DL to Las Vegas via LA

[xipetotec]

So we're spending a week in DL. Then we have a couple of days and are leaving from Las Vegas. DW and I aren't really gamblers and other than seeing a Cirque show, aren't that into Las Vegas, so we're planning on passing through LA, checking out the Guillermo Del Toro exhibit at the LACMA, and the 'oddities shop " Necromance. then taking the "route 66" way to las Vegas from there.

With all that said, we like the weird and bizarre... any suggestions or advice on weird and/or odd places to check out on the way and IN Las Vegas? ( not TOO off the path as we only have a couple of days ).

 

[Purrkins]

In LA:

There's Abracadaver productions in Fullerton, by appointment only but send them an email. Good people. http://www.abracadaver.com/Abracadaver/Home.html

Not be confused with Dapper Cadaver https://www.dappercadaver.com/

Time Travel Mart (supports literacy for kids through 826 Valencia) http://www.timetravelmart.com/

Museum of Jurassic Technology is weird, good weird, really good weird - gift store is great http://www.mjt.org/

Maybe get a drink at the Edison - steampunk speakeasy in restored underground powerplant (rumored to be opening up a version at WDW) https://www.edisondowntown.com/

In NV there is a Clown Hotel next to a graveyard but nothing creepy about that. http://www.the-line-up.com/clown-motel-tonopah/

In Vegas I like the Pinball Hall of Fame, Neon Museum, Mob Museum and people watching at the Freemont St. Experience (watch you wallet).

 

[Ndusmama]

You should see the atomic testing museum in Vegas. It is on flamingo east of Las Vegas Blvd. there is also the mob museum downtown I think on Main Street. The shark reef in Mandalay bay is fun. They all cost money.
For free you could go to Ethel m chocolate factory, m and m museum. The Belagio has an art museum and gardens. Mirage has the white tigers. There is lots to see just walking the strip. A lot of people come not to gamble but to see shows or the food. There are a lot of 5 star or celebrity restaurants.

Now things to know.... 1. If driving from la there are times that Route 66 merges with the 15 and with the recent fires through Cajon pass I am not sure how much you will be able to go through on 66. 2. Once you get to Barstow you really need to figure out if you want to stay on 66 (mostly the 40 at this point) that will really take you away from Vegas or stay on 15. 3. If driving up on a Friday be very careful of traffic. Those la drivers that come up on the weekends drive like lunatics. I am talking posted speed limit for the most part is 70 they do 90. plus there is usually a lot more traffic on Friday afternoon to night. 4. Once you cross over the stateline in Primm do the speed limit in construction zones. You do not want that ticket. 5. Do not under estimate the heat. We will still be in the 90's through most of September. Drink lots of water.

 

[xipetotec]

Yeah, I think we settled on staying on the 15 after Barstow since we do have time constraints. We want to explore, but only a little bit.

All good suggestions and advice. Thanks!

 

[Ndusmama]

Yeah, I think we settled on staying on the 15 after Barstow since we do have time constraints. We want to explore, but only a little bit.

All good suggestions and advice. Thanks!

.

Barstow to Vegas will take you 2-3 hours depending on your speed and traffic. If it is not insanely hot there is a ghost town, sort of off the 15 between Barstow and Yermo on the mountain. Also between yermo and baker is a road ( zzyyzzx road). That plays a huge roll in lots of movies. There is a little known nature preserve at the end. Baker, while you drive by has the worlds largest thermometer, see it from freeway large stick with temperature (insert smiley face)