16 Route 66 Must-Visit Spots In The IE As 100th Anniversary Approaches

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Route 66, which spans the country and California from the Inland Empire to Los Angeles County, turns 100 this year. The event will be celebrated starting in April and continuing through the summer of 2026. Patch picked 16 favorite Route 66 spots to visit in a day, driving from Rancho Cucamonga/Upland area through to Needles.

Route 66 is often called "the Mother Road," "Will Rogers Highway," and "Main Street of America," according to the San Bernardino County Public Works department, which maintains about 150 miles of Route 66 roadway and bridges. The origins of the road go back to before it was even paved, they say. "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."

16 Route 66 Must-See Spots Across Inland Empire, California:

1. Historic Route 66 California Gateway in Needles, California
2. Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles, California
3. Goffs Schoolhouse Museum in Goffs, California
4. Clothing Post in Amboy, California
5. Roy’s Motel & Cafe in Amboy, California
6. Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California
7. Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, California
8. EddieWorld in Yermo, California
9. Barstow Station in Barstow, California
10. California Route 66 Museum in Victorville, California
11. Historic Original McDonald’s Museum in San Bernardino, California
12. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, California
13. Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, California
14. Thomas Winery Plaza in Rancho Cucamonga, California
15. Magic Lamp Inn in Rancho Cucamonga, California
16. Madonna of the Trail in Upland, California

In advance of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, San Bernardino Public Works has cleaned up many areas from Amboy and Mojave, working with local volunteers to clear rubbish and repaint structures.

In November, they beautified the iconic highway in preparation for celebrations at Roy's Motel and Cafe, as well as along the surrounding roadway.

According to the Route 66 Road Map website, Roy’s Motel & Cafe is a Route 66 institution and one of the most photographed sites on the Mother Road.

"While it has fallen into disrepair over the years, the property is slowly being restored, with the giant neon sign brought back to life in 2018."

The San Bernardino County Public Works cleanup took place over one weekend.

"More than 30 volunteers participated, collecting roadside trash and discarded tires," a public works spokesperson said. "Together, the team removed approximately 100 tons of waste and revitalized this cherished stretch of Route 66."

In December, the public works crew and volunteers were working at Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural Association, home of the historic Goffs Schoolhouse.

Further, the public works department has worked over the past few years to improve timber bridge safety along the route.

There are 128 timber bridges that span Route 66 on the San Bernardino County alignment, all rehabilitated or rebuilt for safe passage, all in the eastern part of the county.

"By reconstructing and rehabilitating the aging bridges, the safety, vitality, historical preservation, and accessibility of one of America’s greatest treasures will be reinstated."

What's your favorite place to stop along Route 66?