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Amboy, California: Roy's Cafe Motel: Famous Sign

Route 66 stop of days gone by, currently under restoration. Its neon sign -- restored in 2019 -- is the tallest thing for miles, and claims to be the most photographed on Route 66. Surrounding ghost town has an arty, post-apocalyptic vibe.

Address:
87520 National Trail Highway, Amboy, CA
Directions:
Route 66, 30 miles east of Ludlow.
Hours:
Lit at night. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
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Visitor Tips and News About Roy's Cafe Motel: Famous Sign

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Roy's on Route 66.

Roy's Cafe Motel: Famous Sign

Great photo spot. The shop was open when we were there, but Route 66 was closed just east of Amboy. I expect it was from flash flood damage, which could be seen on the surrounding roads.

[JohnLski, 08/01/2018]

Route 66 Root Beer.

Roy's Cafe Motel: Famous Sign

There is a cafe open at the gas station (which had gas when we stopped by, but I hear it's not always the case). I didn't check out the menu but from a glance it looks like a sweet stop for lunch (burger and fries type). I went straight for the Route 66 beer. Yum! Also, cool bowl sphere across the street and a tree of trash. The tree has a hammer attached and nails nearby, so you can add something of your own.

[Sanbotical, 03/05/2018]

Art exhibit, 2015.

Roy's Cafe Motel - Famous Sign

In the hotel bungalows they have rotating artist exhibitions. Currently the exhibition by Swiss artists and scientists MatzaAmboy reflects on our natural resource water and the absence of it as the area faces a severe drought. Running Sept. 2015-Feb. 2016.

Roy's Motel hopes to open a restaurant in the future if they can get access to water. Currently there is only salt water in the area.

[Jill S., 11/06/2015]

Rearing white horse.

Roy's Cafe Motel - Famous Sign

There is a life size statue of a white horse rearing up in the small courtyard -- it has been there for years.

[Jayne Harnett-hargrove, 08/23/2015]

Police car at Roy's.

Roy's Motel & Cafe

In front of Roy's Motel and next to the sign is parked a Broderick Crawford Special II Dodge Replica Highway Patrol Car. The car is the property of the owner of the Juan Pollo Chicken Restaurant chain, which owns Amboy, CA.

[David Kamada, 03/30/2010]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Shoe Tree (Grounded)Shoe Tree (Grounded), Amboy, CA - < 1 mi.
Amboy CraterAmboy Crater, Amboy, CA - 2 mi.
Lines of PyramidsLines of Pyramids, Amboy, CA - 2 mi.
In the region:
Kelso Jail, Kelso, CA - 32 mi.

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