Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cathedral City, California to Los Angeles, California

Are you planning a road trip from Cathedral City, California to Los Angeles? The journey will take around two hours, but why not break it up with some interesting and unexpected stops along the way? Here are five locations worth the detour for your road trip.

Halfway Point: Rialto, CA

Rialto, CA, located nearly halfway between Cathedral City and Los Angeles, is an excellent spot to take a break from the road trip. The city offers many souvenir shops, places to eat, and nature spots to visit, such as the Rialto Park Lake and the Frisbie Park. Rialto's downtown area is particularly vibrant, featuring historic landmarks like the Rialto Theatre, which opened in 1925 and is now home to a seasonal farmers' market.

Stop 1: Edwards Air Force Base, CA

Military buffs and aviation enthusiasts will love Edwards Air Force Base, which is on the route from Cathedral City to Los Angeles. This unique facility has a rich history in aerospace and aeronautical research. Visitors can marvel at aircraft historically tested at the base, including the iconic SR-71 Blackbird. The NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center also calls Edwards home, showcasing its scientific research and technology development through exhibits and guided tours.

Killer food: Head into the nearby town of Lancaster and grab some authentic Mexican food at La Cocina and Barra.

Stop 2: Route 66 Mother Road Museum, Victorville, CA

Exploring old Route 66 is a quintessential road trip experience, and the Route 66 Mother Road Museum offers a glimpse of this legendary highway's history. This small museum features a collection of historic artifacts, photographs, and vehicles from Route 66's golden era. Expect to see old gas pumps, signs, and even vehicles like a 1917 Ford Model T "runabout."

Killer food: The iconic diner, Emma Jean's Holland Burger Café, has been serving up delicious burgers and breakfast since 1947.

Stop 3: Raging Waters, San Dimas, CA

If you're looking for a break from the dusty road and want to cool off with some thrilling water rides, then Raging Waters is your must-do stop. The park offers over 40 different rides and attractions, including raft rides like the Amazon Adventure and high-speed slides like the Bermuda Triangle. The San Dimas site has the distinction of being the original Raging Waters, which first opened in 1983.

Killer food: If you're in the mood for some pizza, grab a slice (or two) from the nearby Red Devil Pizza. This local fan favorite has been serving up delicious pies for over 30 years.

Stop 4: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, San Pedro, CA

The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is an often-overlooked stop, but it's one of Southern California's hidden gems. Here, visitors will find an immersive look at the aquatic life of the California coastline. The aquarium features exhibits showcasing marine mammal tanks, tidepool habitat areas, and even a kelp forest. Visitors can also take part in activities like whale watching excursions and guided tidepool walks.

Killer food: Just up the road from the aquarium, the San Pedro Fish Market Grill offers mouthwatering seafood and a lively atmosphere.

Stop 5: The Queen Mary, Long Beach, CA

The Queen Mary is an iconic landmark that has been in Long Beach since 1967. This transatlantic liner, dubbed the "Ship of Dreams," has been remodeled into a luxury hotel and features guided tours showcasing the ship's storied past. It's easy to spend an entire day on board, viewing the ship's historic exhibits, wandering through its art deco design, and taking in the remarkable ocean views.

Killer food: The ship features a variety of restaurants. For a truly unique dining experience, visit the Barrel Room, which features bourbon flights, creative cocktails, and a seasonal menu of bold flavors.

Conclusion

Whether you're a car buff, history geek, or thrill-seeker, there's something for everyone to enjoy between Cathedral City and Los Angeles. Incorporating these unique stops into your journey gives you the opportunity to experience the highway beyond just "getting there." Why rush to Los Angeles when you can slow down and take it all in? Make sure to bring your camera and appetite, and get ready to enjoy a memorable California road trip.