This road is actually named Honda "Civic Musical Road". This is a unique musical road located in Lancaster on Avenue G between 30th & 40th Streets West. It spent less than one month in its' original spot in a residential area before being moved. The sound carried for about a half a mile away and nearby residents didn't appreciate it. There are grooves in the road that is supposed to play sounds making music when you drive at least 55 mph. The grooves look like a long version of the shorter rumble strips which you see running along the sides of the roads that let you know when you're veering off the road. ( https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/musical-road-lancaster?select=Esbtlv1NtNa_ifaPenUa-Q ) Make sure you are heading West in the far left lane and driving at least 55mph. No matter how you drive it, the musical tones are off. It's out of tune to say the least. The spacing of the grooves were installed correctly, but the width were NOT, so they didn't get the details completely right. Sad thing is is that they used the same exact plans twice (original location & here). They didn't bother to correct their mistakes! Anyways, if you want to attempt to hear the music, you should hear a bit of the finale of the William Tell Overture. All in all, it's a fun little activity that I insisted on having hubby drive over multiple times! **Take a side trip: There is another better sounding & lengthier musical road called R. Lee Ermey nearby in Palmdale. It plays the "Marine Corps Hymn". read more

Musical Road - Sign 03-08-2021 - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Lancaster, California

Such a fun roadside surprise! If you're in the Lancaster area, the Musical Road is definitely a cool little stop. It's literally a stretch of G Avenue that plays music as you drive over it--yes, actual music from the grooves in the pavement. It's quirky, quick, and one of those "why not?" detours that always makes people smile. Super easy to find, plenty of room to pull over before or after, and it's a fun way to add a little adventure to your day. Definitely worth checking out at least once! read more

I don't know if the ridges that make the sound when you drive over them are worn out from time or from people driving over it, but it no longer makes the sound or the song that it was supposed to make. Don't waste your time coming here. read more

I really had high hopes for this MUSICAL ROAD in Lancaster, CA. But, it was kind of a FAIL!! OUT. OF. TUNE. Darn!! I've experienced the musical road in Japan (Ashinoko Skyline road (Shizuoka)), and it was fascinating!! This one here in Lancaster, not so much unfortunately. Per Roadside America: As a TV ad stunt for Honda, a road was grooved to play the William Tell Overture when driven on at 50 mph. The "musical road" is now preserved as an attraction by the city of Lancaster. After browsing through the internet, I came across Tom Scott's YouTube Channel which explains why it is out of tune. The interesting thing is, this is the 2nd musical road! The first one was built by the car company in a residential area. Due to complaints by neighbors, the road was moved to its current location. Guess what?! It was built a 2nd time using the wrong blueprint...the 2nd time!!! We drove through the stretch four times between 50-55mph on March 24, 2024. There IS a melody, but it is definitely a challenge to match its sound with the William Tell Overture. If you're already in the area, check it out. Otherwise, I'd say pass and be safe on your roadtrip! read more

Musical Road - The Musical Road in Lancaster, CA. It is a fail, unfortunately. :-( - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Lancaster, California

I love music and I had never driven over the musical road before so we made a detour so that I could check it out. It was dark by the time we got there so I was able to do a couple of u-turns and go over it a few times. I needed to because the first time I made sure to maintain the exact speed required and it just didn't sound right to me. I specifically didn't want to know what song to expect so I hadn't researched that before the drive . I honestly thought it was jingle bells after the first few seconds. The second time I made a u-turn and was going too slow, but I think that helped me figure out what song it was supposed to be. The last time I went much faster than the recommended speed and it sounded a lot better, but honestly I think I would have to be doing at least 80 mph in my large vehicle for this to have sounded the way that it was intended. I don't know if it varies by vehicle or not, but it was a really cool experience to have. I really wish there were more public art and music installations like this! read more

January 2023/Late Night: Before leaving Lancaster, my friend and I wanted to drive along the Musical Road! How fun! So fun, in fact that we drove down the Musical Road about three times just to hear the grooves in the street play music! Haha! Sometimes it's the simple things in life that keeps you smiling! I highly recommend if you happen to be in Lancaster, it's a fun little treat! read more

Musical Road - Fun musical road! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Lancaster, California

I stumbled upon this on Christmas Day late at night I got off the wrong exit on my way home, and happened to see it a sign "The Musical Road" and bam the road literally starts vibrating music! Absolutely amazing ! I loved it !!! read more

Musical Road - The Musical Road - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Lancaster, California

I've wanted to check out the musical road for a bit, but it was never worth a 50-mile drive from SFV for it alone, but when bundled with our hike at Green Mountain and then the hike around Apollo lake afterwards, I added it into the mix, but it was pretty much not worth it in the end. Actually sounds better listening to another auto going over it. We did it about 5x and could never get a great recording. BTW, 55-mph is the suggested speed to hear the musical rhythm. read more

Musical Road - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Lancaster, California

See all

This Road is pure Magic!! I love cute, little,simple things & I have to say I was really amazed by "The Musical Road"...it really is a unique experience. Once in Lancaster all you have to do is Yelp "Musical Road" and open the directions on maps. I went to Starbucks first to pick up a drink cause I really wanted to have an amazing experience, my boyfriend had no idea where he was taking us. It's literally in the middle of the desert, so cute! Once we saw the sign, we got on the left lane and the concert started. We were both so amazed and laughing. The musical road was designed to play the tune of "William Tell Overture", you can drive over it at different speeds to change the pitch and tempo. This is a truly unique road like no other...it's very easy to make a U turn and do it again and again! (I did it 5 times lol) there are barely any cars on the road. There are only a few "Musical Roads" in the world...so this is really a one-of-a-kind experience. Thank you City of Lancaster. read more

See all

Fun cool historical musical road! Every time we have out of town guests we hit the AV Fair and then head home traveling on the Musical Road read more

If you're going to the Lancaster area, this road is worth driving over! It took a moment for us to realize that the music is only in the left lane, so make sure you're there to hear the tune. When we were there, there was only one other car on the road so it's nice and open. Make sure your radio is off and no one talks. I think it's best to hear with the windows up because you're listening to vibrations caused by strips on the ground. The tune is a happy little tune, I just wish it would last longer. We did turn around and go on it again. I'm not sure how fast we were going, but the song was about 20 seconds long for us. So if you don't live nearby, I don't recommend driving out to Lancaster just for the musical road, but if you want to visit their old town afterwards or head to the poppy fields when in season, make sure to stop by and give your car a cute 20 second or less musical jingle! read more

Musical Road - The musical road is on the left lane. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Lancaster, California

I drove on the musical road for the first time today. Most people think the grooves cut into the asphalt road is what makes the sounds that form the jingle. This is wrong but well intentioned. What causes the sounds are actually thousands of tiny gnomes who line up on the road at strategic distances when they see a car approaching. As the car runs over the gnomes, they sing their most beautiful tune, for the last time, for your amusement. Then once the car passes, the next few thousand gnomes clean up their fallen comrades, and await their turn to sing their last tune. Yes it's quite tragic, but all these gnomes were on death row awaiting their execution date and chose instead to bring at least a little joy to people from near and far. read more

The musical road in Lancaster is pretty cool. I don't know if I would come here just for this but if you are passing through I would definitely drive it. This is the first built in United States in 2008. It was for a commercial project by American Honda Motor company. Located on a remote easy accessible part of Ave G west of the 14 Freeway. Tips; ** be quiet so you can hear it ** it's done in seconds so we go twice ( wish they would have made it longer) ** free so why not Update*** my awesome Yelp buddy Gloria L was able to find this on YouTube, so I you can't make it there check it out online. read more

"Works Best in Forward Gear. Could not Detect Secret Message in Forward or Reverse." I came here at sunrise so I could have the road to myself. I wanted to try going backwards to see if the tune would be the same. Plus, I thought there might be a secret message encoded. You know, something like "Paul is dead." There was a friendly constable nearby, so I asked him to place cones to block off the street, so I could safely drive it backwards. Please don't try to drive backwards, unless you find a friendly officer to similarly block off the street. Anyway, there was indeed a tune using the forward gear. I thought it was a Barry Manilow song, but perhaps I am mistaken. It could have been Elton John or even the Doobie Brothers. The officer who was helping with the cones thought it was a Mariah Carey melody. In reverse, I did not detect any tune. Also, no secret messages--at least that I could detect. It's possible that the secret message is encoded using a doo-wop tune from the 50s. Of course, I'm far too young to recognize any such tune from that era, so that might explain why I could not find the secret message. If you hear a secret message, please post the secret. read more

Interesting , but a lot shorter than I thought ir would be..Sounded musical , but not like a certain song read more

Musical Road - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Lancaster, California

See all

A road that makes music for you? Very cool. And that the music is the William Tell Overture makes it even cooler. The Musical Road's kind of out in the middle of nowhere and totally worth the drive if you're in the AV. Make sure you get up to speed before you hit the grooves, if you get my vibe. Otherwise it will sound like some weirdly distorted washing machine gone awry. Free. read more

Only worth it if you're in the area or if it's already on your way. It's short but still fun to try. I only give it a 4 star because I wouldn't want you to drive out of your way to check this out, it's not worth it. But, if you're in the vicinity or it's pretty much on the way, then yes, you should definitely check it out. It's pretty fun! read more

It's fun! I love driving over it several times at different speeds. I feel like a happy go lucky child; love it! BTW it's supposed to be a snippet of the William Tell Overture by G. Rossini, aka The Lone Ranger Theme song. You can Google it. I found a report with more info about on abc10.com. I believe it's an article from May 2022. Video included read more

It was a fun road to go on. The tube was out of tune but it was still fun. My family and I had so much fun doing the musical road. I hope we can do it again someday. read more

The kids will love this...this has been here since at least...2008 (give or take) and its catchy so you will definitely end up humming along. The only downside is its only on one side of the road heading east and west. Its on the far left. You can here it with your windows down too. read more

If you go 55mph it goes perfect. Was really surprised by the actual sounds and the song.

Such a historic road that is out of tune but so cool if you want to see history go here!!!

A silly song that's out of tune but it brings a smile to your face. I always drive through there on my way to Apollo Park. It's also fun to hear the tune from the park. Some people drive through it at 100mph and it sound so short. read more

When you are in the area, check this out. (I would not make this a destination point all itself.) It is very fun for the kids. It is just a simple, but neat experience. read more

It's a road trip! A few months back, my husband and I 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. 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? 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 it makes a good pairing if you're going to see the poppy fields in bloom or even the Lancaster Museum of Art and History. read more

Middle of nowhere. Cool experience. Going 60-65mph is ideal to get the perfect sound. The music starts at the "musical road" sign. Recommend to others read more

We think the road might need to be "tuned" as it didn't sound quite right...but for a free attraction unlike anything else anywhere, it's well worth a drive if you're already in the Antelope Valley. Make sure you roll down your windows...drive westbound in the left-most lane and suddenly you're an expert "Road" player. (You should start a band.) We were there on a Sunday early afternoon and there was no traffic whatsoever...no long lines of cars waiting to drive on the musical road, so odds are whenever you go this is a very easy accessible attraction for you. read more

Cool Fun for the entire family Especially fun for the kids Should have been made longer We went around a few times Wish it would be extended Stay in the left lane at recommended speed read more

Not exactly what I expected, but it was really nice. The signage was really good, tells you how fast to go and there are several lanes so you don't feel pressured. I expected it to be longer but the tone was good. Recommend if you are in the area or going to the Antelope Poppy Fields. read more

The musical road is located in Lancaster, in the middle of the desert lol. I'd recommend driving over 55 mph if you want the tune to sound somewhat good because slower speed just make it sounds creepy. And I drove by this musical road so many times and I am giving it a 3 stars because whoever relocated this has made the song out of tune... read more

Like many I spent much of the holidays visiting friends and family taking advantage of the quality time. During one of my visits to the city of Lancaster I came across one of the oddest things I have ever encountered. Ready for this?? A musical road. It's literally a stretch of road that plays The Loan Ranger theme as you drive over it. This musical road is one of three in existence. There's truthfully nothing too special about it, but it's a novelty worth checking out at least once. It's not necessary to have your windows down as you drive over it. As a matter a fact the sound is better with your windows up. Finally you should hit at least 60-70 mph to get a good sound. Just be careful not to get a ticket. read more

Got 55th. That's the speed for a good beat. Always fun to ride on my way to work. My little girl loves it.

My wife and young children drive 1 hour to enjoy this road Thanks was fun William tells overture was kool that road could have other song but great job read more

:: Review #200 :: YOU DON'T NEED A HONDA TO HAVE FUN, HUN! I wanted to review something really special and cool for my 200th so I decided weeks ago that the Musical Road would be the best choice (and its a FTR!). :: The history of Musical Road :: If you've driven down the Interstate, you might have noticed grooves on the side of the road that wakes you up to tell you you're going off road. Honda thought it'd be cool to have that on a proper lane itself. (search Honda Civic Grooves for more info). The original location attracted too many people and was noisily distracting nearby residents so it was paved over. Recently, in 2008 (?), the musical road was reconstructed in another location further away from residential homes. :: My Story :: Recently, I planned a trip to LA, stopping through Lancaster as some friends live there. I asked about the musical road because I had heard it was paved over. Yes, the original location but it was recreated somewhere else. Locals know about it, but the location isn't published anywhere online. Long story short, I finally got to go on it on my next trip to SoCal (3 weeks later). It is seriously out in the middle of nowhere. I went on it multiple times to humor myself but mostly to get the best possible video footage at various speeds. It seems to sound the best going at 55mph. If you go from 0-55mph right at the start, it sounds like a dying whale or something. Its fun and quite humorous. Kudos to the engineers at Honda for engineering such an interesting road. Seriously great engineering feat. Out of respect, I won't post the location. Befriend a local, maybe they'll tell you. Since yelp doesn't uploading support videos yet, check it out on my flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ooitschristina/3494838278/ PS: When you find the location, stay in the left lane as its only in the left lane. read more

Musical Road - Start sign - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Lancaster, California

If you ever find yourself in the Antelope Valley in a bad mood, drive down this 1/4 mile stretch of road off of West Ave G in Lancaster and the out of tune Willian Tell Overture road melody will instantly put a smile on your face. Even though you're suppose to drive it at 55mph, I preferred the more entertaining 30mph slow jam version. The melody may not be a perfect but it sure made for a fun drive and it even got me to do a few u-turns for some replays. Sadly, Civic Musical Road is no longer a US one-of-a-kind. There's now an "America the Beautiful" music road located on Route 66 in New Mexico. read more

Musical Road - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Lancaster, California

It's the coolest thing in Lancaster! This little stretch of street on Avenue G plays the William Tell Overture as you ride over the road. I didn't recognize it by its title when I Iooked it up but it's likely everybody knows this tune when they hear it else where. It's not in perfect tune here but still fun nonetheless. It's located on the north side of the road traveling west bound. There will be signs. read more

This is a must see. Absolutely fantastic. The speed limit is 55 which we did and it was good... Then we did 60 which was great... Then we bumped it up to 70 which was amazing!!! I wasn't driving or I would have kept going... Sigh, next time. I did watch a video of some guy going 100 and if you have the cajones to do this in a 55 mile zone, DEFINITELY DO!!! read more

When we're around this area I always have to drive on this road. Well maybe several times. It plays the Lone Ranger theme song if you drive it at 55 miles per hour. Kids would love it! Nice roadside attraction! read more

Musical Road - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Lancaster, California

I've been wanting to check out the Musical Road in Lancaster and finally did it. It's out in the middle of nowhere because it once was in a road that people lived near and it drove them crazy so the City of Lancaster tore it down and waited a while to find another place. You gotta be in the Left lane of the Musical Road, not sure the speed, think it's 40mph. It plays the William Tell Overture, but it doesn't sound like it much and it's only about a block, really short! You should make a U-Turn and do it again & again!! Other musical roads are in Japan and Korea, so only one in the USA! read more

Not a big deal! You can stop by and try it if you are close-by other than that not worth it to drive all the way there for a short drive of little not much of a music! read more