Amboy, California, is a classic ghost town along the famous Route 66, halfway between Barstow and Needles. It was originally founded as a mining camp in 1858. Amboy became an important stop along the historic highway when railway tracks were laid in 1883. By the 1930s and 1940s, this small desert town had a bustling population of 200 people and boasted 13 businesses, including three motor courts, two cafes, and several gas stations.
Today, only 10 buildings remain, with the iconic Roy’s Motel & Café as the most notable landmark. We stopped by the vintage diner-style gas station for a root beer, capturing a glimpse of mid-century Americana. Nearby, the striking 6,000-year-old Amboy Crater, a cinder cone volcano, towers over an expansive lava field, making it a must-see spot.
To Get There
- Address: County Rte 66, Amboy, CA 92304
- Parking: Free to park
- No entrance fee
When To Go
For the best experience, visit in the cooler months of spring or fall, when the desert air is crisp and clear.
Roy’s Motel & Café
Today, Amboy’s most iconic landmark is Roy’s Motel & Café, a time capsule of mid-century Americana. The towering retro neon “boomerang” sign, erected in 1959, is the most charming feature of this historic stop, attracting visitors with its vintage appeal. While the motel is no longer operational, a few rooms have been preserved as museum pieces, showcasing furniture and objects from a bygone era. You can peek inside these rooms through the glass walls, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past.
When I visited first in 2015, there were some hotel rooms open with art installations. These installations were part of the Golden Smiles, Salty Tears exhibit by the Swiss Artist Severin Guelpa.
The old motel is mostly gated off, with some vintage cars on the interior. I’d pay a pretty penny to get past those gates to shoot some photography.
Amboy Crater
Just a few miles down the road from Roy’s is Amboy Crater, a 6,000-year-old cinder cone volcano that rises above a lava field. This cinder cone is estimated to be 79,000 years old. You can hike to the rim using the western cone trail. There is a parking lot you can turn into with viewing deck. I loved seeing all the plants spring up from the black lava forms. New life sprouted from the darkness.
Do you have any other tips on Amboy? Please leave them in the comments below.