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Relive America's history along Route 66, starting in L.A.
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(ARA) - Nat King Cole sang about Americans getting their kicks on the best highway in the United States - Route 66. In some places the highway no longer is labeled on maps, but song and movie mentions keep Route 66 "from Chicago to L.A." alive in American minds.
Consider getting your kicks on your next vacation touring parts of this historic route, starting at what is considered the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, Calif. Los Angeles cheap flights can get you into the city, and once you arrive, just drive north to the Santa Monica Pier.
Consider spending some time in this beach town at Pacific Park - full of rides and games right over the water - including the only solar-powered Ferris wheel in California. Dip your toes into the ocean, or go shopping in many of the trendy stores. Then head back to your car and Route 66. Catch a glimpse of the Will Rogers Highway memorial and a historic Route 66 highway sign on Santa Monica Blvd. before heading out of town.
The route heads north to go past San Bernardino, which is a great town for outdoor sporting events. Nearby mountain resorts also give this community a draw where you can fish, golf, ski and hike. Nestled at the base of the scenic San Bernardino mountains, don't miss viewing the Arrowhead, a natural landmark formed in the mountain that looks exactly like an arrowhead. This community, with its huge supply of regional parks and national forest, will give you plenty of opportunities to get out and stretch your legs and breathe in deeply before heading back out on Route 66.
But before getting into your car, don't miss the first and original McDonald's downtown, now a museum. If you plan to continue all the way to Chicago, you'll also be able to visit the first McDonald's franchise in Des Plaines, Ill.
Just north of San Bernardino, where Route 66 heads east again, make sure you catch the Route 66 museums in both Barstow and Victorville. Barstow's "Route 66 Mother Road Museum" features photos of both modern-day and historic Route 66. Victorville's "California Route 66 Museum" shares automotive history and the cultural and economic impacts of Route 66.
Before the end of your trip on Route 66 through California, you'll drive through several miles of desert to reach Needles, Calif., where the Colorado River gives visitors plenty of opportunities to do some waterskiing, kayaking or canoeing. Needles is where you can tour the desert, the mountains, or even try your hand at a bit of cave sleuthing.
This is where Route 66 heads into Arizona, and you can continue the journey, or head back to the city for some Los Angeles cheap flights home.
To make the most out of your California Route 66 experience, visit Travelocity for Los Angeles cheap flights, car rental information and hotel availability.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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