Epic Los Angeles to Vegas Road Trip and Pit Stop

Epic Los Angeles to Vegas Road Trip and Pit Stop

My first day in California was all about fighting for a spot to different Disneyland Park attractions.  Understandably, it’s summer time so Disney’s FASTPASS service was not even much of a help. Needless to say, it’s not as happy as it should be when you visit Disneyland during this time. No regrets though, everyone had tons of fun regardless.

On our second day, I decided on an epic road trip with my 75-year grandmother, my 53-year old mother and my three hyperactive children from Los Angeles to Vegas. Supposedly, the road trip should only take 4-5 hours depending on the traffic.  Unfortunately, I planned this road trip on a Friday when most Californians drive to Vegas to gamble and party. What was I thinking?

This is actually not my first time to drive to Vegas from Angeles. This time however, I have the who family in tow thus decided for pit stop to break the long drive/

So, with two women with overactive bladder in tow plus a grumpy 14-year old, a 9-year old boy who only cares for hotel wifi access and an 8-year old who wants food every 30 minutes, the road trip was already fun at the beginning.  Thus, this momma had to be creative on how to keep everyone happy and entertained during this 6-hour epic ordeal. I mean, epic road trip. LOL. With that being said, I had to research for some cool pit stop along the way. Depending on your time and interests, there are number of interesting pit stop during your epic Los Angeles to Vegas road trip.

Cool Pit Stop between Los Angeles and Vegas

1st Pit Stop:  Calico Ghost Town

Calico is a former mining town located 3 miles from Barstow, California and 3 miles from Yermo, California. Proclaimed by former Governor Arnold Swarzenneger to be California’s Silver Rush Ghost Town in 2005, it has been become a famous stop-off between Los Angeles and Vegas. Additionally, Calico Ghost Town is California’s Historical Landmark #782.

I almost skipped this attraction due to it being off Highway 15.  It’s about 20-minute drive from the main highway. You definitely won’t miss it as you will the letters CALICO on the mountain slope from the highway. I paid $40 entrance fee for 1 senior, 2 adults and 3 children ages 8, 9 and 14.  At first look, I thought I was back in Texas.  Supposedly, original building were torn down replacing it with Western-themed architecture. As I said, I felt like I am in Wild West Texas.

Unfortunately, our stay at the ghost town was short-lived due to the temperature. It was 112-degree Fahrenheit and my 75-year old grandma was afraid to die of heat stroke. Kidding aside, it was very hot even for a Texan like me. Thus, mission to explore the whole town was aborted. I, however, managed to snap some photos.  If you are brave enough to explore the ghost during summer, drink lots and lots of water. Furthermore, get a good shoes to walk on, apply sunscreen and definitely wear hats.

2nd Pit Stop:  Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner

Another famous stop-off not far from Calico town is the legendary Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner. Most especially if you are hungry. Travelers passing between Los Angeles and Vegas should not miss Peggy Sue’s delicious and affordable menu. And not only that, the restaurant’s massive collection of movie and TV memorabiliais truly an eye-candy. Here at Peggy Sue’s, you can enjoy great home-cooked food, great songs from the 50’s, shopping and strolling through the Dinosaur Park.  Clearly, this place caters to traveler of all ages. What are you waiting for?

3rd Pit Stop:  Jenny Rose Restaurant

Just across the street from Peggy Sue’s you will find another famous stop-off. I read some people online asking what makes this place special. Historically, Jenny Rose Restaurant is a roadside diner that has long been closed down. Interestingly, the restaurant’s signage still stand erect, bright and proud. Seriously, don’t you think the red heart Jenny Rose Restaurant’s signage is cute? Exactly, I think so too. Furthermore, Sheryl Crow made the neon sign famous by making it the back cover of her debut album. And yeah, I love some of her songs.

 

4th Pit Stop:  Zzyzx Road/Soda Springs

Our 4th pit stop is probably the creepiest one. As I drove into a partly paved road with no one in sight, my 75-year grandmother attempted to stop me. I hesitated for a second but my curiosity over this controversial place won over.  For one, I would like to visit the last road name (alphabetically speaking) in the list of all US official roads, the Zzyzx Road. Supposedly, a quack evangelist named Curtis Howe Springer named it with the intention of making it the last road name, alphabetically speaking. This imposter built a resort in the Mojave Desert he named Zzyzx Mineral Springs. This fraudster is smart enough to use water boiler and claimed it to be a hot spring. Genius, isn’t it?

California State University managed the then-Zzyzx Mineral Springs Resort since 1976. Today, it is known as the center for desert studies.

The place is so quiet and creepy to visit. To begin with, I did not see a clear sign whether or not a visit is allowed. There were two cars parked but I did not see anyone. My grandma and mom stayed in the car. My two girls were afraid to explore. We managed to snap few pictures thankfully. As we left, we met a couple asking us the same question, “is it okay to visit?”  They also instructed as to call 911 if they won’t make it out of the center in 15 minutes, LOL. Yeah, that’s how creepy the place was. It was interesting though and beautiful.

5th Pit Stop:  The Mad Greek Café

Another pit stop during our epic Los Angeles and Vegas road trip is a visit to The Mad Greek Café. And yes, their food is ‘madly’ delicious. I devoured a Chicken Breast Souvlaki and drank my fresh strawberry shake to its last drop.

6th Pit Stop: The Tallest Thermometer in the World

Another interesting pit stop during an epic road trip from Los Angeles to Vegas proudly stands in Baker, California. And that is the world’s tallest thermometer showing the maximum temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit; the highest temperature ever recorded on planet Earth. By the way, this record-breaking heat occurred at the nearby Death Valley in 1913. Thus, the world’s tallest thermometer is built to commemorate that scorching event. I could not breath with the temperature in 112, how much more if it was 134?

7th Pit Stop: Alien Fresh Jerky Restaurant
Anyone here a fan of alien and UFO’s? The next pit stop could be your favorite. I am neither a fan of alien and jerky but I sure did not miss this alien-themed restaurant. From the aliens standing outside and over the building, to the aliens inside a parked car, this place is definitely interesting. Not to mention the massive selection of jerky flavors available to mankind.

8th Pit Stop:  Bonnie and Clyde Death Car

Bonnie and Clyde are the infamous ‘partners in crime’ who captured the American public with their unspeakable crimes between 1931 and 1935. They started their crime spree in Texas and across state line. Bonnie and Clyde died in May, 1934 in Shreveport, LA. They both died of gun shot wounds, more than fifty times each. And the bullet-ridden car the infamous duo died in became an interesting pit stop between Los Angeles and Vegas. It is conveniently locate inside Whiskey Pete’s Hotel and Casino in Primm, Nevada. Additionally, Clyde’s blood and death shirt is also on display. I know they are cringe-worthy to look at but hey, they are interesting and free.

 

9th Pit Stop: Seven Magic Mountains

Our next pit stop is probably the brightest and the most colorful one, the Seven Magic Mountains.  After driving for hours along the desert, seeing these colorful stack of colorful stones surely awakened and brightened my ‘tired’ mood. The Seven Magic Mountains are brilliantly created by world-renowned artist named Hugo Rondinone. It is his creative way of showing a colorful human presence in Mojave Desert. Clearly and brightly visible along I-15, you surely would not miss this.  And do hurry up! Sadly, this beautiful creation might only available for viewing until the end of the year.