California Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the best of the Golden State with a California Route 66 Road Trip! Starting in Santa Monica and ending in Needles, this 470km journey will take you through some of the most iconic towns in the United States. Along the way, you’ll pass through Hollywood, San Bernardino and other historic towns.
The best time of year to drive the California Route 66 Road Trip is during the spring or fall months when the weather is mild and the roads are in excellent condition. The entire trip should take around two days, and is suitable for drivers of all levels of experience. However, this road trip can be quite expensive, so make sure you have a high budget before you embark.
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number of days
470 km
route length
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family
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START
Santa Monica
Distance 470 km
Driving time 8.7 h
Pace: modest
122.2 kWh
Airports
LAX
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Santa Monica, located in the west of Los Angeles in the United States, is the perfect starting point for the “California Route 66 Road Trip”. It is the perfect combination of a beach town and a metropolitan city. The city is known for its iconic pier, which is home to the world-famous Pacific Park amusement park, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. The pier is also a great spot to take in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Other attractions in Santa Monica include the historic Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome Carousel, the Santa Monica Museum of Art, and the Santa Monica Stairs for those looking for a good workout. There are also plenty of beaches to explore and enjoy the sun.
Los Angeles International Airport (IATA: LAX) is the closest international airport, with car rentals available from the airport. Santa Monica is easily accessible from the airport, making it a convenient starting point for the “California Route 66 Road Trip”.
Take time to explore Santa Monica and its attractions before embarking on the road trip for an unforgettable experience.
1
Santa Monica
- Hollywood
Distance 21 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: slow
4.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Santa Monica to Hollywood road trip! Get ready to explore the 13-mile route between these two famous cities in California. It will take you less than an hour to drive there, but you'll want to take your time to appreciate the attractions along the way.
Start your journey at Santa Monica, where you can take a stroll down the iconic pier and take in the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. As you head towards Hollywood, you can stop at the famous Venice Beach to soak up the sun and watch the street performers.
In Hollywood, you can explore the famous Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Sign. You can also take a tour of the Paramount Pictures Studios to get a behind-the-scenes look at the movie-making process.
This is just a brief overview of the Santa Monica to Hollywood road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Hollywood - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Hollywood
- Pasadena
Distance 30 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: slow
6.9 kWh
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Hollywood to Pasadena? This 19mi journey will take you less than an hour and will take you through some of the most scenic spots in the US!
Start your journey in Hollywood, where you can visit the iconic Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Bowl. You can also explore the Hollywood Museum, the Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Wax Museum.
Once you’ve explored Hollywood, you’ll drive to Pasadena. Here, you can visit the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Gamble House. You can also explore the Rose Bowl Stadium and the Pasadena Museum of California Art.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Pasadena - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Pasadena
- San Bernardino
Distance 89 km
Driving time 2.7 h
Pace: slow
20.6 kWh
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Welcome to the Pasadena - San Bernardino road trip stage! This stage of your tour is a great opportunity to explore the cultural and natural beauty of California. The total distance of the route is 56mi and you can complete it in fewer than 3 hours.
Start your trip in Pasadena, a vibrant city known for its cultural attractions and outdoor recreation. Visit the Norton Simon Museum, the Huntington Library, and the Rose Bowl Stadium.
Continue your road trip to San Bernardino, a city with a rich history, art, and culture. Visit the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum, the San Manuel Amphitheater, and the National Orange Show Events Center.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please visit the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
San Bernardino - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
San Bernardino
- Barstow
Distance 114 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: fast
34.1 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Ready for a fun and exciting journey from San Bernardino to Barstow? This 71mi stretch will take you less than two hours to complete and it is part of a larger tour.
Start your journey in San Bernardino and visit the historic Route 66 Mother Road Museum, a great place to learn about the history of the iconic road. Then, take a stroll around the San Manuel Amphitheater, a popular outdoor music venue.
Once you reach Barstow, make sure to explore the Mojave River Valley Museum, a great place to learn about the area’s history and culture. After that, take a drive to the Calico Ghost Town, a former silver mining town. Lastly, don’t miss the Tanger Outlet Center, a great place to find the best deals on apparel, accessories, and more.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable road trip!
Barstow - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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5
Barstow
- Needles
Distance 216 km
Driving time 2.7 h
Pace: fast
64.8 kWh
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Barstow to Needles? This 134-mile route will take you less than three hours to drive, and you will be able to witness some of the most spectacular views of the desert.
As you make your way on the I-40, you will pass through some of the most picturesque locations in the area. From the historic Route 66 in Barstow to the breathtaking views of the Mojave National Preserve, you will be able to take in the beauty of the desert.
You won't want to miss the chance to visit the Calico Ghost Town, located just east of Barstow. This old mining town has been preserved and turned into a living museum, offering a unique experience for all visitors.
The drive from Barstow to Needles will also take you through Kelso, a small town with a few restaurants and a gas station. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Kelso Dunes, located just north of the town.
Finally, you will arrive in Needles, a small town located on the banks of the Colorado River. Here, you can take a stroll along the river and take in the stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
This is just one of the many exciting stages of your road trip, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready to explore the desert and have an amazing experience!
Needles - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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Needles
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Needles, United States is the perfect place to finish off your California Route 66 Road Trip. Located at the border of California and Arizona, it's the perfect place to take in the beauty of the Mojave Desert. With stunning views of the Colorado River, it's a great place to take a break and reflect on your journey.
The best part of Needles is the local attractions. From the historic Santa Fe Depot to the popular El Garces Hotel, there's something for everyone. If you're looking for some outdoor activities, Needles has plenty to offer. From the Needles Regional Museum to the Needles Rock Climbing Park, you'll be sure to find something to keep you busy.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport (IFP). From there, it's a short drive to Needles.
At the end of your California Route 66 Road Trip, Needles is the perfect place to sit back and relax. With so much to do and see, you'll be sure to make lasting memories.
California Route 66 Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Santa Monica
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End:
Needles
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Distance:
470 km
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Stay:
2 days
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Getting there:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
A road trip on the California section of Route 66 is a unique and unforgettable experience. This historic highway offers a journey through a diverse landscape of deserts, mountains, forests and towns dotted with iconic landmarks, including vintage motels, diners and gas stations. Traveling along Route 66 in California provides a glimpse into the state's rich cultural heritage, with many sites along the route offering a glimpse into the history of the American West and the development of automobile travel in the 20th century.
The California section of Route 66 is also a great opportunity to get off the beaten path and explore some of the state's lesser-known destinations. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply a traveler looking for adventure, this road trip has something for everyone. From the stunning vistas of the Mojave Desert and San Bernardino Mountains to the iconic neighborhoods of Los Angeles, this trip will take you through some of California's most beautiful and historic landscapes. Whether you're planning a long road trip or just a weekend getaway, the California section of Route 66 is a must-see destination that offers a unique and unforgettable journey through the heart of the American West.
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