Historic Route 66, Alpine Lakes, and Outdoor Adventures
Just east of Los Angeles, the Inland Empire and Southern California Mountains offer a striking contrast of landscapes, from sun-drenched valleys to the towering 11,503-foot summit of Mount San Gorgonio. Historic roadside landmarks and vibrant cities give way to pine-covered mountains, alpine lakes, and year-round outdoor adventures.
The restored Cucumonga Service Station along Route 66 is now a museum and gift shop
Foothill Cities
Historic Route 66 runs through the Inland Empire on the final stretch of the Mother Road toward Los Angeles. Follow the highway past retro landmarks like the restored Cucamonga Service Station in Rancho Cucamonga. Nearby Victoria Gardens offers open-air shopping and dining, while the trail to Etiwanda Falls climbs into the scenic foothills. In Riverside, the landmark Mission Inn Hotel & Spa showcases extraordinary architecture and more than a century of hospitality history. Neighboring Redlands is known for its beautifully preserved Victorian homes and historic downtown.
The Rim of the World Drive (Highway 18) in the San Bernardino Mountains
San Bernardino Mountains
The scenic Rim of the World Highway winds through the San Bernardino Mountains, revealing dramatic vistas and forested communities such as Crestline, Twin Peaks, and Lake Arrowhead. Surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, the region offers hiking, rock climbing, and off-road adventures. In Lake Arrowhead, stroll the waterfront village for lakeside dining and shopping, or take a scenic boat tour across the lake. Farther east, Big Bear Lake offers four seasons of recreation, from summer hiking and boating to winter skiing and snowboarding.
Southern California’s remarkable geography makes it possible to ski in the mountains in the morning and reach the Pacific coast by sunset.
Some family vacations are measured by the places you visit. The best are remembered for the experiences you share. From sleepovers in a vintage railroad caboose to horseback rides at a dude ranch, and from treasure hunts in the forest to beach bonfires beneath the stars, these California boutique hotels invite families to experience the Golden State in unforgettable ways.
Pool time at Hotel Káterina
Hotel Katerina
At Hotel Katerina in Chico, family vacations begin with a surprise from the treasure chest. Young guests are welcomed in VIP style before settling into spacious family suites or the Lil Rancher’s Campout Experience, which transforms a hotel room into an indoor camping adventure complete with a themed tent, games, and snacks. Sunny afternoons are spent splashing in the pool, while evenings bring kid-friendly mocktails and Little Rancher’s favorites at the on-site restaurant, followed by cookies and milk before family movie night. Just minutes away, Bidwell Park offers playgrounds, hiking trails, and swimming holes in one of the nation’s largest municipal parks.
Adirondack chairs in the river at Big Sur River Inn
Big Sur River Inn
The historic Big Sur River Inn offers a nostalgic retreat along Highway 1 with one unforgettable twist: chairs in the river. Adirondack chairs set in the shallow, slow-moving waters of the Big Sur River invite parents to kick back in the shade while kids splash nearby. Beneath towering redwoods, spacious riverside suites with Murphy beds and river-view decks give families plenty of room to spread out. Between river time and dips in the pool, families can grab a scoop from the vintage ice cream bus, enjoy made-to-order burritos from the General Store, savor summer barbecues, and dine on the restaurant’s sprawling outdoor patio or in the historic dining room.
Alisal Ranch
Alisal Ranch
At Alisal Ranch, families can trade screen time for the timeless adventures of a California dude ranch. Set on 10,500 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley, the all-inclusive ranch invites guests to saddle up for guided horseback rides, climb aboard a horse-drawn wagon for the legendary Old Adobe pancake breakfast, paddle kayaks and paddleboards on a private lake, and meet friendly barnyard animals. While younger guests enjoy crafts, scavenger hunts, and other supervised Kids’ Club activities, evenings bring s’mores, bingo, karaoke, and country line dancing. Cozy cottage-style accommodations with wood-burning fireplaces—but no televisions—encourage families to unplug and reconnect after a day on the range.
Oceanview Sundeck Suite at Beach House Inn & Suites
Beach Street Inn & Suites
At Beach Street Inn & Suites, families can walk to Santa Cruz’s biggest attractions. Located directly across from Main Beach, between the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Wharf, the boutique hotel makes it easy to spend the day riding roller coasters, building sandcastles, or watching sea lions on the wharf. Family-friendly accommodations include rooms with Murphy beds, sleeper sofas, and kitchens. The spacious Beach House Suites comfortably sleep six. Many rooms also feature private balconies overlooking the Monterey Bay. Throughout the hotel, laid-back surf-shack décor creates a fun, beachy vibe. After a day of adventure, kids can splash in the heated pool before stopping by the lobby for complimentary snow cones and popcorn.
A tree swing at Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast
Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast
Kids who dream of trains can spend the night in a vintage railroad caboose. On the shores of Clear Lake at Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast, authentic railroad cabooses have been transformed into cozy overnight accommodations, with family-friendly options including bunk beds, trundle beds, and portable cribs. Days are filled with swimming in the pool, paddling kayaks and paddleboards on the lake, riding bicycles, and playing lawn games, while little ones explore the jungle gym and train table. Each morning begins with a hearty breakfast featuring kid-friendly favorites, followed by another day of lakeside adventures.
Aerial view of Little River Inn, photo courtesy of Little River Inn
Little River Inn
Family vacations at Little River Inn spark curiosity. Family-owned and operated for more than 80 years, the oceanfront resort has welcomed generations of guests to discover the natural wonders of the Mendocino Coast. The hotel’s Family Discovery Package turns a coastal getaway into a hands-on adventure, complete with guidebooks, a self-guided itinerary, a naturalist-led walk, a safari tour at nearby B. Bryan Preserve, tide pooling at Van Damme State Beach, and stargazing with hot chocolate. Back at the inn, wide oceanfront lawns invite kids to run and play, a trail leads families to a calm, sandy beach, and the restaurant offers a dedicated kids’ menu for family meals after a day of exploring.
Family discovery at The Presidio. Photo courtesy of The Presidio Trust
Presidio Lodging
In San Francisco, the Presidio is the city’s biggest playground. The Inn at the Presidio and Lodge at the Presidio place families in the heart of the 1,500-acre national park, where miles of hiking trails, beaches, playgrounds, and historic sites are just steps away. Kids can climb at the Outpost playground, complete the Presidio Adventure Passport, hunt for GeoQuesting treasures, or follow the new SF Nature Adventure Map to discover some of the city’s best outdoor experiences. Spacious accommodations, complimentary breakfast, and family-friendly room options—including suites with separate living areas, sofa beds, and two-queen rooms—make it easy to turn a San Francisco getaway into a family adventure.
Kit Carson Lodge at Silver Lake
Kit Carson Lodge
For 100 years, generations of families have gathered at Kit Carson Lodge for summer retreats in the High Sierra. Set on the shores of Silver Lake, the historic lodge invites guests to trade screens for days spent paddling kayaks, casting for trout, hiking the wildflower-filled trails of nearby Carson Pass, and swimming in the crystal-clear mountain lake. Spacious cabins and lakeside cottages with full kitchens make it easy for families to settle in for a few days, while the private marina offers rentals for canoes, paddleboards, motorboats, and more. After a day’s adventure, families can relax over dinner at the lakeview restaurant before gathering around the fire pit to roast s’mores under the stars.
Giant chessboard in the courtyard of the Haley Hotel
Haley Hotel
The nautical-themed Haley Hotel places families within walking distance of Santa Barbara’s best kid-friendly attractions. The reimagined motor lodge features playful décor and spacious corner family suites with separate bunk rooms, giving kids a place of their own. After exploring the hands-on exhibits at MOXI, strolling Stearns Wharf, or enjoying ice cream along State Street, families can gather in the lively courtyard for ping pong, giant Jenga, Connect 4, or a game of cornhole while little ones play in the sandbox. As the sun sets, the fire pits become the perfect spot to roast marshmallows and recap the day’s adventures.
One of the guest cabins at Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins
Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins
Family vacations at Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins are filled with playhouse fun, treasure hunts, and mountain adventures. Nestled among towering pines near Lake Arrowhead, the six-acre property features cozy cabins with full kitchens or kitchenettes, private barbecues, and plenty of room to gather after a day outdoors. Kids can climb through the two-story log playhouse, swing on the playground, search for hidden treasures during nature scavenger hunts, and explore wooded paths, a bubbling stream, and a koi pond. Families can cool off in the seasonal pool, challenge each other to giant checkers or ping pong, and venture just minutes away to SkyPark at Santa’s Village for mountain biking, climbing, zip lines, and year-round outdoor fun.
View of Sunny Cove Beach from the Captain’s Quarters at Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages, photo by Garrick Ramirez courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz County
Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages
Evoking the nostalgia of summer vacations at the beach, Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages invites families to experience a historic seaside getaway in Santa Cruz. Tucked into the quiet Live Oak neighborhood just steps from Sunny Cove Beach, the inn has welcomed generations of families with cozy cottages featuring kitchens, barbecue grills, and plenty of room to settle in for a few days by the ocean. Kids can borrow beach toys to build sandcastles, challenge each other to ping pong, and end the day with a beach bonfire and s’mores at sunset. It’s a relaxed coastal escape where families can reconnect and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
Horseback riding at Circle Bar B
Circle Bar B Guest Ranch
Founded as a children’s camp in 1939, Circle Bar B is a fourth-generation, family-owned guest ranch nestled in a remote coastal canyon near Santa Barbara. For more than 80 years, the ranch has welcomed families to its 1,100-acre property. Families can saddle up for guided horseback rides through fern-lined canyons and across mountain streams, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands. Spacious cottages and family suites comfortably accommodate larger groups, and hearty family-style breakfasts and dinners are included with every stay. Between trail rides, families can cool off in the pool, play games in the recreation room, or gather around the outdoor fireplace beneath the stars.
Aerial view of Timber Cove Resort
Timber Cove Resort
Timber Cove Resort invites families to experience the wild beauty of the Sonoma Coast. Perched atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific, the resort’s family guest rooms feature a queen bed and twin bunk beds, plus a fireplace, a balcony, a record player, and board games for cozy evenings after a day outdoors. Families can join guided foraging adventures through tide pools, forests, and coastal meadows to search for edible plants and seasonal treasures, then return to the resort to sample the day’s discoveries. Afterward, kids can challenge each other to foosball or ping pong, roast s’mores by the fire, and gaze at the night sky through telescopes as waves crash below.
The heated pool at Beach House Half Moon Bay
Beach House Half Moon Bay
Beach House Half Moon Bay is made for family beach vacations. Every oversized suite offers 450 square feet of space, a separate living area with a pullout sofa, a kitchenette, and a private patio or balcony, giving families plenty of room to spread out after a day outdoors. Just beyond the hotel, Pillar Point Harbor offers a sheltered beach where kids can splash and play, while older children can try kayaking or explore the scenic California Coastal Trail, which begins right outside the property. An oceanfront heated pool, complimentary breakfast, and free parking make this coastal escape as convenient as it is relaxing.
Exterior of The Groveland Hotel at dusk
The Groveland Hotel
The Groveland Hotel is an ideal base camp for family adventures in Yosemite National Park. Just outside the park in the Gold Rush town of Groveland, this 18-room boutique hotel blends historic charm with family-friendly accommodations, including spacious suites and a one-of-a-kind room featuring custom queen bunk beds. After a day exploring Yosemite, families can cool off at nearby Rainbow Pools, marvel at the dollar-bill-covered ceiling of the historic Iron Door Saloon, or unwind back at the hotel, where the tiered garden patio invites outdoor meals and the chance to slow down before another day of adventure.
In California, dogs don’t just tag along on vacation—they’re part of the plan from the get-go. From breezy coastal escapes to mountain hideaways and wine country retreats, these boutique hotels know how to make four-legged guests feel right at home. Think house-made treats at check-in, dining patios with gourmet dog menus, bathing stations for rinsing sandy paws, and plush beds for curling up at night. Whether your pup prefers beach walks, forested trails, or lounging in the sunshine, these stays make it easy to bring them along for the full California experience.
Pet-friendly amenities at San Ysidro Ranch
San Ysidro Ranch
Tucked away in the Montecito foothills, San Ysidro Ranch extends its storied glamour and five-star service to four-legged guests. Dogs are treated like royalty with plush beds, branded dog bowls, house-made cookies, and a Ty beanie dog toy. A decadent dog menu features dishes like peanut butter and bacon pancakes and puppuccinos. Cats receive equally thoughtful treatment, with in-room cat trees, scratching pads, catnip, Hills Science Diet cat food, and even a dedicated water fountain filled with San Benedetto Artesian Water. All of San Ysidro Ranch’s 38 cottages are pet-friendly.
All suites and studios at Carmel Country Inn welcome dogs.
Carmel Country Inn
While many hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea are pet-friendly, few embrace four-legged guests quite like the Carmel Country Inn. Dogs are greeted by name on a welcome board, and unlimited treats are always within reach. There are pet strollers for wandering Carmel’s storybook streets and a bathing station for cleaning sandy paws after a romp on the beach. Seasonally inspired backdrops double as photo ops, with visiting pups featured across the hotel’s social media. All suites and studios welcome dogs of all breeds and sizes, with a pet fee of $25 per pet, per day.
A pet-friendly guest room at Enchante Boutique Hotel
Enchanté Boutique Hotel
In the heart of downtown Los Altos, the French-inspired Enchanté Boutique Hotel approaches pet travel with a distinctly tailored sensibility. Its Pampered Pooch package includes a custom luxury dog bed, filtered water, and chef-prepared treats, along with a one-hour session with a professional dog behaviorist—whether for training, enrichment, or a guided walk through the village. A Canine Concierge curates local outings, while the on-site bistro offers a dedicated “NaPAWleon” menu, featuring Harris Ranch beef patties and gourmet dog biscuits, best enjoyed together on the bistro’s outdoor patio. Select rooms are pet-friendly, and a one-time $50 per-pet fee applies.
Ocean view from a pet-friendly guest room at Little River Inn
Little River Inn
Family-owned for five generations, the Little River Inn makes it easy to bring dogs into the full Mendocino Coast experience. Start the day with a walk to the pet-friendly beach across the road or a hike through nearby redwood trails, then settle in for a meal together in a heated garden cabana, on an ocean-view deck, or in the cozy parlor. Seasonal offerings include kayaking or canoeing with your dog, plus events like Pup Palooza that bring the dog-loving community together. Many ocean-view rooms welcome pets, with no breed or weight restrictions, and a $30 per pet, per night fee.
Lobby of the Stanford Inn by the Sea
Stanford Inn by the Sea
At Stanford Inn by the Sea, a tranquil eco-resort on the Mendocino Coast, pets are welcomed as part of a broader philosophy of compassion and connection. They have hosted dogs and cats as well as iguanas, parrots, potbelly pigs, and even a tortoise. There are no weight or breed restrictions. The hotel greets a menagerie of guests with handmade treats, stainless steel dishes, and more. Pets are welcome in nearly all common spaces (except the pool and dining room). Evenings unfold with dinner by the fire in the lobby, while days can include kayaking together along the calm waters of Big River. The pet fee is $45 for the first pet and $22.50 for each additional pet.
Pet-friendly guest room at the Murieta Inn & Spa
Murieta Inn & Spa
Set amid the scenic foothills just outside Sacramento, Murieta Inn & Spa offers exceptional flexibility for guests traveling with dogs—especially more than one. Patio rooms open directly onto the hotel’s dedicated dog park, making it easy to step outside and let them run. The Fido package adds a few fun extras, including a dog bed and a “Barkuterie” board, and the hotel can help arrange daycare, overnight sitting, and grooming as needed. All rooms are pet-friendly with no size restrictions and can accommodate up to three dogs or more upon request. A $100 pet fee covers the entire stay.
Sunset views from the Cottages at Little River Cove
Cottages at Little River Cove
Nestled on two acres, the Cottages at Little River Cove offer a relaxed, stress-free escape for guests traveling with pets. Private entrances and spacious layouts make it easy to settle in with furry companions, while thoughtful touches like cozy beds, towels, bowls, and treats create a comfortable home base. The real draw, however, is the easy access to Mendocino’s dog-friendly landscapes, from blufftop trails to off-leash beaches. Staff is happy to share recommendations for dog-friendly beaches, coastal trails, wineries, and restaurants so pups can join in the adventure. The cottages welcome up to two pets (dogs and cats only) with a pet fee of $30 per pet, per night.
The dog bath at Mar Vista Farm & Cottages
Mar Vista Farm + Cottages
Once they’ve visited, dogs never want to leave Mar Vista Farm + Cottages. With nine acres to roam, there’s plenty of space to stretch out along the Mendocino Coast. There are grassy fields for running, redwoods for exploring, and a secluded beach for splashing through the surf. Many more dog-friendly beaches are a short drive away. After a day of outdoor adventures, the dog-wash station—complete with warm water, shampoo, and towels—comes in handy for cleaning up before settling in for the night. Pet fees are $85 per stay for one dog and $110 for two, with a two-dog maximum and no breed restrictions.
The backyard garden lawn at the Lavender Inn
Lavender Inn
In the enchanting village of Ojai, the Lavender Inn offers a peaceful hideaway for guests traveling with their dog. All dogs receive VIP (Very Important Pet) amenities, including cozy dog beds, a “reserved for the dog” pillow, water and food bowls, and more. The inn’s standalone cottage features a private entrance and French doors that open onto a patio and fenced backyard. Dogs are also welcome in the inn’s more expansive, garden-filled backyard and on the veranda for enjoying breakfast or the evening wine hour. Ojai’s dog-friendly restaurant patios and hiking trails are just steps away. There is a one-time pet fee of $65, with limits based on room type and size.
Private patio of one of the cottages at The Atlas, photo by @TheDarlingNiki
The Atlas Calistoga
In the heart of Calistoga, The Atlas pairs refined wine country with a warm, “paws-on” approach to hospitality. The property offers luxurious pied-à-terres with the choice between three private cottages and the spacious main house. Tail-wagging amenities include plush beds, Yeti food and water bowls, and a basket of toys. A thoughtfully curated guide helps guests navigate Calistoga like a local with lists of dog-friendly wineries, trails, parks, and dining patios around town. The Atlas allows up to two dogs per room (no cats), with a $30 per day pet fee.
Pet-friendly guest room at Hotel San Luis Obispo
Hotel San Luis Obispo
The MICHELIN One Key Hotel San Luis Obispo is a favorite of many celebrity pooches on Instagram, and an easy choice for traveling with your own. Set in the heart of downtown, the hotel blends indoor and outdoor living with plenty of space to settle in with your dog. Just outside, SLO’s shady creekside paths, dog-friendly tasting rooms, and patio-lined streets make exploring on foot simple. Beaches, hiking trails, and vineyards are a short drive away. The hotel allows up to three dogs per room with no breed or weight restrictions; the pet fee is $90 per dog, per stay.
Pet-friendly guest room at The Steward Santa Barbara
The Steward Santa Barbara
The Steward Santa Barbara believes vacations are better when your best friend tags along. Wander the hotel’s lush gardens, linger by the fire pit, and relax in a spacious one-bedroom suite. Nearby, dog-friendly beaches, trails, shops, and outdoor cafes set the scene for exploring Santa Barbara together. The hotel’s Paws & Unwind package offers a warm welcome, complete with a cozy bed, bowl, and treats. The package also includes the hotel pet fee (a $150 value), with up to two pets per room. Additional pets are $50 each.
Lounge at the Lodge at the Presidio
Inn at the Presidio and Lodge at the Presidio
Set within 1,500 acres of parkland in the heart of San Francisco’s Presidio, the Inn at the Presidio and Lodge at the Presidio offer a rare mix of urban and outdoor exploration for dog-friendly stays. Miles of trails, dog-friendly beaches, and sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views are right outside the door. Both hotels offer pet-friendly patios with fire pits and verandas with views of the historic Main Post. Several restaurants with dog-friendly patios are within walking distance. Both hotels offer bowls, dog beds, and leashes for use. Up to two pets of any size are welcome, with a one-time $40 pet fee per stay.
Pet-friendly guest room at The Landsby
The Landsby
In the Danish-inspired town of Solvang, The Landsby makes it easy to bring your furry companion on vacation. The Stay & Play package includes treats, bowls, and a bone-shaped bag dispenser, while the hotel’s courtyard lounge—with fire pits and open-air seating—offers a comfortable place to unwind together. Solvang’s walkable streets are lined with dog-friendly patios, tasting rooms, and boutiques, and the staff is happy to share local recommendations. The pet fee is $100 per stay, with a maximum of two dogs and some weight restrictions.
Pet-friendly lodging with a view at Elk Cove Inn & Spa
Elk Cove Inn & Spa
Perched on a bluff along the Mendocino Coast, Elk Cove Inn & Spa offers direct access to a driftwood-strewn beach with plenty of space to roam and all the sticks a dog could want. The inn offers a variety of pet-friendly rooms and an ocean-view terrace where guests can dine with their furry friends. Dogs are greeted with treats and a welcome basket filled with beach towels, bowls, pet waste bags, and more. A pet relief area is located on-site. The inn charges $30 per night for up to two well-behaved pups.
Pet-friendly cottage at Nick’s Cove
Nick’s Cove & Cottages
In a serene, sheltered cove on Tomales Bay, Nick’s Cove & Cottages warmly welcomes dogs with belly rubs and house-made treats. Seven of the 12 luxurious cottages are pet-friendly, and staff provide dirty paw towels, waste bags, and a curated guide to dog-friendly activities and attractions. There are three small beaches on site for pets, and an expansive pet-friendly beach just a 15-minute drive north. For dining, the restaurant offers plenty of outdoor seating with views of the bay. The cottages welcome up to two dogs with a fee of $60 per pet, per stay.
Walking the grounds of Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins
Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins
Tucked among the pines near Lake Arrowhead, Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins offers a laid-back mountain escape you can explore with your best friend. Set across 10 wooded acres, the property is threaded with walking paths, ponds, and seasonal creeks. Nearby, an off-leash dog park and forested hiking trails provide even more room to wander. Many cabins are pet-friendly and stocked with thoughtful touches for creating a comfortable home-away-from-home. Pet fees are $35 per stay, per night, with a two-dog maximum and a $300 refundable pet deposit.
Before traveling, please notify the hotel of your plans to bring your pet and check the hotel’s website for updates to pet fees and additional policies and restrictions.
Route 66 has always been more than a highway. Commissioned in 1926, the “Mother Road” stitched together small towns and big-city dreams from Chicago to Los Angeles, carrying Dust Bowl migrants west, postwar families on vacation, and generations of road trippers chasing California sunshine. In 1937, the highway was realigned to end at the Santa Monica Pier, where the asphalt meets the Pacific in a flourish of sea breezes and carnival lights. As the route celebrates its centennial this year, driving the California stretch feels like flipping through a living scrapbook of neon signs, desert outposts, and famous boulevards. Here’s how to experience it, east to west.
The Route: East to West Through California
In Needles, a vintage wagon–a 1940s movie prop–welcomes the visitors to the city.
Needles: The Gateway
Crossing the Colorado River, California welcomes travelers in a wash of desert light and vintage Americana. In Needles, downtown streets preserve remnants of the Mother Road, with white Route 66 shields stenciled on the asphalt and colorful murals brightening the landscape. Snap a photo at the hulking Needles Welcome Wagon, a 1940s movie prop, then seek out the ruins of vintage motels with neon signs. The city’s most elegant landmark is the 1908 El Garces train depot, whose broad verandas once welcomed rail passengers and Route 66 travelers alike.
Roy’s Motel and Cafe’s vintage sign along Route 66 in the Mojave Desert
The Mojave Desert: Goffs to Amboy
West of Needles, Route 66 slips into the vastness of Mojave National Preserve, protecting 1.6 million acres of singing sand dunes, twisted Joshua trees, and volcanic cinder cones. Hike the soaring Kelso Dunes—600 feet high and carpeted with wildflowers after the spring rains—or summit Teutonia Peak for sweeping desert views. At dawn and dusk, watch for desert tortoise and other surprising wildlife. Then, as you approach Amboy, the iconic Roy’s Motel & Café sign rises like a desert mirage. Grab a cold drink, take the obligatory selfie, and soak up the retro cool.
Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch on Route 66
Barstow and Victorville
In the remote desert town of Barstow, the Route 66 Mother Road Museum celebrates the highway’s golden age with vintage cars, neon signs, and midcentury relics that retrace the California dream. Just west of Barstow, The Bottle Tree Ranch shimmers in the desert sun, its welded metal “trees” hung with colored glass in a vibrant ode to roadside folk art. Further on in Victorville, the California Route 66 Museum keeps the nostalgia flowing with classic cars, gas pumps, and diner-era memorabilia.
The restored Cucumonga Service Station along Route 66 is now a museum and gift shop
San Bernardino and Rancho Cucamonga
As the desert gives way to the Inland Empire, palm trees and citrus groves mark your approach to greater Los Angeles. In San Bernardino—immortalized in Nat King Cole’s “Route 66”—the county museum dives into the region’s past, while the Original McDonald’s Site adds a dash of roadside Americana. Cruise the historic Foothill Boulevard into Rancho Cucamonga to visit the restored 1915 Cucamonga Service Station—now a Route 66 museum and gift shop. More midcentury architecture and classic diners line the route, echoing its enduring appeal.
Pasadena City Hall
Pasadena
After miles of desert outposts and roadside nostalgia, the road becomes Colorado Boulevard and enters Pasadena, arriving at a refined urban center rich in cultural and architectural heritage. Along the historic route, you’ll pass the renowned Pasadena Playhouse, the iconic Pasadena City Hall, and the restored brick storefronts of Old Pasadena. Colorado Boulevard is also the path for the famed Tournament of Roses Parade. While in town, tour the Arts & Crafts Gamble House, wander the Huntington’s exquisite gardens and galleries, and visit the impressive collections at the Norton Simon Museum.
Hollywood Walk of Fame at twilight
Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, Route 66 trades city sprawl for cinematic swagger. The historic alignment threads through downtown, where the Broadway Theater District hums with restored movie palaces and the bustling Grand Central Market. Climbing into Hollywood along Sunset Boulevard, neon signs, vintage theaters, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame celebrate the city’s silver-screen mythology. Farther west, Santa Monica Boulevard carries the Mother Road past retro diners through West Hollywood’s design boutiques and nightlife, then into Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles, gliding past the famed storefronts of Rodeo Drive before angling toward the sea.
The Santa Monica Pier at sunset
Santa Monica
At last, Route 66 reaches its celebrated end at the Santa Monica Pier, where the continent yields to the Pacific Ocean. Santa Monica’s wide, sandy beach spreads out beneath swaying palms and the steady rhythm of rolling waves. Stretch your legs along the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, a.k.a. “The Strand,” which traces 22 oceanfront miles from Pacific Palisades south to Torrance. On the pier, an “End of the Trail” sign marks the route’s terminus, where a Ferris wheel spins above the surf, street performers entertain at sunset, and the salt air carries a sense of arrival.
Where to Stay Along Route 66 in California
Restaurant at the Sanctity Hotel
Sanctity Hotel
In Rancho Cucamonga, Sanctity Hotel offers a restorative pause between desert miles and city lights. Unwind in the wellness studio, sip cocktails from the rooftop bar, and retreat to serene, design-forward rooms before continuing west on the Mother Road.
Guest room at the Los Angeles Athletic Club
Los Angeles Athletic Club Hotel
Just two blocks from Route 66’s original terminus in downtown, the Los Angeles Athletic Club hotel provides entrée into an exclusive private club with state-of-the-art athletic facilities, elegant lounges, and handsomely appointed guest rooms in the heart of L.A.’s Historic Core.
Rooftop fire pit at Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
A few blocks south, designer Kelly Wearstler transformed a historic landmark into a luxurious boutique hotel with an expressive soul. With destination dining and rooftop pool with skyline views, the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel delivers bold design and an unmistakably cosmopolitan vibe.
Elevated pool deck at Silver Lake Pool & Inn
Silver Lake Pool & Inn
Near Sunset Junction, Silver Lake Pool & Inn channels relaxed California cool. An elevated pool deck and lively Italian-inspired restaurant create a stylish neighborhood base for exploring L.A.’s eastside just off the historic route.
Entrance to the Hollywood Hotel
Hollywood Hotel
Set along the Route 66 corridor, Hollywood Hotel pairs affordability with a bit of old-school glamour. A palm-shaded courtyard and outdoor pool offer welcome respite, while quick access to Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards makes it an ideal base for exploring Tinseltown.
Reflecting pool at Cara Hotel
Cara Hotel
Nestled between Hollywood and Los Feliz, Cara Hotel is a tranquil hideaway centered on a dreamy, sun-dappled courtyard and reflecting pool. By night, its restaurant and bar hum with sophistication and understated glamour.
Palihotel Hollywood Pool
Palihotel Hollywood
On Sunset Boulevard, Palihotel Hollywood captures vintage L.A. spirit with playful design, patterned interiors, and an oversized courtyard pool. A guest-exclusive café and bar add personality to this spirited stop along the Mother Road.
Courtyard fire pit at the Olivia Hotel
Olivia Hotel
Located along the original Route 66 near Westwood Village and UCLA, the new Olivia Hotel delivers modern comfort with a boutique sensibility. Gather around the outdoor fire pit after a day on the road and wake to an elevated take on the classic continental breakfast.
Guest room at the Channel Road Inn
Channel Road Inn
Two blocks from the beach in Santa Monica Canyon, the historic Channel Road Inn offers a serene coastal retreat. Period charm, thoughtful comforts, and warm hospitality make it an inviting place to unwind at the journey’s end.
