Needles, an iconic stop on Route 66, is situated in the desert and known for its extreme high temperatures. When we were there it was even hotter in Needles than in Death Valley, and that says it all! ;-) Other than being a very hot Californian city, it offers a unique charm that goes beyond the legendary Route 66 references.
Talking about Route 66 references, make sure to pause at the intersection of Palm Way and W Broadway St to capture your first Route 66 sign. It's an iconic photo spot that captures the essence of this town: a beautiful R66 sign against the backdrop of exotic palm trees. Nearby, make sure to hop on the Route 66 bench in front of the El Garces Hotel. It makes for a perfect resting spot to soak in the atmosphere, too ;-)
We really recommend taking a stroll through the town, too! It has so many unique and fun places, not all of them are Route 66 references. The town has a blend of vintage charm and vibrant energy, there's lots of fun things to see and do like spotting some colorful (abandoned) houses, or visiting the Needles Regional Museum.
To us, Needles is more than the city where we recorded the highest temperatures during our time in the US. It's a lovely city with an amazing vibe and makes for a fun detour on your Route 66 adventures.
