Over 2,400 miles long, Route 66, America’s fabled Mother Road, connects Chicago with Southern California. It continues to be a timeless emblem of travel and adventure.
Travelers from all over the world are drawn to it, and road trippers are tempted to follow its historic route and discover its mysteries.
Journey into the core of American history and culture by embarking on a car trip along the renowned Route 66, which begins in the small hamlet of Needles, California. These are the top 5 must-see locations along California’s Route 66.
The Original McDonald’s Museum
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Daily)
When the first McDonald’s restaurant opened its doors in 1940, it ignited a revolution in the fast food sector. The museum honors the history of this iconic restaurant and is a veritable gold mine of real news articles, menus, and mementos from the time before Ray Krok was involved.
The museum features hundreds of items from displays around the world, including a sizable collection of Happy Meal toys and a multitude of historical antiquities.
It ensures that the innovative spirit of the original McDonald’s lives alive for decades to come by providing a compelling, meticulously detailed stop on Route 66 that guides travelers through the evolution of one of the most iconic companies in culinary history.
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Bottle Tree Ranch
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Wednesday through Monday) and 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Tuesday)
Bottle Tree Ranch in Helendale, California offers a unique experience consisting of a mishmash of objects including antique toys, broken firearms, ancient road signs, and “bottle trees.” Donations are welcomed and encouraged, but they are not required in order to enter.
The venue is open from sunrise to sunset. Travelers are welcome to spread out their legs and take photos of the more than 200 “trees.” At such a famous Route 66 landmark, it is hard to make a mistake!
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Cucamonga Service Station
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Thursday through Sunday)
The Cucamonga Service Station was founded in 1915 and lasted until the 1970s. In 2015, it underwent a major makeover and reopened as a museum.
This historic building provides guests with a singular chance to observe the development spanning more than a century. A visit to the station offers insight into the changes that have taken place over time, with substantial renovations keeping its past intact.
Gas stations are a fascinating place for anyone who want to travel back in time and see how transportation and business have changed since, in fact, their architecture and design have changed a great deal since they were built.
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Santa Monica Pier
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Daily)
Further famous markers, including the “Route 66 – End of the Trail” sign atop the famed Santa Monica Pier, are scattered around the final stretch of the fabled Route 66.
With the Pacific Ocean and a wide sandy beach in the background, the pier’s iconic Ferris wheel is a representation of pure Americana. The pier is a multifaceted destination for travelers to immerse themselves in Americana and coastal charm.
In addition to its vintage carousel and amusement park attractions, it offers a plethora of free historical walking tours, classic American eateries, and diners. The pier also offers engaging programs like yoga sessions and aquarium story time.
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Hollywood
- Opening Hours: 24/7 (Everyday)
Even if Hollywood is more well-known than it is, there are ageless sights that are worthwhile to visit. Admire the magnificence of the legendary Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Kodak Theater, two iconic sites that have profoundly impacted the history of film.
Take advantage of the chance to take a picture with the iconic Hollywood sign in the background or take a walk down the Walk of Fame, which features the names of the biggest personalities in entertainment.
Adventure awaits at the nearby Warner Bros. Studios Tour and Universal Studios theme park, which provide behind-the-scenes looks at the art of filmmaking.
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To Conclude
Now fill up your car with fuel, gather your belongings, and go! Traveling along Route 66 in California offers a distinctive experience of colorful sights, historical sites, and breathtaking coastal landscapes.
This famous route provides something for everyone, from discovering the history of American fast food to taking in the splendor of Hollywood. As you embark on a journey alongside innumerable other passengers and discover the enchantment of the Mother Road for yourself, get ready to make lifelong memories.
