The journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is more than just a boring drive through the desert, it’s a road trip filled with quirky stops, historical gems, and delicious eats. Some people prefer to fly, but for me, the drive from Los Angeles is part of the Las Vegas experience! Buckle up and let’s hit the road on this iconic 270-mile adventure!
The Best Stops Between Los Angeles and Las Vegas Road Trip
My grandmother moved to Las Vegas from Ojai, California back in the early 90s, so I grew up driving out to Las Vegas with my mom to visit her family. We never stopped along the way (aside from maybe a burger and fries at Barstow Station), but when my husband and I started traveling around California (and a few trips to Vegas), well, we stop at EVERYTHING! We can turn a 3-4 hour drive into an all-day adventure!
There are two different ways to drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. If you’re located in Los Angeles proper or east LA, then taking the 10 or the 210 to the 15 is probably the fastest route. However, if you’re located in the San Fernando Valley, you may be closer to the 14 and then taking the 58 across the desert to the 15 is the fastest route. Both ways are awesome! Both ways have awesome and weird things to see and do! Maybe take one way there and the other back? Ok, let’s hit the road!
Los Angeles to Las Vegas via the 10 or 210 to the 15:
There are some possible stops along the way on the 10 or 210, but most people really feel like they’re “on the road” once they get out of Los Angeles and into Victorville. But if you’re looking for more, check out my Route 66 California post.
Read More: Ultimate Guide to Cruising Route 66 in California (coming soon!)
Stop 1: Victorville Route 66 Museum in Victorville, CA
Begin your journey with a dose of nostalgia at the California Route 66 Museum. This charming spot celebrates the iconic “Mother Road” with vintage signs, classic cars, and quirky memorabilia. Take a fun photo with the VW Love Bus or the Route 66 timeline mural. It’s a perfect start to your adventure!
Stop 2: Emma Jean’s Hollandburger Cafe in Victorville, CA
Fuel up at Emma Jean’s Hollandburger Cafe, a cozy diner serving up hearty breakfasts and mouthwatering burgers. This retro spot has been a local favorite since 1947 and has even appeared on TV. Don’t miss their famous “Brian Burger” with a side of onion rings!
Stop 3: Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, CA
Prepare to be dazzled by the whimsical beauty of Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch. This roadside art installation features “trees” crafted from colorful bottles, old tools, and unique antiques. Wander through the forest of creativity, and make sure your camera is ready!
Read More: Visit Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch on Route 66 in California
Stop 4: Various Stops in Barstow, CA
Barstow is the last major town before driving to Vegas. My mom and I would always stop at the Barstow Station McDonald’s for a quick snack along the drive. I loved the idea that you could eat in a train … even though we always just did the drive-thru and kept driving.
But if you’re willing to stop and explore what Barstow has to offer, definitely stop at the Barstow train station which houses four different museums: The Mother Road Museum, a Harvey House, the NASA Goldstone Deep Space Museum, and WARM which stands for Western America Railroad Museum.
- Mother Road Museum: Unfortunately, the two most recent times I’ve stopped, The Mother Road Museum was closed when the online hours said it should be open. Maybe the third time will be the charm!
- Harvey House: Stop by the Harvey House! While this one isn’t the best along Route 66, it’s fun to stop in.
- NASA Goldstone Deep Space Museum: The most random thing in Barstow is this amazing Deep Space Museum! The Goldstone Deep Space satellite is about 40 miles away and you need security-check in order to visit, but the Deep Space Museum is free AND they offer several free stickers and posters for kids with an interest in STEM!
- WARM Museum: The WARM Museum needs a new name. It’s the Western America Railway Museum and unfortunately I haven’t been inside because it hasn’t been open on the days I drove to Vegas, but you can always stop by and see the outside trains! Or the 3 other museums within the complex.
- Murals: There are currently 26 official murals and several unofficial murals in Barstow and you can spend hours hunting them down! Here are just a handful that we passed on the way to the Barstow train station from Highway 15. My favorite is the Animals of the Mojave on the side of Starlight Donuts, but looking at the mural website, I think I need to track down the Wildflowers of the Mojave mural on the next trip.
- Barstow Station: Grab a quick bite at McDonald’s served in a converted train car, snag a lottery ticket, or let the fortune-telling Zoltar machine predict your Vegas winnings.
Stop 5: Various stops in Yermo, CA
Yermo is full of quirky, desert stops!
Peggy Sue’s Diner: Step back into the 1950s at Peggy Sue’s Diner, a retro eatery brimming with neon signs, jukeboxes, and vintage vibes. Enjoy a classic milkshake or hearty diner fare while exploring their Dinosaur Park in the back. It’s a time warp you won’t want to miss!
Original Del Taco Location: Swing by the humble beginnings of Del Taco at its original site. While you can’t dine at this location anymore, it’s a cool piece of fast-food history worth a quick stop and a selfie.
Eddie World: I’m not sure about this place. The bad font, the name (it’s giving Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse), the fact that the Laker’s center court from The Forum is on the wall behind their beverage delivery stock … It’s all weird. But the bathrooms were fucking clean! So if you need a snack, some jerky, a stuffed animal, or you want to see a shrine to the Lakers or use a clean bathroom, stop here.
Liberty Sculpture Park: We didn’t stop here since it looked to be dirt roads and I wasn’t willing to risk the headache of a flat tire. So we admired the sculptures from the main road. But if you’re more adventurous, stop by!
Stop 6: Calico Ghost Town in Yermo, CA
Explore the Wild West at Calico Ghost Town, a restored mining town where you can pan for gold, visit an old silver mine, ride a train, and shop for unique souvenirs. It’s family-friendly and full of charm!
Read More: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Calico Ghost Town
Stop 7: Zzyzx in Zzyzx, CA
One of the strangest and most iconic exits on the drive to Las Vegas is the famous Zzyzx Road exit. If you have ever driven between Los Angeles and Vegas, chances are you have spotted the sign and wondered, “What even is Zzyzx?”
Pronounced “ZYE-zix,” Zzyzx was created in the 1940s by a radio evangelist who wanted the last word in the English language, which explains the unusual name. The area was originally promoted as a health spa and mineral springs retreat deep in the Mojave Desert. Today, the site is home to the Desert Studies Center, operated by a consortium of California universities.
While the grounds are not a major tourist attraction in the traditional sense, it is a fun detour for road trippers who love quirky roadside history and unusual photo opportunities.
Stop 8: Various Stops in Baker, CA
Baker is slowly becoming a ghost town. It used to be one of the major towns catering to travelers along the way from LA to Vegas with a few motels, restaurants, gas stations, and the giant thermometer. Today, the giant thermometer glows again, but the only other offerings in town are The Mad Greek Cafe and Alien Fresh Jerky. The rest of town is slowly deteriorating back into the desert. While the Royal Hawaiian Motel sign still remains, the motel building ruins were finally demolished in April of 2026.
Alien Fresh Jerky: Load up on extraterrestrial-themed snacks at this quirky shop! Their jerky is … out-of-this-world? Actually, I don’t know. I don’t like beef jerky, but my friend does NOT like Alien Fresh Jerky, so we didn’t stop there this time. If you like jerky or need road trips snacks, it’s worth the fun stop! Also, it looks like the company is still building their Alien Fresh Hotel and alien-shaped-pretzel stand behind the store.
World’s Tallest Thermometer: Snap a picture with this towering 134-foot monument! It was built in 1991 at a height of 134 feet to commemorate the record-setting 134 degree day set on July 10, 1913 in nearby Death Valley.
The thermometer has passed through several owners and it was turned off for several years due to an alleged monthly electrical bill of $8,000, but the original family repurchased it and since 2014 it glows again! To help with the cost of electricity, the gift shop sells burned-out lightbulbs from the tower for $35 each.
The Mad Greek Cafe: If you’re looking to eat somewhere that isn’t chain fast food, then your best option is The Mad Greek Cafe! Cool down with their famous strawberry milkshake – it’s a must! “The Mad Greek, Your Here!”
Read More: California Foods Every Visitor Must Try
Stop 9: Bonnie & Clyde Death Car in Primm, NV
Get a taste of infamous history and see the bullet-riddled car used by Bonnie and Clyde. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the 1930s crime era. While it’s kinda cheesy with the mannequins and tommy guns (not to mention the slot payouts and dollar bills littering the display), there are surprisingly so many artifacts including Clyde’s shirt and a photo of their dead bodies!
Update: Since Primm Valley Resort & Casino is set to permanently close on July 4, 2026, this stop be no longer be an option. But maybe the car and multiple artifacts will be moved to a new location in or near Vegas.
Stop 10: Goodsprings Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, NV
Grab a drink at the historic Pioneer Saloon, known for its Wild West roots and ghost stories. This rustic bar is over 100 years old and is brimming with history and charm.
We stopped by around 3pm on a Friday and were shocked to hear live music! The solo singer was amazing! There’s also a ton of Fallout items and souvenirs, so if you’re a Fallout fan, it’s a must-stop!
Stop 11: Seven Magic Mountains in Jean, NV
Just before you reach Las Vegas, be awestruck by the colorful Seven Magic Mountains, a public art installation of neon-painted boulders stacked high in the desert. It’s the perfect place to snap a stunning photo!
Note: you can barely see the boulders from the road and no matter which way you’re driving, you’ll need to exit the highway before you can even see them, so make your decision of whether or not you’re stopping before you pass the exit.
Read More: Guide to Visiting Seven Magic Mountains near Las Vegas, Nevada (coming soon!)
There are also SO many deserted ruins and signs along the way. I’ve stopped at a few, but traveling as a single woman, I don’t always like to get out of my car to explore these abandoned areas. I’ve seen enough horror movies to know better!
The Jenny Rose can be seen from Highway 15 and is on the way to Calico in Yermo. The Royal Hawaiian Motel ruins in Baker have been demolished, but the sign still remains. The Bun Boy sign is in Baker. And the Lo Gas and Eat signs are at a random overpass gas station ruin stop.
Final Stop: The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign in Las Vegas, NV
If your money isn’t already burning a hole in your pocket or you don’t have tickets to any shows, stop by the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on your way into the city!
Tip: if you want to get a photo, but don’t want to stand in the long line, then snap a quick photo off to the side. Just make sure to stay out of view of those who have patiently waited in line for the perfect shot.
Alternate Route: Los Angeles to Las Vegas via the 14 to the 58 to the 15
For those looking to add a unique twist to their road trip, consider taking the scenic 14 to the 58 to the 15. This route trades bustling highways for open roads, quirky attractions including the 20-Mule Team Borax Train, and a dash of aviation history. Here’s a guide to the must-see stops along this alternative path.
Note, I haven’t driven this route since the early, early days of Instagram, so my photos are low res and … Insta-filtered!
Stop 1: Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, CA
Kick off your adventure with a stop at the Mojave Air and Space Port, a hub for aerospace innovation and the final resting place for countless retired aircraft. Take a self-guided driving tour to see the “airplane graveyard,” where decommissioned jets sit in the desert sun, or visit the Voyager Restaurant for lunch while planes take off around you. The food was good, but I’m not going to lie, the place could use a good scrubbing.
Stop 2: The Barrel in Boron, CA
Lunch in Boron is all about comfort food at The Barrel, a charming diner that feels like stepping into a family kitchen. Known for its hearty portions and friendly service, it’s the perfect place to recharge with a burger, fries, and a slice of homemade pie.
The amazing part about the Barrel is that the family of one of my good friends owned it, and she worked there as a teenager (although she states it was “more like she was forced into free labor inside a big barrel in the middle of the scorching hot desert.”)
Stop 3: Twenty Mule Team Borax Museum in Boron, CA
Dive into the fascinating history of Borax mining at the Twenty Mule Team Borax Museum. Learn about the legendary mule teams that hauled Borax out of Death Valley and explore exhibits featuring mining equipment, vintage photos, and artifacts from the Old West. It’s an offbeat gem for history buffs.
There are two museums, one is in the town of Boron, and the other is on the mining site – we chose the mining site because you can see the mining work, a huge tire, replica 20 Mule Team, and you get a pretty sweet postcard of borax samples.
Stops 4-12: Barstow, CA to the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
Scroll back up to the other route and start at “Stop 4: Barstow” to continue on the way to Las Vegas!
From roadside diners to quirky art installations, this road trip is packed with unforgettable moments. So roll down the windows, crank up the tunes, and enjoy the ride – because the journey is just as exciting as the destination!
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Land Acknowledgement
Salty Canary wants to acknowledge that we live, operate, gather, and benefit every day on the traditional stolen lands of several Indigenous peoples and nations including the Tongva (Gabrieleno), Kizh (Gabrieleno), Chumash, Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun), Ohlone, Awaswas, and Fernandeño Tataviam peoples who have stewarded the lands and waterways throughout their many generations in what is now the state of California.
I wanted to personally acknowledge these Indigenous people and nations and both their commitment and current contributions to the land with a donation to the American Indian College Fund because acknowledgment without action does not begin to address the systemic issues facing Indigenous people. If you feel as though you benefit from the land you’re living on or traveling to and you have the means, I kindly ask that you donate at least $1 to a Native-led organization such as the Native American Rights Fund or the American Indian College Fund.