California’s Secret Road That Sings As You Drive It

It’s a road trip!  This weekend, we headed about 1 hour North of Los Angeles to Lancaster, California.  The remote desert city is home to mostly military families. But that’s not all – it has a road that plays the tune of the “William Tell Overture” as you drive over Avenue G.  Okay, it might take a little imagination. This is no Boston Pops rendition.  Grooves were cut into the road in such a way that, when driven over at around 55 mph, they cause the vehicle’s tires to vibrate and play music.

Tiny grooves cut into the musical road to create the tune that vibrates through the car.

The musical road in Lancaster was originally in another part of town for a Honda commercial.  But surprisingly, the residents in the area got sick of hearing the same song over…and over!  I can’t imagine why?  Check it out below!

Musical roads aren’t very common — with Google searches showing other roads in New Mexico, Japan, South Korea and Holland. The road in South Korea was designed to play “Mary Had a Little Lamb” to help wake up sleepy drivers.

The musical road in Lancaster today is far from anyone — or pretty much anything.  But it’s a great little detour for the Antelope Valley Poppy Fields (which is why we were up in the area). So check it out — because it’s a lot of fun.  I mean, we rode the thing 7 times on this trip.

And it’s a wonder why the residents wanted the first one moved!

Address (it’s far from everything, but the address will take you exactly to the right spot):3001-3187 W Ave, Lancaster, CA 93534

I wouldn’t recommend just coming up for the road (despite how fun it is). But here are some other places you can check out while you’re exploring:

• Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve: Definitely check out when these fickle beasts are in bloom.  It took me over 6 years to finally find them in bloom.  They die quickly!
• Museum of Art and History: The Lancaster Museum of Art and History is dedicated to strengthening awareness, enhancing accessibility and igniting the appreciation of art, history and culture in the Antelope Valley that celebrates the region.
• Olives Mediterranean Cafe:  You’ll find a lot of drive-thru places and other not so healthy food options. But if you’re feeling hungry, this tiny spot offers a wide range of small plates, aka mezzes, and some lighter fare.