Vegas to LA: Top 5 Must-See Stops on Your Road Trip
So, you are going from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the sunny shores of Los Angeles? Well that drive doesn’t need to be a complete snooze-fest, alright? The route between these two iconic cities is filled with surprisingly awesome stops that will make your road trip way more memorable. I mean, seriously, who wants to just stare at the desert for hours, right?
1. Seven Magic Mountains: Instagram Gold
First up, not too far from the Vegas Strip, is the Seven Magic Mountains. Very colorful, right? These giant stacks of rainbow-colored boulders are like a desert mirage come to life, or so some might say. Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone created this public art installation, yet it’s become something of a roadside attraction, too, so don’t expect to be the only one there! Pulling off the I-15, you will see those eye-catching towers rising from the desert floor.
In fact, they are almost impossible to miss. Really, this is that spot where you snap that iconic Instagram photo, maybe stretch your legs, and breathe in some fresh desert air. The mountains just are positioned perfectly against the stark desert landscape, which creates a surreal, and almost unbelievable visual.
However, that is also worth bearing in mind that it can get really hot here, you know, since it’s the desert, too, so bring water and maybe avoid visiting during the hottest part of the day. All that to say, that it’s a quick, vibrant, and a totally worth it detour.
2. Calico Ghost Town: Step Back in Time
Next, keep driving on the I-15, as it gets a bit ghostlier. So, picture this: you are stepping back into the Wild West at Calico Ghost Town. A silver mining town from the 1880s that has been sort of restored to its former glory. It is a great place to spend an hour or two. Is that awesome, or what? You can explore the old west, walk along the historic streets, check out the quirky shops, and even take a ride on a vintage train, actually.
I mean, this place really gives you a feel for what life was like back in the day, though, like you are walking into a movie set. There are even a few gold panning experiences you could be apart of. Sure, some might say it is a bit touristy. As a matter of fact it might be very touristy, right? But in a charming way.
The views of the surrounding desert are great, too. Oh and a good place to grab some grub too. That said it’s a fun and interesting pit stop for sure. What an amazing part of the trip that is going to be!
3. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch: Route 66 Oddity
Alright, so you are looking for something really offbeat? Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, found along Route 66 near Oro Grande, is a must-see, too. Alright? This folk art installation is seriously something else, I promise! Elmer, so the story goes, started building this bottle tree forest as a tribute to his father. It has gotten way bigger than anyone expected, alright? As you walk around you will hear the bottles clinking in the wind.
Almost sounding like an odd wind chime, yet you’ll just wander through rows and rows of these colorful glass bottles attached to metal “trees”. I mean, It is just so incredibly unique. And a photographer’s dream, basically. This place is so cool! In short, don’t just take my word for it go check it out! See those amazing bottle trees.
4. Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner: A Blast from the Past
Hungry? Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner near Yermo is a fun place to grab a bite, really. So this isn’t just any diner, basically. It is a full-on time capsule with 50s memorabilia covering every inch of the place. Also they serve up classic diner food like burgers, shakes, and fries.
But this will really make you reminisce on the past and just so happens that they have the classics! I think you’ll see that it’s tasty fuel for the rest of your drive, too, in my opinion, that is. Very good for you, you’ll see! Just don’t go overboard like some tourists. That’s my take, yet it just might not be yours, though.
Oh and if it’s not busy you can request music for the vintage jukebox. The staff might let you, alright. That would make for a unique memory along the Mother Road! Also they may just be glad to let you make some requests too. This diner could be that really enjoyable, unforgettable spot along your roadtrip to talk about.
5. The Mojave Desert: Embrace the Vastness
Last but not least, I mean, don’t forget the Mojave Desert itself, even so. Very empty and wide, yeah? So, this isn’t exactly a “stop” in the traditional sense, in fact, it stretches pretty much the entire route between Vegas and LA. As a matter of fact, embracing the vastness of the desert can be pretty cool too.
Arguably, be sure that you actually stop and appreciate the stark beauty of the landscape, as that’s a thing to appreciate along the way! Like find a safe spot to pull over, if you do! You see that you will get a good look at those Joshua trees and those seemingly endless horizons. And very Instagrammable! Those clear desert nights are unreal. Actually those star gazing opportunities in this vast emptiness will really be remembered fondly too.
Yet plan ahead, as I was saying, to embrace the quiet isolation, however also keep in mind to respect mother nature. So just appreciate nature and do not wander off the main roads in to the unknown. I mean really think, this desert might be as interesting, beautiful and fun as some of those man-made landmarks on the trip. And you know, that could very well turn out to be just perfect and memorable. Actually all this is a recipe for what makes memories for a long, long time.
