1. Stay at Retro Motels with Good Wi-Fi (Barstow)

  • The Historic Route 66 Motel (Barstow): This classic spot offers a nostalgic feel while providing the Wi-Fi you need to keep working remotely. Barstow’s central location on Route 66 makes it a great place to stop, recharge, and catch up on work.

  • Motel 6 or Best Western: These chains, commonly found along Route 66, typically have strong Wi-Fi connections and work-friendly environments. They are excellent options for a home base where you can handle some business while exploring the road.

2. Coffee Shops with Fast Wi-Fi (San Bernardino)

  • Bricks & Scones (San Bernardino): A cozy, local coffee shop offering solid Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere perfect for getting some work done. The laid-back vibe and artisanal coffee will keep you refreshed while working remotely.

  • Coffee Connection (Victorville): This is another great spot for nomads on Route 66 in California. Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee while staying connected to your work with fast Wi-Fi. It’s a peaceful spot for writing, video calls, and getting things done.

3. Explore Local Art and Culture (Los Angeles)

  • Griffith Park & Observatory: Enjoy nature and a fantastic view of Los Angeles from the Griffith Observatory. It’s a great place to take breaks between work sessions. While not a direct place for work, it’s perfect for inspiration and relaxation.

  • Art District in Downtown LA: Take a stroll through the Arts District, where you'll find murals, galleries, and unique cafes. The neighborhood has a variety of hip spots where you can work while soaking in creativity and culture.

4. Coworking Spaces & Community (Los Angeles)

  • WeWork: If you find yourself needing a productive workspace while in LA, WeWork and other coworking spaces (like Spaces) have multiple locations. Many of these offer hot desks and meeting rooms that provide a professional environment with high-speed internet, perfect for digital nomads.

  • The Workary: In San Bernardino, a local coworking space that provides reliable internet and a collaborative atmosphere. A good option if you want to connect with other nomads or just need a place to focus.

5. Rest & Recharge at Scenic Locations (Mojave Desert)

  • Mojave National Preserve: Disconnect from work for a while and enjoy the solitude of the desert. While it’s a quiet place to escape, you can also get some writing or planning done in a peaceful environment. Be sure to bring your portable hotspot, as internet connection can be spotty in the desert, but the clear skies and scenic views are worth it.

  • Kelso Dunes: Work in a peaceful outdoor environment. If you have a portable solar charger or a power bank, you can easily work on your laptop while enjoying the stunning desert landscapes. Just be sure to have a reliable connection for video calls, as this area may have limited internet service.

6. Roadside Attractions for Quick Breaks (Various)

  • Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch (Oro Grande): This quirky roadside attraction makes for an interesting pit stop. Take photos, unwind, and catch up on any work you need to do, all while appreciating the creative art installations. The rural setting is perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle.

  • Roy’s Motel & Café (Amboy): A classic Route 66 stop where you can take a break from the road and capture the vibe of this mid-century roadside gem. It’s a great spot for photos, quick work sessions, and recharging both your laptop and yourself.

7. Remote Nature Escapes with Wifi (Joshua Tree)

  • Joshua Tree National Park: While you may want to disconnect here to experience nature, certain areas around Joshua Tree offer Wi-Fi in local cafes and motels. Take some time to work remotely in one of these locations before heading out into the park to explore the incredible landscapes.

  • Joshua Tree Coffee Company: If you're in need of caffeine and reliable Wi-Fi, this local coffee company offers a great stop where you can work and enjoy the local vibe. It’s a cozy, quiet place with a strong local following.

8. Escape into the Desert at The Wigwam Motel (San Bernardino)

  • The Wigwam Motel: Located in San Bernardino, the Wigwam Motel offers an iconic place to stay. Each "wigwam" is a cozy cabin-style room, and while it’s a nostalgic experience, they also have Wi-Fi, so you can comfortably stay here while working remotely. The outdoor setting is perfect for morning yoga or an evening stroll when you need a break from the screen.

9. Santa Monica Pier – Inspiration and Relaxation

  • Santa Monica Pier: The end of Route 66 is the iconic Santa Monica Pier. It’s a fun place to relax after working remotely for hours. While you take a walk along the beach or ride the Ferris wheel, your creative energy will get a boost. Plus, there are plenty of nearby cafés and restaurants with Wi-Fi for a working lunch.

10. Victorville – Unwind at Nature and Cultural Spots

  • Mojave River Valley Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the Mojave Desert at this museum, then take some time to work while enjoying the quiet surroundings of the desert.

  • Victorville's Route 66 Museum: Another excellent pit stop for a bit of history, the museum offers a place to reflect on the road’s past while also being a great place for a quick break to get some work done.

11. Stay Connected with Nature at Lake Arrowhead

  • Lake Arrowhead: If you want to combine work with nature, Lake Arrowhead offers a peaceful environment with cafes and motels providing Wi-Fi. Work during the day with a beautiful lake view, and take some time off in the evening to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It’s the perfect place to feel like you’re on vacation while staying productive.

12. Embrace Digital Detox (Big Bear Lake)

  • Big Bear Lake: If you need a true digital detox, Big Bear Lake offers hiking, water activities, and the beauty of the mountains. While there, consider working outdoors using a mobile hotspot or visiting local spots with Wi-Fi. It’s a nice balance of work and relaxation.

13. Stay Productive with Good Wi-Fi in Santa Monica

  • Santa Monica Libraries & Cafes: There are several spots in Santa Monica where you can work, including cafes with strong Wi-Fi and local libraries offering quiet spots to focus. The beachy vibe will help you unwind after a productive day of work.

Digital Nomad Tips for Route 66 California:

  • Portable Power: Some stretches of Route 66 may not have reliable access to power outlets, so bring a portable charger or solar-powered battery pack to keep your devices powered up.

  • Wi-Fi Hotspots: While many motels and cafés offer Wi-Fi, it can be unreliable in more remote areas, so bring your own hotspot or check for coverage along the route in advance.

  • Balance Work and Play: Use the natural beauty of the route for breaks. Take a quick walk in Joshua Tree or relax by the beach in Santa Monica—these moments can help refresh your mind while still allowing you to work.

  • Plan Ahead for Coworking Spaces: Major cities like Los Angeles and San Bernardino offer coworking spaces, so make sure to research the locations along your route where you can settle in for a day of focused work.