United States

Amboy

Amboy

Amboy is a small unincorporated community located in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California, United States. It is situated…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Exploring with transit or a car
  • Historical Sites travelers
  • Outdoor Activities travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
3-5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Spread
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Amboy is a strong pick for historical sites & outdoor activities — plan about 3-5 days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: Summer.

Deep guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 81/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈99 km span)

50 Places to explore
3-5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

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When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: January · February · March · November · December

Weather

Fall

15°C to 30°C

Spring

10°C to 25°C

Summer

20°C to 35°C

Winter

-5°C to 10°C

How to get there

Ways to reach Amboy in United States

Amboy is a small town located in the United States. Here are some ways to reach Amboy:

  1. By Air:
    • The nearest major airport to Amboy is the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). From LAX, you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach Amboy, which is approximately a 3-hour drive.
    • Alternatively, you can also fly to the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and drive for about 1.5 hours to reach Amboy.
  2. By Car:
    • If you are already in the United States, you can reach Amboy by driving on major highways. For example, from Los Angeles, you can take the I-10 East and drive for approximately 150 miles to reach Amboy.
    • Another option is to take the historic Route 66, which passes through Amboy. This can be a scenic and nostalgic way to reach the town.
  3. By Bus:
    • There are bus services available that connect Amboy to nearby cities. You can check with regional bus companies for schedules and routes.
  4. By Train:
    • Although there is no direct train service to Amboy, you can take a train to nearby cities like Barstow or Needles, and then arrange for transportation to Amboy from there.

These are some of the common ways to reach Amboy. Make sure to plan your journey in advance and check for any updates or changes in transportation options.

Getting to know Amboy

Amboy is a small unincorporated community located in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California, United States. It is situated along historic Route 66 and is approximately 60 miles northeast of Barstow. The community was founded in the 1850s and was known for its mining and agriculture industries.

Although Amboy had a thriving business at one point, it is now mostly abandoned, with only a few residents and businesses remaining. However, it still attracts tourists who are interested in the history of Route 66 and the quirky landmarks that can be found in the area, such as the famous Roy's Motel and Cafe. Amboy has also been used as a filming location for several movies and television shows.

Despite its current state of decline, Amboy is still a fascinating place to visit for those interested in the history and culture of the American Southwest.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Visit the Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark
  • Explore the Route 66 attractions
  • Pack sunscreen and hats for sun protection

Places worth exploring

50 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Amboy?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Amboy, United States.

When is the best time to visit Amboy?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Amboy?

Travelers often find better value in January, February, March, November, December.

What kind of trip is Amboy good for?

Amboy suits Historical Sites, Outdoor Activities, Nature Exploration.

Is Amboy walkable?

Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops.

Any local tips for Amboy?

Visit the Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark

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Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Amboy → Yucca Valley → Garnet · ≈103 km
  • Amboy → Twentynine Palms → Joshua Tree · ≈75 km
  • Amboy → Joshua Tree → Yucca Valley · ≈81 km

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