Taking a Los Angeles to Las Vegas drive? There is excitement waiting at your destination, and the journey is packed with adventure! An LA to Vegas road trip should be scenic, fun, and packed with stops and attractions before you hit the Strip. Whether you go straight or add pitstops to an LA to Vegas drive, this guide will help you have a very exciting experience.
So read on for one last road-trip inspiration-the greatest things to do on the way to Las Vegas!
🚗 Quick Answer: Best Stops on the Drive from LA to Las Vegas
From Los Angeles to Las Vegas, visitors can enjoy their trip by stopping at Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner and California Route 66 Museum before exploring Calico Ghost Town and Joshua Tree National Park and viewing Seven Magic Mountains and desert beauty in the Mojave National Preserve. This LA to Vegas road trip includes memorable attractions regardless of direct I-15 travel.
What to See Along the Way
Hit the road from LA to Las Vegas road trip, and it can be a quick turn or a scenic drive depending on what you want. Following are some of the incredible places to visit along the Los Angeles to Vegas drive:
1. Joshua Tree National Park | Twentynine Palms, CA
Mojave and Colorado deserts make this really, really good park for hiking, and climbing too. The landscapes are surreal yet photogenic, and with Las Vegas National Holidays, it’s a free admission! Plus, there are EV charging stations nearby for a convenient LA to Las Vegas drive break.
2. California Route 66 Museum | Victorville, CA
Explore exhibits and photo opportunities along America’s most famous highway that classic car enthusiasts will surely love! View rare vintage automobiles while learning about history and shopping in the gift shop. Driving an EV on your drive to Las Vegas? Charging stations are nearby!
3. Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner | Yermo, California
Originally opened in 1954, this classic American diner is a must-visit on your Los Angeles to Vegas drive. With retro décor, vintage tunes, and delicious milkshakes, it’s the perfect spot to refuel before hitting the road again!
4. EddieWorld | Yermo, California
With a giant ice-cream sundae as its landmark, EddieWorld is California’s largest gas station. Find fast-casual dining, snacks, and EV charging stations to recharge during your LA to Vegas drive.
5. Calico Ghost Town Regional Park | Yermo, California
An old silver mining town with a museum, train tour, and boutiques. An Old West option en route from LA to Las Vegas road trip.
Las Vegas Bucket List: What to See & Do?
Once you complete the distance from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, the fun doesn’t stop! Check out these must-visit spots and exciting things to do on the way to Las Vegas.
✅ Seven Magic Mountains
If you’re on an LA to Vegas road trip and need a unique Instagram spot, this is it! Created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, this neon-colored boulder installation is just a short drive from the Strip.
✅ Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
The diamond shape, glowing letters, and iconic star—all signal that “you are HERE.” Just a minute from the Strip’s south end, this Vegas landmark is easy to reach via a pedestrian crosswalk. Let it mark the start or end of your Los Angeles to Las Vegas drive.
✅ Fremont Street Experience
Easily accessible from two major freeways, this spot is a must-see on your LA to Vegas drive. Experience the thrill of the SlotZilla Zipline or watch dazzling shows on the Viva Vision canopy, the world’s largest digital display. Enjoy great food at Project BBQ Las Vegas or Saltgrass Steak House, and catch a free live show on Fremont Street’s stages!
✅ AREA15
Just off the Strip and I-15, this arts and entertainment complex is packed with fun. Try axe throwing at Dueling Axes, explore the immersive Illuminarium, and step into a wild, otherworldly adventure at Meow Wolf Omega Mart. A perfect way to cap off your drive to Las Vegas! Get a pass to enjoy multiple attractions in one visit!
✅ Bellagio
Every trip to Vegas must have the Bellagio Fountains in the end. A visit to this luxury resort is non-negotiable among any LA to Las Vegas drive trips. On a fantastic show, it will dance to classical or modern music. While visiting, don’t forget to visit the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens for beautiful displays.
Other than the drive, one should not forget the actual journey. Enjoy these exciting things to do on the way to Las Vegas and make your road trip unforgettable!
Route Options & Drive Time!
Planning your LA to Vegas road trip? Here are the best routes to take:
🚗 I-15 Route (Fastest & Most Popular)
- Drive Time: Approx. 4-5 hours (without major traffic)
- Distance: About 270 miles
Why Choose This Route?
- Direct highway route with plenty of rest stops
- Best for a quick and easy trip
- Well-maintained roads with gas stations, food stops, and EV charging points
🏜️ Scenic Detours for an Adventure
If you have extra time, take one of these scenic detours:
🌵 Mojave National Preserve (Exit at Kelbaker Road)
- Check out the sand, dunes, lava tubes, and Joshua trees’ difficulty level from easy to difficult.
- Perfect for nature lovers and desert photography
- Great for hiking and short scenic drives
🛣️ Historic Route 66 (Through Barstow & Amboy)
- Classic roadside attractions like Roy’s Motel & Café in Amboy
- Vintage gas stations, murals, and quirky stops
- Feel the nostalgia of America’s “Mother Road.”
⛰️ Red Rock Canyon (Near Las Vegas)
- Just 20 minutes off I-15 near Vegas
- Stunning red rock Canyon formations, perfect for hiking or scenic drives
- A great way to experience nature before hitting the Strip
Pro Tip: You can get in a bit of change while going fast and seeing the scenery if you take I-15 most of the way but throw in a very quick detour! 🚗
🚗 Best Time to Travel: Avoid Traffic & Enjoy the Drive!
To have the best Los Angeles to Las Vegas drive, plan the driving days for midweek and off-peak. Consider this table below for the best travel times and tips.
Factor
Best Option
Why
Ideal Departure Time
Early morning (before 7 AM) or late evening (after 8 PM)
Avoids peak traffic in LA and along I-15.
Best Days To Drive
Tuesday – Thursday
Weekends and Fridays have heavy traffic. Returning Sunday is also crowded.
Seasonal Weather
Spring & Fall
Pleasant temperatures, less risk of extreme heat or icy roads.
Summer Travel Caution
Avoid midday drives
Extreme desert heat can strain vehicles and tires.
Winter Travel Caution
Check the weather before travel
Rare snowfall in the Cajon Pass and high winds can affect driving conditions.
Road Trip Tips for Your LA to Vegas Drive!
Take the following tips into consideration to make your drive to Las Vegas smoother:
- Avoid Traffic: For that reason, depart early morning or late evening to avoid traffic. Weekdays are the best time to travel.
- Refuel & Recharge: Need to make a last-minute fuel stop? South Point Hotel Casino & Spa or Silverton Hotel & Casino will work for you on the way back.
- Save on Hotels: Looking for pocket-friendly places to stay? Book midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) for lower hotel rates.
- EV Charging Stops: Driving an electric vehicle? Charging stations are available at Primm Valley Resort & Casino and Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino in Primm, Nevada. Once in Vegas, most Strip resorts also have EV chargers.
Las Vegas is packed with world-class entertainment, attractions, and dining. Book a resort deal, check out upcoming shows, and get ready for the ultimate Los Angeles to Las Vegas drive adventure!
🧠 FAQs About the Los Angeles to Las Vegas Drive
How much travel time is required from LA to Vegas?
The driving time between LA and Vegas amounts to 4 to 5 hours on average. The 4-5 hour drive along I-15 reaches its duration based on the combination of road conditions and the number of stops.
What’s the most panoramic route from LA to Las Vegas road trip?
The scenic journey between LA and Las Vegas stretches for approximately 4 to 5 hours defined by I-15’s traffic conditions and rest stops. The scenic detour from LA to Vegas can be traveled by taking Route 66 through Barstow and Amboy or heading into Mojave National Preserve.
Are there EV charging stations between LA and Vegas?
Yes! Travelers can find EV charging stations at all EddieWorld locations as well as Primm and most stations operating along I-15.
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