Key Spots Along Route 66 in San Bernardino County

America's largest county, San Bernardino County in California, is full of Mother road heritage! Visitors can watch a film under the stars at a drive-in theatre, see a symphony at a historic performing arts venue, eat at classic restaurants, and stay at vintage motels.

Before Route 66 was created, the National Old Trails Road entered California from Arizona via this bridge, constructed in 1916. The structure can be seen in the 1940 film adaptation of "The Grapes of Wrath." It now only carries pipelines, not cars, across the Colorado River.

The Goffs Schoolhouse Museum and Cultural Center, an adaptively reused, 1914 school, is part of a complex operated by the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association. Its extensive collection of archival materials relates not just to Route 66 but to the Mojave in general.

The recipient of multiple grants from the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Management Program, this long-vacant, 1962 truck stop's massive neon sign is in the process of a multi-year restoration process that will help light up the desert sky!

One of the most photographed locations on all of Route 66 is Roy's, a quintessential, longstanding roadside business that still serves tourists. The motel/cafe/gas station complex's iconic, Googie-style, neon sign was beautifully restored and relit in 2019.

A popular hiking spot and scenic stop along Route 66, this 250-foot-high, volcanic cinder cone became a National Natural Landmark in 1973. Part of the Mojave Trails National Monument, the crater's amenities include a hiking trail, an overlook, restrooms, and picnic tables.

Not to be confused with the Ludlow Cafe that operated 1940s-1960s, this version opened in 1971 as Friend's Coffee Shop. The restaurant's Googie-style, A-frame design (with stained glass!) contrasts nicely with the mine equipment out front, representing the area's mining heritage.

Open since 1952, The Barn is a lively roadhouse offering food, a bar, pool tables, and live music. In 2025, the National Trust for Historic Preservation awarded The Barn a $50,000 Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant.

Originally Robbin's Retreat and then Sidewinder Cafe, its name changed after the 1987 film Bagdad Cafe filmed there. This longtime woman-owned business stopped serving food in recent years after enduring multiple challenges. It still offers visitors souvenirs, sodas, etc. to buy.

This massive landmark is a 1911, former Harvey House - a train station / hotel / restaurant. After it sat vacant from 1973 to the 1990s, the city restored it. It now hosts Amtrak, office space, a NASA visitor center, a railroad museum, and the Barstow Route 66 Mother Road Museum.

This folk art environment boasts a forest of welded, metal trees - their arms comprised of around 200 vintage, glass bottles. Elmer Long created the colorful art installation with items he and his father found at desert trash dumps while on camping trips, starting in the 1950s.

In Victorville's historic downtown, the former Red Rooster Cafe building has hosted the California Route 66 Museum since 1995. It features artifacts and ephemera from this state's section of the Mother Road (especially the desert areas), plus photo opportunities and a gift shop.

Open for breakfast and lunch five days a week, this 1947 burger joint is known for its large portions and milkshakes. You might recognize it from TV or film, ranging from Quentin Tarantino's acclaimed Kill Bill: Vol. 2 to the long-running series Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.

At Route 66's intersection with U.S. 395, the Outpost Cafe operated 1928-1964. When the state took it for highway expansion, its owners won a suit for more compensation. Nearby, they then opened this larger, A-frame restaurant and an adjacent truck stop. Both remain busy today.

In Rancho Cucamonga, multiple Foothill Blvd. sites feature Mother Road-themed public art. That includes this overpass for the Pacific Electric Trail, a six-mile rail trail. The adjacent Route 66 Trailhead Park includes a strip of 1914 pavement, plus historical information.

San Bernardino County offers an amazing array of attractions to experience. Harvey Houses (plural!)? Check. Dormant volcano? Check. Teepees? Check. An 1800s ghost town, complete with an intact blacksmith shop? Check! Don't miss out on this impressive stretch of the Mother Road.