Barstow and San Bernadino, CA

Barstow:

Route 66 Mother Road Museum (pictured). Make a pit stop at this shrine to all things Route 66. Housed in a former railroad depot, the small museum shows off old road signs, a retired gas pump, vintage photos, and a ’60s-era, cherry red Mustang. Open Fri–Sun and by appointment; free; 681 N. First Ave.; route66museum.org

San Bernardino:

McDonald’s Famous Bar-B-Que. This is where that king of road food got its start in 1940 (the founders narrowed their focus to burgers eight years later). The former restaurant site now houses a museum packed with Ronald McDonald sculptures and tchotchkes covered in the iconic golden arches. Free; 1398 N. E St.; juanpollo.com/route-66-attractions/mcdonalds-museum