If you have lived in Los Angeles for at least a few years you probably have made that road trip to Vegas for a weekend of fun and craziness at least once.
Many people who live in LA love the fact that we can drive to Vegas to hit the casinos, enjoy some good shows, hit the pools or maybe just recharge our batteries.
But veteran LA to Vegas road trippers also know that it’s not just the destination that holds all the fun and excitement but also the journey.
On the drive to Vegas from Los Angeles, there are so many interesting and fascinating stops along the way.
In this article, we give our recommendations for the best stops on the desert road trip from Los Angeles to Vegas.
1 – Bottle Tree Ranch
Description:
If you love unique over the top art installations you want to check this one out! You can find creativity all around at Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande CA.
After his father left him a massive collection of colored bottles, Elmer set out to build this impressive and intricate display of tree-shaped sculptures.
Sadly he passed away last year, but for now, his creation is still displayed for visitors to stop by and appreciate.
Be sure to check before stopping by to make sure its open.
Location: 24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368
Pic Credit: @photography_by_marco
2 – Eddies World Gas
Description:
This is a fun looking rest stop located in Yermo CA, where travelers can stop and get fuel and food. It is remarkably big with 26,000 square feet total, 26 gas pumps, and 150 parking spots!
Eddie’s world attracts lots of visitors for its medieval towers and miniature waterfall castle. It also displays an enormous ice cream Sunday that actually covers a water tower.
Inside Eddie’s World, there is a magnificent candy store, also find coffee, burgers, sandwiches, and other casual bites.
If you need to make a rest stop anyway you might as well make it as fun as possible with a stop at Eddie’s. It is much more than a place to get gas. You will leave with some memorable pictures as well.
Location:36017 Calico Rd, Yermo, CA 92398
PIC Credit: @kristoffer_q
3 – Calico Ghost Town
Description:
This is an old west silver mining town in San Bernardino and has been around since 1881. Is it worth a slight detour to stop and visit? Absolutely!
I mean how many ghost towns do you get to see every day? This cool spot has been restored so it shows what the silver rush era actually looked like. If your kids enjoy the western theme, they will like to see this for sure and imagine what life must have been like in the old West.
Calico is registered as a California Historical Landmark, hence the $8 fee you need to pay to enter, but its worth it if you like fun and unique attractions.
It is open every day from 9-5 except for Christmas day.
Location:San bernardino county, ca
PIC Credit: @nina.urbex
4 – Zzyzx Exit
Description:
This is a pretty unique highway sign and might be one of the most easily recognized in the country. It makes a cool selfie to pull over and take a pic right next to it.
More people used to take this exit instead of just taking pictures of it when they were following a quack Dr. who claimed the place had healing properties.
Today if you were to take the exit you would find a protected habitat for the Mojave Tui Chub fish, and it is also a USC desert studies center.
If you want to stop and take cool pics and selfies of this quirky town just be sure to be wary of the scorpions.
Location:san bernardino county
PIC Credit: @peterstringer
5 – Alien Fresh Jerky
Description:
A one of a kind road stop to pick up snacks, drinks, and get refreshed. With the stories of alien sightings in our deserts, the Alien Fresh Jerky store sticks to that theme. They of course have lots of jerkies and also candy, souvenirs, and other off-the-road store items.
With the theme of aliens and UFOs, the most eye-catching attraction is the giant aliens on the outside of the building. They also have some aliens trapped in a car, a spaceship and other weird large displays on the outside. If you have kids they will have fun taking pictures with them.
But come inside where there are some interesting space creatures decorating the store, and lots of unique and fun dried meat flavors to take with you.
Location:72302 Baker Blvd, Baker, CA 92309
PIC Credit: @vanessaorjuelax
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!