10 CA Must-See Stops To Get Your Kicks On Route 66 As Its 100th Anniversary Approaches

CALIFORNIA— Route 66, which spans the country and California from the Inland Empire to Los Angeles County, turns 100 this year. The celebrations start in April and will continue through the summer of 2026.

The trek, roughly 300 miles from one end of the Golden State to the other, takes about 5 hours without stopping. With plenty of places to eat, pose or even kitchy hotels to rest your head? That's entirely up to you.

Patch picked our top 10 favorite Route 66 spots to visit in a day, driving from the Santa Monica Pier to Needles, and some rare gems that may bring to mind all things Disney "Radiator Springs," the bypassed town in the Pixar flick that paid silent homage to the strip of asphalt that bisects the country.

Often referred to as "the Mother Road," "Will Rogers Highway," and "Main Street of America," miles of roadways and old timber bridges of Route 66 are maintained by the San Bernardino County Public Works Department from where it begins in California to Rancho Cucamonga. Then, it is cared for by both the Los Angeles County and City Public Works Departments, from Glendora to the Santa Monica Pier.

The road's origins date back before it was even paved, according to a San Bernardino Public Works spokesperson. "The road has served this country well as families left the Dust Bowl and headed west to California during the Great Depression, moving troops and supplies during World War II and becoming a destination in itself to travelers seeking freedom of the open highway."

This year, the County of San Bernardino has worked to repave the roadway and clean up areas around Route 66 landmarks.

Likewise, Santa Monica, the official western terminus of Route 66, has hosted several Route 66 events so far in 2026, including a cross-country cruise.

"Santa Monica has long been the place where America’s most iconic road meets the Pacific," a city spokesperson said. "In the mid-20th century, at the height of Route 66’s cultural impact, Ocean Avenue was lined with motels and cafés welcoming travelers at the end of their journey, while the Santa Monica Pier offered a breathtaking view for all to take in.

Today, the Route 66 End of the Trail sign on the Pier stands as a lasting tribute to the adventurers who made it from one end of the country to the other.

“As part of the 100-year celebration, we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the globe to begin or end their Route 66 journey in our urban beach city," the city said. Cities like Santa Monica are celebrating all year long, even hosting a contest for creative types to write and submit an original song that captures the historic spirit of Santa Monica. That contest runs through April 30, with a winner announced in June.

Top 10 Route 66 Must-See Spots In California:

It's hard to choose only ten places to pause and snap a pic as you drive from one end of the state to the other. Still, there are a few that, once you learn about them, you absolutely have to go.

Many have been cleaned up and dressed for the Centennial Anniversary, with neon brightened, fresh paint applied and asphalt resurfaced. Starting from Santa Monica to Needles,

1. 66-To-Cali in Santa Monica, California
2. Tail O’ the Pup in West Hollywood, California
3. The Donut Man in Glendora, California
4. Magic Lamp Inn in Rancho Cucamonga, California
5. Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, California
6. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, California
7. Roy's Motel & Clothing Post in Amboy, California
8. Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, California
9. EddieWorld in Yermo, California
10. Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles, California

While these are our 10 must-stops, there are many more places along the way.

As you cruise down Route 66, you'll pass through the cities of Needles, Goffs, Fenner, Essex, Chambless, Amboy, Ludlow, Newberry Springs, Barstow, Helendale, Oro Grande, Victorville, Cajon Pass, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Glendora, Arcadia, Pasadena and Santa Monica.

Where will you stop along the way? Let us know when you go!