California 66

Rialto, California, United States

Find the best stops on Route 66 and see why millions drove it in search of the California dream.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California, United States

Hang out on this oceanfront city’s broad beach or lively Pacific Pier (complete with its own amusement park). Or do some serious shopping at the pedestrian-only Third Street Promenade. Visit one of Santa Monica’s outstanding farmers’ markets, which pop up weekly on city streets.

Hollywood

Los Angeles, California, United States

Hollywood is the place to bask in the presence of film and TV legends both past and present, whether it’s through a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a behind-the-scenes studio tour, or a live taping of your favorite talk show. Head to celebrated Hollywood Boulevard, where you'll find film- and movie-star-focused museums, theaters, and attractions.

Pasadena

Pasadena, California, United States

This classy enclave northeast of downtown L.A. has long been a favored retreat of the well-heeled set. Drive the leafy streets, lined with elegant mansions of every shape and style, to have a spa treatment at the The Langham Huntington, a storied 1907 hotel with ballrooms and terraced gardens.

San Bernardino

San Bernardino, California, United States

Two museums offer a peaceful—and interesting—interlude in this Inland Empire City. The San Bernardino County Museum offers a look at the area’s past, with exhibits on equipment that helped build the Inland Empire. At Cal State University San Bernardino, works at the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art span millennia.

24266 National Trails Hwy
Oro Grande, CA

This remote desert town is the place to be to check out relics of the westward migration. First up is the wacky storage closet of the region’s memorabilia, the Route 66 Mother Road Museum. Just west of Barstow is the eccentric but oddly beautiful Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch, the work of a local artist, with welded metal “trees” festooned with discarded bottles, vintage toys, and other scraps.

90942 Kelso Cima Rd
San Bernardino County, CA

Protecting an astounding 1.6 million acres of pristine desert wilderness, the Mojave National Preserve lets you hear singing sand dunes, explore weirdly contorted Joshua trees, and hike up volcanic cinder cones. Take time to explore, and let the desert’s magic unfold.

87520 National Trails Hwy
Amboy, CA

Learn why this historic highway inspired a chart-topping hit in 1946 and see why millions drove it in search of the California dream. Start: Santa Monica End: Mojave National Preserve 2 - 3 Days 9 Stops 222 Miles Click "Visit Website" for the full road trip itinerary.