Take a Trip Down Historic Route 66 in Southern California

In the 1920s, plans were made to create a 2,448 mile road that would travel between Chicago and Los Angeles with the last 350 miles running through Southern California. This was the beginning of the famous Route 66. Route 66 originally ended on Sunset Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles, but was later extended to Santa Monica.

If you are planning on being in the Los Angeles area this summer, I would highly recommend that you take the time to travel Route 66 and visit this part of history. It is a trip that is worth taking!

Route 66 doesn't appear on modern maps so you need a good description before heading out on the old 2-lane highway. However, the shield of the Route 66 sign has become so recognized as a part of history that you can easily follow the old highway. You can request a Free Los Angeles Official Visitors Guide at: http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/visitors/guides/san-gabriel-valley

As you travel through the Los Angeles Valley, there are many historic sites to stop and visit along Route 66. There is such a variety of interesting things, so many in fact, that everyone will be sure to find a new favorite spot!

If food is what you enjoy most, you don't want to miss the Grand Central Market which has been offering fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry and fish since 1917. Check out all the other restaurants at the market or head down to Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet, the oldest operating restaurant and bar in the City of Los Angeles. Another choice might be Clifton's Brookdale Cafeteria, which has been doing business on Route 66 since 1928. There's also Roy's Cafe which has lots of Route 66 memorabilia and the best milkshakes I've ever tasted! While we are talking about food, did you know that the very first McDonalds was designed in Southern California along Route 66?

You'll pass through the historic district with many places to stop and check out. There's the Aztec Motel which is one of the most unique places on historic Route 66. There's also the Southwest Museum, the Lummis House, the Audobon Nature Center at Debs Park, Heritage Square, and the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens. You might want to stop off at the Route 66 Territory Museum in Rancho Cucamonga also.

Some interesting side trips in downtown Los Angeles are the Dodger Stadium, Union Station, Elysian Park, Chinatown, Southwest Museum and the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument. If you like side trips, don't forget to stop by and see the concrete-lined Los Angeles River.