Traveling the Route 66 in California (Part 2)

California is often spotlighted for Shohei Ohtani’s performance in Major League Baseball around Los Angeles. However, California itself is about 424,000 square kilometers, approximately 1.1 times the size of Japan. Therefore, if you visit California, it would be a waste to only tour Los Angeles. I participated in a FAM trip that highlights the attractions of California. (For more information)

Needles City, adjacent to the Colorado River, is one of the important gateways from the eastern part of the state. Many historic buildings and spots related to Route 66 remain. Route 66 is again in the spotlight as it marks its 100th anniversary in 2026, earning its nickname as “The Mother Road of America.”

One of the main facilities in Needles is the Needles Station (El Garces Train Depot), a historic railroad station that was also used as a hotel run by Fred Harvey. The building is currently operated as a railroad museum, housing railway artifacts and Route 66 memorabilia. Before World War II, celebrities like Clark Gable and Albert Einstein reportedly stayed here during their railway journeys.

Opposite the station is the Needles Regional Museum, specializing in local history. Located along Old Route 66, its exhibits cover a broad swath of the area’s history, including Native American history, the Santa Fe Railroad, Harvey Houses, the era of steamboats on the Colorado River, and the history of mining in the Needles and the tri-state area.

An eye-catching piece in this museum is a large figure of Snoopy’s brother “Spike.” Interestingly, Charles Schulz, the creator of the popular comic “Peanuts,” lived here in Needles during his childhood. The Schulz family moved from the Midwest to Needles on a doctor’s advice to seek a dry climate for a family member diagnosed with tuberculosis, making it a must-visit for Peanuts fans.

In Needles, there are several places for commemorative photos related to Route 66. Particularly popular are the giant “CALIFORNIA” signs along the highway and historic Borax wagons that capture the essence of Route 66.

Stayed at Hampton Inn Needles, located near the Colorado River, with nearby marinas and golf courses. It’s not just a gateway to Route 66 but an ideal hotel for resort use.

Heading westward from Needles on Route 66, you come across the “Goffs Schoolhouse,” a historic site utilizing an old junior high school that opened over 100 years ago. The site, abandoned due to a Route 66 rerouting and once falling into decay, has been renovated. The grounds feature maintenance rail carts, large road graders used on the East Mojave Highway and National Old Trails Road, and old station signs.

This area also features many military exhibits related to General Patton, who trained here before heading to the African front in World War II.

Further west on the route is Roy’s Motel & Café in Amboy. It opened as a gas station in 1938 and has been featured in movies, music videos, and magazine articles, but it became a faded spot with the decline of Route 66.

In 2003, the Japanese-American Albert Okura purchased Roy’s Motel & Café, aiming to revive it as a tourist spot. It currently operates as a gas station and a gift shop, and cottages are planned to be restored for use as a motel in time for Route 66’s 100th anniversary. Visiting when the motel reopens would undoubtedly be enjoyable.

A must-see on Route 66 is the “Bagdad Café,” known as the filming location for a movie released in 1987. Although it’s been about 40 years since the work and I’ve only seen it as a high school student, the exterior remains as it was in the film. Entering the store reveals a completely changed impression, as it currently operates as a shop handling drinks and souvenirs rather than a motel.

Being on a media assignment, I was met by the owner Andrea, Miss Classic Route 66 Carla, and Craig, who actually appeared as a young man throwing a boomerang in the film. Craig continues to make boomerangs and teaches children.

Incidentally, the water tower used symbolically in the film is stored in a horizontal position behind Bagdad Café. If restored upright, it would become an excellent photo spot, so hopes are high it will be restored for Route 66’s 100th anniversary.

Continuing toward Los Angeles from Bagdad Café leads to Barstow, where there are many points to enjoy Route 66 and old California. For example, the “Calico Ghost Town” on the outskirts is a theme park utilizing a former mining area, offering a Western film atmosphere. There’s even a ride styled like a steam locomotive, perfect for family trips.

Related to Route 66, Barstow Station houses a railroad museum and includes the “Route 66 Mother Road Museum.” It showcases classic cars and old American home appliances, making it the perfect museum to learn about American design.

Furthermore, about 30 minutes southwest of Barstow is Victorville’s “California Route 66 Museum.” Both museums display a plethora of items reflecting “Old America,” such as classic cars and vintage appliances.

The “California Route 66 Museum” also offers a variety of Route 66-themed souvenirs. By visiting both museums, you can experience American history and purchase commemorative items, ensuring you’ll fully enjoy Route 66.

Stayed at Fairfield Inn & Suites Victorville in Victorville. The spacious work desk was very convenient for me, as I was working while traveling.

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Approaching the Pacific Coast from Barstow, the scenery changes from desert dryness to modern yet historically and culturally enriched Pasadena.

Pasadena originally developed as an agricultural community, particularly known for its orange groves. Streets like “Orange Grove” still exist today, reminding us of the city’s history. Pasadena has long been a tourist hotspot, especially favored as a winter retreat from the Midwest, which also contributes to its hosting of the famous Rose Parade.

During my stay in Pasadena, I had to visit the Rose Bowl Flea Market. It’s more than just a shopping venue; it’s an “experience.” The scale and energy were overwhelming. This flea market, held on the expansive grounds around the Rose Bowl stadium, which also hosts NFL games, features an extensive array of rare antiques, retro fashion, unique art pieces, and handmade crafts.

With a history of over 55 years, this market attracts more than 20,000 shoppers including curious collectors, trendy designers, and even Hollywood celebrities. It’s enjoyable to wander through the vibrant atmosphere while sampling tasty treats from various food stands and food trucks scattered throughout the venue. Held every second Sunday of the month, timing a visit to California on this day is a great idea.

A visit to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena also promises a quiet and fulfilling experience. Aptly nicknamed “A World Where Masterpieces Breathe,” it’s particularly noted for its collection of European art and sculptures from the 14th to 20th centuries. Its vast collection includes valuable books, manuscripts, and photographs from the 11th century to the present. Surrounded by numerous exquisite art pieces familiar to the Japanese, like Degas, it was a luxurious experience to quietly admire them.

Another must-see spot is the Huntington Library, a place touted as “where history, literature, art, and the natural world converge to offer a transformative experience.” It has diverse attractions.

Especially notable is the sprawling botanical garden covering about 486,000 square meters. It features 12 themed gardens with different atmospheres, such as Desert, Japanese, and Chinese, offering a feeling of traveling around the world and never getting bored of just walking.

The town’s atmosphere is very walkable, with modern shops and restaurants beautifully harmonizing with architectural beauty from the late 19th and early 20th-century periods. Walking through the city gives an impression of safety rarely associated with American cities, offering a comfortable environment for casual exploration. The dining options are surprisingly abundant, boasting over 650 restaurants and cafes to prevent any monotony.

The AC Hotel Pasadena, where I stayed, is a new hotel that opened this year. Conveniently located between Los Angeles and Pasadena, it’s easy to access from Pasadena to the Dodger Stadium.

Incidentally, Pasadena is often used as a filming location for Hollywood movies, and during this trip, I visited “Doc’s House,” also known as the Gamble House, seen in the movie Back to the Future. By doing some research, I found there are several filming sites from Back to the Future in the area, and there are local tours that cover these locations, so those interested should look into it.

The final destination of the trip, moving on from Pasadena, was Santa Monica. Unlike the tranquility of Pasadena, it’s a lively city along the coast. Standing on the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the vast Pacific Ocean ahead gives a sense of journey’s end.

Pacific Park on the pier is the only amusement park on a pier on the West Coast. Here, you can enjoy the “West Coaster,” a roller coaster themed around Route 66, and “Pacific Wheel,” the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. Riding the Pacific Wheel offers a panoramic view of Santa Monica, and even as a Ferris wheel in an amusement park, it’s an impressive experience.

The “End of the Trail” sign of Route 66 stands on the Santa Monica Pier, a popular photo spot, although it’s actually for tourists. The official termination point is at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard, about two blocks from Santa Monica Pier, so if you’re visiting for Route 66, don’t miss either spot.

Located at this official termination point intersection is “Mel’s Drive-In,” a diner setting in George Lucas’s “American Graffiti.” Although it wasn’t actually used for filming, it offers the perfect setting to enjoy a meal while experiencing old America.

Featuring the specialty “Route 66 Burger” on its menu, the restaurant is a must-visit while in Santa Monica.

In Santa Monica, I stayed at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. Lodging in a bungalow-type room with a terrace, I indulged in leisurely moments under Santa Monica’s pleasant sky. It’s no surprise that the hotel was beloved by Hollywood stars.

The trip, marked by the history and culture of Pasadena and the liveliness of Santa Monica’s coastline, culminated in these two engaging cities, perfectly capturing the journey along the end of Route 66 in Southern California. These are unmissable, charming cities in California, worth visiting multiple times.

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This journey along California’s Route 66 was more than just a trip; it was a profound experience of American history, culture, and diverse landscapes. Visiting iconic spots along Route 66 lets you truly feel the role the “Mother Road” played in mobilizing people and cultural exchanges. From the vast, arid Mojave Desert landscape to historic cityscapes, the route offers an abundance of Southern California’s charms, embodying an iconic American travel experience. (Interview cooperation: California Tourism Bureau, Greater Palm Springs Tourism Bureau, California Desert Tourism Bureau, Inland Empire Tourism Bureau, Pasadena Tourism Bureau, Santa Monica Tourism Bureau)