When you think of Route 66, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the wide-open road stretching out before you, the wind in your hair, and that undeniable feeling of freedom. But let’s not forget one of the most delightful parts of the journey: the quirky, sometimes bizarre, but always fascinating roadside attractions that line the Mother Road. These are the hidden gems, the stops that make you pull over, grab your camera, and say, “Now, this is what road trips are all about.”
Roadside attractions are the heartbeat of Route 66, offering travelers a slice of Americana that’s as varied and colorful as the landscape itself. From giant statues to ghost towns frozen in time, these stops offer more than just a break from driving—they’re a chance to step into history, marvel at human creativity, and experience the unique charm of the open road. So buckle up, because we’re about to take a tour of California’s top 10 must-see roadside attractions on Route 66, each with its own story to tell and its own special place in the tapestry of this legendary highway.
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Top 10 California Route 66 Roadside Attractions
1. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
First up on our list is Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, a true testament to one man’s vision and creativity. Imagine strolling through a garden where trees are made not of wood and leaves, but of glass bottles, pipes, and other vintage items. This otherworldly attraction was crafted by the late Elmer Long, who began this labor of love in the early 2000s. The result? A shimmering, tinkling forest that’s both eerie and enchanting. It’s a sight that perfectly captures the spirit of Route 66—unexpected, a little odd, but absolutely unforgettable.
2. Chicken Boy Statue
Standing tall and proud, the Chicken Boy Statue is one of California’s quirkiest landmarks. Originally perched on the roof of a fried chicken restaurant in Los Angeles back in 1969, this fiberglass figure is part man, part chicken, and all iconic. When the restaurant closed, artist Amy Inouye stepped in to save this beloved statue from the wrecking ball. Now, Chicken Boy watches over Route 66 from his new perch, earning his nickname as the “Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles.”
3. Cucamonga Service Station
Take a step back in time at the Cucamonga Service Station, a beautifully restored gas station that dates back to 1915. Located in Rancho Cucamonga, this station is more than just a pit stop; it’s a slice of history preserved for future generations. Abandoned and nearly lost to time, the station was lovingly restored and reopened as a museum in 2015, offering visitors a glimpse into the golden age of road travel on Route 66.
4. Needles Railroad Borax Wagon
The Needles Railroad Borax Wagon may seem like just another roadside relic, but it’s steeped in history. This massive wagon was once used to haul borax across the harsh deserts of Death Valley in the 1880s, drawn by a team of eighteen mules and two horses. Today, it welcomes travelers to the town of Needles, serving as a reminder of the grit and determination of those who once traversed these unforgiving landscapes. Originally a prop for a 1940s movie, the wagon is a nod to a bygone era when mules were the engines of progress.
5. Original McDonald’s Museum
No road trip would be complete without a nod to fast food, and what better place than the Original McDonald’s Museum in San Bernardino? This is where it all began—where brothers Dick and Mac McDonald opened the first McDonald’s in 1948. Today, the site has been transformed into a museum packed with memorabilia, offering a fascinating look at the humble beginnings of what would become a global fast-food empire.
6. Route 66 End of the Trail Sign
After journeying over 2,400 miles from Chicago, you’ve finally made it to the end of the road—literally. The Route 66 End of the Trail sign at the Santa Monica Pier marks the unofficial end of the Mother Road. It’s a spot where countless travelers have snapped a photo to commemorate their journey. The sign itself is iconic, a simple yet powerful symbol of the countless stories and adventures that have played out along this legendary highway.
7. Roy’s Motel & Cafe
Roy’s Motel and Cafe is more than just a pit stop; it’s a piece of Route 66 history. Located in the remote desert town of Amboy, this once-thriving roadside oasis is slowly being restored to its former glory. The iconic neon sign out front and the massive Route 66 shield painted on the road make Roy’s a favorite photo op for travelers. While the motel and café are no longer fully operational, the site still offers a taste of the bygone days of road travel.
8. Wigwam Motel
The Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino is a true piece of Americana. Part of a small chain of motels built in the 1930s and ’40s, Wigwam Village Motel No. 7 is the last of its kind on Route 66. Shaped like teepees, these unique motel rooms once offered travelers a kitschy place to rest their heads. Though it went through some rather colorful times—complete with waterbeds and hourly rentals—it has since been restored to its former glory and remains a beloved Route 66 attraction.
9. Calico Ghost Town
Step into the past at Calico Ghost Town, a former mining town turned tourist attraction. Located in San Bernardino County, Calico offers visitors a chance to explore the remnants of a once-thriving silver mining town. With shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Maggie Mine and the Calico Odessa Railroad, there’s plenty to see and do. Whether you’re panning for fool’s gold or getting spooked in the Mystery Shack, Calico is a fun and family-friendly stop on your Route 66 adventure.
10. Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner
Last but certainly not least is Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner, a nostalgic throwback to the golden age of diners. Located near Barstow, this classic roadside eatery serves up all the favorites: juicy burgers, crispy fried chicken, and thick milkshakes. But what really sets Peggy Sue’s apart is the quirky decor, including a dinosaur-themed “diner-saur” park and a giant jukebox-shaped entrance. It’s the perfect place to refuel before hitting the road again, with a side of kitsch that’s as satisfying as the food.
California’s stretch of Route 66 is a treasure trove of roadside attractions, each one offering a unique glimpse into the history, culture, and creativity that make this highway so special. From the shimmering glass trees of Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch to the iconic End of the Trail sign at Santa Monica Pier, these stops aren’t just places to stretch your legs—they’re destinations in their own right. So next time you’re cruising down the Mother Road, take the time to pull over and explore these one-of-a-kind attractions. After all, it’s the stops along the way that make the journey truly unforgettable.
