Yermo, California, Eddie World, and Peggy Sue’s Diner
Yermo, California, is a small desert town on Interstate 15 that many travelers pass through on the way between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The area is quiet but has some interesting roadside attractions and a bit of Old West history. In the early 1900s, Yermo was an important railroad hub. After the interstate opened in the late 1960s, the town lost many businesses, including the first Del Taco and most gas stations.
Today, Yermo is a popular stop for gas or charging, with two main attractions: Eddie World and the classic Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner. Nearby, you can visit Daggett, which is almost a ghost town, and Calico, a restored ghost town. This part of California is a fun detour for anyone interested in exploring the Mojave Desert.
Eddie World: California’s Largest Gas Station Extravaganza
Eddie World is much more than a regular gas station. It says it’s the biggest in California and feels like a busy, fun roadside stop. Located right off I-15, halfway between LA and Vegas, it offers a wide selection of candy, homemade ice cream (the root beer flavor tastes like old-fashioned candy), fresh beef jerky, burgers, pizzas ready in 90 seconds, sushi, salads, and unique snacks like bacon-and-cheese crickets.
Travelers like that Eddie World has some of the cleanest restrooms on the interstate, along with 18 Tesla Superchargers and 6 ChargePoint DC stations for electric cars. Gas can be expensive in the California desert and is often among the most expensive along the route to Las Vegas, but many people value the convenience and selection here. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll find plush toys, Mexican candies, Peet’s Coffee, and fresh popcorn.
Address: 36017 Calico Rd, Yermo, CA. Website: eddieworld.com.
Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner: Step Back to the Fabulous Fifties
Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner feels like going back in time. It was built in 1954 using railroad ties and mortar from the nearby Union Pacific yard and began with just nine counter stools and three booths. When Champ and Peggy Sue reopened it in 1987, they expanded it by adding more rooms while preserving its authentic charm.
Inside, you’ll hear jukebox music, see servers in classic ’50s uniforms, and spot walls covered with vintage posters and Hollywood memorabilia. The menu features homemade favorites, including burgers, shakes, malts, and pizza from the in-house parlor. Portions are large, prices are reasonable, and the staff is welcoming.
After eating, you can browse the 5 & Dime gift shop for retro items or visit the old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Outside, the ‘Dinosaur Park’ has a pond, ducks, and life-sized dinosaur statues that are fun for both kids and adults. It adds a quirky touch to the ’50s theme.
Address: 35654 Yermo Rd, Yermo, CA. Website: peggysuesdiner.com.
Daggett: A Quiet Route 66 Relic with Mining and Railroad Roots
Daggett is about 4.5 miles southwest of Eddie World and near Yermo. This nearly abandoned town began in the late 1800s as Calico Junction. It was later named after John R. Daggett, who owned the Bismarck Silver Mine. Daggett became a supply center for Calico’s silver mines, with 20-mule teams hauling ore to stamping mills along the Mojave River. Two railroads, the Borate & Daggett and Daggett-Calico, linked the town to the mines until mining slowed in the early 1900s.
Today, Daggett keeps its Route 66 history alive along the National Old Trails Highway. You can view landmarks, including the Stone Hotel, built in 1875 and once visited by Death Valley Scotty and John Muir’s daughter, and Alf’s Blacksmith Shop, built around 1890, which still has old tools and mining relics visible from outside. There’s also the historic Daggett Garage, which was once a railroad engine shed, and the Desert Market, a general store from 1908 that remains the only shop in town.
Nearby Calico Ghost Town: Silver Boom Legacy
You can’t visit Yermo without stopping at Calico Ghost Town, just a short drive north. This well-preserved silver mining town from the 1880s once had 1,200 residents and produced millions of dollars in silver and borax from mines such as Silver King and Bismarck. When silver prices fell, Calico became a ghost town, and some buildings were relocated to Knott’s Berry Farm. Today, you can explore original buildings, visit museums, ride a narrow-gauge train, try gold panning, and enjoy special events like ghost haunts.
Why Visit Yermo and Daggett, California
These little-known Mojave towns are full of history. If you want to break the drive to or from Las Vegas, enjoy Route 66 history, or find family-friendly stops with clean restrooms and snacks, Yermo and Daggett are great choices. They’re quick, affordable, and packed with California desert charm—perfect for road trippers who want more than just a gas stop. Take a break from the interstate and enjoy these roadside attractions.
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