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Route 66 Section 6: Kingman to Santa Monica

Eight unforgettable stops from Arizona backroads to the Pacific Ocean.
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Trip Length
5 days, 5 nights
Route Distance
390 mi
Stops
8
Part of AdventureGenie’s Route 66 Centennial road trip series created with KOA, guiding RV travelers through iconic stops and KOA campgrounds along the Mother Road.

Section 6 completes the Route 66 journey, carrying travelers from the high desert of western Arizona across the Mojave Desert and into Southern California. Along the way, you’ll pass through Oatman’s wild burros and historic mining roots, experience long stretches of untouched desert highway, explore Barstow’s railroad and Route 66 heritage, and visit the birthplace of the Mother Road in San Bernardino. The journey ends at Santa Monica Pier, where Route 66 meets the Pacific Ocean—marking the iconic and emotional conclusion of America’s most famous road trip.

AdventureGenie, KOA, and Open Roads have partnered to bring travelers a specialcollection of Americana road trips celebrating the Route 66 Centenial. This series of six curated GenieTrips hasofficially been recognized by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission as a Route 66 Centennial Certified Project

Whether you're exploring iconic roadside stops, rediscovering America’s culture, or planning the ultimate long-hauladventure, this partnership makes it easier than ever to travel confidently, comfortably, and creatively.


Who Will Love This Trip
  • Travelers completing the full Route 66 journey.
  • Families seeking a mix of fun, quirky, and educational stops.
  • Photographers drawn to desert landscapes and iconic roadside landmarks.
  • Road trippers who enjoy diverse stop-to-stop storytelling.
Routing Information

Follow Historic Route 66 wherever possible for authenticity, especially through Hackberry, Oatman, Amboy, and San Bernardino; use I‑40 and I‑15 selectively for efficiency.

Trip Tips

Desert stretches between Arizona and California can be remote—carry water and fuel up often.

Wild burros in Oatman roam freely—drive slowly and respect wildlife.

Summer temperatures in the Mojave Desert can be extreme—plan outdoor stops accordingly.

Check Route 66 Centennial event calendars for Arizona and California to align your trip with festivals and events.

Traffic increases significantly approaching Los Angeles—plan extra time for the final leg.

Arrive at Santa Monica Pier near sunset for the most memorable end-of-route experience.

Resources
KOA: Section 6 (Kingman to Santa Monica)
KOA: Ultimate Guide to Route 66
KOA: 20 Things You Have to See on Route 66
Family-Friendly Road Trips
Route 66 Centennial - AZ Events
Route 66 Centennial - CA Events
KOA best food on Route 66
Table of Contents
Stop 1: Hackberry, AZ
0.5 day, 0 night stay
Description - Hackberry
About 30 miles east of Kingman, the former silver mining town of Hackberry has transformed into one of Route 66’s most nostalgic roadside stops. Today, it’s best known for the Hackberry General Store—a time capsule of Americana filled with vintage signs, classic cars, old gas pumps, and quirky memorabilia that capture the spirit of the Mother Road.
Top Things to Do - Hackberry
Hackberry General Store – Browse an eclectic collection of Route 66 artifacts, vintage signs, classic cars, and quirky memorabilia that together create one of the most nostalgic and immersive roadside stops on the Mother Road.
Photo Ops & Roadside Relics – From rusted gas pumps to hand-painted billboards and retro signage, nearly every corner of this stop offers a photo-worthy moment that captures the spirit of classic American road travel.
Hackberry, AZ Activities
  • Photography
  • Souvenir browsing
  • Quick roadside exploration
RV Campgrounds Near Hackberry, AZ
  • Kingman KOA Journey
Resources
Kingman KOA
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Stop 2: Kingman, AZ
1 day, 1 night stay
Description - Kingman
Kingman stands as one of the most important preservation hubs on Route 66, serving as a gateway to some of the most scenic and historic stretches of the Mother Road. With deep ties to the highway’s revival, a walkable historic district, and immersive museums, it’s the perfect launching point for the journey west into California.
Top Things to Do - Kingman
Arizona Route 66 Museum – Dive into the history and cultural impact of Route 66 through immersive exhibits that trace its evolution across the Southwest.
Historic Downtown Kingman – Stroll past preserved storefronts, murals, and vintage signage that reflect the golden age of American road travel.
Route 66 Powerhouse Visitor Center – Walk through the iconic Route 66 shield and explore exhibits inside this historic building dedicated to travelers.
Scenic Drive Toward Oatman – Begin one of the most dramatic stretches of Route 66, filled with winding roads and desert views.
Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner – Enjoy burgers, fries, and classic root beer floats in a neon-filled, 1950s-style diner atmosphere.
Rutherford’s 66 Family Diner – A hometown favorite serving classic comfort food, perfect for a hearty breakfast before hitting the road.
Kingman, AZ Activities
  • Museum visits
  • Dining
  • Historic walking
  • Photography
RV Campgrounds Near Kingman, AZ
  • Kingman KOA Journey
Resources
Kingman KOA
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Stop 3: Oatman, AZ / Colorado River Corridor
1 day, 1 night stay
Description - Oatman
The drive from Kingman to Oatman is one of the most thrilling segments of Route 66, climbing through the Black Mountains with tight switchbacks, steep grades, and sweeping desert views. Oatman itself is a lively, preserved mining town where wild burros roam freely and the Old West spirit is still very much alive.
Top Things to Do - Oatman
Oatman Ghost Town – Explore a preserved mining town complete with staged gunfights, local shops, and a lively Old West atmosphere.
Oatman Hotel – Step inside this historic hotel and add your own dollar bill to walls covered with decades of traveler signatures.
Black Mountains Scenic Drive – Navigate one of the most exciting stretches of Route 66, with hairpin turns and sweeping desert vistas.
Colorado River Access – Experience the transition from rugged mountains to the cooling waters of the Colorado River near Needles.
Oatman Hotel Restaurant – Grab a burger or cold drink inside a historic saloon-style setting that blends dining with authentic Route 66 character.
Oatman, AZ / Colorado River Corridor Activities
  • Scenic driving
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Historic exploration
RV Campgrounds Near Oatman, AZ / Colorado River Corridor
  • Needles KOA Journey
Resources
Needles KOA
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Stop 4: Amboy, CA
0.5 day, 0 night stay
Description - Amboy
Deep in the Mojave Desert, Amboy is a small, unincorporated stop that delivers one of Route 66’s most iconic visuals. Roy’s Motel & Café—famous for its towering neon sign—has become a symbol of classic roadside America, drawing travelers for a quick break and a step back in time.
Top Things to Do - Amboy
Roy’s Motel & Café – Snap a photo of the famous neon sign and experience one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of Route 66.
Historic Gas Station Stop – Pause at this revived roadside stop in the heart of the Mojave Desert, where travelers have been refueling for generations.
Desert Photo Stop – Capture the stark beauty and wide-open landscapes of the Mojave stretching in every direction.
Roy’s Café Stop – Enjoy simple roadside fare like burgers and drinks, where the atmosphere and history matter just as much as the menu.
Amboy, CA Activities
  • Photography
  • Quick stop
  • Snacks
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Stop 5: Barstow, CA
1 day, 1 night stay
Description - Barstow
This stretch of Route 66 delivers one of the most iconic desert-driving experiences on the entire Mother Road. Anchored by Barstow, the route cuts through the vast Mojave Desert, where long, open roads, rugged terrain, and wide skies define the journey.
Top Things to Do - Barstow
Route 66 Mother Road Museum – Explore exhibits and artifacts that bring the history of Route 66 and desert travel vividly to life.
Calico Ghost Town – Step into a restored mining town offering shops, tours, and a fun, family-friendly Old West experience.
Mojave National Preserve – Discover vast desert landscapes filled with sand dunes, volcanic formations, and Joshua tree forests.
Lola’s Kitchen – Enjoy generous portions of homestyle meals at a local favorite known for its welcoming atmosphere.
Barstow, CA Activities
  • Museum visits
  • Dining
  • Exploration
RV Campgrounds Near Barstow, CA
  • Barstow / Calico KOA Holiday
Resources
Barstow KOA
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Stop 6: Oro Grande, CA
0.5 day, 0 night stay
Description - Oro Grande
Located along Route 66 near the Mojave River, Oro Grande offers one of the most unique and artistic stops on the entire journey. Set against the high desert landscape, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is a whimsical outdoor art installation featuring over 200 “trees” made from metal and colorful glass bottles.
Top Things to Do - Oro Grande
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch – Wander through a one-of-a-kind art installation featuring over 200 metal "trees" adorned with colorful glass bottles that shimmer in the desert light.
Desert Art & Photography – Capture the striking contrast of vibrant glass sculptures against the muted tones of the high desert landscape.
Cross Eyed Cow Pizza – Stop for a laid-back meal at this quirky roadside spot offering pizza, sandwiches, and a memorable Route 66 vibe.
Oro Grande, CA Activities
  • Art exploration
  • Photography
  • Casual dining
RV Campgrounds Near Oro Grande, CA
  • Barstow / Calico KOA Holiday
Resources
Barstow KOA
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Stop 7: Rialto/San Bernardino, CA
1 day, 1 night stay
Description - Rialto/San Bernardino
As Route 66 enters the greater Los Angeles region, San Bernardino marks a pivotal transition from open desert to urban Southern California. Rich in roadside history, this area blends iconic landmarks with the evolution of American travel culture.
Top Things to Do - Rialto/San Bernardino
Wigwam Motel – Visit or stay in one of the last remaining teepee-shaped motels, offering a truly unique Route 66 lodging experience.
Original McDonald’s Site & Museum – Explore the birthplace of the global fast-food chain and its deep roots in Route 66 culture.
Historic Route 66 Corridors – Cruise Foothill Boulevard and surrounding streets lined with classic roadside architecture.
Mitla Café – Enjoy legendary Mexican-American comfort food at a historic stop credited with influencing the creation of Taco Bell.
Rialto/San Bernardino, CA Activities
  • Historic visits
  • Dining
  • Exploration
RV Campgrounds Near Rialto/San Bernardino, CA
  • Banning Stagecoach KOA Journey
Resources
Banning Stagecoach KOA Journey
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Stop 8: Santa Monica, CA
1 day, 1 night stay
Description - Santa Monica
Santa Monica marks the official (and emotional) end of Route 66, where the Mother Road meets the Pacific Ocean. This final stop is both symbolic and celebratory, offering ocean views, iconic signage, and the satisfying conclusion to one of America’s most legendary journeys.
Top Things to Do - Santa Monica
Santa Monica Pier – Walk to the edge of the continent and enjoy ocean views, rides, and a lively coastal atmosphere.
End of the Trail Sign – Capture the must-have photo marking the completion of your Route 66 journey.
Santa Monica Beach – Relax and unwind with your toes in the Pacific after completing the drive.
Mel’s Drive-In – Celebrate with burgers, shakes, and retro vibes at a classic California diner.
Pier Burger – Grab a casual, beachside burger just steps from the ocean for a perfect final meal.
Santa Monica, CA Activities
  • Celebration
  • Beach time
  • Photography
  • Dining
Resources
Visit Santa Monica
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Updated with expanded stop structure and detailed editorial content based on Route 66 field insights and KOA resources.

Route 66 Section 6: Kingman to Santa Monica
Eight unforgettable stops from Arizona backroads to the Pacific Ocean.
Length
5 days, 5 nights
Distance
390 mi
Stops
8
Part of AdventureGenie’s Route 66 Centennial road trip series created with KOA, guiding RV travelers through iconic stops and KOA campgrounds along the Mother Road.

Section 6 completes the Route 66 journey, carrying travelers from the high desert of western Arizona across the Mojave Desert and into Southern California. Along the way, you’ll pass through Oatman’s wild burros and historic mining roots, experience long stretches of untouched desert highway, explore Barstow’s railroad and Route 66 heritage, and visit the birthplace of the Mother Road in San Bernardino. The journey ends at Santa Monica Pier, where Route 66 meets the Pacific Ocean—marking the iconic and emotional conclusion of America’s most famous road trip.

Who Will Love This Trip

  • Travelers completing the full Route 66 journey.
  • Families seeking a mix of fun, quirky, and educational stops.
  • Photographers drawn to desert landscapes and iconic roadside landmarks.
  • Road trippers who enjoy diverse stop-to-stop storytelling.

Routing Information

Follow Historic Route 66 wherever possible for authenticity, especially through Hackberry, Oatman, Amboy, and San Bernardino; use I‑40 and I‑15 selectively for efficiency.

Table of Contents
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