Traveling From Los Angeles to Las Vegas

Get a taste of Southern California's easy, breezy, laid-back culture with a stop at Russell's, the best restaurant for breakfast in downtown Pasadena. The kitchen prepares Belgian waffles, French toast, omelettes, and other traditional favourites, with quality ingredients and a gourmet touch. The Croque Madame has been a signature dish for decades.
The food is enjoyed in a comfortable, engaging dining room with vintage chandeliers, artwork, and deep red walls. A few outdoor tables are also available on the sidewalk to enjoy the fresh California air.
Russell's doesn't take reservations, so give yourself two hours to allow for a potential wait. You can always call +16265781404 for an update. Use any extra leftover time to walk the sidewalks of Old Pasadena and get a feel for the area.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 6:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Saturday – Sunday: 6:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Pull over at Barstow Station to stretch your legs and take a bathroom break. The roadside attraction dates back to 1975, when it opened alongside the train tracks. Today, it's a flea-market-style souvenir and snack shop with a few fast food options, including a McDonald's that repurposed three old passenger train cars as its dining room.
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. Tuesday and Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Calico is like a ghost town and theme park in one. Originally an Old West mining hub, Calico flourished in the 1880s, but was virtually abandoned by the turn of the century. The town was later revived and turned into a tourist attraction by the owners of Knott's Berry Farm.
Today, you can tour Maggie Mine, take a ride on the Calico & Odessa Railroad, and browse a variety of shops and structures, including an old schoolhouse. Some of the buildings are faithful recreations, but you'll get an authentic feel for an older way of life merely walking the streets.
Expect to pay a small per-car admission charge.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

After building up an appetite exploring Calico, stop for lunch at Peggy Sue's, a charming 1950s-style diner that thrives on nostalgia. You'll only need an hour for lunch, especially if you're just grabbing a slice from the pizza parlour near the back of the restaurant.
Overall, there are several themed rooms and plenty of seats, so any wait should be minimal. Enjoy a burger or a chocolate Coke and make sure to take a walk in the backyard park, which includes a small collection of dinosaur sculptures.
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday – Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

You'll probably want to pull over in Baker to fill up on fuel and take a bathroom break, so snap a few photos in front of the World's Tallest Thermometer, a kitschy roadside attraction that dates back to 1991.
The landmark stands 134 feet tall and is fully operational, displaying the latest temperature. There's a gift shop (open Thursday to Tuesday) in front, where you can pick out a t-shirt, coffee mug, or another souvenir.

After crossing the state line into Nevada, take a detour to Goodsprings, home of the Pioneer Saloon. The iconic watering hole was built in 1913, making it the oldest bar in Southern Nevada. Over the years, it's added indoor and outdoor spaces while becoming a tribute to actress Carole Lombard, who died in a nearby plane crash back in 1942.
Order a burger or steak for dinner, while absorbing the Old West spirit felt throughout the venue. You may see a few old bullet holes in the walls, left over from an argument that turned into a shootout. If you just want to hang out on the patio and sip some whisky, that's fine too.
Call ahead +17026746809 to ask about seating availability.
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

After arriving in Sin City, check in at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Just remember to call earlier in the day by dialing +17026987575 to notify the desk of a late arrival. The hotel is modern, stylish, and sophisticated, with underground parking directly beneath the hotel for added convenience when carrying luggage.
The Cosmopolitan is also one of the few hotels on the Strip with open-air balconies. So request a room facing north. You'll get spectacular views of the Bellagio Fountains, Eiffel Tower replica, the High Roller observation wheel, and other iconic landmarks. It's easy and convenient to walk the Strip outside the hotel and soak in the sights before turning in for the night.
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