This year marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, sparking celebrations across California with festivals, food, and road trips planned for the spring and summer.
For those eager to join in the festivities, the best way to commemorate the occasion is quite straightforward: hop in the car and hit the Mother Road.
The California Route 66 100th Anniversary Party kicks off on April 25 with the Vibechera Music Festival in Glendora, followed by an official 100th Anniversary Kickoff in Santa Monica at Mel’s Drive-In on April 30. Then, on May 2, the celebrations move to Newberry Springs for the Big Birthday Bash, which promises cars, music, and a vibrant Americana atmosphere.
But the fun doesn’t end there. On June 27, San Bernardino will host “The Great Race,” featuring a parade of vintage cars along the iconic highway, making it one of the highlights of the entire Centennial event.
You can find more information on the official Route 66 event page. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, the road is filled with attractions that can easily occupy a weekend or even a week.
The journey begins at the Santa Monica Pier, where Route 66 meets the Pacific Ocean, leading you east to discover those classic quirky stops that make up the essence of American road trips.
In Santa Monica, don’t miss out on trying a “gringo” espresso at Dogtown Coffee, which channels Venice Beach’s vibe into a cozy café atmosphere.
For something a bit more sophisticated, head over to Blackwood Coffee Bar in Hollywood for their beautifully crafted Vanilla Bean Latte.
And there’s Andy’s Coffee Shop in Pasadena, which has been serving delicious hot coffee in the same style for over 80 years—definitely feels like a step back in time.
Before you leave Los Angeles County, be prepared for a full-on food tour. Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. features a variety of food stalls under a stunning Beaux-Arts ceiling.
Also, Pink’s Hot Dogs, opened in 1939, is an iconic stop renowned for its chili dogs and Hollywood charm.
If you’re looking for some fresh air, Runyon Canyon Park is a favorite among locals for views of the Hollywood sign and maybe a bit of post-hike taco guilt.
Now, diving deeper into the iconic Route 66 checklist, here are some must-visit stops:
- Tale O’ The Pup in West Hollywood, the legendary hot dog stand resembling a giant frankfurter.
- Glendora’s Donut Man, famous for its enormous jam-filled donuts, is a cult favorite people rave about.
- Magic Lamp Inn in Rancho Cucamonga is a charming, old-school steakhouse marked by a striking neon sign.
- The Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino allows you to sleep in novelty concrete tents—yes, it’s still operational.
- Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in Orogrande features a whimsical collection of glass bottles and metal scrap art in a surreal desert setting.
- Lloyd’s Motel and Cafe in Amboy offers a nostalgic neon-filled ghost town vibe amidst the Mojave Mountains.
- Bagdad Café in Newberry Springs has gained fame through classic cult films.
- Yermo’s Eddy World combines elements of a gas station and a vibrant neon attraction in a unique desert atmosphere.
- The Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles is a classic diner located in a border town where California’s roads come to an end.
- And everything begins and concludes at the Santa Monica Pier, based on your travel direction and endurance.
As you continue eastward, the highway embraces its diner Americana spirit alongside the barren desert beauty.
Ritchie’s Real American Diner in Rancho Cucamonga offers a cheerful children’s menu with large booths and even a coloring contest for the little ones.
Over in Ontario, Vince’s Spaghetti has been serving heaping plates of pasta since 1945—a spot where booths wear the marks of countless patrons.
For car buffs, Route 66 might as well be a traveling museum.
The Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles showcases famous cars from Hollywood and a vault packed with rare automotive history.
The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona celebrates the legacy of drag racing in a revamped art deco space.
In Cucamonga, a service station dating back to 1915 stands as a nostalgic roadside attraction filled with memorabilia.
The California Route 66 Museum in Victorville and the Mother Road Museum in Barstow explore the history of the highway itself.
Skyline Drive-In in Barstow continues to attract visitors for a movie experience beneath the open desert sky.
Once you look beyond the obvious attractions, the scenery becomes more surreal.
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch presents a riot of whimsical desert art.
Lloyd’s Motel lights up in neon against the vast emptiness of the highway.
Amboy Crater rises from the lava field, recalling its volcanic past.
The Mojave National Preserve invites tranquility, with its Joshua trees, singing sand dunes, and expansive skies.
As you journey further east, the road reaches its end in California at Baghdad Café, Eddie World’s neon-lit Wagon Wheel restaurant, marking the transition from California to Arizona.
Renowned as the Mother Road, Route 66 represented hope for Dust Bowl migrants, fueled wartime efforts, and became an enduring symbol of American road travel.
John Steinbeck famously captured its spirit in The Grapes of Wrath.
A century later, the journey continues—turn your drive into a tale worth sharing.
