Route 66, the USA’s iconic highway, celebrates its centennial in 2026, and Greater Palm Springs is conveniently located just two hours south of where the road enters California. Apart from its own offerings of endless experiences and activities, Greater Palm Springs is an ideal base for a three-day journey east of the Colorado River, then back west through desert ghost towns, volcanic craters, and classic roadside attractions. Discover the history of the landmarks dotted along Route 66 that have endured the highway’s mid-century days, before continuing your Greater Palm Springs adventure.

While in Greater Palm Springs

With its diverse mix of hotels, dining, experiences, and airport access through the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), Greater Palm Springs provides every convenience for planning a short road trip. Before embarking on your Route 66 journey, make use of the morning to visit the city of Desert Hot Springs, which sits about 30 minutes north of Palm Springs. Its mineral springs reach temperatures up to 170°F–ideal for a pre- or post-road-trip soak. Or, head east to the Coachella Valley / Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, where hiking trails wind through 20,000 acres of desert palm oases.

Day 1

Start your journey by driving northeast toward Needles and the Colorado River. Spot the Pirate Cove Resort and the nearby historic Topock Gorge, which cuts dramatically through volcanic cliffs. The Topock Maze, located just south, is a 15-acre geoglyph in the desert from over 600 years ago, marks left behind by the Mojave people, carrying beliefs of a spiritual portal to the afterlife.

An hour west is Roy’s Motel and Café, now operating as a gas station and gift shop with its iconic 1950s neon sign still visible for miles. While full meals are no longer served, you can grab cold drinks and Route 66 memorabilia. Walk across the painted Route 66 shields in the road to the Amboy post office for a hand-stamped postcard.

Five minutes from Roy’s, Amboy Crater rises as a nearly symmetrical volcanic cinder cone in the open Northern Desert. The rim hike is not easy, but the reward is sweeping 360-degree views across black lava fields that stretch for miles.

Day 2

The following day, visit Ludlow, a former silver mining supply town, which maintains a small cluster of historic buildings. Stop at the Ludlow Cafe to pick up food for the rest of the journey. Then drive to Newberry Springs to visit Bagdad Café, a favourite spot for film lovers. German director Percy Adlon filmed his 1987 movie Bagdad Café here, after which the former Sidewinder Cafe adopted its current name. Today, flags from dozens of countries hang from the ceiling, and the walls are covered with stickers and signatures from visitors. The café serves drinks, milkshakes, burgers, and sandwiches.

Day 3

Reserve day 3 to explore the Route 66 Mother Road Museum located inside the historic Casa del Desierto Harvey House in Barstow, where artefacts and photographs trace the highway’s journey from its early pioneer trails to the modern era of automobiles. For accommodations, Wigwam Motel is a great choice, which has been restored by the Patel family. Welcoming visitors since 1949, the 19 “wigwam” cabins have since been updated with modern amenities, as well as a pool, while still preserving the roadside facade.

Back to Greater Palm Springs

The return drive takes roughly three hours. End your Route 66 road trip at Melvyn’s Restaurant or Workshop Kitchen + Bar, both serving California cuisine in mid-century modern settings that nod to the era that made Route 66 legendary.

As you plan your Greater Palm Springs trip, make sure to drive down Route 66 on this extraordinary journey, that too during the Mother Road’s milestone year.