Explore the El Garces Harvey House: While the El Garces Harvey House is a great place to take a photo or peek inside, you can often do this for free or for a very low cost.
Visit the Needles Regional Museum: A small local museum with a rich history, usually only a few dollars for entry.
Hike in the Mojave Desert: The desert landscapes are free to explore. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen!

Goffs Schoolhouse: A wonderfully preserved 1914 one-room schoolhouse, offering a chance to experience the Mojave Desert’s history. They typically have low-cost entry or may offer free visits.
Desert Landscape Exploration: Free hikes and walks through the desert and nearby trails provide the perfect budget-friendly experience.

Roy’s Motel & Café: While staying here might be a splurge, you can stop and take pictures of this Route 66 icon for free. The place has that classic Route 66 feel.
Amboy Crater: The entrance is free, and you can hike to the crater for an amazing view of the desert and volcanic formations—one of the best budget-friendly stops.

Route 66 Mother Road Museum: Free or low-cost museum showcasing memorabilia and artifacts from the golden age of Route 66.
Harvey House (Casa del Desierto): Wander through the historic Harvey House; it’s free to look around and take in the beautiful architecture.
Calico Ghost Town: While there's a small fee for entry, it's a great low-cost spot to explore a historic mining town, with tons of photo opportunities.

California Route 66 Museum: This small museum is usually free to enter or has a very low admission fee. It's packed with history from the heyday of the route.
Wander around Historic Route 66 Landmarks: Victorville has tons of cool spots like old gas stations and landmarks that you can enjoy at no cost.

Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch: A quirky, free stop that’s a perfect photo op for any budget traveler. It’s a unique piece of folk art made from bottles and scrap metal.
Exploring Route 66's Old Gas Stations & Motels: Take a self-guided tour of the vintage gas stations and motels that lined Route 66. These often offer great photo opportunities and a taste of mid-century Americana.

McDonald’s Original Site Museum: While small, the museum is free to visit and offers a peek into the beginnings of McDonald's, a true Route 66 icon.
The Wigwam Motel: You don’t have to stay here, but it’s worth a stop to snap some photos of the vintage teepee-shaped motels that still stand today.

Explore Historic Landmarks: Some of the coolest historical Route 66 sites are free to visit, like:
- The Santa Monica Pier – End of the Route 66 Trail! Take a picture with the iconic sign.
- Old West-style architecture in neighborhoods like Highland Park and Pasadena.
- Hollywood Boulevard and nearby spots with a Route 66 twist.
Take the Metro: Skip the car rental and use the LA Metro to explore different parts of the city on a budget. The metro also connects to several Route 66 landmarks.

End of Route 66 Sign: Visit the iconic “End of the Trail” sign at the Santa Monica Pier, and take some pictures to mark the end of your journey. It's free!
Santa Monica Beach: Spend some time walking along the beach and soaking in the views of the Pacific—totally free and beautiful.

Camping: There are affordable campgrounds along Route 66. Many national forests, deserts, and state parks have campgrounds where you can pitch a tent for as low as $10-$30 per night.
Hostels and Budget Motels: Look for budget motels or hostels that offer low-cost stays, especially in cities like Barstow, Victorville, and San Bernardino.
Airbnb: If you’re traveling with a group, renting a room or a house can be an affordable option. Many of these properties are in historic buildings, adding to the Route 66 charm.

Hike at Amboy Crater or Mojave National Preserve: These are great places to hike and explore without spending a dime. Take in stunning desert views, geological wonders, and peaceful solitude.

Wandering Souls