where you can explore the vibrant Old Pasadena district.
South Pasadena
Arroyo Seco Parkway
Tail O' the Pup
Olvera Street
RESOURCES
Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau
☎ (800) 345-2210 lovebeverlyhills.com
Visit West Hollywood
☎ (800) 368-6020 visitwesthollywood.com
Visit Pasadena
☎ (800) 307-7977 visitpasadena.com
Attractions
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino
☎ (626) 405-2100 huntington.org
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena
☎ (818) 354-4321 jpl.nasa.gov
Note: Must book well in advance
Rose Bowl Stadium
1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena
☎ (626) 577-3100 rosebowlstadium.com
Restaurants
Barney’s Beanery
8447 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
☎ (323) 654-2287 barneysbeanery.com
Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain
1526 Mission St., South Pasadena
☎ (626) 799-1414 fairoakspharmacy.net
Formosa Café
7156 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
☎ (323) 794-1106 theformosacafe.com
Tail O’ the Pup
8512 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
☎ (310) 274-6315 tailothepup.com
Where to Stay
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena
☎ (626) 568-3900 langhamhotels.com
Pasadena Hotel & Pool
928 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
☎ (626) 884-4150 pasadenahotel.com
Saga Motor Hotel
1633 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
☎ (626) 795-0431 thesagamotorhotel.com
MID-CENTURY DIGS
The Saga Motor Motel, built in 1959 and designed by Harold Zook, is one of the last original operating Route 66 motels in the Greater Los Angeles area.
UP AROUND
THE BEND
Detours worth the stop.
● Wander the magnificent grounds and explore the collections at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
● Tour the National Landmark Rose Bowl Stadium, which opened in 1923 and plays host to major sporting events, concerts and the world-famous Rose Bowl Flea Market (held the second Sunday of each month).
● Book a guided tour of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to go behind the scenes of the cuttingedge research facility.
SCAN ME
Scan to find more lodging options at visitpasadena.com.
PASADENA to SAN BERNARDINO
58 mi 93 km
Step Back
inTime
Journey through the San Gabriel Valley, which was once where Route 66 travelers got their first taste of Southern California’s citrus groves. Stop to check out Route 66 landmarks as you make your way to the town of San Bernardino, the heart of the Inland Empire region.
Before getting on the road, enjoy breakfast at Russell’s, a Pasadena staple since 1930. Take Colorado Boulevard (tracing the Tournament of Roses Parade route) to The Original Whistle Stop, a train hobby store that opened in 1951. Continue to the Aztec Hotel at 301 West Foothill Boulevard in Monrovia to see the exterior of the former hotel. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s considered a standout example of the Mayan Revival architecture popular in the 1920s and 1930s.
Stroll around Monrovia’s charming old town before taking Huntington Drive/ Historic Route 66, passing through Azusa en route to The Donut Man in Glendora. Ever since opening in the 1970s, the old school doughnut shop has been associated with Route 66.
Before leaving Los Angeles County, stop to check out the shops and restaurants in Historic Downtown Claremont. Historic Route 66 will become Foothill Boulevard as you head east to Upland, where you can see retro Route 66-style streetlamps and the “Madonna of the Trail” statue (1010 Euclid Avenue) erected in 1929 to mark the National
ITINERARY
Old Trails Road that pre-dated Route 66. Once in Rancho Cucamonga, stop by the Sycamore Inn, a community institution since the mid-1800s, when a stagecoach line ran through the area. It found new life in 1939, when Danish settlers bought the inn, and it soon became a Route 66 favorite. Today, it’s still beloved for its steakhouse, which opens at 4:30 p.m. daily. Nearby, check out the Cucamonga Service Station, which dates back to 1915 and is now a mini-museum showcasing photos and memorabilia.
Historic Route 66 on Foothill Boulevard will lead you to San Bernardino, where you can visit the Original
McDonald’s Site & Museum at 1398 North E Street for a taste of Americana history where the first McDonald’s fast food restaurant opened in 1948. Save room for dinner at Mitla Cafe, which has been satisfying cravings for delicious Mexican cuisine since 1937 and served as the inspiration for Taco Bell. Check into the Wigwam Motel, built in 1949 to welcome travelers on Route 66 and the inspiration for The Cozy Cone Motel in the animated Disney movie “Cars.” The 19 teepeeshaped accommodations have been refurbished over the years with modern amenities and you can cool off in the swimming pool.
©DAVID H. COLLIER PHOTOGRAPHY
UP AROUND
THE BEND
Detours worth the stop.
● Treat yourself to a luxurious stay at Spanish missionstyle Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in nearby Riverside. The resort opened in 1876 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
● Travel the Cajon Pass, which leads into the 110mile scenic Rim of the World Byway for stunning mountain views.
● Catch the equestrian action at Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, an Art Deco gem that opened in 1934.
RESOURCES
Discover Inland Empire ☎ (404) 494-6819 discoverie.com
Attractions
Aztec Hotel
301 W. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia ☎ (626) 358-3231 aztechotelpasadena.com
The Original Whistle Stop
2490 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena ☎ (626) 796-7791 thewhistlestop.com
Original McDonald's Site & Museum
1398 N. E St., San Bernardino ☎ (909) 885-6324
Santa Anita Park (Racetrack)
285 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia ☎ (626) 574-7223 santaanita.com
Restaurants
The Donut Man
915 E. Route 66, Glendora ☎ (626) 335-9111 thedonutmanca.com
Mitla Cafe
602 N. Mount Vernon Ave., San Bernardino ☎ (909) 888-0460 mitlacafe.com
Russell's
30 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena ☎ (626) 578-1404 russells-pasadena.weeblyte.com
The Sycamore Inn
8318 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga ☎ (909) 982-1104 thesycamoreinn.com
Wolfe’s Kitchen & Deli
160 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont ☎ (909) 626-8508 wolfesmarket.com
Where
to Stay
Wigwam Motel
2728 W. Foothill Blvd., San Bernardino ☎ (909) 875-3005 wigwammotel.com
Home2 Suites by Hilton San Bernardino
885 E. Hospitality Ln., San Bernardino ☎ (909) 890-4663 hilton.com
Best Western San Bernardino Hotel
258 E. Redlands Blvd., San Bernardino ☎ (909) 381-1681 bestwestern.com
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Scan to find more lodging options at discoverie.com.
3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside ☎ (951) 784-0300 missioninn.com
The Open
SAN BERNARDINO to BARSTOW 78 mi 125 km
Road Begins
This day’s journey winds north into Victorville and Barstow with stops at two dedicated Route 66 museums. Watch the landscape change as you enter the less-populated Mojave Desert and the roads feel more open.
Rise and shine, heading north on I-215 and I-15 to Victorville, home to the California Route 66 Museum’s vast collection of photos, antiques and vintage cars. Get a photo op with the vintage 1917 Model T Ford and then head down to the stellar vintage neon sign at the New Corral Motel at 16937 7th Street.
Before leaving Victorville, don’t miss breakfast or lunch at Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Café. The classic diner has been serving burgers and “trucker’s special” sandwiches since 1947. The popular Route 66 road stop has been featured on the TV show "Diners, DriveIns and Dives" and took a star turn in the movie "Kill Bill Vol. 2."
Hop on the National Trails Highway toward Oro Grande to stop at Elmer’s
Bottle Tree Ranch, a quirky site featuring more than 200 “trees” created by the late Elmer Evan Long, a welder and scrap-material artist.
National Trails Highway will bring you to the day’s final destination, Barstow Tour the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, a showcase of vintage road signs, photos and other mid-century memorabilia. Explore Barstow Station, a roadside stop filled with gift shops and fast-food eateries housed in converted railcars. The nearby Harvey House, a restored train depot, is another historic landmark worth exploring. Go bargain hunting at The Outlets at Barstow, check out the Main Street Murals depicting the town’s history along Route 66 and take photos of the classic Route 66 Motel.
RESOURCES
Barstow Chamber of Commerce
☎ (760) 256-8617 barstowchamber.com
Attractions
Calico Ghost Town
36600 Ghost Town Rd., Yermo
☎ (760) 254-2122 calicotown.com
California Route 66 Museum
16825 S. D St., Victorville
☎ (760) 951-0436 route66museum.org
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
24266 National Trails Hwy., Oro Grande
☎ (760) 220-8018 thebottletreeranch.com
Barstow Station
1611 E. Main St., Barstow
☎ (760) 256-0366 barstow-station.com
Barstow Harvey House Railroad Depot
685 N. 1st Ave., Barstow
☎ (760) 256-8617
nps.gov/places/harvey-house-railroad-depot.htm
The Outlets at Barstow
2796 Tanger Way, Barstow
☎ (760) 253-4813 outletsatbarstow.com
Route 66 Mother Road Museum
681 N. First Ave., Barstow
☎ (760) 255-1890 barstowca.org
Restaurants
Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Café 17143 N. D St., Victorville
☎ (760) 243-9938 hollandburger.com
Los Domingos Restaurant
1520 E. Main St., Barstow
☎ (760) 307-8033 losdomingos.com
Where to Stay
Best Western Desert Villa Inn
1984 E. Main St., Barstow
☎ (760) 256-1781 bestwestern.com
Fairfield Inn & Suites Barstow
2570 Fisher Blvd., Barstow
☎ (760) 253-3600 marriott.com
Quality Inn on Historic Route 66
1520 E. Main St., Barstow
☎ (760) 307-8033 choicehotels.com
Route 66 Motel
195 W. Main St., Barstow
☎ (760) 256-7866 route66motelbarstow.com
THE BEND
Detours worth the stop.
● Just outside of Barstow, Calico Ghost Town offers a glimpse into California’s Old West history.
● Pick up road snacks at Gus’s Fresh Jerky and the Honey Stand
● Take photos of the vintage buildings in Essex, population 10.
Scan to find more lodging options at barstowchamber.com. SCAN ME
Roadside
BARSTOW to NEEDLES
143 mi 230 km
Americana
As you near Needles, stop at famed Route 66 locations that have set the stage for countless films, TV shows, music videos and photo shoots over the decades—and detour into the Mojave National Preserve.
“Desert Route 66 is the California Historic Needles to Barstow National Scenic Byway and part of the Mojave Trails National Monument. The experience in the Mojave Desert is unlike that of any other Route 66 state. Because little development has taken place in the region, today’s travelers experience the road much as it was like in its earliest days. One can see desert wildflowers in spring, clear star-filled nights, beautiful sunsets, ancient volcanic craters and beautiful vistas.”
-Lynne Miller, Trustee and Desert Region National Byway Liaison, California Historic Route 66 Association
©DAVID H. COLLIER PHOTOGRAPHY
Have breakfast at Lola’s Kitchen or Roy’s Cafe before leaving Barstow—the latter is inspired by Route 66 landmark Roy’s Motel & Café in Amboy, which you’ll soon see. Stop in Daggett to see the landmark buildings along Santa Fe Street and Alf’s Blacksmith Shop. Follow I-40 E to National Trails Highway in Newberry Springs to see the filming location of the cult classic 1987 film "Bagdad Cafe." The small, memorabilia-filled café is generally open to the public for photo ops of the interior, but don’t expect to find food served here!
Continue on I-40 E and National Trails Highway to the Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark where you can get a great open road photo op (be safe!) with the Route 66 logo and explore the dormant volcano’s lava fields. Just down Route 66 is Roy’s Motel & Café, which started as a gas station in 1938. In the 1940s, they added a motel, café and auto repair shop. While the town of Amboy has become something of a ghost town, you can still get gas, snacks and souvenirs in the shop—and the photography possibilities are prime.
Stop at the Goffs Cultural Center and 1914 Schoolhouse Museum en route to your finish line in Needles via I-40 E. Drop by the Needles Regional Museum to learn about the region’s Indigenous and railroad history and check out the grounds of National Landmark El Garces Hotel, a restored railroad station (not a functioning hotel). Needles’ location along the Colorado River also makes it a perfect spot for water activities. For dinner, beeline to the Old West-style all-day diner, Wagon Wheel Restaurant
RESOURCES
Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce
☎ (760) 447-3432
newberryspringschamber.com
Attractions
Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark
16700 Crater Rd., Amboy
blm.gov/visit/amboy-crater
Bagdad Café
46548 National Trails Hwy., Newberry Springs
☎ (760) 257-3101 bagdad-cafe-usa.com
Goffs Cultural Center and 1914 Schoolhouse
Museum
37198 Lanfair Rd., Goffs
☎ (760) 733-4482
mdhca.org/goffs-cultural-center
Needles Regional Museum
929 Front St., Needles
☎ (760) 326-5678 needlesregionalmusuem.org
Roy’s Motel & Café
87520 National Trails Hwy., Amboy
☎ (760) 733-1066 roysmotelandcafe.com
Restaurants
Lola’s Kitchen
1240 E. Main St., Barstow
☎ (760) 255-1007
Ludlow Café
68315 National Trails Hwy., Ludlow
☎ (760) 733-4423
Wagon Wheel Restaurant
2420 Needles Hwy., Needles
☎ (760) 326-4305
Where to Stay
Best Western Colorado River Inn
2371 W. Broadway St., Needles
☎ (760) 326-4552 bestwestern.com
Fender’s RV Resort
3396 Needles Hwy., Needles
☎ (760) 326-3423 fendersrv.com
Pirate’s Cove Resort
100 Park Moabi Rd., Needles
☎ (760) 326-9000 piratescoveresort.com
FUN FACT
Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz once called Needles home. His family moved to the town in the 1920s.
AROUND
THE BEND UP
Detours worth the stop.
● Make a pit stop at historic Ludlow Café located in a former mining town.
● Drive through the Mojave National Preserve, with miles of open road through yucca trees–also known as Joshua trees.
● Check out the Kelso Dunes, the second largest dune system in California.
Scan to find more lodging options at visitneedles.com. SCAN ME
More Resources
Navigation Tools
Two widely-used mobile apps offer turn-byturn navigation of Route 66 to help travelers stay on track: route66navigation.com and route66ultimateguide.com
CONTACT US
VISIT CALIFORNIA SACRAMENTO HEADQUARTERS
Leona Reed
Vice President of Global Marketing lreed@visitcalifornia.com
Brian Wright Director of Travel Trade & Group Business bwright@visitcalifornia.com
Lindsey Cody Travel Trade Manager lcody@visitcalifornia.com
Katie Meissner
Travel Trade Coordinator kmeissner@visitcalifornia.com
Connect with Route 66 Hotel Sales Contacts
California Historic Route 66 Association maintains a sales contact list for hotel and attraction booking inquiries. The list is available upon request via Tere Stamoulis; see contact details below.
California Historic Route 66 Association
Tere Stamoulis
Travel Industry Liaison tere@thestamoulisgroup.net ☎ (562) 621-9102, route66.org
RESOURCES
CONTACT US
VISIT CALIFORNIA GLOBAL TRADE REPRESENTATIVES
Australia: Eva Huezo,Travel Trade Manager eva@gate7.com.au
Canada: Danielle Noel, Account Lead danielle.noel@zenogroup.com
China: Kevin He, Travel Trade Director khe@aviareps.com
France: Leah Lehongre, Travel Trade Manager leah.lehongre@interfacetourism.com
Germany: Jasmine Trippe, Account Director jtrippe@visitcalifornia.de
India: Christina Colney, Account Director ccolney@sarthaglobal.com
Italy: Marta Trevisan, Travel Trade Manager m.trevisan@aigo.it2
Japan: Sachiyo Hara, Travel Trade Manager shara@visitcalifornia.jp
Mexico: Carlos Allende, Travel Trade Manager carlos.allende@1gms.com
Middle East: Sophia Tamang, Account Manager stamang@aviareps.com
Nordics: Martin Schmidtsdorff, Travel Trade Lead/ Director of Sales ms@atlanticlink.net
South Korea: Ashley Ahn, Travel Trade Marketing Manager ashley@ipconnect.co.kr
United Kingdom & Ireland: Davida Wulff-Vanderpuije, Travel Trade Manager davida@blackdiamond.co.uk
Where to Next?
If you want to continue your road trip in California rather than continuing along Route 66 into Arizona, consider heading down to Joshua Tree National Park and Greater Palm Springs for a few days of outdoor adventure, rest and relaxation. Fly out of Palm Springs International Airport or via LAX, a 2-hour drive depending on time of day. Or opt for a peaceful mountain lake escape in beautiful Big Bear Lake, where water sports, hiking and birding are on tap. Fly out of Ontario International Airport (53 mi/85 km away) or LAX (114 mi/183 km).
