12 Must-See Stops on Your Road Trip from LA to Vegas
A road trip is most exciting when you travel between the glamorous streets of Los Angeles and the electric lights of Las Vegas. But why rush the drive? The 270-mile route from LA to Vegas features unusual attractions, breathtaking scenery, and historical points of interest that make it worth slowing down.
This guide enables Route 66 enthusiasts, desert scenery admirers, and roadside attraction fans to transform their four-hour drive into an unforgettable journey. Secure your seatbelt before exploring these 12 essential destinations!
Calico Ghost Town – Step Back in Time
Step back into the Old West at Calico Ghost Town, where silver rush history still lives as it was once a bustling mining settlement. Experience the town’s history by strolling through its rebuilt structures, investigating original mining tunnels, or practicing gold panning. Explore California’s mining past through this immersive experience and embrace your cowboy (or cowgirl) spirit.
TIP: Make sure your footwear is comfortable because you’ll need to explore the entire quirky ghost town on foot. Experience the unique house-made sarsaparilla available at the general store.
Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner – A Retro Refreshment
Feeling hungry? The Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner in Yermo delivers an authentic 1950s atmosphere through its lively roadside dining experience. Enjoy classic American comfort food options like cheeseburgers and milkshakes at all hours while enjoying retro decor and jukebox tunes.
TIP: Explore the dinosaur-themed garden located at the back. Yes, you read that right—dinosaurs.
Mojave National Preserve – Desert Dreams
Searching for a mind-blowing detour? Visitors to Mojave National Preserve can find towering dunes and volcanic rock formations amongst stunning desert landscapes. Experience the unique sound of the sands “singing” while you walk across the Kelso Dunes.
TIP: Pack water and sunscreen. In the desert, every challenge must be faced head-on without tricks.
Seven Magic Mountains – Art in the Desert
The desert landscape features seven glowing boulders painted neon colors that stand out against its barren background. Ugo Rondinone’s art piece represents the ultimate Instagram photo opportunity. The area lies only 30 minutes from Vegas, where visitors can experience vibrant scenes that forecast the city’s colorful disorder.
TIP: Arrive early to avoid crowds and capture photos with soft golden lighting.
Zzyzx Road – The Curious Desert Oasis
Have you ever seen the strange “Zzyzx Road” sign while traveling toward Las Vegas? The turnoff leads to what was once a health spa and is now a research station. Explore the remains of Curtis Howe Springer’s distinct mineral springs resort to experience desert history from a unique perspective.
TIP: Practice saying “Zzyzx” aloud multiple times because it feels strangely satisfying. (For the record, it’s pronounced “Zye-ziks.”)
Barstow – A Route 66 Gem
Barstow serves as an essential repository for Route 66 history. Visit the Route 66 Mother Road Museum and explore downtown Barstow’s vintage murals before dining at an original Route 66 diner.
TIP: Explore Barstow Station, where retired train cars create a quirky roadside stop. McDonald’s doesn’t get any cooler than this.
Alien Fresh Jerky – Out-of-This-World Snacks
Alien Fresh Jerky in Baker turns the experience into an interstellar adventure. Purchase alien-inspired souvenirs, such as UFO-shaped hot sauce, and try exotic jerky flavors, like Honey Teriyaki and carne asada.
TIP: Ensure you capture your “space-age” selfie beside the UFO parked at the lot.
Valley of Fire State Park
Take a short trip outside the Vegas Valley to explore Nevada’s most beautiful and oldest state park. Fiery red sandstone formations make the Valley of Fire fully match its fiery name. Visiting the natural arches and petroglyphs at this site is essential!
TIP: If you’re limited to one hike in the park, the Fire Wave Trail should be your priority. It’s short, stunning, and fiery.
Hoover Dam – An Engineering Marvel
The Hoover Dam is a historic site at the Nevada-Arizona border and offers remarkable photography opportunities. Join a guided tour to discover how Hoover Dam shaped the Colorado River flow and changed the Southwest region.
TIP: Visitors will find Lake Mead’s top vantage point views alone worth stopping for.
Lake Mead – A Desert Oasis
Fancy a picnic by the water? Lake Mead is a peaceful, scenic gem within its surrounding desert terrain. Enjoy the lake through kayaking, swimming, or the serene shoreline scenery while preparing for your drive’s last segment.
TIP: Take snacks and drinks before you leave because the area doesn’t have many amenities.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory – A Sweet Detour
When you visit Henderson before going to the Strip, enjoy premium chocolates at Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory. Stroll around their beautiful cactus garden while tasting popular sweets such as pecan brittle and truffles.
TIP: Plan your visit to coincide with the free self-guided tour of the chocolate-making process.
Las Vegas Welcome Sign – The Grand Finale
You’ve made it! A visit to Las Vegas remains incomplete without a photo at the iconic Welcome Sign. The Sign is the perfect spot for selfies, which many people use to snap a picture before they start exploring the city’s bright lights and endless attractions.
TIP: People should plan their visits during sunrise
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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