Got a road trip through the California desert coming up? Looking to spice up your 250-mile journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas (and vice versa) beyond the typical McDonald’s run/bathroom break at Barstow, CA? Good, we’ve got you covered.
A straight shot drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas (or Vegas to LA) should only take 4 hours, but with so many curiosities and quirky sights to discover along the way, you’ll do yourself a huge favor by allocating lots of time to stop frequently.
Filled with funky towns, even funkier art installations, and endless desert, California really doesn’t get any more “western” than this.
Along your drive (which includes a little taste of the Historic Route 66), you’ll be confronted with wide-open desert wasteland, Joshua trees beckoning to be photographed, crazy desert art, as well as weird but cool sights such as the world’s largest thermometer, an old ghost town, and even a glass bottle forest.
Despite the vast emptiness of the surrounding desert, this journey is far from boring.
In this post, I’ll reveal all the cool, artsy, and downright weird things you’ll see along the way, from kitschy roadside attractions to must-eat restaurants. Welcome to the funkiest California road trip there ever was, we’re glad you’re here.
This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!
LAS VEGAS: IN A NUTSHELL
Here’s a quick overview of all the useful info you need to plan an awesome trip!
- When To Go: Las Vegas is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant enough for walking outside. Summers are hot, but the pool parties are poppin’!
- Where To Stay:
- Park MGM – adorable, affordable, and puts you right on The Strip!
- Mandalay Bay – If you’re looking for pool time, stay here. They’ve got the best of the best pool complex in all of Las Vegas!
- The Venitian or The Palazzo (they are sister hotels) – huge rooms in a 5-star resort, this is by far my favorite place to stay when visiting Vegas with larger groups.
- Nearest Airport: Las Vegas is McCarran International Airport (LAS)
- How to Get Around: The easiest way to get around Las Vegas is by car, but there are also taxis, buses, and ride-sharing services available. Walking is also a popular option, especially on the Strip. We recommend using Rentalcars.com to find the best rental car deal.
- Must-Do’s: Visit the iconic casinos and themed resorts on the Strip, eat a buffet at a resort, catch a live show / concert, check out the Neon Museum off the Strip, and enjoy a few of the immersive digital exhibits at AREA15
- Before You Go: Pack your comfortable walking shoes, your sunscreen and your sunhat because Las Vegas is hot hot hot! And if you plan on drinking, don’t forget the Liquid IV to help replenish your body.
- Budget Travel Pro Tip: Midweek stays on The Strip are almost always more affordable than weekend stays. The same room that goes for $300+ a night on a Friday/Saturday might be $70 on Sunday or Monday night! And whatever you do, try to avoid visiting during the days when national conferences are taking place! These tend to drive the hotel prices way up.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE FROM LA TO LAS VEGAS?
Without stopping, it takes around 4-5 hours to drive the distance between Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
The driving distance from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is approximately 270 miles (435 kilometers) via the I-15, the most direct and fastest route.
With no traffic, the point-to-point drive will take 4 hours. Mix in traffic and it’ll look more like a 5-hour drive!
LOS ANGELES TO LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP: ROUTE OPTIONS
If you’re driving both ways (departing and returning via car), I have a bonus for you! In this post, I’m going to provide two potential California desert road trip routes.
One is a more straightforward drive (I-15), while the other takes a slight detour through the Mojave Desert.
Though the second route may be longer (339 miles compared to 270 miles), it will open you up to a whole new world of road trip stops! This route meets back up with the main road to Vegas around Primm, so you’ll still get to check out the cool pit stops by the California/Nevada border.
The route you choose is optional (and likely depends on if you have the extra time to explore), but it could be really fun to take one route on the way to Las Vegas, and try the other route on the way home.
Route 1: Straightforward route via I-15
- Features quirky stops along Victorville, Yermo, and Baker
Route 2: Detour route via I-10
- Features Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and the Mojave Desert
ARE YOU ROAD TRIP READY? YOUR QUICK CHECKLIST:
License and registration | This is a no-brainer, but always good to check you have all documents before it’s too late and you get too far away from home. Do NOT leave home without them. They are road trip essentials!
Spare Tire | In addition to carrying a spare tire with you, don’t forget to check your current tire conditions before you set off as well.
Jumper Cables / Car Jump Starter | A must-have for any road trip! If you’re looking to invest in something exponentially more powerful/convenient than simple jumper cables, get the NOCO Boost HD Car Battery Jump Starter Box. This tool was sent from heaven and serves as a car jump starter, portable power bank, LED flashlight, and 12-volt portable power–all in one!
iOttie car mount | This is my partner in crime on any road trip. It’s got an amazing grip and popping your phone in and out of the mount could not be easier. If you’re renting a rental car and you’re not sure if it has a navigation screen, bring a phone mount with you. The iOttie attaches by suction, so it’s easy to transport from car to car.
Roadside Emergency Kit | You never know what kind of car trouble you may encounter on the road. This convenient little kit contains 42 roadside emergency components, including jumper cables, an aluminum flashlight and batteries, 2-in-1 screwdriver, duct tape, poncho, cable ties, bandages, towelettes, and zipper-lock bags.
Trunk Organizer | With any road trip comes lots and lots of stuff to pack. Keep your road trip essentials organized with a trunk organizer. Not only will this make it so much easier to find what you need, but it will also lead to more space in your trunk for you to pack other necessities.
Portable Cooler | Coolers are a must for any road trip. Not only will you be able to keep beverages cold and refreshing, but you will also be able to keep perishables fresh. A portable hard cooler will allow you to pack picnic lunches, bring cheese and jams, and more.
LA TO VEGAS ROAD TRIP STOPS: OVERVIEW MAP
This map outlines all the road trip stops and sights mentioned in this post.
The blue markers represent Route 1, whereas the orange markers represent the detour stops as part of Route 2. As you can see, route 2 will eventually meet back up with Route 1 (around Primm, Nevada).
Feel free to save this map and refer back to it when you’re on your road trip vacation!
ROUTE 1: LOS ANGELES TO LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP STOPS
The stops listed below are assuming you start your trip from LA. If you’re starting in Vegas, no worries! Simply add them to your itinerary in reverse order.
If you’re starting out in LA, you better leave before rush hour hits. (But wait, isn’t that traffic in LA 24/7? Yes, but believe it or not, rush hour traffic gets a gazillion times worse.)
There is absolutely nothing worse than sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours, only to realize you’re barely on the other side of town!
Heed my warning. Try to leave Los Angeles during the hours of 10 am to 12 pm or 8pm to 5am to avoid rush hour traffic.
LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles is a diverse and exciting city with a wide range of activities and attractions to suit every type of visitor.
Looking for theme park fun? Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles, offering visitors a chance to experience the magic of Hollywood movie-making firsthand.
From thrilling rides like the Jurassic World ride to captivating lands such as the Super Nintendo World or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to behind-the-scenes studio tours of working movie sets (all of which are must-dos by the way), Universal Studios makes for a super fun outing!
Disneyland is another must-see destination for visitors to the Los Angeles area. Located in nearby Anaheim, this Disneyland is the original Disney theme park! From classic rides like the Matterhorn and Pirates of the Caribbean to new attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland is a magical destination that will enchant both kids and adults.
We’re in our 30s now and we still find ourselves going to Disneyland at least once a year!
Need to buy Disneyland tickets? Undercover Tourist is the best place to get discounted theme park tickets. They offer refundable Disneyland tickets, and you can even save up to $149 per ticket through them.
For those looking for a more laid-back experience, exploring neighborhoods like Echo Park, Silverlake, Melrose/Fairfax, and Abbott Kinney can be a great way to get a taste of local culture and charm. These neighborhoods offer a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and bars — you can easily kill hours in each of these neighborhoods!
For those looking to soak up some sun and enjoy the beach, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach are great destinations. I personally love hitting the beaches in the South Bay over the ones in LA — but let’s keep that between us so the beaches don’t get overrun with tourists!
Looking for more unique and fun things to do in Los Angeles? Check out my entire list of LA bucket list activities here.
Alright, now let’s get into the best stops from LA to Vegas!
Once you enter the Inland Empire, you won’t have much further to drive, because we’re going to be making our first route 66 stop!
ORIGINAL MCDONALD’S MUSEUM
San Bernardino, California
What’s a road trip without a quirky museum filled to the brim with fast food memorabilia? This unlicensed collection of fast-food artifacts sits on the site of the first-ever McDonald’s restaurant.
A stop at the Original McDonald’s Museum off of Route 66 will give you the opportunity to learn all about the history of the McDonald’s franchise.
You’ll also see some really cool stuff in there, such as kid’s meal toys from decades ago and burger packaging from all over the world!
WIGWAM MOTEL
San Bernardino, California
Taking this road trip from another starting point or taking this trip in reverse? We’ve got a great lodging recommendation for you! If you’re looking for a unique spot to crash for the night, the Wigwam Motel is one of the coolest spots to stay along this entire road trip.
At the Wigwam Motel, you can expect an open space with iconic teepees dotted around the property. Inside each of these wigwam-shaped rooms, you’ll find all the modern facilities and technology you need to be comfortable.
And not only is it a fun place to stay, but it’s also a historic landmark on Route 66! The Wigwam Motel was built by Frank Redford, who actually had built other teepee motels across the USA, with this being the 7th location. Sadly today, there are only three left. The others are located in Cave City, Kentucky and in Holbrook, Arizona.
So if you want to experience history in the flesh, stay at this motel! This legendary hotel is highly rated for the best value when it comes to San Bernardino area lodging. Any road trip through California is unfinished without a stop at the Wigwam Motel.
Fun Fact: The Wigwam Motel was the inspiration behind the Disney movie Cars. But in Cars, the teepees are replaced with traffic cones.
CALIFORNIA ROUTE 66 MUSEUM
Victorville, California
There’s so much significant history tied to the Historic Route 66 Highway. If you’re interested in learning more about its history or if you’re interested in old-timey Americana culture (or getting some awesome photo ops), this is the place to go.
The California Route 66 Museum is located in historic Old Town Victorville. There are three display rooms packed with Route 66 memorabilia as well as a gift shop that sells a variety of quirky goods, all set inside an old 50’s diner. The museum is free to visit but donations are accepted.
EMMA JEAN’S HOLLAND BURGER CAFE
Victorville, California
Chances are, you might not be hungry yet. But in the off chances you are, we’ve got our first restaurant pit stop for you. Fancy an old-fashioned burger at a classic trucker stop? Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe is your spot.
This place is a historic right of passage for all High Desert travelers! The portions are huge and the flavors are out of this world. As seen on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives! Need I say more?
ELMER’S BOTTLE TREE RANCH
Oro Grande, California
As you get further and further away from La La Land, you’ll start to notice the other side of California: away from all the glitz and glamour, you’ll notice a much more dusty, industrial, artsy vibe.
This next stop epitomizes just that: Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch. Here, you’ll find thousands of glass bottles, typewriters, dolls, and broken car parts that make up a forest of tree-like sculptures.
It’s a strange sight to see, but a sight to see indeed. If you’re interested in unique Route 66 roadside attractions, this one is worth stopping for!
Entrance to Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is free, but they do take donations.
BARSTOW
Barstow, California
Alright, we’ll admit, Barstow isn’t too interesting, but it is great for bathroom breaks, a re-up on snacks, and a quick leg stretch. Barstow marks the almost-midway point of your road trip.
Because The Barstow Station is a major stop for tour buses, you’ll find that it’s one of the bigger towns along the way. It features an outlet mall, electric charging stations for electric cars, a McDonald’s made out of an old railroad station, a ton of other fast-food restaurants, and various gift shops.
There are also numerous accommodation options here. If you’re going to be stopping here for the night, do not miss the Skyline Drive-In Theater! It gets very dark out there, which makes it the perfect setting for an outdoor movie night!
CALICO GHOST TOWN
Yermo, California
Not too far from Barstow, you’ll encounter your next exciting stop–Calico Ghost Town! Once filled with miners searching for silver, this town was eventually abandoned in the 1890s, rendering it a “ghost town.”
It has since been restored to look as it did in the 1880s and has been turned into a fun roadside attraction aimed at transporting visitors back in time.
Calico Ghost Town recreates the California Silver Rush life with pioneer-style restaurants, shops, and sights. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, walking around and perusing the gift shops.
This is by far one of my favorite stops along Historic Route 66, because I’m a sucker for western towns, California gold rush towns, and all things reenactment! I had a short but wonderful time here on my last LA to Vegas road trip–the holiday decorations certainly made it that much more festive!
PEGGY SUE’S 50’S DINER
Yermo, California
While in Yermo, stop by Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner for a real bite to eat. This charming diner serves your typical ’50s diner food, including grilled cheeses, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and good old-fashioned ice cream.
And yes, the inside is as cute and 50’s-vibe as it is on the outside. After you’ve finished eating, linger and explore for a bit… don’t miss the dinosaur area out back!
ALIEN FRESH JERKY
Baker, California
If you thought your trip reached its highest level of quirkiness, think again. Oh Baker, CA. What have you got in store for us? Let’s start with the alien jerky. I’m sure at this point you’re probably thinking, “um, where are we?”– I don’t blame you.
This stop is completely touristy, but let’s admit it, we all want to buy some for our friends/family back home. Check out the “Galaxy Peace Patrol” vehicle parked out front, then head inside to load up on all the beef (I mean, alien) jerky your heart desires. Before heading back into your car, get your fortune told by the one and only, all-knowing “Ali-n”.
This stop is super kitschy but super fun. Yum, alien!
WORLD’S TALLEST THERMOMETER
Baker, California
Baker is not only home to aliens and their jerky, but it is also home to the world’s largest thermometer.
Behold, a 134-foot attraction that can be seen from miles away. It reads temperatures up to 134 degrees, which happens to be the record heat in nearby Death Valley back in 1913.
A bit of backstory–this roadside attraction was put up in the early ’90s as a companion piece to the Bun Boy burger joint. The restaurant is gone now, but the thermometer is still there.
If you want to support the efforts of keeping the thermometer standing, head to the gift shop near the base and buy a keychain to remember that one time you saw a humongous thermometer in California.
MAD GREEK CAFE
Baker, California
If you didn’t end up stopping at Peggy Sue’s your next chance to eat some good food is coming up! The Mad Greek will be your last pull-over before heading into Nevada.
Somehow, the Mad Greek Cafe has positioned itself as the most recognizable restaurant along the entire I-15. Every time I do this road trip with friends, someone always tells me how much they love Mad Greek as we pass by. The restaurant is open 24 hours and always busy.
Get some gyro, but save room for sweets! The strawberry milkshake, apple pie sundae, and baklava milkshake come highly recommended. Now let’s be on our merry way–we’re coming for you, Nevada!
If you’re in no rush to reach Las Vegas, stop at Primm for a great variety of sights and activities. Here you’ll find a roller coaster, an outlet mall, as well as the lottery store.
TAKE A MUD BATH AT TECOPA
Tecopa, California
Really-cool-detour alert! If you’re open to having a mud bath experience in the middle of nowhere, add a 50-minute detour to Tecopa to your itinerary.
While many California spas offer lavish treatments at lavish prices, Tecopa gives you natural spa vibes for free! At Tecopa, it’s all about the mud baths. Slather. yourself with mineral mud at the natural hot springs just north of town, bake dry in the Death Valley sunlight, then scrub yourself clean in the 40-degree C waters!
It’s casual, adventurous, and so classically Californian. Best of all, it’s free to enjoy!
THE DESPERADO ROLLER COASTER
Primm, Nevada
The Desperado roller coaster located at Buffalo Bill’s Resort is a fun stop if you or your kids need a mid-road trip adrenaline rush.
The coaster ride lasts just under three minutes with a 225-foot drop, four G-force, and speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. The best part about this coaster? It actually passes through the casino! A ride is just $15 (so worth it).
BONNIE AND CLYDE’S DEATH CAR
Primm, Nevada
From there, take a few steps over to Whiskey Pete’s Casino to lay your eyes on Bonnie and Clydes Death Car. (Bonnie and Clyde’s backstory: On May 23rd, 1934, they were killed by the police in a hail of bullets. This is the blood-splattered, bullet-ridden car!)
This may be a weird one, but it had to make my list of the best things to do on the Los Angeles to Las Vegas drive! Route 66 and the Las Vegas desert is all about the kitsch!
THE LOTTO STORE
Primm, Nevada
Fun fact for you–the lottery is not offered in the state of Nevada. So what do Nevadans do when they want a shot at the lotto jackpot?
They venture over to the small town of Primm, pop into the Primm Valley Lotto Store (which officially sits on the California side of the state border), and grab themselves some lotto tickets! In the mood for scratchers, grab them here too.
If you’ve got some more time to spare and want to get your shopping on, check out the Prizm Outlets nearby.
THE PIONEER SALOON
Goodsprings, Nevada
Once a watering hole for local miners and prospectors in the early 1900s, the Pioneer Saloon still stands today, reminiscent of those resilient workers who inhabited this area long ago.
Today, they serve up great BBQ and steaks, no-frills drinks, and even have a buy-your-own-whiskey-barrel program. If you’re a fan of old bars with rich histories, this spot is definitely worth checking out.
Come experience the spirit of the Old West for yourself!
OFF-ROAD MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME
Jean, Nevada
Next stop: Terrible’s Hotel & Casino for the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame! This free exhibit is a collection of really unique off-road vehicles spread out across the casino floor. As you explore, you’ll find vintage and contemporary buggies, motorcycles, and trophy trucks.
To entice you even more, they sometimes rotate in/out famous cars from film and television, including a few from the Fast and the Furious franchise and a Batmobile from the ’60s!
SEVEN MAGIC MOUNTAINS
Las Vegas, Nevada
Seven Magic Mountains is a public installation of seven towers made up of painted, stacked boulders that stand more than 30 feet high. The art installation was created by Ugo Rondinone and commissioned by the Nevada Museum of Art.
These colorful rock totems look so darn cool against the dusty barren desert landscape! This is a fun and free photo op–worth a quick pull off the road.
To get there, you’ll have to get off at one of two interstate exits– it is at least a 5-mile drive from either of them. (It’s not really a “pull off the highway” attraction; you have to care enough to go out of your way to see it.)
At this point, you’re only about 15 minutes from downtown Las Vegas! Woohoo!
RED ROCK CANYON
Las Vegas, Nevada
Whenever I travel out of town, I always try to find new nature spots to explore and hike. If you’re anything like me, I’ve got something fun for you nature lovers out there!
Just as you are arriving in Las Vegas, take a slight detour to the out-of-this-world gorgeous Red Rock Canyon. This scenic 200,000-acre area is composed of red sandstone rock formations and is only a mere 17 miles west of the Strip.
Once you arrive at the Visitor Center, take the one-way 13-mile scenic drive. This drive boasts some seriously spectacular scenery. For just a $7 entry fee, you can get your fill of rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking!
LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas, Nevada
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas! At 5200 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, just south of the Mandalay Bay Resort, you’ll get the ultimate Vegas photo op–right in front of the iconic Las Vegas sign! If this is your final destination, enjoy your stay.
If you have spare time, I recommend the following Las Vegas activities:
- Walk The Strip
- See the Fountains of Bellagio
- Explore a few of the themed resorts/casinos: The Venetian, Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, Planet Hollywood, Paris, etc.
- Visit Valley Of Fire State Park
- Enjoy a few of the immersive digital exhibits at Area 15 (not to be confused with “Area 51” — these are two totally different concepts!)
WHERE TO STAY IN LAS VEGAS:
- Park MGM – adorable, affordable, and puts you right on The Strip!
- Mandalay Bay – If you’re looking for pool time, stay here. They’ve got the best of the best pool complex in all of Las Vegas!
- The Venitian or The Palazzo (they are sister hotels) – large and spacious rooms in a 5-star resort, this is by far my favorite place to stay when visiting Vegas with larger groups.
Read More: 58 Fun Things To Do In Las Vegas Other Than Gambling and Drinking
VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK
Overton, Nevada
Though Valley of Fire State Park is about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas, I’ve included it here just because it’s such an amazing park to visit (it’s hands down my favorite near-Vegas attraction).
If you didn’t get a chance to visit Red Rock Canyon but have a little extra time to explore, definitely add Valley of Fire SP to your Las Vegas road trip itinerary. There are so many cool hikes to do there!
If you’re short on time, check out the easy 1.5-mile Fire Waves Trail. Got a bit more time and want to see the varied terrain? Tack on a few additional trails and make it a 3.3-mile loop hike on the Fire Wave, White Domes, and Seven Wonders Loop.
ROUTE 2 (DETOUR ROUTE): LOS ANGELES TO LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP STOPS
If you choose to continue east on the I-10 instead of veering north on the I-15, you’ll eventually find yourself leaving the Inland Empire and entering the heart of Coachella Valley. From here, you’re in for a real treat. Get ready for tons of exploration, eating, and more quirky activities than you can handle.
Note: To fully explore these sights and towns below, you’ll need to spend one night, at least. I’d recommend two nights at minimum to even scratch the surface.
PALM SPRINGS
Palm Springs, California
Your drive eastbound will lands you in Palm Springs, California. Palm Springs is nothing if not unique. This desert city has had a long association with the rich and famous of Hollywood and continues to prove as a great escape from the hustle and bustle of more metropolitan cities such as Los Angeles.
Its neighboring areas are equally as unique and quirky and are definitely worth paying a visit if you’re in the desert area. If you can manage to tear yourself away from sunbathing by the pool for a day or two, you’ll find a world of eccentric art, spectacular hiking trails, and unique architecture in the deserts of Southern California.
When I lived in LA, I absolutely love long, weekend trips to Palm Springs. There’s simply so much to see, do, and eat! If you’re looking to explore this artsy hipster town, check out my post on the coolest things to do in Palm Springs.
Read More: The Perfect California Desert Weekend Trip – Palm Springs Area
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Ask anyone—there’s really no other place in the world like Joshua Tree National Park. I’m a huge fan of this national park as well as its quirky neighboring towns. My friends and I can go on for days about all the great landmarks and attractions this area has to offer!
Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique terrain, covered with whimsical Joshua Trees as well as its massive boulder formations.
Wondering exactly what there is to do at Joshua Tree, other than photograph crazy-looking trees? Tons! So much so that I’ve dedicated a whole post on the best things to do in Joshua Tree NP (and its surrounding towns)! Don’t miss it.
Read More: Joshua Tree National Park: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary
PIONEERTOWN
Pioneertown, California
Pioneertown, located a few minutes north of Yucca Valley, California is a darn good time and definitely worth a visit! Pioneertown is an entire old west mining town (from an old movie set) with historical buildings galore.
You’ll also find some fun shops (don’t miss Soap & Goats), a Pioneertown Bowl, and even a saloon or two. Catch a mock gunfight on Main Street (Saturdays only), then visit Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace for some finger-licking good barbecue, live music, and dancing.
YUCCA VALLEY
Yucca Valley, California
After a day of exploration at Joshua Tree National Park, reserve a few hours to stop by the nearby town of Yucca Valley. I absolutely adore this little artsy town!
It holds some of the area’s best and most beloved roadside oddities! Start at The World Famous Crochet Museum, an old photo-processing booth transformed into a mini-museum featuring the art of crochet. From there, peruse the nearby shops and galleries, including the Beauty Bubble Salon and Museum.
Drive a few minutes to get to Noah Purifoy’s Outdoor Desert Art Museum where you’ll find weather-aged sculptures built from recycled materials and scraps, conveying a powerful message.
And if you’re seeking a totally unique sound bath experience, head to The Integraton for 60 minutes of sound and relaxation (you may need to reserve a spot a few months in advance).
KELSO DUNES
Mojave National Preserve
If you’re up for a longer stop along the route, the Mojave National Preserve is a must-see. Start your desert exploration by picking up maps and information, then work your way through the National Preserve’s highlights.
The most popular spot here is Kelso Dunes, the second-largest and tallest dune system in California. These dunes cover 45 square miles and clock in at more than 600 feet tall! In the spring season, desert wildflowers create a sea of colorful sands.
Come during sunset or sunrise, climb onto one of the highest dunes, and reward yourself with unforgettable panoramic views of the desert.
If you want to get in a hike before continuing onto Las Vegas, opt for the 1.5-mile Rings Loop Trail, which circles a massive mountain base and brings you into a slot canyon. The trail begins at the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center parking area.
From here, continue your drive northwards to Primm, NV. You’re almost to Vegas!
Head back to the Route 1 section of this post and pick up the itinerary from Primm, Nevada.
LA TO LAS VEGAS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the fastest route to take from Los Angeles to Las Vegas?
The most popular route (because it’s the fastest) is to take Interstate 15 (I-15) north from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. There are other routes available, but I-15 is the most direct and fastest route.
What are the road conditions like on the drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas?
The road conditions on I-15 are generally good. You can expect smooth, paved roads all the way. But there can be heavy traffic, especially on weekend days (Friday, Sunday) and holidays.
And because you’ll be driving in desert conditions, drivers should also be aware of potential hazards like strong winds, dust storms, and sudden weather changes. This stuff isn’t very common, but it is something you may encounter depending on the weather.
Are there any tolls or fees I need to be aware of on the drive?
There are no tolls on I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, but you may need to stop for gas and food. Those would be your only other fees.
What are the gas prices like along the route?
Gas prices can vary along the route, but they are generally higher in California than in Nevada. It’s a good idea to fill up before leaving the major cities in California and/or to plan to stop at a gas station in Nevada. Some popular stops to fill up (and get some food) include Barstow, Victorville, and Baker.
What are some of your favorite stops on the classic Los Angeles to Las Vegas road trip? Let us know in the comments!
Read More:
2 Days In Los Angeles: Itinerary Ideas For The Perfect Trip
175 Bucket List Things To Do In Los Angeles, California (From A Local’s Perspective)
20+ Best Towns Between San Francisco to Los Angeles: California Coast Road Trip
63 Fun Things To Do In Las Vegas With Teenagers
9 Las Vegas Hotels With No Resort Fees (That Don’t Suck)
The Ultimate 10-Day National Park Itinerary From Las Vegas
The Perfect California Desert Weekend Trip – Palm Springs Area
https://travelswithelle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/jeremy-bishop-SNS1EuOwp6w-unsplash-scaled.jpg
2024-02-26 02:05:00
