Quick
Stats: Distance, Timeline, and Why You Should Take This Road Trip
Distance:
Approximately 270 miles
Driving
Time: 4 to 5 hours (depending on traffic)
Route:
Interstate 15 (I-15 South)
Ideal
for: Adventure seekers, road trip enthusiasts, families, and RV travelers
The drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles is about
more than just getting from point A to point B. Along this route, you’ll
experience stunning desert landscapes, quirky towns, and fascinating
attractions that make the journey as exciting as the destination. One-way RV rentals from Cruise America add a
level of freedom to explore at your own pace and enjoy some extra comfort along
the way.
Reasons to Take the Road Trip
from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
Flexibility:
The road trip allows for stops at scenic viewpoints, quirky diners, and
small towns that you’d miss when flying.
Scenic
Desert Landscapes: The vast Mojave Desert offers spectacular views that
change with the light throughout the day.
Freedom
to Explore: With an RV rental, you can make spontaneous detours and enjoy
the flexibility of spending extra time in places that catch your eye.
Adventure:
It’s a perfect route for those looking for an adventure filled with
natural beauty and cultural stops.
Savings:
Driving, especially in a rented RV, can save on accommodation costs,
especially when traveling with family or friends.
Attractions and Things to See
Along the Way
1. Seven Magic Mountains
Just 10 miles south of Las Vegas, Seven Magic
Mountains is a vibrant art installation in the middle of the desert. Created by
Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, this collection of seven towering, brightly colored
rock stacks adds a splash of color to the stark desert landscape. It’s an ideal
first stop to stretch your legs and snap some photos before hitting the open
road.
2. Primm, Nevada
About 40 miles from Las Vegas, Primm is a small
resort town that offers some unique attractions. Stop by for a quick break and
visit the famous Bonnie and Clyde Death Car, located inside Whiskey Pete’s
Hotel & Casino. If you're traveling with kids or want a thrill yourself,
check out the Desperado Roller Coaster at Buffalo Bill’s, once one of the
tallest coasters in the world.
3. Mojave National Preserve
For nature lovers, a detour into the Mojave
National Preserve is a must. Located about halfway between Las Vegas and Los
Angeles, this vast desert area offers stunning views of sand dunes, Joshua
trees, volcanic formations, and even abandoned mines. The preserve is perfect
for short hikes, photo opportunities, and a quiet escape from the bustling
cities on either end of your journey.
4. Kelso Dunes
Within the Mojave National Preserve lies the Kelso
Dunes, one of the largest dune fields in the country. These towering dunes
reach up to 650 feet and are perfect for an adventurous hike. If you’ve never
heard of “singing sands,” take a hike up these dunes; under the right
conditions, you can hear the dunes "sing" as the sand shifts beneath
your feet.
5. Calico Ghost Town
Just off I-15 near Barstow, California, Calico
Ghost Town is a historic silver mining town that’s been preserved as a tourist
attraction. It’s a great stop for families and history buffs, offering a
glimpse into the Old West with attractions like mine tours, museums, and
old-timey shops. Take a ride on the Calico & Odessa Railroad, explore the
restored buildings and even pan for gold.
6. Barstow Station
Barstow is a common stop along the Las Vegas-to-LA
route, but Barstow Station is anything but ordinary. This quirky rest stop
features several fast-food options inside converted train cars. It’s the
perfect place for a quick meal or a pit stop to recharge before continuing your
journey.
7. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
Located along Route 66, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
is one of the most unique roadside attractions you’ll find. This artistic
creation features “trees” made from old bottles and other recycled materials,
forming a bizarre yet captivating forest of glass. It’s a fantastic photo-op
and a great place to stretch your legs while marveling at one man’s artistic
vision.
8. Victoria Gardens
As you near Los Angeles, take a break from the
desert scenery and stop at Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga. This large
outdoor shopping center offers a mix of retail stores, restaurants, and
entertainment options. If you’re in need of a meal or just want to browse some
shops, this is a great place to unwind before reaching the city.
9. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Once you arrive in Los Angeles from Sin City, stop
by LACMA to soak in some culture. While this might not be a traditional
roadside stop, it’s a fitting end to a journey that began in the wild, neon-lit
streets of Las Vegas. The museum is famous for its vast collection of artwork,
and the iconic Urban Light installation, where 202 restored cast-iron street
lamps are arranged in an outdoor exhibit.
Suggested Itinerary for a Las
Vegas to Los Angeles Road Trip
Here’s a sample itinerary for your road trip,
broken down into a day-long adventure:
Morning
Start
early in Las Vegas, grabbing breakfast before heading out.
Make a
quick stop at Seven Magic Mountains for some colorful photos.
Continue
to Primm for a coffee break and a ride on the Desperado Roller Coaster
(optional).
Midday
Detour
into the Mojave National Preserve and explore the stunning Kelso Dunes.
Have
lunch in the area or bring a picnic to enjoy amidst the desert landscape.
Afternoon
Head
toward Barstow, where you can visit Calico Ghost Town and Barstow Station
for a late-afternoon snack.
Stop
at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch for a unique experience along Route 66.
Evening
As you
approach Los Angeles, enjoy a relaxing dinner and some shopping at
Victoria Gardens.
Arrive
in LA, where you can choose to end your day at LACMA or visit the
Hollywood Walk.
Posted by: Cruise America & Canada RV Rentals Inc
Posted on: 17/09/2024