Roadside Attractions and Quirky Pit Stops
Throwback in Butte County
In Butte County, revisit childhood at the National Yo-Yo Museum, where owner Bob Malowney can teach you how to do the Lindy Loop or Rock the Baby while regaling you about the long history of this classic toy. If you work up an appetite, head to Joy Lyn’s Candies to sample some of the area’s best chocolates.
Natural Attractions
Get off the road and onto the trails of Trees of Mystery in Del Norte County. In the heart of the Redwood Forest, it’s been sharing the legend of Paul Bunyan and the magnificence of the Redwoods with travelers since 1946. Another great pit stop for families is the Ocean World Aquarium, featuring interactive tide pools.
Drive-In
What’s better during a road trip than a drive-in movie? Relive the golden age of film at the Sunset Drive-In in San Luis Obispo, one of California’s last remaining drive-in movie houses. Tune in through your car radio for crystal-clear sound and stock up on classic snacks at the concession stand.
Dino-mite
One of the most iconic roadside attractions in the state, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are cemented in pop culture. Located in Cabazon along Highway 10, just west of Palm Springs, the more than 100 dinosaurs are featured in cult classic films like Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and The Wizard. A picture with Mr. Rex or Dinny is a must during any road trip through the desert.
Time Traveler
Take a trip back in time with a stop in the Buena Park Historic District to get a feel for life in the 1800s. For families, a day at Knott’s Berry Farm is a must. Its popular Ghost Town brings the spirit of the Wild West to the 21st century.
Classic Diners
The Stove
At Mammoth Lake, The Stove has welcomed outdoor lovers for over 40 years to its 1970s-style mountain diner. When it first opened, it was the place for early residents, lift operators, carpenters, guides and adventurers to gather before heading out into the mountains. Today, it’s still the place for a hearty or healthy breakfast before a day on the slopes.
Fry it up in Fairfield
For classic diners, it’s hard to beat Fairfield. Visit one of several California locations of The Original Mels diner, serving up over 100 All-American favorites since 1947. If you’re looking for the picture-perfect diner, head to the colorful Babs Delta Diner. With its retro décor, checkered floor and vintage posters, it’s made for your Instagram feed. And if it’s a burger and milkshake you crave, Dave’s Giant Hamburger has been flipping them for over 50 years.
Route 66 Staple
Mark the end of your journey on Route 66 at Chez Jay. For 66 years, the bar on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica has hosted road trippers and stars like Frank Sinatra and Dolly Parton. Raise one of their classic cocktails to celebrate your trip on the Mother Road.
101 Café
Opened in 1928, the 101 Café in Oceanside is the oldest continuously operating restaurant on Historic Highway 101. This retro gem serves up hearty classic diner fare while a 1950s jukebox spins the tunes. Classic car murals and historic photographs tell the story of other road trippers throughout the year.
Retro Hotels
National Hotel Jackson
Explore the wineries of Amador while staying at the restored Victorian-era National Hotel Jackson. Now part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, the boutique property boasts a 100-year-old bar, modern guest rooms and contemporary amenities.
The Astro
For a vintage stay in the wine country, The Astro in Santa Rosa provides the perfect base to explore local wineries like Safari West, a wildlife preserve home to giraffes and zebras, and the nearby Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, a historic estate celebrating the famed horticulturist. Once a roadside motel, today The Astro is a chic boutique hotel full of mid-century charm.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Spanning a full city block in downtown Riverside, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a National Historic Landmark that blends Spanish Mission-style grandeur with contemporary sophistication. Here, history meets hospitality, and traditional architecture blends with modern conveniences.
Whether you're celebrating Route 66's centennial or exploring California's hidden retro gems, these timeless road trip stops offer the perfect blend of nostalgia and adventure. Grab your keys, roll down the windows and discover how the journey remains just as memorable as the destination.