Embarking on a Route 66 adventure is as much about savoring the journey as it is about reaching the destination. As you cruise through California, the final stretch of America’s iconic highway, the state’s culinary treasures beckon you to pause, indulge, and savor its diverse flavors. California’s food scene is a melting pot of fresh ingredients, bold innovations, and cultural influences that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the Golden State. From avocado toast to Napa Valley wine, the dishes here are as vibrant and unique as the landscapes you’ll encounter along the way.
California’s culinary identity is deeply rooted in its rich agricultural heritage and coastal bounty, which is why so many of its iconic dishes celebrate fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Whether you’re diving into a plate of fish tacos by the beach or enjoying a hearty Cobb salad at a historic diner, each bite offers a taste of California’s history, culture, and creativity.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to fifteen must-try California dishes that should be on your radar as you navigate the Mother Road. Each dish has its own story, rooted in California’s unique culinary traditions, and each stop promises to add a flavorful memory to your road trip. So grab your map and your appetite—California’s iconic eats are waiting for you!
15 Must-Try California Dishes for Your Route 66 Journey
1. Avocados
California and avocados go together like guacamole and tortilla chips! California grows nearly 90% of the nation’s avocados, making this creamy, nutrient-packed fruit an undeniable part of the state’s culinary identity. The avocado’s popularity soared in the 1920s when farmers began marketing it as the “alligator pear” due to its bumpy green skin, but its smooth texture and rich flavor quickly became the real draw. Today, it’s a must-have ingredient in everything from classic guacamole to avocado toast and even smoothies.
Traveling Route 66? Top a burger with guacamole at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles, get your avocado toast fix at Cindy’s in Los Angeles, or try a California Benedict at NORMS Restaurant in West Hollywood.
2. Fish Tacos
No trip through California is complete without savoring a fish taco. This coastal classic originated in Baja California before making its way north and becoming a staple of California’s laid-back food culture. A perfect balance of fresh and flavorful, fish tacos typically feature grilled or battered fish tucked into a warm tortilla, topped with shredded cabbage, tangy crema, fresh salsa, and a squeeze of lime. They embody California’s love for fresh, coastal-inspired cuisine.
As you near the end of your Route 66 journey, Los Angeles is the perfect place to dive into this delicious dish. Head to Blue Plate Taco in Santa Monica for upscale beachside fish tacos with stunning ocean views. For a more casual but equally unforgettable experience, stop by Tacos Baja on Whittier Blvd or Playita Mariscos on Sunset Boulevard, where their seafood-forward menus include some of the city’s most flavorful fish tacos.
3. Cobb Salad
The Cobb salad is a piece of California history. Created in 1937 at the legendary Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, this hearty salad was reportedly invented by owner Robert Cobb as a late-night snack using ingredients from the kitchen. It’s a perfectly balanced mix of chopped greens, crispy bacon, grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, avocado, blue cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette. Decades later, though the Brown Derby is long gone, this salad remains a beloved California dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
For a classic rendition, try the Cobb salad at Bottega Louie in Los Angeles, where it’s prepared with their signature flair and served in an elegant, bustling setting. Or, if you’re in Santa Monica, stop by Shoop’s Delicatessen for a hearty, deli-style Cobb that’s packed with flavor and perfect for refueling after exploring Route 66.
4. French Dip
The French dip sandwich is a savory California invention, born in Los Angeles in the early 1900s. Made with tender, thinly sliced roast beef tucked into a crusty baguette and served with a side of rich au jus for dipping, it’s a meal that’s both simple and indulgent. While there’s debate over who created it—Philippe the Original or Cole’s—both eateries claim to be the birthplace of this legendary sandwich.
You can try a French dip at either Philippe’s or Cole’s in Los Angeles for a taste of history. But if you’re hitting Route 66, you’ll find this classic on menus at diners along the way. Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow serves up a hearty version perfect for road trippers, and Le Roy’s in Monrovia offers a mouthwatering rendition that locals swear by.
5. In-N-Out Burger
No California road trip is complete without a stop at In-N-Out Burger. Founded in Baldwin Park in 1948, In-N-Out was California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand, pioneering fresh, made-to-order fast food. Today, it’s a cult favorite known for its simple, quality ingredients and secret menu hacks. A classic Double-Double comes loaded with two beef patties, two slices of American cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and their signature spread, all tucked into a perfectly toasted bun. Want to live like a local? Order it “Animal Style” for an extra burst of flavor.
As you roll along Route 66, stop at the In-N-Out Burger in Barstow for a taste of California’s burger royalty. Conveniently located along your journey, it’s the perfect place to grab a meal and soak in the retro vibe of this road trip staple. Just don’t forget to grab a shake to wash it down!
6. Popsicles
The humble popsicle is a frozen treat rooted in California’s history. Invented by accident in 1905 by 11-year-old Frank Epperson in Oakland, the Popsicle became a nationwide sensation when he patented it years later. Made by freezing flavored liquid around a wooden stick, this simple dessert is an enduring symbol of childhood summers and carefree days. From fruity classics to gourmet varieties, the popsicle has remained a cool Californian icon.
Popsicles are a refreshing way to beat the heat while exploring the Mother Road, so pick one up from any convenience store or gas station to cool down and celebrate the frozen treat’s California roots.
7. California Roll
The California Roll is as iconic as the state it’s named after, bringing sushi to the mainstream with a West Coast twist. Created in Los Angeles in the 1960s, it flipped traditional sushi on its head by using creamy avocado, imitation crab, and cucumber, wrapped in rice and seaweed (or rice on the outside for the now-classic inside-out version). Its mild flavors and creative use of local ingredients made sushi approachable and turned this roll into a global sensation.
On your Route 66 adventure, roll into just about any sushi restaurant for a taste of this California classic.
8. Oysters
Oysters are a quintessential taste of coastal California, delivering the briny essence of the Pacific straight to your plate. While oysters have long been a delicacy worldwide, California’s thriving seafood scene elevates them to something truly special. Whether served raw on the half shell, grilled with buttery sauces, or baked to perfection, they’re a must-try for seafood lovers.
When you reach the western edge of Route 66, treat yourself to some of the finest oysters around. Connie and Ted’s in Los Angeles celebrates California’s seafood bounty with fresh, daily selections served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. In Santa Monica, head to The Albright on the pier for a casual setting to enjoy oysters alongside ocean views. For a more upscale experience, The Lobster, perched right by the iconic Santa Monica Pier, offers pristine oysters with a side of unforgettable sunsets.
9. Strawberry Donut
When it comes to donuts, California takes the cake with its legendary strawberry donut. This vibrant treat, packed with fresh strawberries and sweet glaze, has become an iconic symbol of the Golden State’s love for unique and indulgent desserts. Popularized by local mom-and-pop donut shops, it showcases California’s farm-fresh produce in the most delicious way possible.
Cruising along Route 66? Stop by The Donut Man in Glendora, a roadside favorite that’s been serving up their famous strawberry donut since the 1970s. Bursting with juicy strawberries nestled in a soft, golden donut, it’s a sweet slice of California that you won’t forget. Just make sure to grab a napkin—this one’s delightfully messy!
10. Date Shake
The date shake hails from the Coachella Valley, where date palms thrive in the desert sun. Blending rich, caramel-like dates with vanilla ice cream and milk, the date shake is a uniquely Californian treat that’s as refreshing as it is decadent. Its roots trace back to roadside stands in the 1920s, where farmers introduced travelers to the region’s prized fruit in the most delicious way possible.
For the best date shakes, you’re going to have to make a detour to Palm Springs and stop by Shields Date Garden. Known for their fresh date shakes, this spot offers a sweet, smooth treat that’s a must-try when you’re in the area.
11. Tri-Tip
Tri-tip is a cut of beef that’s earned its place as a California culinary icon, especially in the Central Coast region. This triangular cut of sirloin became a staple in the 1950s, thanks to Santa Maria-style barbecue. Seasoned with a simple rub of salt, pepper, and garlic, it’s grilled over red oak for a smoky, tender, and flavor-packed bite. Served in thick slices or piled high on a sandwich, tri-tip showcases California’s love for no-frills, big-flavor cooking.
Tri-tip is a popular menu item further north, but many barbecue joints and steakhouses have it on the menu in Los Angeles and beyond.
12. Carne Asada Burrito
The carne asada burrito is a California classic that packs all the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine into one delicious, handheld meal. Featuring tender, marinated grilled steak, fresh pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, and sometimes a sprinkle of cheese, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, it’s the perfect blend of savory and satisfying. Born out of California’s vibrant Mexican food scene, this dish has become a staple for locals and road trippers alike.
On your Route 66 journey, don’t miss Mitla Café in San Bernardino, a historic eatery that’s been serving authentic Mexican food since 1937.
13. Clam Chowder
When it comes to iconic California dishes, clam chowder has earned its spot at the table. Loaded with tender clams, hearty potatoes, onions, celery, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food for those misty California evenings.
California has made this dish its own, often serving it in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl—a tasty innovation born in San Francisco and beloved throughout the state.
On your Route 66 adventure, you can savor a bowl of clam chowder at stops like The Albright on the Santa Monica Pier, where the views of the Pacific Ocean perfectly complement this coastal classic. Or, head a bit inland to places like Le Roy’s in Monrovia, where diners serve up hearty, soul-warming versions of this timeless dish.
14. Taquitos
Taquitos are a California favorite that’s rolled up in flavor and fried to golden perfection. These crispy delights are made by filling corn tortillas with seasoned meat—like shredded beef or chicken—rolling them tight, and frying them until crunchy. Often served with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, taquitos are the ultimate handheld treat. While their roots trace back to Mexican cuisine, they gained fame in sothern California in the 1930s, where local spots elevated them to icon status.
For an authentic taste, head to Cielito Lindo on Olvera Street in Los Angeles, a historic spot that’s been serving their famous taquitos smothered in avocado sauce since 1934. Their recipe is so beloved it’s practically a legend.
15. Napa Valley Wine
When it comes to iconic California flavors, Napa Valley wine takes the crown—or should we say the cork? Known as one of the world’s premier wine regions, Napa Valley has been producing award-winning wines since the 19th century. Its sunny climate and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Each bottle tells a story of California’s rich winemaking heritage and its knack for transforming grapes into liquid gold.
You don’t have to detour to Napa to raise a glass to this California classic. On Route 66, stop by The Sycamore Inn in Rancho Cucamonga, a historic steakhouse that offers a curated selection of Napa Valley wines. Or, celebrate the end of your journey with a glass of Napa Valley wine at Seaside on the Pier, located right on the Santa Monica Pier. With breathtaking ocean views and a carefully crafted wine list, it’s the perfect spot to toast to a Route 66 adventure well-traveled.
As you journey through California on Route 66, these 15 iconic dishes offer a true taste of the Golden State’s rich culture and flavor. From fresh seafood to roadside classics, each bite is a story waiting to be savored. So, loosen your seat belt, fuel up, and let your taste buds lead the way!
Hungry for more of the best foods on Route 66? Check out the 66 Must-Eat Dishes on Route 66.
