Rather than scouring the web for the cheapest flights from Las Vegas to the Los Angeles International Airport, why not take an old-fashioned family road trip? When you think of the ultimate road trip in the American Southwest, the route from Las Vegas to Los Angeles stands out. This trip is not only about connecting two iconic cities but also about embracing the beautiful landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, and hidden gems that line the route.
Whether you're looking for a scenic drive, historical landmarks, or offbeat stops, this road trip offers something for everyone. Let’s dive into what makes this journey an absolute must and explore a list of attractions you won't want to miss on your next adventure.
Quick Stats: Distance, Timeline, and Why You Should Take This Road Trip
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Distance: Approximately 270 miles
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Driving Time: 4 to 5 hours (depending on traffic)
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Route: Interstate 15 (I-15 South)
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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. Even nonstop flights don't offer the convenience and comfortability of an RV rental. With an average flight time of 1 hour 15 minutes, flights from Las Vegas to Los Angeles can be uncomfortable, especially if you get stuck sitting in the middle seat.
Reasons to Take the Road Trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
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Flexibility: The road trip allows for stops at scenic viewpoints, quirky diners, and small towns that you’d miss when flying.
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Scenic Desert Landscapes: The vast Mojave Desert offers spectacular views that change with the light throughout the day.
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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.
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Adventure: It’s a perfect route for those looking for an adventure filled with natural beauty and cultural stops.
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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
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Start early in Las Vegas, grabbing breakfast before heading out.
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Make a quick stop at Seven Magic Mountains for some colorful photos.
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Continue to Primm for a coffee break and a ride on the Desperado Roller Coaster (optional).
Midday
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Detour into the Mojave National Preserve and explore the stunning Kelso Dunes.
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Have lunch in the area or bring a picnic to enjoy amidst the desert landscape.
Afternoon
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Head toward Barstow, where you can visit Calico Ghost Town and Barstow Station for a late-afternoon snack.
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Stop at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch for a unique experience along Route 66.
Evening
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As you approach Los Angeles, enjoy a relaxing dinner and some shopping at Victoria Gardens.
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Arrive in LA, where you can choose to end your day at LACMA or visit the Hollywood Walk.
One-Way RV Rentals with Cruise America
One of the best ways to experience the Las Vegas-to-Los Angeles road trip is by renting an RV from Cruise America. With a one-way rental, you can start your journey in Las Vegas and drop off the RV in Los Angeles, eliminating the need to take a round trip. An RV offers the convenience of having your accommodation with you, which is especially handy if you decide to spend extra time in the Mojave National Preserve or explore some of the other attractions along the route. Plus, the savings on hotels and dining make it a budget-friendly option for families or groups of friends.
Cruise America’s RVs come equipped with everything you need for a comfortable road trip at the lowest price, including kitchen facilities, sleeping areas, and plenty of storage space. This allows you to travel at your own pace, take spontaneous detours, and spend as much time as you like at each stop. Whether you’re exploring desert landscapes or urban art installations, an RV provides the ultimate freedom and flexibility.
Book a Last Minute Road Trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
A road trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles is an unforgettable experience. From the neon lights of Vegas to the cultural landmarks of LA, this journey is packed with attractions, scenic views, and adventures.
With the added convenience of a one-way RV rental from Cruise America, you can enjoy this classic route at your own pace while making memories that will last a lifetime. So get ready for an epic adventure through the heart of the American Southwest with Cruise America!
