1. Start at Santa Monica Pier (End of Route 66)

• While it’s the official end of Route 66, it’s a great place to start your journey.

• Grab a photo with the iconic "End of the Trail" sign.

• Try the roller coaster at Pacific Park or rent a bike along the beach.

2. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch (Oro Grande)

• A bizarre yet mesmerizing collection of metal "trees" covered in colorful glass bottles.

• Feels like stepping into an artistic post-apocalyptic world.

3. Calico Ghost Town

• A former silver mining town turned into an Old West attraction.

• Explore the abandoned mine, hike up to the hills for panoramic desert views, or take a ghost tour.

4. Mojave National Preserve

• Sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua trees, and the mysterious "singing" Kelso Dunes.

• Hike to Hole-in-the-Wall for incredible rock formations and slot canyons.

5. Amboy & Roy’s Motel and Café

• A legendary Route 66 stop in the middle of the desert.

• Nearby, check out Amboy Crater, an extinct volcano with a rugged hiking trail to the top.

6. Route 66 Shield Road Marking (Ludlow)

• The iconic painted Route 66 emblem on the road—perfect for that classic photo op.

7. Bagdad Café (Newberry Springs)

• The quirky, real-life inspiration for the cult movie Bagdad Café.

• A funky pit stop for a nostalgic Route 66 feel.

8. Death Valley Side Trip

• A little detour, but worth it if you love extreme landscapes.

• Visit Badwater Basin (lowest point in North America) and Dante’s View for unreal desert panoramas.

9. Zzyzx Road

• A famous mysterious road sign leading to an abandoned desert settlement.

• Feels like a hidden gem with a strange history.

10. Wigwam Motel (San Bernardino)

• A classic "Stay in a Wigwam" experience.

• One of the last remaining Wigwam Villages from Route 66’s golden era.