LA to Las Vegas Road Trip - Top Stops Along The Way

America is world-famous for its road trips, and one of the most iconic routes is the drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas (or vice versa). Whether you’re cruising down the highway in a Ford F-150 or a Chevrolet Camaro, there are two main choices to make before you hit the road.

If you’re looking to get from A to B as fast as possible for a quick getaway, you’ll choose the direct route. If you want to get from A to B on a leisurely drive filled with unique stops and attractions, you’ll choose the scenic route.

The direct route is easy to plan, so we won’t discuss it today. Instead, we will discuss the scenic route.

To help you plan your drive to Las Vegas from Los Angeles (or the opposite direction), we’ll give you the ultimate itinerary that will make your drive special.

Before we get started, here are a few details:

Distance: Approximately 270 miles (435 km)
Time (direct route): 4 to 5 hours without stops
Time (scenic route): 6 to 8 hours with stops
Best times to travel: Spring and fall for milder temperatures
Essential items to pack: Water, snacks, sunscreen, and a reliable map, GPS, or phone with Google / Apple Maps

Best Road Trip Stops Between Las Vegas and Los Angeles

Our itinerary starts in California and ends in Nevada. If you’re traveling in the opposite direction, simply reverse the order. This itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience some of Southern California and Nevada’s most intriguing roadside attractions and natural wonders.

If your destination is Las Vegas, a pro tip is to book your hotels and tickets for any shows or attractions you want to see in advance. We can help you save money on hotels and get discounted tickets to the best shows and attractions in Las Vegas.

Now for the first stop on your drive.

Mormon Rocks

As you leave LA, the first stop on your drive is the Mormon Rocks Viewpoint. You’ll see the rocks from the highway, but if you want to go to the viewpoint, take exit 131 for CA-138 toward Palmdale / Silverwood. Then you just need to follow CA 138 West to Mormon Rocks.

The rugged, weathered shapes create a stunning view and are worth pulling over for. Whether you’re up for a short hike or just want to stretch your legs, this makes for a fantastic first stop.

Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch

Next up is Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch. It’s about 40 minutes away from Mormon Rocks and is a quirky roadside attraction featuring colorful bottle trees. This spot is perfect for those looking for an offbeat photo opportunity.

On the way to Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, there are plenty of places along the I-15 where you can stop for refreshments, from Wendy’s to Chronic Tacos.

Victorville

Next up is Victorville, home to the California Route 66 Museum. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of one of the world’s most iconic highways. It’s run by volunteers and keeps limited hours, so check before you go. To a local, this might not be ‘that’ interesting, but in our opinion, it’s definitely worth a stop.

Also, if you were not quite feeling the food along the highway, Victorville has some more options for you to enjoy.

Barstow

The next destination on the list is Barstow. It’s about 30 miles north of the California Route 66 Museum.

Here, you’ll find Barstow Harvey House.

The building was built in 1911 and now houses the Route 66 Mother Road Museum and the Western America Railroad Museum, so it’s a great place to explore how Americans crossed the desert, by rail and by road. Outside of the building, you’re free to take pictures of and with the decommissioned locomotives.

Calico Ghost Town

You read that right.

Calico is a ghost town. It’s actually a former mining town just 20 minutes away from Barstow. The attractions in the once ‘bustling’ town provide a glimpse into California’s mining history. You might spend a couple of hours here, as there are plenty of shops, historical exhibits, mine tours, a ghost town train ride, and other guided tours.

EddieWorld

After Calico Ghost Town, your next stop is EddieWorld. It’s just 7 minutes away, off the I-15.

EddieWorld bills itself as California’s largest gas station. It’s the perfect place to fill up your car, and if you haven’t eaten yet, grab a bite to eat, too. Inside, you’ll find a wide range of snacks, from fresh sandwiches to sushi, and even a candy store for those with a sweet tooth.

This stop is great if you want to grab a bite or stretch your legs before continuing your drive.

Whether you’re into gourmet jerky or ice cream, EddieWorld has something for everyone.

Zzyzx Road

After driving for just under 50 miles, you’ll end up in one of the more unusual stops on this list.

Zzyzx Road.

You read that right (my cat didn’t sit on my keyboard).

The road leads to the Zzyzx Desert Studies Center, located in the Mojave National Preserve.

Originally a spa and health resort built in the 1940s, it’s now used for scientific research, but you can still explore the area. The odd name alone makes it a memorable stop, and the surrounding desert landscape provides a peaceful escape if you want to stretch your legs in a more remote location.

Baker, California

After a short 10-minute drive, you’ll find yourself in Baker, California, home to the world’s tallest thermometer.

Standing at 134 feet, this landmark was built to commemorate the highest temperature ever recorded in nearby Death Valley. It’s a quick but fun stop if you’re looking for an iconic roadside photo op. Baker is also known as the gateway to Death Valley, so if you’re interested in venturing off your route, it’s worth considering a detour. Otherwise, this small town offers a few fast food joints and gas stations to recharge before you continue your road trip.

Mojave National Preserve

Your next stop is going to be the stunning Mojave National Preserve.

Known for its vast desert landscapes, towering sand dunes, and volcanic cinder cones, this preserve offers a striking contrast to the urban life you left behind (and are about to get back to in Las Vegas).

What you do here really depends on how quickly you want to head to the casino, play some slots, or go to the day club.

In our opinion, if you have the time, you should stop at Kelso Dunes for a short hike or simply enjoy the desert views.

Another highlight is the Kelso Depot, a historic train station that serves as a visitor center. As of fall 2026 its indoor exhibits are closed, but the grounds, restrooms and water filling station are open, so check the park’s alerts before you go.

However, on your road trip you can also help make a difference to the environment. The National Preserve has organized volunteer days to replant Joshua trees in the Cima Dome area of the park, which was devastated by the Dome Fire in August 2020. If you’re driving through the area and want to help out, check the Cima Dome restoration page to see whether new volunteer dates are posted (the last ones listed were in fall 2024).

If you had a great time at the Mojave National Preserve, you’ll appreciate our article about some of the best outdoor activities in Las Vegas.

Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System

Vegas is now very close, but just 20 minutes from the Mojave National Preserve is the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System. As you drive along the highway, you’ll see the solar fields from the road.

This large solar thermal plant uses fields of mirrors to focus sunlight onto three towers. Its owners planned in 2025 to start closing it in 2026, but California regulators rejected that plan in December 2025, so its future is still uncertain.

Whether you’re an eco-enthusiast or just curious about renewable energy, Ivanpah is a striking sight from I-15 on your way to the bright lights of Vegas.

Primm, Nevada

Just before you reach Las Vegas, you’ll pass through Primm, Nevada, a small border town that used to have three casinos: Whiskey Pete’s, Buffalo Bill’s and Primm Valley Resort. Whiskey Pete’s closed in 2024 and Buffalo Bill’s in 2025, but Primm Valley reopened in July 2026 under new management, so if you’re feeling lucky, you still get one last chance to play the slots before the big city. It’s also where you can see the bullet-riddled car Bonnie and Clyde died in, now on display inside Primm Valley.

Next door, Buffalo Bill’s Desperado roller coaster, once one of the tallest in the world, hasn’t run in years, but its tracks are still an impressive sight from the freeway.

FYI, if rides are your thing, then we can help you get a discount for the High Roller Observation Wheel in Vegas and the Big Apple Roller Coaster.

Seven Magic Mountains

Your final stop before reaching Las Vegas is the Seven Magic Mountains.

Located just outside the city, this public art installation features seven towering stacks of brightly colored boulders standing against the backdrop of the Mojave Desert. Created by artist Ugo Rondinone, these colorful sculptures contrast the natural desert landscape and make for an unforgettable photo op.

Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for a unique spot to stretch your legs, Seven Magic Mountains offers a moment of creative inspiration before you experience the energy of Las Vegas.

Las Vegas to Los Angeles – A Road Trip You’ll Never Forget

The road trip between Los Angeles and Las Vegas offers more than just a journey from one city to another—it’s a unique experience filled with history, natural beauty, and quirky attractions. Some of the educational stops along the way provide a nice contrast from the shows and events in both Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

You can make the journey shorter or longer, and you can always add, remove, or spend more time at spots along the way. Make the drive your own, and enjoy the adventure before the bright lights of Las Vegas or the laid-back vibe of Los Angeles welcomes you at the end.

If you’re looking for more resources that can help you get the most out of Las Vegas, you’ll find these reads useful:

Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip – Best Stops Along the Way

Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip: The Best Stops Along the Way