Last Updated: December 21, 2023
Looking back at our West Coast USA road trip, I remember fondly the unique stops we made along the way. The excitement of driving on the open road would wear off eventually if it wasn’t for the charming diversions en route. Thankfully, the West Coast offers plenty of unique attractions to see on your road trip that will make your rest stops worthwhile.
There is a good reason why crossing the West Coast USA is considered one of the world’s best road trips. The scenic routes are magnificent, unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The scenery varies from the open road to quaint little towns and from breathtaking ocean views to twisted canyons. The more I saw, the more at awe I felt.
Below you will find a list of the 15 unique stops you must see during your West Coast USA road trip.
15 WEST COAST ROAD TRIP STOPS
PEGGY SUE’S 50’S DINER
Peggy Sue’s is a 50s themed American diner, roughly 2 hours from Los Angeles. Located on the side of the road just off I-15, it is a popular stop on the way to or from Las Vegas. The diner offers delicious all-time favourite American dishes served by staff dressed in 50s themed uniforms. The interior is extremely cute, with memorabilia decorating the walls such as vinyl records, movie posters and license plates. Don’t miss out on the souvenir shop which is adjacent to the diner, where you’ll find old-fashioned souvenirs, candy and ice cream.
OATMAN
Oatman is an authentic old western town on Route 66, which is now part of Interstate 40. This charming ghost town is located approximately 3 hours from Flagstaff and 2 hours from Las Vegas. The town has managed to maintain its wild west feel with old saloons and kitschy shops. When you visit, don’t be surprised by the adorable donkeys who wander lazily on the streets. They will be likely to approach you looking for food.
SHOE FENCE
Most travelers who venture on a West Coast road trip, possibly bypass this unique stop located on Highway 62 in Rice, CA. Nowadays, Shoe Fence owes its popularity to Instagram, after many influencers exposed its potential as a cool photo op thanks to its grunge aesthetic. If the Shoe Fence is on your way, then it is worth making a quick stop to snap a picture and stretch your legs. If not, you might wanna skip this one.
SALVATION MOUNTAIN
Salvation Mountain is a colorful man-made mountain in the California Desert, near Slab City. You can get to Salvation Mountain from Palm Springs in approximately 1.5 hours. It is an eccentric 15-meter tall faux-mountain built with adobe clay, straw, and several generous coats of paint. Salvation Mountain was created by Leonard Knight whose ultimate purpose was to spread the message that “God is Love”. You may also remember it from the movie “Into the Wild”. Bookmark this unique picturesque attraction and don’t hesitate to include it in your West Coast road trip stops.
SELIGMAN, AZ
What once used to be just another railroad town, now is one of the most popular Route 66 stops. It is a fun and kitsch little town that will take you back in time. Get your kicks in Seligman, Arizona and be sure to explore all the quaint shops lined on the main road. The town offers a Motel, a Saloon and a noteworthy souvenir shop. If you’re a fan of animated movies, you might recognize the scenery from the Pixar movie Cars.
BAGDAD CAFE
Named after the movie Bagdad Cafe, this quirky little cafe is located right behind I-40, on the old Route 66 in Newberry Springs, California. The cafe still operates to this day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, owned by a lovely couple. As you enter, you’ll feel as if walking through a time warp back to the 80’s when this beautiful indie film was directed. This is a pit stop not so much to enjoy the food but more for its unique character and old-school atmosphere.
ROY’S MOTEL & CAFE
Roy’s Motel & Cafe is located on historic Route 66, in the town of Amboy. This is one of the stops that you don’t want to miss on your West Coast road trip. What once was an expansive complex consisting of a cafe; motel, gas station, and auto repair garage, now it’s just another desolate construction in the California desert. The Mid-Century Modern architecture has played an important part in Roy’s popularity. Possibly that was also the reason why Roy’s has been featured in various movies and music videos.
MR. D’Z ROUTE 66 DINER, KINGMAN, AZ
If you’re looking for a little 50s nostalgia, then Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner in Kingman, is the ultimate place to be. The vibrant turquoise and pink building and the neon signage will be easy to spot as you approach. If you’re still not sure that you’ve got the right place, then the classic cars parked on the lot will definitely attract your attention. The classic 50s interior and exterior decor will serve as an excellent background for your pictures. Slide in one of their booths and don’t miss out on their milkshakes, I can’t recommend it enough!
PIONEERTOWN
Joshua Tree is possibly one of the most quintessential stops to a West Coast road trip and while there, see that you make a stop at Pioneertown. A themed town, built to serve as an Old West movie set with 1880s style buildings. The buildings’ facades reflect saloons; stables, jails, and an old dentist’s office. The interiors, however, are converted into retail stores including an art studio and a pottery shop amongst others.
HACKBERRY, AZ
Between Kingman and Seligman stands Hackberry, AZ, a tiny village in Mohave County, on Route 66. The vintage cars will surely catch your eye, as well as the old gas pumps and the plentiful artifacts from the years between the 40s and 60s. Step inside the Hackberry General Store and browse through they’re very interesting collection of Route 66 memorabilia. You will find so many cool items that you’ll most definitely lose track of time.
DOUBLE EAGLE TRADING CO, ARIZONA
If you’re looking for unique items to bring back home then be sure to stop at this peculiar gift shop. We stumbled onto the Double Eagle Trading Co by luck and I was so glad that we decided to stop. The store sells interesting handmade Native American arts and crafts and at very reasonable prices too. Take your time to browse it and once you’re done, check out the Native American teepees located on the side of the main building.
MUSEUM OF WESTERN FILM HISTORY, CALIFORNIA
If you’re a fan of Western movies, then this is for you. You will find the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine, California just 1.5 hours from Mammoth Lakes. Take your time to delve into the exceptional collection of Western movie memorabilia. You will also get to know a little more about the history of Westerns and the locations that some of the most famous films were directed.
ERICK SCHAT’S BAKERY
While on Main Street, Bishop, just an hour drive from the Museum of Western Firm History you’ll find Erick Schat’s Bakery. Do not miss a stop at this amazing bakery. It is a heaven for bread lovers and an excellent place to grab something quick to eat and drink. It is usually overcrowded but do not get overwhelmed by that, as I guarantee you that the yummy food options will be worth it.
ANASAZI INN
On your way from Page, Arizona to Monument Valley, you will spot Anasazi Inn on the side of the road just off U.S. 160. While on the road, I’m always on the lookout for random cool places worth stopping by for a quick photo session. This abandoned motel definitely falls into that category, mainly due to its white-turquise sign and the remote location.
SEVEN MAGIC MOUNTAINS
Located on the desert, a 30-minute drive from Vegas, you’ll find this beautiful art of gigantic colorful rocks stacked on top of each other. Seven Magic Mountains is a vibrant pop of colour to an otherwise barren area hence why it makes for a great photo op. Bear in mind that this spot is rather popular amongst Instagrammers, which means that it will probably be very crowded.
