how much is route 66 trip

Route 66 Budget: Exactly How Much I Spent and How to Budget

How much does it cost to do Route 66? I will answer that with another question: How much do you want to spend?

Driving the full 2,400 miles between Chicago and Los Angeles can be quite the expensive endeavor. Add in flights, car rental, meals out, accommodation, and gas for two to three weeks and… you’re looking at a pretty big bill.

But, it’s also possible to complete Route 66 on a smaller budget – if you’re willing to make some sacrifices. This is what I did and below I will share with you exactly how much I spent while driving Route 66!

How Much Should Your Route 66 Budget Be?

I encourage you to read the rest of the article which has a lot more information on how to budget for Route 66. But if you’re looking for a quick answer:

• Ultra budget: $50-100/day
• Budget: $100-150/day*
• Mid range: $150-225/day**
• Luxury: $225+/day

* This is what I spent

** This is what most people spend

Those budgets don’t include flights or car rental. It would be easy to do Route 66 in the luxury range – if you had the cash to spare. The others will take a bit more planning.

Personally, I only think you could manage Route 66 in the “ultra budget” range if you camped, slept in your car, or did exactly what I did but split it between two people instead of solo! ( Scroll down to see my exact expenses!)

Route 66 Budget: What Should You Budget For?

Below, I’m sharing every expense category you should consider when planning your Route 66 budget, plus areas to splurge or save.

Flights to/from Chicago and Los Angeles are a significant expense to consider. That is, unless you are like me and relocating, or maybe taking another cross country road trip back home!

Exactly how much you spend on flights is totally dependent on where you live or are going to next. Therefore, I’m not going to count flights in this Route 66 budget.

I will say, I recommend using Skyscanner to search for the most affordable flights. Skyscanner is a meta search engine and I’ve found some major deals using it. Whatever you do, book direct with the airline for the most security.

Again, car rental can be a huge expense on a Route 66 road trip. However, not everyone is going to need to rent a car.

If you do need to rent a car, I recommend using RentalCars.com to search for deals. This is another meta search engine that hunts down the best deals.

Keep in mind that there are two big “hidden costs” when it comes to car rental:

• Young drivers fee: If anyone in your travel party is under 25 years old, you will have to pay a young drivers fee. This averages about $27/day .
• One-way drop off fee: If you are picking up the car in Chicago and dropping it off in Los Angeles (or vice versa) you will have to pay a one-way drop off fee. This fee can be pretty hefty. Looking on RentalCars.com just now for pick up in Chicago and drop off in L.A., I see drop off fee ranges of $38 to $3,050 … so be careful what you choose!

So what’s the total cost to rent a car for Route 66?

Looking today at one-way car rental between Chicago and L.A. for eight days, the cheapest price I see is $623 . That’s actually a great deal.

Most people take longer to drive Route 66, though. Right now, that same route for 14 days comes to $1,404 .

Vs. Driving Your Own Car

On the surface, a big way to save money on Route 66 is to drive your own car. Of course, the circumstances have to align for this. This is what I did, because I was moving from Michigan (near Chicago) to northern California, and wanted to take a southern route since it was winter.

Saying that, my pre-road trip car check revealed a necessary $750 repair on my car. Not to mention the wear and tear on my car from driving 2,400+ miles! And I needed an additional $118 oil change after the trip.

So, there are definite pros and cons to renting a car or not. I would argue, you might actually save money in some ways by renting, particularly if you’re splitting the cost with other travel companions.

Gas is a pretty big, unavoidable expense along Route 66. Personally, my beloved 10 year old Chevy Malibu has pretty horrific gas mileage so I spent nearly as much money on gas as I did on hotels ( scroll down to see exactly how much I spent).

Usually when you rent a car you get a brand new one with much better gas mileage. Go for a hybrid if you can! Avoid electric, though, because there are not enough charging ports along Route 66 yet.

Ultimately, other than switching up your car, there’s not much you can do here to save.

Accommodation

Accommodation is the next big, unavoidable expense along Route 66. But it’s also kind of fun to search for the best Route 66 motels – whether that’s an amazing deal (like I found in Williams, AZ near the Grand Canyon) or a super kitschy mom-and-pop type motel filled with Route 66 Americana.

How to book accommodation on Route 66?

To save money, I recommend using Booking.com to reserve your accommodation. This is what I did. The first few days, I compared prices between Hotels.com and Booking.com but ultimately I always used Booking because the hotels were slightly cheaper.

When I had to leave a motel in Sacramento the day after Route 66 due to feeling unsafe (there was literally a drugged out man without underpants on wandering the parking lot), Booking.com mediated me getting a 100% refund – even though I wasn’t technically eligible! I was pretty impressed.

Whether you choose Booking.com or Hotels.com, both have rewards programs for multiple stays (I believe Booking’s Genius program starts at 5 stays, and for Hotels you get your 11th night free). So choose one and stick with it for the most rewards.

How much do hotels cost along Route 66?

Well again I’ll ask, how much do you want to spend? Personally, being on a budget, I wanted to stay in the cheapest possible motels that had decent reviews. ALWAYS READ THE REVIEWS.

I tried to stay at places that had above six stars. I also avoided any place with reviews (particularly recent ones) mentioning bed bugs, cockroaches, or questionable people lurking in the parking lots.

To give you a good picture, in 2022 the cheapest place I stayed along Route 66 was $37.59/night (at Howard Johnson in Williams, AZ – loved it), and the most expensive was $78.48/night (at The Sage Hotel in Santa Fe, NM – also loved it, ironically these were my two favorite hotels!). I was traveling solo, so I paid the full cost.

I have read that most Route 66 travelers average about $100/night for accommodation, so keep that in mind.

You could also easily spent $150-250/night just on accommodation if you wanted to stay at the much nicer hotels (although these have less of the…shall we say… Route 66 character).

Should you book Route 66 hotels ahead of time?

I know that this is a big point of contention so I will address it.

Personally, I did Route 66 somewhat spontaneously and booked most of my accommodation on Booking.com the same afternoon as my arrival. Only twice did I book 1-2 days ahead, because I found an amazing boutique motel in Santa Fe , and wanted to reserve this Route 66 Motel icon in Barstow. Last minute there were plenty of deals and availability.

BUT! I traveled Route 66 in winter, which is definitely the low season. Consider booking further ahead if you are driving Route 66 in peak season (summer or early fall), or if you feel attached to staying in certain motels (like the Wigwam Motel near Petrified Forest National Park, the famous Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM, or the Big Texan Motel in Amarillo, TX).

The downside of booking ahead is that you lose out on some spontaneity and spirit of Route 66, and you also lose flexibility if construction, weather, or traffic delays you getting to your destination. The trade off is doing a once-in-a-lifetime vacation the way you planned and dreamed of, so it’s up to you!

Food is another big expense along Route 66, although I will argue that this is the area where you can have the most savings!

I saved a ton of money by packing and eating most of my food from home. It cost about $100 for groceries at home (my starting point) for three big bags of snacks and one travel cooler full of prepped food (sandwiches, soup, a quiche, hardboiled eggs, etc).

Primarily, I did this because I have celiac disease and knew I wouldn’t find safe gluten free food reliably while on the road. But it also saved me a lot of money and stress.

I did eat out a few times, but these were mostly at nicer, niche gluten free restaurants. My cheapest meal was $6.04 at In-N-Out (a California classic you must eat at in Barstow or L.A.), and my most expensive was $22.45 (at a gluten free brewery in Tulsa).

If you want to eat more meals out on the road than I did, add about $25-35/day to your budget. For this amount, you can eat two meals out at typical American roadside diners or chains.

Most hotels come with a free breakfast, so take advantage of that and even take some fruit or pastries for the road.

Other Expenses

There are other expenses on Route 66 that can add up. Think souvenirs, gifts, activities and entrance fees, tolls, and more.

The nice thing about this category is you can really spend as much or little as you want. A lot of the Route 66 attractions are free!

At the absolute least, though, I would budget $35 for the Grand Canyon entrance fee (a must do detour from Route 66) and $5-10 for entrance to one of the Route 66 museums (there are a few along the way).

A Note on Taxes and Tips

Unfortunately, there are some sneaky hidden expenses when purchasing in the United States. If you are not from here, you may be a bit shocked.

First, prices are listed before tax, and taxes apply to hotels, groceries, gas, restaurant food… you get it. For example, when I looked on Booking.com for accommodation, I might see a motel listed for $40/night. However, once you add in tax and any local government or resort fees, the price could be significantly bumped up to $55 or $60.

Second, you need to be aware of tipping. In the U.S. it is customary to tip 15-20% at restaurants. It is EXTREMELY rude not to tip. I know, it’s annoying if you are not used to this, but that’s the culture here. This can really add up so you need to consider it in your budget.

Ways to Save Money on Route 66

I’ve already discussed some ways to save money on Route 66, but let’s review:

• Less time: One of the biggest ways to save money on Route 66 is… do it faster! Your gas will be the same, but you can significantly cut down on hotel costs. I saved a lot of money by doing Route 66 in eight days instead of the typical 14, and I still had a great experience seeing all the major sights.
• Multiple people: Travel with a buddy and you can split the costs of gas and accommodation. I traveled Route 66 solo which is the most expensive way to do it!
• Drive your own car: Save the entire rental car price by driving your own car, if possible. However, I discussed the caveats to this above. Wear and tear on your vehicle can add up.
• Go in winter: Winter is the low season and accommodation and gas can be a little cheaper. This is what I did. However, you have to be wary of the weather this time of year and you shouldn’t attempt it without winter driving experience.
• Pack your own food: Save loads of money by prepping and packing food at your starting point. Bring a travel cooler like mine for sure.
• Camp or car sleep: I didn’t do this, but the ultra budget travelers sleep in their cars along Route 66. In most places this isn’t entirely legal, so beware. Camping is a better choice if you have the gear and it’s the right season.
• Relocation: Finally, consider driving Route 66 if you are relocating from the east/midwest to the west coast or vice versa. After all, this is what the historic Route 66 was originally known for: people migrating to the west coast! This is what I did, and I even got a relocation stipend from my company to cover some of the cost.

Exactly How Much Money I Spent Driving Route 66

Yes! The fun part! I recorded every single expense along my Route 66 road trip, just so I could share it here and reflect on a realistic attempt at driving Route 66 on a budget.

First, what was my budget? Personally, my Route 66 budget was very tight. I drove Route 66 as part of a larger cross country road trip moving from Michigan to California. The company I work for gave me a $750 stipend for this move (which I thought was a bit stingy). Still, it inspired me to set the challenge of completing Route 66 for $800 or less.

I had 8 days to drive Route 66, so I budgeted $100 per day. That includes all gas, accommodation, food, activities, etc. I did not need to buy flights or a rental car.

Spoiler alert: I only met my budget one day of my trip!

In hindsight, the only way I could have reliably spent less than $100 per day would be to sleep in my car or camp. Driving in February, that wasn’t really an option!

However, I drove Route 66 solo (yes, it was quite the experience). If I had driven with just one other person, all of the gas and accommodation expenses could have been split, and then I definitely could have met my $100/day goal.

Before I get too into the could-have-beens, here is exactly how much I spent on every day of my Route 66 road trip!

My Route 66 Budget Day-by-Day

Day 1: chicago, il – springfield, il.

Gas: $26.51

Accommodation: $69.31 at Microtel Inn and Suites in Springfield, IL

Food and drink: $10.95

Souvenirs and activities: $0

Miscellaneous: $1.10 (tolls)

Total: $107.87

Over or under budget? Over. But it was close!

Now, let’s analyze. On my first day of the Route 66 road trip, I started with a nearly full tank of gas, and ate breakfast and lunch that I’d packed for myself. I stayed at Microtel Inn and Suites which was the cheapest hotel available with decent reviews – and it ended up being quite clean and one of the better hotels of my trip. My one splurge was a $10.95 salad from Corelife Eatery, and if I hadn’t bought that I could have stayed on budget.

Still, I spent close to the bare minimum and began to realize how challenging it would be to actually keep my goal of $100/day on Route 66.

Day 2: Springfield, IL – Tulsa, OK

Gas: $79.75

Accommodation: $66.98 at Quality Inn and Suites in Tulsa, OK

Food and drink: $22.45

Miscellaneous: $5 (tolls)

Total: $174.18

Over or under budget? Over. Significantly.

Only my second day on Route 66 and I totally blew my budget out of the water! First of all, I started the day with an empty gas tank and drove a pretty long distance – still, I didn’t expect gas to guzzle up over three quarters of my day’s budget!

I stayed at Quality Inn and Suites on the west side of Tulsa, which was the cheapest hotel I could find with above 6 stars on Booking.com. It was…not the cleanest, but certainly no bed bugs or cockroaches.

My big splurge of day two was an amazing dinner at Neff Brewing in Tulsa. I had fried chicken and waffle and a pint of IPA. This is a super cool 100% gluten free brewery but I’d recommend it to anyone, gluten free or not! I don’t regret this purchase at all (I would have been over budget anyway).

Day 3: Tulsa, OK – Amarillo, TX

Gas: $35.11

Accommodation: $51.16 at Relax Inn in Amarillo, TX

Food and drink: $22.21

Souvenirs and activities: $12.15

Miscellaneous: $5

Total: $125.63

Over or under budget? Over. But not quite as badly as the previous day.

On day 3 I started letting loose a bit and enjoying the sights of Route 66, knowing that I’d passed the worst of possible snowy weather. I spent $7 to enter the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum and $5.15 on postcards and souvenirs there. I also spent money on a decent coffee and an amazing gluten free meal at Brent’s Cafe in Amarillo. Later in the day I stopped at Slug Bug Ranch, Cadillac Ranch, and Combine City around Amarillo which were all free.

My savings of the day was the cheap Relax Inn in Amarillo – there is zero charm here and it is right off the I-40, but I found it was clean and, staying on the second floor, I felt pretty safe. This motel definitely has a mish mash of different Route 66 travelers so you could say it’s an authentic experience.

If you have a little more to splurge in Amarillo, stay at the colorful Big Texan Motel instead and eat their famous steak dinner.

Day 4: Amarillo, TX – Santa Fe, NM

Gas: $35.74

Accommodation: $78.48 at The Sage Hotel in Santa Fe, NM

Food and drink: $20

Souvenirs and activities: $64.16

Miscellaneous: $0

Total: $198.38

Over or under budget? Over. Way, way, way over!

I declared day 4 my “splurge day”, and at nearly twice my goal budget, it definitely was. I decided to take a detour and stay in Santa Fe, one of the most beautiful and oldest towns in the country. This detour off I-40 actually follows the original alignment of historic route 66.

I actually ate all of my meals from the food I packed, but I did spend money on a coffee, an amazing chocolate elixir drink at Kakawa , and a mango margarita at my hotel (Santa Fe is known for its tequila).

My biggest expense was souvenirs and activities, but… when in Santa Fe! It was $18 to enter the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. She is one of my favorite artists so I just had to. The rest of that money I spent on postcards, an art print, chocolates, and gifts for my family. Earlier in the day I also stopped at some free Route 66 sights: Midway Point, Glenrio ghost town, and Blue Swallow Motel .

The Sage Hotel in Santa Fe was my most expensive motel/hotel of Route 66 but also the best. It is a boutique motel which is honestly not much more expensive than the typical Route 66 motel, but impeccably designed with great service and walking distance to central Santa Fe. You need to stay here in Santa Fe!

Day 5: Santa Fe, NM – Williams, AZ

Gas: $62.63

Accommodation: $37.59 at Howard Johnson’s in Williams, AZ

Food and drink: $0

Total: $100.22

Over or under budget? Over…. by just 22 cents! Damn!

On day 5 I needed to make up for my luxurious day in Santa Fe and really try to stick to my budget. I drove to Williams, the town on Route 66 closest to the Grand Canyon. I ate breakfast at The Sage Hotel and lunch and dinner from food I’d packed – major savings!

Despite not spending any money on activities, I did stop at some free sights including the Wigwam Motel and Twin Arrows. If you had more budget you could spent $20 to tour Petrified Forest National Park (I would actually recommend adding a whole day to do this and stay at the Wigwam Motel), and $24 to view the Barringer Meteor Crater.

I lucked out and found an INCREDIBLE deal at the Howard Johnson’s hotel in Williams. I couldn’t believe how cheap it was and was expecting it to be a dump. But no – this was one of the very best places I stayed on all of Route 66! It was super clean, comfortable, secure, and overall just a great choice.

Day 6: Williams, AZ – Grand Canyon – Williams, AZ

Food and drink: $4.35

Souvenirs and activities: $43.35

Total: $85.29

Over or under budget? UNDER! SUCCESS! FINALLY!

On day 6 I decided to take a detour from Route 66 to visit Grand Canyon National Park. If you have the time, I highly recommend doing this.

I saved a lot of money this day by not driving as far, and staying a second night at the mega cheap and wonderful Howard Johnson’s in Williams.

I also saved money by once again eating all my own food that I’d packed – apart from a spenny $4.35 coffee at Grand Canyon. Needs must.

The big expense of the day was a $35 entrance fee to Grand Canyon – this fee actually covers all the people in one vehicle for 7 days. So as a single person only visiting for one day that was kind of annoying! But uhhh, worth it to see Grand Canyon. By seeing both sunrise and sunset at the canyon, I definitely made the most of my one day. I also spent $8.35 on postcards and souvenirs.

Day 7: Williams, AZ – Barstow, CA

Gas: $46.90

Accommodation: $73.12 at Route 66 Motel in Barstow, CA

Food and drink: $6.04

• Miscellaneous: $3.09

Total: $129.15

Over or under budget? Over. As per.

Nearing the end of Route 66, I came to terms with not meeting my budget, but just doing my best while enjoying the ride – lessons of Route 66, right?

I actually ended my time on Route 66 early, so this was my last leg of the road. To celebrate, I booked a night at the Route 66 Motel in Barstow, directly on the historic Route 66 and full of kitsch and Americana. Even if you don’t stay here, you should definitely check it out for a photo op.

I also celebrated with the fabled In-N-Out burger and fries that I’d been dreaming of for over 2,000 miles! It was my cheapest meal by far. My only other expense (other than the obvious gas) was about $3 spent on some Ibuprofen in Arizona – I’d thrown my back out hiking with a bad backpack at Grand Canyon the day before.

Day 8: Barstow, CA – Los Angeles, CA

I may have skipped out early, but there is one more leg to Route 66 that I have to mention here! Route 66 officially ends at Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. That is actually less than 2 hours from Barstow. Even though it’s only 2 hours, a lot of people do this as a separate day because 1) L.A. traffic is insane, and 2) you have more time to see L.A. that day.

I decided not to do the majority of the final leg because I’ve already been to L.A. a few times before, including seeing the official Route 66 ending point on Santa Monica Pier. Sorry if it’s an unpopular opinion, but I don’t like L.A. and didn’t feel the need to visit again. Plus, my final destination was 9 hours away in northern California so I still had a ways to go!

If you do this final leg (which you definitely should if you’ve never been to L.A. before) then I can highly recommend the Sea Blue Hotel (formerly called Hotel California). This boutique hotel is where I stayed last time I was in L.A..

It’s right by Santa Monica Pier and one of the only relatively budget hotels in the area. At $169/night it’s pricier than all the other hotels along Route 66 but very competitive for L.A. prices. I wouldn’t stay anywhere else!

So… How Much Did I Spend on Route 66?

In total, I spent $920.72 while driving Route 66!

If you add in the $100 I spent on groceries before the trip, that’s $1,020.72 .

And if you add in my necessary pre-road trip $750 car repair (similar to what you might spend on car rental), that’s a total of $1770.72 .

If I had traveled with just one other person, my gas and accommodation expenses could be halved. This means I would have spent $570.29 for eight days on Route 66. What a deal!

Let’s break it down by category… and who doesn’t love a pie chart?! Here’s a visual representation of my Route 66 budget breakdown:

And if you prefer numbers, here’s the total amount I spent in each expense category.

• Gas: $286.64
• Accommodation: $414.23
• Food: $86 (not including snacks and prepped food I brought from home)
• Souvenirs and activities: $119.66
• Tolls: $11.10

Creating Your Own Route 66 Budget

Hopefully it was helpful to read my personal Route 66 budget and envision where you might spend a similar amount, or how your travel style might differ.

I realize by not needing flights or car rental, and doing Route 66 faster than the average, I saved a LOT of money. That might not be possible for you – but there are other ways to save, like going with a partner or friend!

Or you might not care about keeping to a tight budget – but rather splurge on awesome experiences like a helicopter over Grand Canyon or the best hotels. Good on you!

Either way, let me know in the comments below if you have any questions about planning your Route 66 budget. I’ll be happy to help!

Pin it for later…

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This post is REALLY cool. I’m amazed at some of the hotel deals you found, mostly because I’ve found everything in the US to be super expensive… so I think you did really well!! The $750 stipend isn’t enough for sure – you couldn’t even ship your car + book a flight for that… so I actually think you did a great job in terms of how you were able to get there and see so many neat things along the way! (Both of our cars are 10+ years old – it definitely influences our road trip decisions right now. Good thinking on knocking out the maintenance issues before heading out!)

Ah thanks! I was excited to write it and honestly knowing I wanted to write this post, I recorded every expense I had and that probably helped me keep to my budget too lol! And I agree – travel in the US is so ridiculously expensive compared to other places, especially for accommodation. Like $60-70/night for a bottom-rung motel is… not ok! We just don’t seem to even have that cheaper tier of $20-40/night hostels, guest houses, or budget hotels that a lot of European countries tend to have. But you’re right I was still lucky to find some of the deals I did, particularly the Howard Johnson’s deal near the Grand Canyon! Also – nice to know I’m not the only one with an elderly car. Especially with current inflation and world events with gas skyrocketing… and my abysmal gas mileage… it’s definitely a factor I’m always thinking about. I’m thinking this might be the last year of “Madge” (my car)…end of an era 🙁

What an incredible trip! Having never travelled in the US, it’s super interesting to read about the various costs. Tax on top of everything would catch me out for sure.

Yeah I think basically everyone not from the USA gets a verrrrry rude wake up call when they see their first receipt here lol! It is honestly so annoying.

Thank you for making time to write about and share your Route 66 adventure. Kudos to you. I hope your job is working out favorably for you!

Thank you Mark! My job was actually a short term 4 month contract as a travel therapist. I’m now traveling in South America. The adventure continues! I hope you enjoy Route 66 if you are planning a trip.

This is awesome! Thank you very much, Sarah. Preparing… 🙂

Good luck on your journey!!

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The Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip

From flashy neon to roadside kitsch, here’s everything you need to know about the Mother Road, complete with interactive maps.

Last updated October 11, 2021

Route 66 is the quintessential embodiment of the road and all its greatest promises: freedom and serendipity, kitsch and living history, and a case study of the very particular way Americans have moved and multiplied. You can certainly travel eastward on Route 66 (in fact, we highly recommend it), but there’s no denying the symbolic strength of at least one westward journey along its patchwork of asphalt.

Everything you need to know about Route 66

Route 66 map.

• Our favorite attractions

Route 66 history

Order Roadtrippers' Route 66 book

Our brand new Route 66 book will help you find every classic, quirky, and fun stop along the Mother Road.

Ready to get started? Don’t leave home without your trusty Route 66 map . It’s a good idea to bring a paper map of Route 66 as back-up in case you don’t have cell reception. But the Roadtrippers trip planner is going to be your best friend along the journey, with pre-made maps and guides ready to help make your trip a success.

Route 66 attractions

Here’s some of our favorite Route 66 attractions. Make sure you don’t miss them on your next trip down the Mother Road.

Gateway Arch

Gateway Arch National Park is so much more than just the iconic arch. There’s also a free museum with exhibits detailing America’s westward expansion and the building of the Gateway Arch, which is a good place to start if you’re waiting for your ride to the top (or if you’re scared of heights but still want the arch experience). A trip to the top of the Eero Saarinen-designed monument—the world’s tallest arch and the tallest man-made monument in the U.S.—offers great views of both sides of the Mississippi.

Blue Whale of Catoosa

The Blue Whale of Cartoosa is one of the most popular roadside attractions along Route 66. It was built by Hugh Davis in the early 1970s as a surprise anniversary gift for his wife Zelta, who loved whales and collected whale figurines. Take time to wander around the remnants of this famed roadside wonder, and have a snack at one of the picnic tables.

Cadillac Ranch

Ten Cadillacs stand along Interstate 40 , buried in the dirt at the same angles as the Great Pyramids of Giza. Visitors are encouraged to bring a can of spray paint and add their own mark to this unique roadside art installation. Spray painting the Cadillacs is a rite of passage for any true roadtripper, and the installation has gone through quite a few makeovers throughout the years. 

Oatman, Arizona

You’d be hard-pressed to find a ghost town more real—or more alive—than Oatman . Located at the edge of Arizona on Route 66 and perched 2,700 feet above sea level in the Black Mountains, Oatman is a strange place run by wild burros.

Santa Monica Pier

Whether you call it the starting or ending point of the Mother Road, the Santa Monica Pier is the perfect spot to stretch your legs or snap photos of the ocean before embarking on a 2,000-mile trip east. Sure it’s touristy, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking a ride on the 1922 carousel or grabbing something sweet from the soda fountain. From the roller coaster and Ferris wheel to the arcade and the sign noting that it is the official end of Route 66, there’s tons of fun to be had here.

Although it only existed as a unified, legally codified road for 59 years—between 1926 and 1985—Route 66 became a great symbolic trailway of human civilization. It will live forever as a route whose traffic reshaped the world of its time, transporting generations of adventurers, migrants, grifters, and dreamers toward untold opportunities.

Route 66 gave rise to new towns, new industries, and a new vernacular architecture. A great deal of it was lost when most cross-country travel migrated to the interstates, but today, a thriving community of people who live along the road—travelers, well-wishers, and preservationists—share news and stories, raise money to protect landmarks, maintain museums, and otherwise work hard to protect its legacy. The route’s future, thanks to roadtrippers like you, looks bright. 

Although it only existed as a unified, legally codified road for 59 years—between 1926 and 1985—Route 66 became a great symbolic trailway of human civilization.

The Mother Road has been firmly embedded in the American mythos for decades. In the 1940s, Bob Troup pounded out “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66,” a catchy and enduring standard that has been covered by dozens of artists, from Nat King Cole to The Cramps. In the 1960s, CBS notched a major hit with Route 66, a series whose plot mostly amounted to two handsome guys rambling around the country in a Corvette roadster. Very few of the show’s episodes were actually set in towns anywhere near the road it was named for, making it clear that Route 66 had already become shorthand for the adventuresome American spirit, and for the open road itself. And since the Mother Road disappeared from official maps and its signage was removed in 1985, its mystique has only grown.

Route 66 by state

It’s time to hit the road, so hop in!

Use this guide for either westbound (Chicago to Santa Monica) or eastbound (Santa Monica to Chicago) travel along Route 66. For simplicity, this page is organized from east to west, as that’s the most popular way to experience the route. Should you venture from California to Illinois, just start by reading the section on California and work your way up the page.

Route 66 Illinois

Chicago, Illinois, is the eastern terminus of the Mother Road—depending on which way you travel, you will either start or end your trip across from Grant Park and Lake Michigan. After leaving the Windy City, the road takes you southwest through rural Midwestern towns full of classic motel neon, vintage filling stations, roadside giants, and historic bridges until you hit the Mississippi River and East St. Louis. 

The stretch of Route 66 from Chicago to St. Louis is home to aluminum-and-chrome diners, historic, family-owned cafes, bizarre attractions, and other reminders of the route’s charming past. You’ll also see plenty of cornfields and flat prairie land between the bustling cities and sleepy towns along this first leg. 

There are nearly 300 miles of Route 66 in Illinois. The state is also home to many of the country’s most famous Muffler Men , those fiberglass titans of retro roadside kitsch. A lot of the old route has been gobbled up by modern highways, in particular I-55, but there’s still plenty of neon, fiberglass, and chrome to keep any roadtripper happy. Traditionally, travelers begin their journey southwest near the shores of Lake Michigan, not spending too much time in Chicago. After all, the Mother Road is calling.

Route 66 Missouri

Many miles of Missouri’s Route 66 have been replaced over the years by larger highways, so what remains of the original road is a patchwork, especially in and around St. Louis. The Show-Me State contains several abandoned stretches of the Mother Road, but it’s still possible to travel on quite a bit of the original route. More than 300 miles of road takes you southwest from St. Louis to Joplin, a stretch packed with fantastic diners, classic roadside attractions, and classic photo ops. 

Few cities are lucky enough to have an architectural icon like the Gateway Arch overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, but there’s so much more to St. Louis. The city has a booming craft brewery scene, a rich history, and top-notch cultural institutions. Whether you’re eating at an old-school soda fountain or getting lost in a phantasmagorical wonderland, St. Louis is an excellent weekend destination.

The stretch of Route 66 from St. Louis to Tulsa is considered by some travelers to be the heart of Route 66. It’s where east meets west, linking up the Midwest with the West Coast. Much of this stretch is on I-44, which means lots of exits and county roads, but the scenery is often beautiful.

Springfield is known both as the “Queen City of the Ozarks” and the “Birthplace of Route 66.” Located in south-central Missouri at a strategic crossroads, Springfield was a railroad hub, home to a bloody Civil War battle, and played an important role in the birth of the Mother Road. Route 66 was aligned through the city in 1926, realigned in 1936, and funneled travelers to the many motels and businesses located along the way until I-44 bypassed the city in 1958.

Route 66 Kansas

The Kansas section of Route 66 is short but sweet, and manages to pack in several must-see stops in a little under 14 miles (13.2 to be exact). This small stretch passes through three towns—Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs—and can be driven in as little as 30 minutes. Kansas is the only state on your journey where the Mother Road isn’t interrupted by the interstate. Don’t miss the only remaining Marsh Arch Rainbow Bridge, several museums, and other small businesses—on Kansas’ stretch of Route 66, you’ll find quality over quantity.

Galena is one of the most well-preserved towns along Route 66. Home to the Kan-O-Tex gasoline station from Disney’s Cars , the Murals of Galena , and a 1952 Will Rogers Marker, Galena was once a successful mining town. The town was hit hard by the Depression and violent miner strikes. Later, when the town was bypassed by I-44, tourists stopped visiting, the mines closed down, and the population dropped. Today, several historic buildings around town offer a peek into Galena’s rocky past.

Route 66 Oklahoma

Oklahoma takes pride in, and embraces, most of its nearly 400 miles of Route 66. There are more driveable portions of the old Mother Road in Oklahoma than in any other state, and plenty of reasons to stop the car along the way. From Quapaw to Texola, this stretch is home to the Blue Whale of Catoosa , Art Deco gems of Tulsa, and two excellent museums filled with Route 66 history. Don’t forget to stop into the Sandhills Curiosity Shoppe in Erick and say hi to Harley Russell —if you’re lucky, he might just serenade you with a round of “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,” or hand you a guitar so you can play along. 

In addition to Tulsa’s massive Golden Driller statue and the Tumbleweed Grill and Country Store , this stretch is home to some absolutely amazing retro Route 66 hotels (even if you aren’t staying, pull over for the vintage signage). A few of the more famous ones include the Desert Hills Motel in Tulsa, the Skyliner Motel in Stroud , and the Lincoln Motel in Chandler .

Take a moment to explore Stroud, a small town that is known as “Oklahoma’s Winery and Grape Capital.” Here you can also find unpaved segments of the original road, built in 1915 and incorporated into Route 66 in the 1920s. Don’t miss the dirt section of the original Ozark Trail road and stop for a photo—and a BLT—at the iconic Rock Cafe .

Oklahoma City is the state’s capital and the largest city you’ll pass through on Route 66 in Oklahoma. OKC is home to many museums, memorials, and motels, in addition to a few stops worth a detour from the main route.

Route 66 Texas

The Lone Star State has about 180 miles of old Route 66 road still remaining. It closely parallels Interstate 40, so it’s easy to hop on and off stretches of the Mother Road. The billboards along I-40 may not tell you this, but we will: Some of the very best roadside attractions in the U.S. are right here in the panhandle of Texas.

The town of Vega sits right on historic Route 66 and has several landmarks worth stopping for. Also worth checking out are Dot’s Mini Museum , Rooster’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina , the Hickory Inn Cafe , Bonanza Motel , Vega Motel (built in 1947), and a restored Magnolia service station . As one of the sunniest places in the U.S., Vega is sometimes referred to as the “Solar Capital of Texas.”

Route 66 New Mexico

New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment, and for good reason. There is certainly something enchanting about the Southwest. Maybe it’s the combination of hot springs, forests, desert, and mountains, or the area’s rich history and strong, visceral ties to the past. Towns such as Santa Fe and Taos are full of art galleries, boutiques, innovative architecture , museums, great restaurants, and more. There are some gorgeous side trips you can enjoy, including the High Road to Taos or a drive down the Turquoise Trail , a scenic byway that connects Santa Fe to Albuquerque. The trail commemorates the state’s mining history as it passes through the stone-and-ore-laden mountains and former boom towns. 

Albuquerque is a high desert city with an artsy vibe. Admire the Pueblo architecture, explore Old Town, pop into the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center , and learn about the desert at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden .

The Laguna Pueblo is located 45 minutes west of Albuquerque, right on Route 66. When you pass the whitewashed St. Joseph church, you’ll know that you’ve arrived at the pueblo, which spans four counties and comprises six villages. Part of the pueblo dates back to the 1400s, but people have been settled in the area since at least the 1300s, and tribes have passed through since 3000 B.C. The Pueblo of Laguna is especially fun to visit during feast days: March 19, July 25 to 26, August 10, August 15, September 8, September 19, September 25, and October 17.

Gallup is the largest city between Albuquerque and Flagstaff along Route 66, and it’s full of motels, dining options, and classic neon signage. Don’t miss the Muffler Man cowboy located just off the route near downtown. If you’re staying overnight, you can’t get much better than the old Hollywood El Rancho Hotel and Motel . Gallup, which lies in the middle of a Navajo Reservation, is also home to an abundance of Native American crafts, artwork, and history.

Route 66 Arizona

You’ll know you’re crossing into Arizona when you spot the large, bright white Teepee Trading Post advertising “jewelry, pottery, kachinas, and southwest souvenirs.” The teepee-shaped souvenir shop is set against a striking backdrop of dramatic red rock cliffs and it’s a great place to pull over, grab a drink, use the restroom, and load up on souvenirs. With the exception of the Navajo Nation, most of Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time so be sure to confirm the time as you cross the Arizona/New Mexico border.

Sedona is one of those places you just have to experience in person—even the most spectacular photos don’t fully do it justice. Surrounded by majestic red rock canyons and pine forests, this small desert town is known for its vibrant art scene and mysterious healing forces. Yes, you read that right—Sedona is supposedly a hotbed of cosmic activity, sitting atop several energy vortexes that are easily accessible through hikes and tours. With its artsy vibe and comfortable climate, Sedona is also home to cute shops and restaurants, galleries, and lots of aging hippies. 

Words (and even pictures) simply cannot do Grand Canyon National Park justice—it’s one of those truly epic places you just have to see in person to believe. Officially designated as a national park in 1919, the Grand Canyon sees more than five million visitors annually. The massive canyon was formed by erosion from the Colorado River after the plateau was lifted due to seismic activity, revealing rock that’s more than a billion years old. Whether you take in the sweeping views from the top or hike into its depths, you’ll quickly discover why it’s one of the most iconic national parks in the U.S.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a ghost town more real—or more alive—than Oatman. Located at the edge of Arizona on Route 66 and perched 2,700 feet above sea level in the Black Mountains, Oatman is a strange place run by wild burros .

Route 66 California

The California section of Route 66 will give you a proper taste of the Golden State’s diverse scenery, from tiny desert ghost towns to the urban sprawl of Los Angeles. This stretch is also packed with iconic roadside attractions. Take your time and meander through the glass forest at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch or get your photo taken next to the freshly restored neon sign at Roy’s Motel and Cafe . Before you know it, you’ll be finishing this epic journey at the end of the Santa Monica pier , where the West Coast meets the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll know you’re at the end of your journey once you arrive at the Pacific Ocean. But to reach the official end point of Route 66—and take a photo of the iconic “End of the trail” sign—you’ll have to ditch the car and walk to the end of the Santa Monica Pier. The coastal city of Santa Monica is also home to the original Muscle Beach outdoor gym and the pier’s Pacific Park amusement park. 

Congratulations! You have reached the end of the Mother Road—and by now you know it’s not the destination that matters, it’s the journey. But whether the Santa Monica Pier is your ending or starting point, take some time to celebrate and reflect. With more than 2,000 miles of classic neon, motels, larger-than-life roadside attractions, museums, diners, and countless colorful characters, it should be obvious why the allure of Route 66 is as strong as ever. The road may look different today than it did decades ago—or even yesterday—but that’s all part of the fun.

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How should you pack for route 66.

An over-packed car can quickly turn into a disorganized mess, and you’re likely to forget about half the stuff you brought if they’re not easy to access. With that in mind, focus on accessibility and multi-functional items. 

A small overnight bag should contain everything you need after a long day of driving—think sleepwear, toiletries, and a good book. 

Your car should be packed according to what you’ll need first. Items specific to a destination further down the road, or gear for weather that might occur later in your trip, should be packed beneath items you’ll need regularly or right away.

Where does Route 66 start and end?

Route 66 starts in downtown Chicago and ends at the Santa Monica pier in California. Throughout the journey from Chicago to Santa Monica, you’ll discover sections where the original route diverges, seemingly shooting off in two directions and yet nowhere at once. It is a prime lesson in the art of the road trip: A sudden change in direction, an abrupt end to the pavement, and a few wrong turns are all welcome parts of the adventure rather than an inconvenience.

How long does it take to drive Route 66?

Typically, travelers will plan no less than two weeks for the entire Mother Road road trip. In that amount of time, you’ll be able to visit the major sites. But if you want to savor the entire experience—strolling historic downtowns, sipping a root beer float at a soda fountain, and sleeping at a retro motel with a blinking neon sign—you could spend up to a month or longer.

What is the best way to travel Route 66?

Will you go from Chicago to Los Angeles or vice versa? Travelers often chose the east-to-west direction as that’s the route originally taken by pioneers escaping the Dust Bowl in the 1920s. But you can’t go wrong either way.

How long does it take to drive the Route 66?

What is the best time to do route 66.

The best time to take a road trip on Route 66 is from late April to early October. Be prepared for remnants of ice and snow during the early spring and thunderstorms in late spring and early summer. During July and August—peak travel months—expect sometimes sweltering temperatures, over-crowded attractions, and higher rates for lodging. 

Come late October and into November, you might see snowfall on parts of the route. Winter is considered the off-season, and some places may be closed until spring, so it’s always best to call ahead if you’re venturing out onto Route 66 between late November and early April. Whatever time you travel, expect variations in climate as you’ll be traversing through many different states and terrains.

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Route 66 road trip planner: The best stops along the way

Editor's Note

They call it the Mother Road, a term coined by author John Steinbeck because it carried Dust Bowl refugees west across America. Even though Route 66 no longer exists on America's highway maps, a drive across the country on the stretches that remain is one of the great American road trips .

Passing through eight states between Chicago and Los Angeles , Route 66 covers nearly 2,500 miles across a broad swath of the Midwest, Great Plains, Southwest and West. Over time, most of the route was replaced by interstates, particularly Interstate 40, and finding the original road requires a series of zigzags and detours.

For that reason, most people choose just one section, leaving plenty of time for stops along the way, or base themselves out of one of the larger towns on the route and explore in either direction.

Here, from east to west, are some of the best places to celebrate the nostalgia of the Mother Road.

Chicago, Hinsdale and Joliet, Illinois

The symbolic start of Route 66 is Buckingham Fountain in Chicago's Grant Park, but it's not really a road trip until you're headed southwest out of the city.

A perfect jumping-off point for your trip is the Route 66 Welcome Center at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, with its excellent exhibit on the Muffler Men, huge fiberglass statues that were used to advertise car repair shops.

Restaurants still maintaining Route 66's traditions of roadside hospitality include the Rich & Creamy ice cream stand, Joliet Kicks on Route 66 and Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket, specializing in fried chicken served under the slogan, "Get Your Chicks on Route 66."

For the ultimate all-American feast, Al's Steak House has been serving up prime cuts to weary road trippers for 60 years. As you head farther southwest on what today is Highway 55, stop for photos at the perfectly preserved Ambler's Texaco Gas Station in Dwight, where the gas pumps are painted gleaming red.

Where to stay

Between them, Chicago and Joliet have every brand of loyalty program hotel for every budget. The history of a different kind of travel is the theme at the Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop located in the former headquarters of the Chicago and North Western railway, with landmark Union Station just down the street. Opened in fall 2023, the hotel is a stylish addition to downtown, its decor paying homage to the bygone glamour of cross-country train travel. The hotel's brand-new rooftop restaurant, Seville, is a destination unto itself, serving creative cocktails, small plates and traditional Spanish dishes like paella. Rooms start at $240 or 65,000 points per night.

Related: The 17 best Chicago hotels

A relative newcomer to Joliet, the Candlewood Suites Joliet Southwest offers spacious rooms and an indoor pool, and is pet-friendly. Rooms start at $113 or 21,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Also boasting an expansive indoor pool, Marriott's TownePlace Suites Joliet South features large, well-outfitted rooms that give you plenty of room to spread out and relax after a long drive. Rooms start at $134 or 12,800 Bonvoy points per night.

Pontiac, Illinois

Pontiac's pride in its Mother Road heritage can be seen in its 23 colorful outdoor murals and its two museums dedicated to America's love affair with the automobile. The Pontiac-Oakland Museum and Resource Center displays a rotating collection of rare Oakland and Pontiac models, while the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum showcases vintage ads, signs and a classic Volkswagen hippie bus housed in an old fire station.

Litchfield, Illinois

This one is a quick stop, but you don't want to miss the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center (yes, another one!) with its collection of nostalgic paraphernalia.

Nearby, the uber-retro Ariston Cafe is one of the oldest continuously operating Route 66 establishments, serving up a melting pot of American, Southern, Greek and Italian fare since 1924.

Springfield, Missouri

Crossing into Missouri, don't miss Chain of Rocks Bridge, now open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic only, famed for its dramatic dogleg bend midspan.

Springfield's vintage Route 66 establishments are preserved along two downtown streets: St. Louis Street, east of downtown, and the Chestnut Expressway on the west side. The Route 66 Car Museum is the big attraction here, thanks to its collection of more than 70 rare and collectible vintage cars.

One of Springfield's most recognizable historic buildings is the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque. This flamboyantly Arabesque old theater was built in 1923 and is still owned by the Shriners, who use it as an auditorium and concert hall. Nearby, a plaque tells the story of Wild Bill Hickok's murder of fellow gambler Dave Tutt, supposedly because Tutt flaunted a watch he'd won off Hickok.

Bonvoy members will be happy to find the SpringHill Suites Springfield North (from $136 or 26,000 points) a sleek addition to the portfolio, with extra-spacious rooms big enough to accommodate cribs, rollaways and trundle beds, and outfitted with microwaves and minifridges.

Die-hard Route 66 fans often choose the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven (from $129 or 20,000 points per night), while Hilton Honors members will like the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Springfield (from $380 or 145,000 Hilton Honors points per night), revamped top to bottom with earth-toned furnishings and a midcentury modern vibe.

Galena and Riverton, Kansas

The Kansas section of Route 66 is just 13.2 miles long, but it includes a couple of key stops. These include the town of Galena, a must for the old Kan-O-Tex gas station that now houses Cars on the Route, a tribute to Pixar's animated movie "Cars."

Housed inside the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas train depot, Galena Mining & Historical Museum is filled with vintage furnishings, tools and historical records documenting life in a mining boomtown.

Just west in Riverton, stop for lunch or snacks at the Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store, a road trip staple since the 1920s. This deli serves up classic sandwiches, and the owner, who happens to be president of the Kansas Route 66 Association, displays his memorabilia.

Less well known, but beloved by locals, is the white-painted Rainbow Bridge that arches over Brush Creek approximately 2 miles west of Riverton.

Clinton, Oklahoma

Oklahoma has more original and still-driveable miles of Route 66 than any other state and takes great pride in this heritage. This includes the key role Route 66 played in the 1930s Dust Bowl migration.

Nowhere is this pride more on display than in the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. The museum has used its significant state and local funding to pull together a comprehensive collection that even includes the chance to sit in a re-created 1950s diner.

Those who've traveled this route before will mourn the loss of the classic Trade Winds Inn, which until recently sat across the street from the museum and was a favorite of Elvis Presley, who stayed there four times. Clinton also has an indoor water park known as the Water-Zoo that makes a perfect road trip break for tired kids.

Points-friendly lodging options in Clinton include the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Clinton Historic Route 66 , with its expansive outdoor pool (from $96 or 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night) and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clinton (from $110 or 18,000 IHG One Rewards points per night).

Tulsa, Stroud and Chandler, Oklahoma

Tulsa is the food capital of the Route 66 road trip, boasting a number of eateries with some variation on a Mother Road theme, chief among them El Rancho Grande, which has been serving up Mexican food for more than 60 years under a photogenic neon sign. Looking exactly as a vintage Mother Road diner should, Tally's is a must for breakfast all day long.

You'll find something tasty for everyone at Mother Road Market, where you can choose from Chicken & the Wolf, Bodhi's Bowl and even Brazilian food at Doctor Kustom, then eat on a family-friendly outdoor patio complete with Route 66-themed murals and a minigolf course.

Don't leave without checking out the eclectic shops at Mother Road Market, where you'll find books, toys and inspired souvenirs. Make a final stop at the Desert Hills Motel to snap a photo of its beloved neon sign.

Departing Tulsa to the west, the first landmark to watch for is Rock Creek Bridge. At just 12 feet wide, it provides a vivid sense of just how narrow highways like Route 66 were back in the early days of the Model T. You'll find another great example of Route 66 neon in Stroud, where the Skyliner Motel beckons visitors with a towering red arrow.

Now, back to the movie "Cars." The Rock Cafe just west of Stroud — which is made from local stone quarried in the 1920s — is a must-stop for fans because of its association with director John Lasseter. He visited numerous times as he wrote and directed the movie, leaving behind signed posters, napkins and graffiti.

Chandler is home to the Route 66 Interpretive Center, which is a bit of a departure from other Mother Road museums for its emphasis on education.

Related reading: The best American road trips to take with your family this summer

McLean, Texas

Stretching across the pancake-flat plains of the Texas panhandle for almost 200 miles, Route 66 in Texas has largely been directly supplanted by Interstate 40, with old Mother Road businesses left behind on the various towns' business loops.

The first of these, from east to west, is the old ranching town of McLean. It wasn't bypassed by the interstate until the early 1980s and has made impressive efforts to preserve its historic structures.

Stop for a photo op with the giant neon Texas sign and another at the perfectly preserved Phillips 66 station, where the pumps still list a price of 19 cents a gallon.

Well worth a stop is the Devil's Rope Museum. It's dedicated to barbed wire, called the "devil's rope" by cowboys, and holds one of the entire Mother Road's best collections of Route 66 memorabilia and souvenirs.

Amarillo and Cadillac Ranch, Texas

The beef industry still reigns supreme in Amarillo, which handles 2 million head of cattle a year, providing plenty of that old Wild West vibe, despite its booming population. Route 66 follows Sixth Street through what is now called the Old Jacinto District, so head there to browse boot, saddle and Western shops and antiques stores.

Back on I-40, you can't miss the giant steer head marking the Big Texan Steak Ranch, which was located on Route 66 when it opened in 1960. Families will like the old false-front Wild West-themed building, kitschy decor and the enormous portions at reasonable prices.

However, the Amarillo area's most photographed road-themed attraction is Cadillac Ranch, just off I-40 and about 10 miles west of town. Here, 10 rusting Cadillacs are buried nose down in the dirt, their finned backsides rising toward the sky and demonstrating iconic American midcentury design in order from 1949 to 1964.

Cadillac Ranch was created by a collective of San Francisco-based artists in 1974 at the behest of eccentric millionaire Stanley Marsh III, who moved them in the late 1990s to put them farther outside the city's sprawl. Since Marsh's death in 2014, the installation's future has been less secure, but filmmakers use the day-glo-painted cars so frequently for advertisements and photo shoots that the installation seems likely to survive awhile longer.

The Big Texan (from $76) offers rooms as well as meals, and a stay here will be more than memorable with choices including authentic covered wagons and vintage Airstreams.

You'll also find options for almost every loyalty point program; choose from the Hilton Garden Inn Amarillo (rooms from $87 or 24,000 Hilton Honors points per night), Marriott's Residence Inn Amarillo (rooms from $149 or 20,500 Bonvoy points per night) and many more.

Tucumcari, New Mexico

Tucumcari arguably has more time capsule photo ops than perhaps anywhere else on Route 66, thanks to the abundance of cool vintage signs lining aptly named Route 66 Boulevard. Many adorn classic motor lodges and diners, including Del's Restaurant, which features a giant cow on its sign.

The other thing you'll notice is the murals — nearly 100 of them — which stretch down side streets and adorn shops, restaurants and grocery stores. Make sure to see the Mother Road-themed mural at the corner of Second Street and Tucumcari Boulevard and also seek out the Magnolia gas station decorated with Route 66 signs and memorabilia.

In your sign-spotting, you probably noticed the photogenic monikers of Tucumcari's many 1940s-style motor lodges, among them the Blue Swallow Motel (rooms from $134 a night) and the Historic Route 66 Motel , which has taken midcentury chic to the max, outfitting its street-side patio with "Jetsons"-style chairs. Rooms, which start at just $76 a night, have refrigerators, microwaves and comfortable armchairs; some come with sleeper sofas to expand the number of beds.

The brand-new Fairfield Inn & Suites Tucumcari, a great option for Bonvoy members, combines modern amenities with midcentury modern decor perfectly in keeping with Route 66 nostalgia. Rooms start at $119 or 40,000 Bonvoy points per night.

Santa Rosa, New Mexico

Known for its preservation of retro signs and buildings, Santa Rosa is also home to the Route 66 Auto Museum, which you can't miss thanks to the bright yellow car perched atop a pole high in the air.

In addition to classic cars dating back to the earliest days of the automobile, the museum has an excellent collection of vintage gas pumps that say Route 66 better than anything else. Santa Rosa's other claim to fame, the Blue Hole, is an astoundingly deep spring-fed lake popular with scuba divers.

The Hampton Inn Santa Rosa , right on Route 66, is a favorite low-category property for Hilton Honors members looking to stretch points, with rooms starting at 20,000 points a night.

Like all La Quinta Inns, the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Rosa is popular with dog-owning Wyndham members for its pet-friendly policies; rooms start at $124 a night.

Related reading: 6 tips for surviving a road trip with a large family

Williams, Arizona

"Last town bypassed by I-40," reads the mural on the wall as you drive down Williams' main street. It's no surprise that Williams celebrates its dual identity as both a shoot-'em-up Western town and a nostalgic 1950s cruising strip.

Retro-chic photo ops are aplenty here, including the sky-blue sign for the Arizona 9 Motor Hotel and the neon cow beckoning diners to Rod's Steakhouse. The Coca-Cola-red car on the roof of Cruiser's 66 Cafe is visible for blocks.

Just an hour away from Grand Canyon National Park , Williams makes a perfect home base from which to explore. The Grand Canyon Railway provides "door to door" service, bringing travelers directly to Grand Canyon Village while entertaining them on the way with a staged "shootout" and close-up wildlife viewing.

In Williams, IHG members will find Holiday Inn Express & Suites Williams (rooms from $132 or 24,000 IHG points per night); Choice Hotels members can opt for either Quality Inn Near Grand Canyon or Comfort Inn Near Grand Canyon (both from $90 or 20,000 Choice points per night).

Wyndham Rewards members will be thrilled with the wide selection, which includes La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Williams-Grand Canyon Area ($97 or 30,000 points per night), Ramada by Wyndham Williams ($60 or 15,000 points per night) and Howard Johnson by Wyndham Williams ($56 or 15,000 points per night).

For something different and more adventurous, stay at the brand-new Backland Luxury Camping , a luxury glamping resort just 20 minutes outside Williams, which is spread over 160 thickly forested acres and features an on-site spa and restaurant. Tents come in four variations and start at $395 a night.

Related reading: Visiting the Grand Canyon with a family: Where to camp, stay and play

Seligman and Hackberry, Arizona

Filled with a string of vintage cafes, stores and gas stations, now colorfully painted and festooned in antiques rescued from the surrounding desert, Seligman is one big photo op — and what a photo op it is. From here, Route 66 diverted from I-40 through Hackberry, where the Hackberry General Store has the gritty Mother Road vibe so many of the more cleaned-up museums lack.

Kingman and Oatman, Arizona

A key stop on the Route 66 pilgrimage, Kingman houses the unusually comprehensive Arizona Route 66 Museum. In the Powerhouse Visitor Center, it traces the history of the westward route back to when it was an Indian trail, wagon train route and railroad line before it carried road trippers. Exhibits include a covered wagon and a characteristic Dust Bowl truck, as well as brightly painted 1950s roadsters.

The sharp jog north to visit the old mining town of Oatman is well worth the detour to see a town with a main street that appears to be frozen in time. Its sidewalks are still made of wood, and burros still wander among the old storefronts.

Barstow, California

Several quirky landmarks pay tribute to Barstow's former importance as a rail hub — including a McDonald's made from old railroad cars. However, Barstow's big lure for Route 66 fans is the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, located in the faded glory of the Casa del Desierto, a Fred Harvey hotel.

Outside Barstow in the Mojave National Preserve, the Kelso Depot has become a visitors center, bookstore and museum, with its former baggage room ticket office and dormitory rooms refurbished to their 1930s glory. The Desert Light Gallery has natural history and art exhibits.

Barstow is a common overnight spot for drivers on the way to San Francisco or Los Angeles, as well as the desert national parks of Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon.

You'll find numerous points-friendly lodging options, including Hampton Inn & Suites Barstow (from $299 or 50,000 Hilton points per night) and the Quality Inn on Historic Route 66 (from $103 or 16,000 Choice Privileges points per night).

Best Western Rewards members have two choices, the Best Western Desert Villa Inn (rooms from $134 or 20,000 points per night) and the more recently debuted Best Western Plus New Barstow Inn & Suites (rooms from $143 or 28,000 points per night).

Westward to the coast

Route 66 was rejiggered so many times as it passed through California that it's not always easy to trace the route or even find the remnants that exist. They're in small zigzag patches, some no longer even connected.

Victorville, California, has one short section, marked by an optimistic over-the-road welcome sign and the California Route 66 Museum. In all-but-abandoned Newberry Springs, the Baghdad Cafe had its 15 minutes of fame thanks to its namesake film, a 1980s art-house favorite.

But if you want a true sense of times long gone, these stretches of Highway 66 are perfect. Here are miles upon miles of lonely emptiness, where tumbleweeds blow across the pockmarked pavement. Motel signs stand abandoned, and vintage gas pumps behind chain-link fences still beg for attention from motorists long gone.

While at this point in the trip most travelers continue on to Los Angeles for the night, you might choose to cap off your trip with a stay at San Bernardino's '50s time-capsule Wigwam Motel (rooms from $109 a night), where the individual stucco structures cluster around a pool under swaying palms.

Related reading: From California to British Columbia: 10 best places for an idyllic West Coast getaway

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Savvy Travel Advice

Guide to Planning a Route 66 Road Trip

Last updated: October 25, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 167 Comments

A Route 66 road trip is a driving adventure along what is probably the most famous road in the world. Historic Route 66 spans over 2,400 miles and crosses 8 states, starting in Chicago, Illinois and terminating at the Pacific Coast in Santa Monica, California. Given its “66” designation in 1926, it became a well-traveled highway, bringing together people from all walks of life.

John Steinbeck would refer to Route 66 as “the mother road, the road of flight” for those trying to escape the Dust Bowl and ravages of the Great Depression in the 1930’s. Later it would support a countless number of vacationing families from the Midwest heading to the Grand Canyon or Disneyland. As more Americans took to the highway, a roadside culture would spring up along Route 66—motels, diners, gas stations, tourist attractions—to cater to a population that was increasingly mobile.

Today it is that classic roadside culture and the appeal of the open road that continues to attract tourists. Route 66 has inspired songs, films, TV shows, books, and even a clothing brand. Even though Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985, people from around the world come to drive this mythic highway, stay in vintage motels, gawk at odd roadside attractions, and eat American road food. For some travelers, it is a trip back in time to revisit a road they once traveled on a family holiday, whereas for others a Route 66 road trip is the ultimate symbol of Americana.

Laurence and I drove Route 66 from Los Angeles to Chicago and loved it! We’ll share information on how to plan your own Route 66 road trip, decide when and where to go, and share advice based on our own Route 66 road trip experiences.

Table of Contents:

Basic Information about Route 66

This first section covers the basics of Route 66 including the history of the route, the length of the Route, the current status of the route, the starting and ending points, and the main things you can see and do along Route 66. 

What is Route 66?

Essentially, Route 66 is a historic highway in the United States that ran southwestwardly from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, crossing 8 states and covering over 2,400 miles (3,900 km). From east to west, it runs through parts of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

Over the years, the route was continually improved, repaved, changed, and re-routed so there is no one single “Route 66” but a number of alignments. For instance, one early Route 66 alignment in New Mexico went through Santa Fe, but in 1937 Route 66 was re-routed to bypass the state capital so today’s travelers can choose which alignment of Route 66 they would like to follow at such points. 

The route is no longer officially designated or signed as Route 66 (as it was decommissioned in 1985); however, more than 80% of this original route can still be driven today with the help of Route 66 guidebooks and maps. Route 66 has become a symbol of early roadside America, and tourists drive it today for its history, sites, and nostalgia. 

Note that most U.S. states have a Route 66 or Highway 66; however, the “famous” Route 66 refers only to this historic route that ran from the Midwest to California.

The history of Route 66 spans almost 100 years, but here is a brief history. In 1926, the U.S. federal highway system designated the number 66 to the route that ran from Chicago to Santa Monica. The route was simply a series of pre-existing roads and the Route 66 designation was meant to ensure adequate and consistent markings and signage for the route as it crossed state and regional boundaries. The route would be fully paved  by 1938, and Route 66 would become the most traveled route between the Midwest and the West Coast.

Over the years, it would be traversed on foot by those participating in the Bunion Derby , driven in desperation by Dust Bowl migrants headed to California for a better life, hitchhiked by World War II soldiers, and used by thousands upon thousands of vacationing Americans in the 1950s and 1960s on their way to visit wonders like the Grand Canyon and Disneyland.

Along this busy road would spring up motels, diners, gas stations, car repair shops, and all sorts of tourist traps that would become part of a distinctive roadside culture that reached its height during the 1950s and 1960s. Along this route, you could pay to see live rattlesnakes, tour caves and Jesse James hideouts, visit Native American reservations, ride horses, watch a Wild West show, and marvel at giant dinosaur statues. 

Sadly and ironically, it would be the popularity of the road that led to its eventual demise and the rise of the current federal interstate system. Interstates are designed to get people from Point A to Point B as quickly and efficiently as possible, which means bypassing towns when possible, having a minimum speed, and having minimal exit points. As interstates such as I-40 were constructed that bypassed many of the small towns and cities that had grown up alongside Route 66, the small businesses along most of this route suffered considerably (as they did all over the country).

In 1985, Route 66 was officially decommissioned as a route and the route signage was removed. Today, a number of advocacy, tourism, and preservation groups seek to protect the history, remaining pavement, and local businesses along this historic route. Efforts by advocacy groups, government funding, and portrayal in films, such as Cars , have helped to increase tourism along the route.

One of the big efforts was the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program created by an act of Congress in 1999 that is administered by the National Parks Service. For the last several years, bills have been introduced to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail, such a designation would provide more preservation protection and opportunities for funding and resouces.

However, despite these efforts, The World Monuments Fund added Route 66 to its Watch List of endangered sites in 2008. The COVID-19 pandemic had a particularly devastating effect on many Route 66 businesses and communities along the route. Current travelers along Route 66 should consider how being good patrons to the small existing businesses along the route can help sustain them for future visitors.

Where Does Route 66 Start? 

Route 66 starts in Chicago, Illinois. In Chicago, the official starting and ending points for Route 66 are a bit confusing as they  changed over time and there are now one-way east bound and westbound lanes making it even more tricky.

For those starting in Chicago, you can start at Jackson Boulevard at Michigan Avenue (the original beginning point in 1926) or Jackson Blvd at Lake Shore Drive (the official beginning point since 1933). These two points are only a couple of blocks apart.

However, the current Route 66 Begin sign (last we knew) is located on E. Adams Street at Michigan Avenue so may want to stop and walk over there before you set off.  For those eastbound drivers ending in Chicago, the Route 66 End Sign is marked at Jackson Blvd and Michigan Avenue.

To take a photo of any of the Route 66 signs, you’ll want to find a place to park and walk to them if you can. The signs are located up tall poles (one next to a bus stop) to prevent vandalism/stealing, but this inconveniently make it more challenging to take photos next to them!

If you do plan on visiting Chicago and spending some time sightseeing before or after your trip, take a look at our guide to spending 2 days in Chicago for some tips on what to see and do in the city.

Where Does Route 66 End? 

The route ends in Santa Monica, California. Although some say Los Angeles, California for simplicity since Los Angeles is a better known city.

Like the starting point, you have more than one official ending point. The original 1926 terminus was at 7th Street and Broadway in downtown Los Angeles and was later moved to the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard in Santa Monica.

Olympic Boulevard is now divided by Interstate 10. For eastbound traffic there is a Chevron gas station located at the intersection of Olympic and Lincoln (no signs). But for westbound traffic, there is both a brown Begin and End sign for Route 66 located at the intersection in front of Mel’s Drive-In (1670 Lincoln Blvd). Mel’s opened in 2018 and is a retro-style modern diner and a good place to stop for a bite to eat.

For a more satisfying end (or beginning) to your Route 66 road trip drive, we also recommend going a bit further to the Santa Monica Pier, the entrance is located at Colorado and Ocean Avenue. Then take a walk to find the 66 to Cali shop where you’ll find the “End of the Trail” Route 66 sign as well as a small Route 66 gift shop kiosk.

What States Does Route 66 Cross?

Route 66 runs through 8 different states within the United States. From east to west, it runs through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

What Can I See Along Route 66?  

Route 66 stretches across 8 states so you will cross through stretches of desert, mountains, farmland, large metropolitan cities, and small towns. You’ll pass a wide variety of landmarks, landscapes, parks, waterways, and cultural attractions along the way.

Cities are certainly important stops on a Route 66 itinerary but it is in the smaller cities and towns, often along their Main Streets, where you find the businesses and people that fit the image many people have of Small Town America.

In many towns, there might be nothing to do expect stroll its Main Street, eat at its diner, and visit an old steam engine. A road trip along Route 66 is not necessarily jam-packed with must-see sights each day, but the drive itself is the experience. Route 66 was developed to be a the way for people to get from Point A to Point B, but today Route 66 is often the destination itself.

Some of the most iconic things to see along the route are the buildings and signage of the numerous roadside cafes, motels, gas stations, and tourist attractions along this route. A large number of the original businesses are no longer operational, but in many places you can still eat in the same diner, sleep in the same motor court, and do a guided tour of the same cave as those who traveled Route 66 in the 1950’s.

Spending time in the car, eating a hamburger and ice cream soda at a classic diner, visiting a fun classic tourist trap attraction, and sleeping in a simple but clean family-run motel are the hallmarks of a Route 66 trip.

Sadly, many of the businesses that sprung up to support the Route 66 traffic are long gone, leaving behind ruined buildings, dark neon signs, crumbling motels, and even isolated ghost towns which have also become noteworthy attractions themselves. Natural wonders such as the Mojave Desert, Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest, Meramec Caverns, and the mighty Mississippi River are along this route, and detours can get you to many more natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon.

Other popular attractions include classic cars, old bridges, quirky roadside statues and art installations, restored old gas stations, drive-in movie theaters, painted murals, Old West shows and attractions, old city theaters, and historical railroad attractions.

Giant statue highlights include a giant blue whale, dinosaurs, a soda bottle,  giant cowboys, a large cross, the famous Muffler men, the world’s largest concrete totem pole, and the world’s largest rocking chair. There are also a number of Route 66 museums (most states have at least one) and other specialty museums along the route (focusing on everything from barbed wire to Jesse James to cowboys to motorcycles). 

Of course it is your trip to plan as you wish, and you can also make deviations and detours from Route 66 to visit other attractions off the route that fit your interests, whether it be listening to country music in Branson, Missouri, searching for aliens in Roswell, NM, gawking at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, gambling in Las Vegas , or visiting Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.

If you are planning to include the California coast in your trip, you can check out our Pacific Coast Highway road trip guide  as we drove the Pacific Coast Highway prior to beginning Route 66.

Route 66 Planning Advice

This section answers the most common questions people have about planning a Route 66 road trip, including “How many days does it take to drive Route 66?”, “When is the best time of year to drive Route 66?”, “Where should I stay along Route 66?”, “How do I rent a car for a Route 66 road trip”, and “What should I pack for a Route 66 road trip?”. It also gives advice for developing your own Route 66 itinerary based on your time and interests. 

When is the Best Time of Year to Travel Route 66? 

Most people drive Route 66 between early May and late September, and this is generally considered the best time to travel the route. This is the most traveled time period partly due to convenience (school and work holidays) and partly due to the fact that these months generally present the best weather conditions. You’ll also find most of the attractions open for business during this time period.

One of the challenges (and thrills) with Route 66 given its large expanse is that is crosses deserts, plains, mountains, and grasslands and six climate zones (ranging from desert to Mediterranean to alpine climates). 

I would advise avoiding the winter months from mid-November to mid-February as you’ll likely find cold temperatures along much of the route (yes, it does freeze in places like New Mexico and Texas!), potential mountain road snow closures in the Western States (California, Arizona, New Mexico), and bone-chillingly cold winds in Chicago.

In addition to cold temperatures and potential poor road conditions, many of the smaller Route 66 attractions (and some of the bigger ones) close down in the winter months or have reduced hours making it harder for winter travelers to get the most of their Route 66 experience. 

Some people also advise to avoid the months of July and August not only because of the heat and humidity, but also because they are the busiest months on Route 66 with the biggest crowds, most children, fewest discounts, and highest prices.

We actually did our road trip in July/August and although we did experience high desert temperatures (over 110 F degrees in Needles, CA for example), humidity, and rain during the route, we did not find the tourist sights or roads to be very crowded and did not have trouble finding motels or campground vacancies along the route. Very few people drive the route from one end to the other, and even fewer do it by faithfully sticking to the old route so we very often had the road to ourselves.

The busiest section was probably the section in Arizona between Topock, Arizona and Williams, Arizona so I would expect potential slow traffic and crowds on this section of the route. The larger cities are always busy and expect slower traffic there as well no matter when you are traveling. For those wanting decent weather (hopefully!) but looking to avoid crowds and the high desert temperatures, consider May, early June, September, or early October. 

Obviously, the best time to drive Route 66 is the time you have available, and if you need to set out at a less than opportune time of the year, just be prepared and be flexible. No matter when you plan to set out on Route 66, plan ahead with the expectation that you will experience a range of temperatures and climates.

During your trip, I’d advise checking the weather conditions each day as snow, hail storms, landslides, tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding, and dust storms are all possible along this route!

Should I Drive Route 66 Westward or Eastward?  

There is of course no correct way to do a road trip, not even an epic one like Route 66. You’ll see essentially the same things no matter which way you go (guides will actually suggest sometimes driving both ways in a town to experience both eastbound and westbound sections of Route 66 if there is a split because of one-way roads).

I would first base this decision on logistics (e.g., where you are based, best flight or car rental deals, weather), practicalities (e.g., weather), and any time-limited sightseeing priorities (e.g., a museum open for only 6 months of the year, a concert in Chicago you want to be at on X day). For example, we drove it eastbound from California to Chicago as we were living near San Francisco and it logistically made the most sense to start there.

However, if you have no logistical issues making you lean one way or the other, I would choose to drive Route 66 westward, from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, CA. This is the traditional way that Route 66 was originally developed and it also follows the westward expansion of the entire country. 

Is Route 66 Signposted?

Not really. There are some Historical Route 66 signs in some states, but not in others. Some towns have taken upon themselves to put up Route 66 signs to help guide drivers. But you can’t depend on signs to follow Route 66.

I will not that in recent years since we’ve returned to Route 66, we have noticed more signs and more cities choosing to rename routes as Historic Route 66 or Highways 66 or similar. However, the signage is still spotty and not good enough to actually use to direct your trip!

How Do I Find and Stay on Route 66?

Bad news is that you can’t just go to Chicago and follow Route 66 signs westward to California. Since the route was decommissioned in 1985, the signs were removed and the route was removed from official maps. The road is also no longer contiguous as parts of the old Route 66 are now closed, deteriorated, or paved over. Some states have kept the 66 designations for parts of the highway, but only as state roads.

Good news is that a s time goes on, more signs are being put up along the route to denote the Historical Route 66 and some maps are including parts of Route 66 as a tourist or scenic highway. However, these sorts of signs and denotations are not consistent along the route, and are sometimes conflicting and confusing, so the best way to find the route and stick to it is with the help of a good guidebook or Route 66 specific map.

We highly recommend the  EZ66 Guide and a good recent USA road atlas . We’d also recommend considering the Here It Is maps as a companion to the EZ66 Guide. See our list of Planning Resources towards the bottom of the post for more information about guidebooks, maps, and resources.

We get asked a lot about paper or digital maps for Route 66 one can use for turn-by-turn navigation. We have seen several and own a couple, but none are really ones we can recommend. The Here It Is maps are great for daily planning but are not to scale driving maps. None of the to-scale maps are detailed enough to actually use on their own and are best used for planning. If you find a great Route 66 map, do let us know!

Most GPS units will not be able to follow Route 66 although we found ours very useful to figure out which road we were on and to navigate to a specific address as needed. So we would recommend having a GPS unit or online maps on your smartphone to aid you as needed. But if you want a no-tech trip, you can certainly do it with the EZ66 Guide and a good road atlas.

Today, it is estimated that over 80% of the original Route 66 in some form or the other is still driveable and with the help of some good Route 66 planning aids, you can easily find and drive it. It is up to you how faithful you want to be in keeping to the original route as most people skip over sections to save time and hop on the Interstate, whereas others try to be as faithful as possible. For instance, there are many times when you can actually see the interstate from historic Route 66 and you are simply traveling alongside it on a slower local road.

Note that a few sections of Route 66 are not in great driving shape, may run onto private land, or may be impassable in bad weather conditions so keep this in mind and just drive safely. Guidebooks will often warn you about these sections and provide helpful advice, but they can’t always know the most up-to-date conditions.

How Much Time Does it Take to Drive Route 66?

This really depends on how much you want to see, how much time you are willing to drive each day, and how faithful you want to be to the historical Route 66. Also you will need to account for any detours you plan to make which can take up a lot of time (e.g., detours to Grand Canyon or Las Vegas, NV).

For those who want to be faithful as possible to the historical Route 66, drive extra alignments, and stop at all the main attractions, you’ll need at least 2 weeks to drive the full Route 66 route (not accounting for any major detours). However, it will be a bit rushed at 2 weeks. Four weeks seems to be the recommended amount of time to drive the route faithfully at a fairly leisurely pace and have time to do all the stops.

If you have less than 2 weeks, I’d highly recommend choosing a section of Route 66 to explore, and you can always come back and drive the rest at another time. So many people drive Route 66 multiple times in their lives as the route seems to have an appeal that pulls you back again since it is always changing.

For those wanting to do the full road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles but are not so concerned about faithfulness to the route and just want to be sure to hit the highlights of Route 66 can do the drive in less time. You can actually get from Chicago to Los Angeles via Interstates along the route with about 48 hours worth of driving or less. That said, you’ll want to make plenty of stops and drive portions of the old Route 66 along the way.

I’d suggest at least 8 days to 10 days to do this sort of trip for those who do not mind some extra Interstate driving. You can see our 8 day Route 66 itinerary designed for those who have 10 days or less. The Interstates can save you a lot of time, but just remember that those driving Route 66 are often searching for an atmosphere that exists away from the Interstates so be sure to include some good stretches of Route 66 to get this experience.

Our summer Route 66 road trip lasted 18 days but we spent 1 night in Page, AZ, 2 nights at the Grand Canyon, and an extra day or so in Albuquerque, NM visiting a friend. So we basically had 14 full days and nights along the route and we drove the route as faithfully as possible, sticking to the existing old sections of Route 66 and not getting onto the Interstate unless there was no alternative.

We stopped at just about all of the notable attractions, visited most of the Route 66 related museums, and made a countless number of stops to take a photo or take a look at vintage signs, motels, abandoned drive-in theaters, etc. along the route.

We also made a few minor side trips along the route. But to accomplish the above, we typically started driving between 8:00am to 9:00am and drove until around nightfall (generally 7:30pm to 8:00pm) every day. We’d stop for all notable (and most minor) stops with typically an hour or less allocated for a lunch stop, but dinner was usually made in the RV before going to bed each night.

It was a great road trip and we saw so much, but we drove a lot most days and never had time to spend more than one night in any place. On days when we wanted to spend a lot of time in one place, we’d make up for it by driving later into the night or getting up earlier the next day. 

So yes it is possible to do a Route 66 road trip in 2 weeks, drive the route faithfully, and visit most of the attractions along the way, but it means a quick pace and long days of driving. For the average traveler with two weeks, I’d recommend slowing down more and either use the Interstate more to save time or skip some sections of the route so you can more fully appreciate the section you are driving.

If you have more than 10 days for your Route 66 trip, check out our suggested 2 week Route 66 itinerary as it provides a day-by-day itinerary for a 14 day trip. If you have more than 14 days, I’d add more stops (reducing teh amount you need to travel each day) or spend extra nights at some of the stops.

I Don’t Have Time for The Full Route, What Section Should I Drive?

Most people who travel on Route 66 do not travel the full route. And even among those who say they’ve traveled the full route between Chicago and Santa Monica, often don’t follow it faithfully, jumping on the Interstate highways to save time between major destinations.

If you have limited time, I would choose a section that fits in with your interests (e.g., vintage motels, Wild West, quirky roadside attractions, railroads) or that fits in with your other travel plans (e.g., a visit to Las Vegas or a family visit in Texas). Below is but a short list of suggestions:

Cowboys & Wild West: There are a lot of Old West oriented stops, and I’d recommend considering the Oklahoma to Arizona section. A must-stop for many is the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Also in Oklahoma is Will Rogers’ birthplace is in Oologah, Oklahoma, the Will Rogers Memorial is in Claremore, OK, and the annual Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo is held in Vinita, OK each summer.

In Texas, Route 66 drivers may want to pull over for a steak at the Big Texan Steak Ranch and consider visits to the Devil’s Rope Museum in McClean, the American Quarter Horse Association Heritage Center and Museum in Amarillo, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, and the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Hereford.

The historic Old Town of Albuquerque and Santa Fe are both great places to buy Western wear in New Mexico. In Arizona, you might want to make a pitstop at Wild West Junction in Williams, Arizona and stroll through Oatman, Arizona which was a true Old West mining town and now holds Old West shows in the middle of the street in the summer. If you end up in California, I’d highly recommend a stop at the Calico Ghost Town.

Isolated, Apocalyptic Feel:  I would drive through California’s Mojave Desert as there are several parts where you can get that isolated feel with very few tiny towns here and there. This was the end and most dangerous section for most drivers of historic Route 66 as water was scarce, distances long, and old cars could easily overheat in the desert heat. Some sections of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas can also give you this feeling, such as the section from Amarillo, TX to Albuquerque, NM.

Birthplace & History of Route 66:   I would suggest the Illinois through Oklahoma section. The route obviously begins in Chicago but Springfield, Missouri is considered the official birthplace of Route 66 (there is a plaque in Park Central Square) as this was where the meeting was held where Route 66 was officially designated as such.

Oklahoma also factors heavily into the creation of Route 66. The Father of Route 66, Oklahoma state highway official Cyrus Avery, is the reason that Route 66 had its longest stretch in Oklahoma (there is actually no reason the Route needs to run through Oklahoma at all!). You’ll find a lot of famous Route 66 sites in Oklahoma and you can visit the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma to learn all about the history of this famous route. 

Cars Film Lovers:  The animated film drew inspiration from locations throughout Route 66. The town Radiator Springs is fictional and likely draws from a combination of towns rather than one specific one, although you’ll hear that many towns were “the town from Cars” whether it be Amboy, CA, Seligman, AZ, Gallup, NM, or Baxter Springs, KS.

The Texas to Arizona section probably most resembles the actual landscape in the film. I would suggest that Arizona best fits their picture of Route 66 based on the film.

None of the places or businesses or characters are real locations but are generally inspired by a combination of places along the route. For example, the Cozy Cone Motel resembles the Wigwam Motels (found in both San Bernadino, CA and Holbrook, AZ) with a name inspired by the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, IL. Sally Carrera, the fictional owner of the Cozy Cone Motel was based on the real-life Dawn Welch, who runs the Rock Cafe in Stroud Oklahoma. Other inspirations for the Cozy Cone Motel come from highway traffic cones and the Blue Swallow motel sign in Albuquerque, NM.

One of a lot of people’s favorite characters from the film was Tow Mater. If you want to see the actual tow truck that inspired Tow Mater, you’ll want to make a stop in Galena, Kansas.

If you are looking for the picturesque waterfall in the film, it sadly does not exist on Route 66 although it may have been inspired by Havasu Falls in Arizona . But visiting this waterfall requires a 3-4 hour detour, a hiking permit, and an overnight hike from Peach Springs, AZ. But you’ll see things that will remind you of the film throughout the route. Stopping at old-fashioned diners, going to some of the car museums (there are several along the route), and seeing a drive-in movie might be some fun stops for Cars fans, depending on your interests.

Old Motels:  You’ll find vintage Route 66 era motels and hotels scattered along the route and you can find them along almost any stretch. If I had to choose one state, I might choose Missouri as you’ll find a lot of notable Route 66 motels, including the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon,  Route 66 Rail Haven in Springfield, and Boots Motel in Carthage.

Another top choice would be New Mexico with classics like the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, Motel Safari in Tucumcari,  Monterey Motel  in Albuquerque,  El Rey Inn in Santa Fe , and   El Rancho Hotel & Motel  in Gallup. Tucumcari, New Mexico was once known as having a motel row with billboards along Route 66 advertising “Tucumcari Tonite”; however, while many of the neon signs have darkened it still has several fantastic old motels. 

If you want to sleep in a wigwam (concrete tee-pee), you’ll want to stop in either Holbrook Arizona or San Bernardino California to stay at the Wigwam Motel !

For those interested in the historic Fred Harvey railroad luxury hotels, a few have been restored as hotels around Route 66 such as the La Posada in Winslow, Arizona, El Tovar in the Grand Canyon, La Fonda in Santa Fe , and the   Castañeda Hotel in Las Vegas, NM.

For more options, see our guide to historic motels and hotels on Route 66 . We list over 50 historic Route 66 era motels and hotels along the route with booking details for each.

Big C ities: Those looking for big city highlights on a Route 66 road trip may be best served by starting in Chicago, Illinois and heading to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This will allow you to explore the Route 66 cities of Chicago, St. Louis, MO, Tulsa, OK, and Oklahoma City. Other places of notable size along this section of the route are Springfield, IL and Springfield, MO. You’ll also get a good sampling of smaller town and rural landscapes along the way.

Avoiding Big Cities:  You’ll notice the size of cities and towns generally decreases pretty rapidly after you leave St. Louis. For those who want to skip big cities, I’d suggest avoiding the Chicago to St. Louis stretch as well as the final stretch as you near Santa Monica and Los Angeles which are the two main areas where traffic can get heavy and slow. Any section you choose in between will have few large cities.

The only other large cities (depending on your definition of large) that you may want to detour around are Tulsa, OK,  Oklahoma City, OK, Albuquerque, NM, Santa Fe, NM and Flagstaff, AZ. Many people driving Route 66 detour around the larger cities and often you can just hop on the interstate to get through them quickly or take a beltway to loop around them.

Best Landscapes: Depends of course on the type of landscapes you want to see, but I would say Arizona as you have the desert, petrified forest, mountains, caverns, and the Painted Desert. The whole stretch from Texas to the Mojave Desert in California has some great desert and Western landscapes. 

Grapes of Wrath fans: This one’s a no-brainer, start in Oklahoma and follow “the mother road” to the California coast tracing the same route as the Joads. If you expect Oklahoma to be a giant brown, dusty prairie, you’ll be in for a surprise (in a good way!). Driving through the Mojave Desert can really help you imagine the challenging journey of those during the Dust Bowl and better understand the meaning of the phrase “California, or Bust!”.

Drive-in Movie Theaters: Most of the operational drive-in theaters along Route 66 are in the earlier part of the route between Illinois and Oklahoma, but a few are still up-and-running across the route along with a number of now abandoned ones.

Here are some that were still showing films at last check: Litchfield Sky View Drive-In in Litchfield, IL, 66 Drive-In in Carthage, MO, 19 Drive-In in Cuba, MO, Admiral Twin Drive-In in Tulsa, OK, Winchester Drive-In in Oklahoma City, OK, Fort Union Drive-in in Las Vegas, NM, and Skyline Drive-in Theater in Barstow, CA.

While not a drive-in theater, The Route 66 Movie Theater in Webb City, MO has been showing films since 1945. There are a number of other small historical independent cinemas and theaters you can find along the route.

Do check ahead before you plan to see a film as drive-in theaters seem to close down (and also open) a lot without much warning. Most drive-in theaters are seasonal with most only open during the spring and summer months. 

Roadside Attractions: There are fun, quirky and downright weird roadside attractions all across Route 66 (and America in general for that matter) and these change as old ones are removed and new ones spring up. Here is a very partial list of some of the more quirky roadside attractions in each state so you can have an idea of which state(s) might be must-see for your Route 66 road trip depending on your interests.

  Illinois has the Muffler Men, Funk’s Grove, Henry’s Rabbit Ranch, a giant Abraham Lincoln on a covered wagon, The Fuller Dome, and the world’s largest ketchup bottle.

Missouri has the world’s largest rocking chair, the Jesse James Wax Museum, Red Oak II (art installations and restored Route 66 era buildings), and Meramec Caverns.

Kansas has the tow truck that inspired the Tow Mater character on Cars . Oklahoma has the world’s largest concrete totem pole, the Blue Whale of Catoosa, a giant oilworker, a round barn, a giant soda bottle, a giant cross, and perhaps the largest Route 66 shield in the world.

Texas has the Cadillac Ranch, VW Slug Bug Ranch, a “leaning” water tower, Big Texan Steak Ranch, a giant cross, and enormous balls of barbed wire at Devil’s Rope Museum.

New Mexico has museums dedicated to dinosaurs, Billy the Kid, and rattlesnakes, a giant roadrunner, the Blue Hole, a musical road, Tinkertown, Tee Pee Curios  and the Continental Divide.

Arizona has a Wigwam Motel, dinosaur sculptures, the Jack Rabbit Trading Post with its giant jackrabbit, giant arrows, a geodesic dome, giant lumberjacks, Grand Canyon Caverns (not the same as the Grand Canyon National Park), frog rock, Giganticus Headicus, a giant meteor crater, wild burros, and lots of petrified wood.

In California, you’ll find shoe trees, the world’s largest thermometer, a giant hula dancer, the Bagdad Cafe of movie fame, a big orange, Calico Ghost town, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, the McDonald’s Museum, and a Wigwam Motel.

Longest Stretch of Uninterrupted Route 66:   Currently the longest stretch of driveable historic Route 66 (over 150 miles) starts around Ash Fork, Arizona and ends in Topock, Arizona. This means that you don’t need to hop on the interstate at all during this drive. This is one of the most driven and busy sections of Route 66.

Grand Canyon and/or Las Vegas Bound : Consider driving the California-Arizona section. Las Vegas is convenient from around Needles, CA and the Grand Canyon is convenient from either Williams, AZ or Flagstaff, AZ. 

Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary Planning Tips

After you have decided when you want to go, how much time you have, and your sightseeing priorities, you can start putting together your Route 66 itinerary. I’d think about how much you want to drive each day and what you think you can feasibly fit into each day to help develop your itinerary and choose places to overnight. 

Historic Route 66 was about 2,448 miles (3940 km) long and today the trip is approximately 2,278 miles (3,665 km) long. So if you have 12 days to drive 2,278 miles of Route 66, you’d need to drive an average of 189 miles (304 km) per day at an average speed of 45 MPH, that would be 4.2 hours of driving each day. If you have 14 days you’d need to drive an average of 163 miles (262 km) per day with about 3 hours and 37 minutes of driving each day.  

We have had a number of people ask us to help give them a suggested itinerary, so here is our suggested 2 week Route 66 itinerary based on our experience and research (you’re very welcome!). You can use this as a basis to plan your own Route 66 itinerary. It provides a day-to-day route, mileage, driving tips, attraction highlights, dining suggestions, and accommodation suggestions.

If you have a shorter about of time, you can check out our more speedy 1 week Route 66 itinerary .

Choosing Transportation for a Route 66 Road Trip?

It wouldn’t be a road trip unless you were driving, so either you’ll need to supply your own vehicle or motorcycle or you’ll need to rent one. If you are planning on renting, you should consider whether you want to stay in lodging along the way, bring camping gear to set up a tent at campsites along the way, or if you want to be able to sleep in your vehicle such as with a campervan or RV.

If you are doing a round-trip journey, you’ll have more options for rentals. But many drivers will want to do a one-way Route 66 road trip that allows them rent a vehicle at one end of the journey (e.g., Chicago) and return it at the other end (e.g., Los Angeles). So you will need to pay attention to companies that offer one-way rentals and any one-way fees that may be charged on rentals.

There are a lot of major rental car rental companies (e.g.,  Enterprise , Budget , Avis , etc.) that have rental offices in both Chicago and Los Angeles and allow one-way rentals. Unless you have a preferred company, we recommend using a rental car comparison website to check around and compare prices . 

Renting hybrid and electric cars is possible. There are electric charging stations along Route 66 but they are limited along some sections, so I’d check for EV charging stations along the route in advance to ensure you don’t run out of charge if driving an all-electric car. You will need to know what type of charge your car needs and what kind of connectors your car will accept when checking for stations. Note that the current costs for renting and insuring electric cars is often much higher than combustion engine cars.

Those wanting to hire either a classic car or newer sports car (e.g., a Ford Mustang or Chevy Corvette) should expect much higher rental rates. Many of the major rental companies offer convertibles and other sports cars, and there are a couple of car rental companies that specialize in classic car rentals like Ride Free .

For RV rentals, there are several companies that allow one-way rentals with offices in both Chicago and Los Angeles which include USA Rentals  and  Cruise America .  We recommend using Motorhome Republic for RV rental as they compare prices across the major RV rental firms in the USA, including Cruise America, Apollo, El Monte RV, and Jucy, to find the best price for you. You can book your RV for the USA through them here .

For those who are doing a round-trip route (returning to where you started), peer-to-peer RV sites, like Outdoorsy , RVShare , or RVEzy may be another option. These sites allow people to rent out their campervans, RVs, motorhomes, travel trailers, etc. to people when they are not being used.

Those looking for a motorcycle rental for Route 66 might want to check out Eagle Rider  and  Ride Free .  

To rent a vehicle or RV in the United States, you typically need to be at least 21 years of age (25 years of age is the minimum at many rental companies) and have a valid driver’s license. If you are not an American citizen you may need an international driving permit or an authorized English translation of your driving credentials. If you are an international driver and have never driven in the U.S., you should check out this article from Laurence about tips for driving in the U.S. for non-American drivers.

Car insurance is mandatory in most of the USA and is necessary if you plan to drive Route 66. Most states require some level of liability insurance coverage and this is usually included as part of the rental car price. For any type of rental, you’ll want to research what insurance coverage is included in the rental and what is recommended. You may have additional coverage for rental cars included as part of your own car insurance (particularly Americans) or as part of your credit card benefits.

When comparing prices, you’ll want to specifically check on any one-way drop-off fees which can add an additional $100 or more to a rental car price. Airport pick-ups and drop-offs can also be more expensive than picking up or dropping off a rental car at other locations.

Note that you should consider if you need a rental car for your entire trip. For Chicago and Los Angeles, you can get around both cities without a car pretty easily. Both cities offer public transit options (buses and trains), taxis, ride sharing services (e.g, Uber and Lyft), suburban trains, sightseeing buses, bike rentals, etc. If you plan to spend much time in either city, you might consider picking up your rental later or dropping it off earlier to save money (rental days and parking fees) and to avoid driving in these cities.

We have done Route 66 both in a campervan rental and with a regular car rental. Our first time we rented a small camervan from JUCY, which specialize in small custom-built campervan hires. Hiring a campervan gave us the option to sleep and eat (there is a small kitchen included!) in the RV, and this helped us save a lot of time and money along the way.

You can read our full review of our JUCY campervan experience . However, this is not currently an option for those driving the full route one-way but may be great for those driving only a western section and can return the van in California or Las Vegas.

Are Escorted or Guided Route 66 Tours Available? 

Yes, indeed, there are several group and guided tours available for those wanting to traverse Route 66 by car, bus, or motorcycle. Some cover the full route and others cover only sections of Route 66.

G roup tours may be a particularly good fit for foreign travelers who don’t speak much English, those who feel uncomfortable traveling independently, those unable to rent a car, or solo travelers wanting company during their trip.

If you are traveling from Europe, you might consider this 17-day guided tour of Route 66 by Titan Travel that includes your flights, transport, accommodation, and a number of entry fees/excursions. Geared to those who want a comfortable journey.

There are also a number of tours listed on TourRadar, including this 14-day tour and this 16-day tour . You can see more Route 66 tour options here .

Those wanting to join a guided bus Route 66 tour might want to check out itineraries from  G Adventures . They don’t offer full Route 66 trips, but drive sections of Route 66 while also visiting places like Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Yosemite National Park.

Those wanting to travel on a motorcycle or classic car with a group of other Route 66 travelers should check out Eagle Rider and Ride Free .

Dining along Route 66?

There are ample places to eat along Route 66. You’ll find food options in almost any town along the route. There are lunch options in most towns of any size along the route, but dinner options can be more limited in smaller towns and rural areas.

If you are looking for a list of restaurants along Route 66, we recommend checking out the day-by-day Route 66 dining suggestions sections within our 2-week Route 66 itinerary . It lists a number of recommended places to dine across the full route with a focus on classic diners and restaurants.

Route 66 era diners are still serving up classic American road food such as hamburgers, chili, fried chicken, BBQ pork, milkshakes, and corn dogs. You’ll also find plenty of chain fast food places, independent restaurants, and even fine dining restaurants along the route.

Food options vary depending on the region. Some classics include green chili smothered burritos in New Mexico, steak in Texas, onion burgers in Oklahoma, frozen custard in Missouri, and cozy dogs in Illinois.

Vegetarians, vegans, and those with other kinds of special diets may have limited options in smaller towns along the route. While options have improved in recent years, you may want to keep snacks always on hand in your car to ensure you always have something to eat. 

Most lunch spots require no reservations and most of the casual spots for dinner also do not require reservations unless you have a large group. We rarely made reservations along the route and were very flexible with where we ate.

However, if there is a more special restaurant you want to go to, especially for those in the larger cities, you should check its website to see if reservations are recommended. Some of the popular restaurants in places like Chicago and Los Angeles can book out weeks in advance.

For those who want to cook their own meals, do picnics, or buy snacks, you will find an ample amount of grocery stores along the route. Some common grocery stores along Route 66 include Kroger, Walmart (most Walmart stores have a large grocery section), Albertson’s, Smith’s, Aldi, Safeway, and Whole Foods. In smaller towns, you can try fuel stations, convenience stores, and general stores for pantry staples.

Lodging along Route 66?

You’ll find lots of accommodation options along Route 66 and options that will fit just about any budget. Options include motels, hotels, campsites, RV parks, B&Bs, vacation rentals, hostels, and more.

For many years, the best resource to find hotels and restaurants was the Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide, which listed over 500 restaurants and motels throughout the route. Sadly, it published its final edition in 2015 and the guide is now difficult to find and some of its listings are now outdated.

So we now refer people to check out the day-by-day Route 66 lodging suggestions section within our 2-week Route 66 itinerary . It lists recommended places stay for each day. We also have a dedicated Route 66 hotels and motels guide which offers a list of over 50 classic Route 66 era lodging options.

If you are looking for a printed guidebok to take with you, we recommend the most recent edition of this guidebook which is edited by the  National Historic Route 66 Federation. It isn’t as good or as comprehensive as the Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide but still provides some excellent recommendations.

 One of the joys of a Route 66 road trip for many is staying in some wonderful old vintage motels or motor courts. There are many Route 66 era motels and several newer ones along the route dedicated to serving Route 66 tourists. The options are really varied and you can even sleep in a wigwam (e.g., Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, CA) or stay in a room where a celebrity such as Clark Gable ( Boots Court Motel in Carthage, MO) or Elvis Presley stayed ( Route 66 Rail Haven in Springfield, MO). There are also some stunning historical hotels along the route, some dating back to the last 19th century and early twentieth century.

Even if you are primarily planning to camp or stay in an RV, I’d highly recommend staying at least one or two nights at a vintage motel along the route. Not only is this a great Route 66 experience, but your patronage supports these mostly family-run businesses and helps them keep their neon signs burning! We definitely enjoyed these stays.

Note that many hotels and campgrounds offer discounts for a number of reasons (seniors, U.S. military, AAA members ), so be sure to check to see when booking and bring along proof at check-in (e.g., ID, membership card). Also you may want to sign up for a loyalty or rewards program if you plan to stay in a number of the same types of properties (e.g., Choice Hotels, Hilton, Marriott, KOA RV parks) to receive perks, discounts, and free stays.

Another option for those who want their own place and perhaps want to cook for themselves is to consider staying in vacation rentals along the route. We generally find these to be a better value for those staying for more than a couple of nights at a time. The best places to search for vacation rentals along Route 66 include Booking.com , Vrbo , and Airbnb . Other places to check include The Plum Guide and Marriott Home & Villas .

For those on a tight budget, note that free primitive camping (no hook-ups) is available on many public lands administered by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and the USFS (US Forest Service) as well as some other organizations or even private ranches. Some WalMart stores also offer free overnight parking although policies are store-specific and at the discretion of each store manager so you will need to ask.

For all those planning to camp or RV along Route 66, see our camping and RV resource list later in the post for more information and helpful websites.

How Much Should I Plan Ahead?

This really depends on your style of travel, and some people plan nothing ahead and just drive the route and others plan in detail what they are going to see each day. I’d suggest something in between where you do some research and buy a guidebook to figure out what places you’d like to visit and where you generally plan to go along the route. I’m generally a person who plans everything out if I can but I think in keeping with the spirit of Route 66, it is better to take it slow and not have a lot of hard plans if possible.

It is nice to be able to have flexibility in terms of how much time you spend in an area and how far you drive each day as you may end up spending much more time in a place than you expected. For instance, we never planned our lodging more than a day in advance and this worked out well for us and we generally stopped for lunch whenever we got hungry.

We did make a general itinerary before our trip, but we didn’t end up sticking to it on a day-to-day basis as it was hard to anticipate how far we’d get each day and it was good to be able to go off and visit an interesting attraction someone told us about even if it was 30 miles off the route. It is good to be able to have this sort of freedom if you can. If you have fairly limited time for your Route 66 road trip, I’d suggest doing a bit more planning ahead of time to get the most out of your trip so you can use your limited time as wisely as possible.

Even if you want to just get in your car with no plans, there are a few things I’d recommend you do in advance. These include getting any necessary travel documents, renting your car, booking your first night stay, and booking any special motels or events along the route.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or resident, you’ll need a passport and likely a visa to enter the United States. You’ll also want to have proof of exit (e.g., a plane ticket out of the country) as you may be asked to show it at immigration. If you need an International Driving Permit or translation of your driving credentials, I’d order it well in advance.

If you are renting a car or RV, I’d book that in advance to ensure you have one waiting and to get the best rates. If you try doing this once you arrive, you will likely pay more and have limited options.

If there are any popular  Route 66 motels (e.g. WigWam Motel or Blue Swallow) that you really want to stay in, I’d consider booking them in advance to ensure you get to sleep there. Those who have special room requirements (e.g., wheelchair accessible, large family rooms, etc.) should also consider booking rooms in advance.

If you are heading to the Grand Canyon National Park or another national park along your trip, I’d book lodging there well in advance. These are regularly fully booked, especially in the summer months. 

Also if there are any special events or festivals you want to attend during your trip, I’d check to see if you need to buy tickets in advance. For example, if you want to go to a popular concert, baseball game, or festival, you may need to pre-book tickets to ensure you are able to attend.

How much money to budget for Route 66 road trip?

The amount of money to budget for your Route 66 trip is really going to depend on where you are coming from, how many days you plan to be on the route, how you plan to travel along the route (e.g., sports car staying in hotels, campervan stopping at campsites), how many attractions you plan to visit, and your travel style.

The great thing is that a lot of the expenses you’ll hopefully know well before you leave home, including any flights, insurance, car rental expenses, and any needed travel documents for traveling and driving in the USA (e.g., visa, passport, vaccination certificate, driving certificates). So if you are unsure of these costs, I’d price them in advance as these can be a significant portion of your budget, especially if you are an international traveler, and will depend a lot on where you are coming from.

Now, the rest of your costs will come along the trip itself and will include things like lodging, fuel, food, attraction entry fees, tours, and souvenirs. I would say a budget of between $200 to $300 per day for 2 people traveling together and sharing a room is a reasonable Route 66 budget.

For a couple traveling together on a small budget, I would say a budget of $100 to $150 per day would probably be about the lowest budget I would recommend. This would entail camping or staying in hostels or budget motels, eating at fast food restaurants or diners or cooking for one’s self, and a limited amount of spending on things like attractions and souvenirs. If you have a small budget, I’d definitely try to plan ahead to ensure you can stick to it and I’d consider camping to save on both lodging and food costs. So maybe with a campervan, an average day would be $25 for camping fees, $20 meals (groceries for picnics and cooked meals), $55 fuel, and $20 attractions.

A lot of our readers who have contacted us often have a Route 66 budget of between $200 and $250 per day for 2 persons and this will give you a lot more flexibility. This would allow for budget to mid-range lodging, diner meals, and stopping at one or two attractions each day. So maybe an average day would be $100 for lodging, $60 meals, $50 fuel, and $20 attractions.

A daily budget of over $300 for 2 persons per day will give you even more flexibility. This would allow for mid-range to luxury lodging, restaurant meals, and multiple attractions per day. So maybe an average day would be $200 for lodging, $100 meals, $50 fuel, and $50 attractions.

If you already have an idea of your budget, you can work backward to find your daily budget. Let’s say you have $6500 saved for your trip. Your plane tickets, car rental, and travel insurance cost you $2500. That gives you $4000 for the rest of your expenses like lodging, meals, attractions, gas, attractions, tours, shopping, etc. If you are planning to spend 2 weeks driving Route 66, that gives you an average budget of $285 per day.

Some costs will be flexible and you can determine how important various elements of your trip are to you. Even with the same budget, you can prioritize the elements most important to you and try to save on the others. For instance, if lodging and attraction are most important to you, you can save money by looking for inexpensive meals. Whereas another person with the same budget might like to have a nice sit-down meal with drinks every night but care less about lodging and attractions.

If you have a budget you need to stick to during your trip, I’d recommend checking prices and booking what you can ahead for things like lodging so you know those costs in advance. If you want to stick to say a $100 average daily lodging budget, then booking ahead can ensure you can do that. If you wait until the last minute, you may end up paying more than planned. For instance, for lodging, we book all our own via Booking.com and generally book places with free cancellation (by a certain date) and then can keep track of it all in one place.

One price you are not going to have much control over is fuel costs. Once you know what kind of car you’ll be driving, I’d recommend using AAA Gas Prices and Gasbuddy to search for current and average fuel prices as well as doing gas trip calculator costs to get an idea of that expense for your budget. Fuel prices will vary by state. Electric cars will save you money in energy costs but they often cost more to rent and insure.

If you track your daily expenses during your trip and find you are spending more than expected, you can spend less on things like food or attractions later in the trip for example.

You’ll likely need to spend more on lodging and food in places like Chicago, Santa Fe, and Los Angeles, but you can save money in the smaller towns and cities along the way. So keep in mind while you may have a budget of $100 per night on lodging, it is likely you will be paying a bit more in the bigger cities but can find lower prices in the smaller cities and towns along the route to keep to an average of $100 per night.

How Safe is Traveling Route 66? 

We felt safe during our trip and did not have any incidents; however, crime does happen along the route and you should be cautious, especially if you are traveling by yourself. Crime rates vary considerably along the route from big cities like Los Angeles and Chicago where there is higher rates of crime to small little towns in Oklahoma or Arizona where crime is relatively rare.

Most crime, especially violent crime, happens late at night or early in the morning. So completing your sightseeing by dinner time (most things are closed by then anyway) and heading off to your accommodation for the night may make you feel safer, especially if you are new to traveling in the United States.

The most common problem is probably theft (of valuables and cars) you should follow all the practical travel safety guidelines as you would elsewhere. Keep your valuables hidden, car and hotel doors locked, and be cautious about opening motel or hotel doors to people you don’t know. Travel insurance for any expensive valuables may be a good idea if traveling with items that would be costly for you to replace.

If you are wearing a purse, I’d wear a cross body one that is difficult for someone to snatch and being hands-free makes them less likely to be sat down and left behind. Those with wallets may want to keep them in their front pants pockets (rather than back ones) or inside shirt pockets to make them more secure. You might also consider a hidden travel safety garment such as a hidden pocket to store extra money, IDs, and valuables.

Have copies of important travel documents, phone numbers, IDs, credit cards, vaccination certificates, and insurance information stored in a separate place (in physical and/or digital formats) in case of theft. If someone stole your purse, phone, luggage, and/or car, would you still have access to your IDs and money?

Keep your cell phones charged and carry a spare battery or charger. Always have a bit of cash on you ($20 to $100) but don’t carry large amounts of cash in case you are robbed.

Travelers should always let family or friends know about your trip and it is a good idea to share you itinerary with at least one person, especially if traveling solo. Some people, especially women, also like to carry pepper spray .

If you are camping, I’d stay at proper campsites with staff on-site and avoid camping off by yourself out of sight of others. If staying in budget motels, hostels, or rented rooms (e.g., Airbnb ), I’d be sure to read reviews and check on the area a bit (especially in larger cities) to try to avoid high crime areas. It can also help to make sure you have your lodging booked ahead at least a day or two in advance so you are never scrambling to find lodging late at night.

For digital safety, you should consider using a travel router and/or a VPN to help protect you when using public and hotel Internet. If you are using unsecured public WiFi, it is recommended that you don’t log-in to any data-sensitive sites (e.g., banks, emails, workplace accounts) or share any personal information.

Hopefully, you will not need medical care on your trip, but the United States does have world-class health care facilities. However, health care in the United States is notoriously expensive compared to most other countries. Make sure you have your health insurance information with you. If you are traveling from outside of the USA, be sure that you have travel insurance or medical insurance that covers medical care in the United States. A medical emergency could cost you tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.

We did not have any safety-related issues during our trip but I think you should definitely watch out for yourself like you would anywhere else and if you are new to these areas, it is always good to be a little extra cautious.

Can I Bring my Pets along Route 66?

Yes, of course, you can bring along your pets. The better question of course is to decide if you should bring along pets. It can be great to have the companionship of your dog on a trip but it also will limit where you can go and how much time you can spend exploring attractions along the route. 

Many museums, attractions, restaurants, and hotels along Route 66 do not allow dogs (except ADA service dogs) or other pets. You can of course find many places you can go with your dog and several motel and hotel chains are pet friendly (e.g., Motel 6, Courtyard by Marriott) but it does limit your options. Most RV sites and campgrounds allow dogs so traveling with an RV can be a good option for pet owners.

Most motels and hotels have policies where you are not allowed to leave you pet unattended in the room which means one person should always stay with the pet. You should also of course not leave your pets unattended in a vehicle and in many U.S. states it is illegal to leave pets unattended in cars, especially in hot temperatures. It can be very hot (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) when driving the sections in the West, especially in the summer months, and these temperatures can be dangerous to pets, especially larger dogs. 

So I would balance your sightseeing priorities, the wellbeing of your pet, and the practicalities of traveling with your dog. We actually have driven parts of Route 66 with pets, once with 1 cat in a car and once with  2 cats in a campervan. It definitely limited our sightseeing, meant more picnics and drive-through food than long sit-down meals, and limited our hotel choices. Although we love our cats, we were definitely were able to travel more freely in the times we did not have the cats with us.

How Accessible is Route 66? 

If you (or your travel companion) are traveling in a wheelchair or have limited mobility, there are of course some things that will be more difficult and some places you will not be able to visit or stay. However, the great news is that a large number of the attractions can be seen from the road and you don’t even need to get out of the car to see most of Route 66’s roadside attractions, historic buildings, neon signs, etc.

I would make a list of the top places you want to see and then look up accessibility information to get an idea of what you will and will not be able to visit and see. For example the Meramec Caverns cave tour is not currently wheelchair accessible but the majority of the National Route 66 Museum complex is wheelchair accessible. Santa Monica has free all-terrain and beach wheelchairs available to rent that visitors can use to explore the area and beaches.

We would recommend that those with limited mobility, especially those with a wheelchair, book their accommodation in advance to be sure to get accessible rooms as options can be limited in the smaller towns and cities. Many motels and hotels along the route have wheelchair-accessible rooms available and most can be booked online, but you may want to call the property directly if you have any questions about any accessibility features.

Many of the historical hotels cannot accommodate wheelchairs due to the nature of the property (stairs, no elevator), but many of the vintage motor court motels are ground level with no steps although not all have fully accessible rooms.

We provide accessibility information (as provided by the property) for each of the lodging options included in our Route 66 hotels and motels guide . This might be a good place to start for those looking for wheelchair-accessible lodging, particularly those interested in staying in historic motels and hotels along the route.

Route 66 Road Trip Supplies?

Everybody has a set of different things that they may want to take with them on a road trip, but t hings that I would recommend bringing with you or purchasing at the beginning of your road trip are a Route 66 guidebook or two, a road atlas or set of maps, a camera, rain protection, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, snacks, a car rubbish bag, car safety and maintenance kit, and a basic First Aid kit.

Be sure to bring plenty of protection from the sun and to keep your water bottles filled on your trip to protect against dehydration. Wear sunscreen daily even if you plan to stay in the vehicle most of the day as you can still get sun damage from UVA rays !

Note that there may be periods of a few hours, especially in the Mojave desert, where access to basic essentials are limited so keep water and snacks in the car. Tap water is generally safe throughout the United States so you can drink water directly from the sink taps or water fountains, but do not obviously drink untreated water from rivers, lakes, unknown wells, or other such sources.

I’d also recommend bringing along a travel journal to jot down notes and record your road trip adventures, and perhaps a deck of cards or road-friendly games to play as you’ll be spending a lot of time in the car. If traveling with kids, you’ll definitely want to make sure they have some things to entertain them.

I would keep U.S. dollars on you at all times as some smaller businesses along Route 66 will only accept cash, especially for small transactions. Donations for entry to free attractions are often only accepted in cash as well. For street parking along the road trip, it is a good idea to always have some coins with you for street parking to pay the parking meters. Although more and more allow you to pay via credit cards or parking apps.

Also, just note that if you are traveling from outside the U.S., your credit and debit cards may not work in automated machines such as at gas stations, many of which will require a debit or credit card with a U.S. billing address. Normally you can get around this by paying a person inside, but at night you typically can only pay outside at the gas pump by card.

For the vehicle, make sure you have a good spare tire (and way to change it), a GPS (optional but recommended), and a good road atlas or set of maps for each state. Remember that Route 66 is probably not going to be marked on your maps or GPS, so you’ll still need to use a guidebook or maps to help direct you. 

If you will be driving a rental car or RV, make sure you know how everything works (e.g., headlights, turning signals, heater) before you go and ask who you should contact in cases of a flat tire, accident, or mechanical failures. 

I also recommend putting together a collection of Route 66 inspired music whether in digital, CD, MP3, or other format for your road trip. Just make sure the music will play without an Internet connection. See recommended songs and music compilations in the next section that can help you start to build the ultimate soundtrack for your Route 66 road trip! 

Quick list of some items you may want to pack along for your Route 66 road trip:

• Sunscreen . We recommend getting something with an SPF of at least 30, but really the higher the better. We personally use and like Neutrogena sunscreens and La Roche Posay sunscreens the best.
• Sun protection such as hats, sunglasses and clothing, particularly if traveling in the summer.
• Insect repellent may be useful but depends on when and where you go. We weren’t bothered by insects much, but recommended for those who plan to do a fair amount of hiking in summer, especially in areas near bodies of water or forested areas. Just make sure it protects against the kind of insects likely encountered in those areas (e.g., ticks, mosquitoes, etc.).
• Rain protection , such as an umbrella, reusable poncho, or rain jacket. For those traveling and rented a vehicle with limited space, a reusable poncho or travel umbrella might work best.
• Reusable water bottle . We recommend a reusable water bottle for each person on the road trip so that you always have water with you. Coffee and tea lovers may also want a travel thermos like this one .
• Snacks as it can be a bit of a drive between restaurants in some places. We recommend things like granola bars, trail mix , nuts, pretzels, jerky, dried fruit, etc. that will still be good if it sits all day in a hot car.
• Picnic gear . Those planning on taking along sandwiches, having picnics, and keeping soda cold will want to pack a cooler . You’ll also want to take along some eating utensils, plates, drinking glasses, napkins, etc. You might also consider a cute shopping tote that doubles as a picnic basket. Picnics can be a great way to save money on your travels, especially for families.
• Rubbish bag or bin for car . It is good to have a designated place to keep trash in car until you can find an appropriate place to properly dispose of it. You might want to have a second one for recycling.
• Face coverings and hand sanitizer gel . Hand sanitizer gel with at least 60% alcohol is recommended to be effective against COVID-19 and similar viruses. Great to sanitize hands and other surfaces when water and soap are not available.
• Travel wipes . We recommend keeping a pack of travel wipes or mini towels in the car to wipe hands and clean up spills. Great for messy kids.
• Travel journal , such as this one or this one , to jot down memories and notes about your experiences.
• Games and toys . Keep entertained with car games, cards, word searches, sketching books, coloring books, and quiz games. There are plenty of car games and travel sized activities for both children and adults.
• Windshield shade . If traveling in the summer, we recommend a car windshield shield that helps keep the car shaded and cooler. A lifesaver if you have leather seats. Most of these are lightweight and fold up easily.
• Car power inverter . Need to charge electronic devices such as laptops, camera batteries, or tablets on the road? Consider a power inverter for cars and RVs; we used this one on our road trip. They plug into the cigarette lighters and allow you to charge devices with both AC electrical plugs and USBs in the car.
• Travel adapters . If traveling from outside of the USA, you’ll likely need a travel adapter to plug in your electronic devices. We recommend getting a couple of universal adapters, we use these ones . Be sure to only bring electronics that will work with 110V.
• Route 66 guidebooks and navigational books. We used and can recommend the latest editions of the EZ66 Guide and Adventure Handbook . See our Route 66 Trip Planning Materials section for more information and recommendations.
• GPS or Maps Data . We had a   GPS navigation unit for the car. Many rental cars come with these or you can add one onto most rentals. You can also use your phone if you’ll have data instead and access a maps system such as Google Maps. Just make sure whatever you have will work without Internet access.
• USA road atlas . We always like having a set of physical maps on hand and recommend a good USA road atlas – we personally like the spiral-bound ones from Rand McNally or AAA best for the United States. Michelin and National Geographic also make good maps and atlases. Individual state maps of the 8 states also work.
• Multi-tool . Multi-tools often contain things like screwdrivers, tweezers, pliers, scissors, knives, bottle openers, nail files, and carabiners which often come in handy for fixing and opening things. Laurence always travels with a Leatherman tool . They are great to have with you on your travels, just be aware that these often can’t be taken onto airplanes and will need to be packed in your checked luggage.
• Basic car safety and maintenance supplies . A spare tire and good car safety kit that includes things like reflective signals, safety vest, jumper cables, and flashlight, gloves, and basic medica supplies. If renting a car or RV, these will likely come with it.
• First Aid medical supplies kit . It is good to have basic medical supplies in the car such as bandages, gauze, pain relievers, antiseptic, tweezers, and medical tape. You can buy a pre-made travel kit or make your own. These items may come as part of a roadside safety kit as well.
• Route 66 music , such as this Route 66 inspired song collection , which is available in a variety of formats including CD, MP3, or streaming.

You can also see the majority of the products we recommend for a Route 66 trip above in a complete list on Amazon here  for reference.

Inspiration for your Route 66 Road Trip

Here are some of my recommendations for media that contains cultural references to the famous Route 66. These are great for getting you excited prior to your road trip or can make for great reading, watching, and listening materials during the road trip. Also great for those who are not planning to drive Route 66, but interested in learning more about it. Those marked with asterisks are my favorites.

Route 66 Novels

• Grapes of Wrath (novel) * – The 1939 Pulitzer-prize winning novel by John Steinbeck that traces the journey of the Joad family during the Great Depression as they travel west along Route 66. The most famous and greatest literary work that concerns Route 66, and this is where Steinbeck refers to Route 66 as the “Mother Road”. Not light reading but this American classic is highly recommended reading for anyone!
• On the Road (book) * – A 1957 novel by Jack Kerouac about a man from Sal Paradise who travels by road around the United States and meets members of the Beat Generation. The book is based on Kerouac owns years of traveling the U.S. While only a small part of it takes place on Route 66, it does provide a good snapshot into the postwar Beat Generation and is a classic American road trip novel. 

Route 66 Films

• Grapes of Wrath (film) *- A 1940 film adaptation of Steinbeck’s novel directed by John Ford. A great film; however, it removes characters from the novel and is a more optimistic and less controversial depiction compared to the novel.
• On the Road (film) – A 2012 film adaption of Jack Kerouac’s novel. Not the best reviewed film, but there is a lot of time spent on the road. Note there is quite a bit of nudity and sexual and drug-related content.  
• Cars (animated film) * This 2006 animated film by Pixar and Disney, tells the story of a popular race car who unexpectedly ends up stranded in the small town of Radiator Springs located along historic Route 66. The family-friendly film makes clear and constant references to Route 66, its history and its decline due to the U.S. federal interstate system, as well as references to specific people and places along the route. Fun to watch both before and after your road trip, as you notice so many more things after your trip.
• Easy Rider (film) – The famous 1969 biker film that has Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper traveling through parts of the American Southwest and South by motorcycle. Only parts of it take place on Route 66, but great for those hoping to see Route 66 by motorcycle.
• Thelma & Louise (film) – A 1991 crime film about two women who set out on a 2-day road trip that ends with deadly consequences. Again, only parts actually take place on Route 66, This is the film that really introduced Brad Pitt to the world.
• Little Miss Sunshine (film) * – A 2006 American comedy/drama film about a dysfunctional family who drives their 7-year-old daughter Olive from Albuquerque, NM to Redondo Beach, CA for a beauty pageant in an antique Volkswagen bus.
• Bagdad Cafe (film) * – A 1987 West German film about a woman running an isolated run-down cafe and motel in the California desert frequented by truck drivers and drifters. A bit odd and slow to get going but we enjoyed it. The filming location can still be visited in Newberry Springs, CA which is located on Route 66.
• Paris, Texas (film) – A 1984 French-German film about a man who has been wandering the the desert and comes back to reunite with his brother and son. He and his son then travel in the American Southwest to find this wife. This film is loosely related to Route 66.
• Wild Hogs (film) – A 2007 comedy starring John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence and William H. Macy who are middle-aged friends from Cincinnati, Ohio who decide to drive their Harleys to California in search of a little adventure. The Film includes some scenes shot along Route 66, particularly in New Mexico.

Route 66 TV Series

• Route 66 (TV series) – American TV show of the early 1960’s follows the travels of two men as they drive around the United States. This show popularized the idea of driving Route 66 in a Chevrolet Corvette (Chevrolet was a sponsor of the show). Oddly, very little of the actual show takes place or was filmed on location along Route 66 although it provides an interesting look at America in the 1960’s nonetheless.
• Bagdad Cafe (TV Series) – A 1990s short-lived TV sitcom based on the film of the same name, starring actresses Whoopi Goldberg and Jean Stapleton. 

Route 66 Music

• (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 (song) * – This rhythm and blues song written in 1946 by Bobby Troup popularized the highway and is by far the most popular song about the highway. First recorded by Nat King Cole, it has been sung by everyone from Jerry Lee Lewis to the Rolling Stones. This is the one must-have song for your Route 66 road trip sound track!

Route 66 – Songs From The Mother Road (music collection) – A audio CD of Route 66 related song sung by the Road Crew.

• The Songs Of Route 66: Music From The All-American Highway (music collection)
• More Song s of Route 66: Roadside Attractions  (music collection) 
• Even More Songs Of Route 66: From Here To There (music collection)

Route 66 Photos

• There are lots of photos taken from Route 66, both recent and vintage, that you can scroll with a simple online search. For some of our photos, see our Route 66 photos gallery . If you are looking for prints or canvases of a specific attraction or place along Route 66, just let us know and we can see if we have it!

Route 66 Road Trip Planning Materials

This section covers helpful suggested resources to help in planning and enhancing your Route 66 trip, including Route 66 guidebooks, maps, and useful websites. 

Route 66 Planning Books & Maps

I’d recommend that all travelers invest in at least one guidebook to help point out and give some background on interesting highlights and attractions along the route. Also since historic Route 66 is not well-marked and is not denoted on a regular map, you’ll also want a guide to help keep you on the route.

Paper maps and road atlases may seem dated to many young travelers, but I would highly recommend having them available even if you plan to primarily navigate using a GPS or maps app on your smartphone. Given that things change regularly (probably daily) on Route 66, try to buy the most up-to-date guides and maps available. It can be quite disappointing to turn up to eat at a historic restaurant to find out it closed 5 years ago or find your chosen route blocked by a missing bridge.

Some books are best to read before your journey. I personally bought a copy of Route 66: The Mother Road  prior to our journey and found it a great book to read or skim through for history, funny and touching travel stories, profiles of people who work along Route 66, etc. It also provides some good tips and points you to many highlights, but I found it better for background reading than actual trip planning.

Other books are worth taking with you on your trip. Before our trip, we purchased the EZ66 Guide for Travelers , the Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide , the Route 66 Adventure Handbook , and the Here It Is Route 66 maps. We also took along and picked up an assortment of national, state, and regional maps during our journey. See our suggestions below, ones we personally own and used are marked with an asterisk.

Pre-Trip Planning / Armchair Travels:

Route 66: The Mother Road 75th Anniversary Edition by Michael Wallis* – This book gives a good overview of Route 66’s history as well as personal stories and attraction highlights. Highly recommended for a pre-road trip read for those interested in the history of Route 66 and the people who worked (and are still working) along it. 

The Illustrated Route 66 Historical Atlas by Jim Hinckley – A illustrated guide to Route 66 that includes lots of historical information, photos, and maps. This is a great read for those looking for pre-planning information or those just wanting to learn more about the route, but probably not the best day-to-day guide during the trip. Jim Hinckley is an expert on the road and has written a number of Route 66 books and reference guides about Route 66, including this great encyclopedia reference about the route.

On the Road Route 66 Guides & Resources: 

• Our 2 Week Route 66 Itinerary   – We recommend checking out our free suggested Route 66 itinerary to use both in pre-planning and during your road trip. It provides a suggested route split over 14 days, attraction highlights, and suggested places to eat and drink along the route each day. We recommend it be used in conjunction with the EZ66 Guide (to keep you on Route 66), good maps or an USA atlas, and an attraction guide (such as the Route 66 Adventure Handbook to give you more context and more attraction suggestions).
• EZ66 Guide for Travelers by Jerry McClanahan* – This guide helps you easily find the route and stay on it almost turn-by-turn during the full 2,400 mile journey. It was our day-to-day bible to our journey when we were driving Route 66. The guide also lists attraction highlights, historic details, and provides general maps. You can even visit Jerry in his art studio in Chandler, OK and get your guide signed by the author like we did. Highly recommended for anyone wanting turn-by-turn sort of advice on driving Route 66 and those wanting to be as faithful to staying on the route as possible. Be sure to get the latest edition!
• Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide by the National Historic Route 66 Federation* – An objective guide of over 500 places to eat, drink, and sleep along Route 66. We found this very useful when looking for places to eat or stay along the route, it is also great for locating historic, unique, and atmospheric options along the route. Highly recommended and proceeds go to supporting the National Historic Route 66 Federation preservation efforts. NOTE: Sadly the 17th edition in 2015 was its final edition, and it is has recently become difficult to find a copy of this guide. 
• Route 66 Adventure Handbook by Drew Knowles* – This book provides a good guide to driving Route 66 (although not a turn-by-turn guide) and an excellent overview of all the roadside attractions along Route 66 as well as some advice on motels and dining options. The highlights for us were the lists of attractions along the route as well as additional side trips that one could take near the route which are not often included in other guides and were helpful when we were spending more time in a location. This book also provides a unique section teaching you how to identify old sections of Route 66. Recommended for almost anyone interested in attractions along the route, both Route 66 specific and those a bit further afield. Be sure to get the latest edition.
• Route 66: Guided Tour Book by David Knudson – This is one of the newest guides to Route 66 and was edited by the National Historic Route 66 Federation. We haven’t used this one but the guide is meant to provide attractions and activity recommendations along the route and to be used in conjunction with the EZ66 Guide for Travelers. It also is meant to fill in more dining and lodging recommendations with the discontinuation of the Dining & Lodging guide; however, those listings are not as comprehensive as they were in that guide.

Here It Is! The Route 66 Map Series * – A set of 8 hand-drawn maps of each state along Route 66 that provide both eastbound and westbound directions driving directions and the most popular attractions are listed on the map. We found the maps useful to get a sense of each state, the ordering of the towns and attractions, and for knowing the exit numbers. However we found the driving directions in the EZ66 Guide for Travelers easier to follow. Not essential but very useful. Be sure to get the latest edition!

• A USA Road Atlas *- There are many road atlases available, just make sure that you buy one that goes into sufficient detail, covers all the states, and has been recently updated. I can personally recommend the Rand McNally road atlas for road travel in the United States and I have also used ones by AAA. If you don’t get a road atlas, I’d recommend picking up state maps as you go along (often you can get pick these for free or low cost at visitor centers or buy one at gas stations and convenience stores). 
• A motorcycle-focused guide to Route 66 – I can’t personally recommend any of them but bikers may want to consider one of several motorcycle-focused guides to Route 66. This one appears to be comprehensive and recently updated. Note that many of these have not been updated so be sure to check the date of publication and read recent reviews.

Helpful Route 66 Road Trip Planning Websites

Here are some Route 66 related websites that may be helpful to planning your Route 66 trip.

National Route 66 Websites:

• National Historic Route 66 Federation – National non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Route 66, check it out for latest information, preservation news, and a good Route 66 online store:   https://www.national66.org
• National Park Service, Route 66 – Great information on history of Route 66, some maps and itinerary ideas, and great website resources:  https://www.nps.gov/subjects/travelroute66/index.htm
• Route 66 News – Provides helpful information and recent news related to Route 66: https://www.route66news.com/
• Updates for those using the EZ66 Guide for Travelers:  http://mcjerry66.com/

Route 66 Itinerary Suggestions:

• 2 week Route 66 Itinerary – If you have more than 10 days for Route 66, this detailed day-by-day itinerary can help you plan your route, stops, dining, and lodging.
• 1 week Route 66 itinerary – If you have 10 days or less, this itinerary can help you plan your day by day trip along Route 66.

Route 66 Camping and RV Resources: 

• Partial listing of campgrounds and RV parks along (or near) Route 66:  https://www.route66news.com/campgrounds/
• Our Route 66 itinerary includes camping recommendations for each day of the suggested itinerary route
• Database and map of U.S. public campgrounds: http://www.uscampgrounds.info/
• List of RV parks throughout the U.S.:  http://www.rvparksusa.com/
• Listings of private campgrounds and RV parks in U.S.:  https://gocampingamerica.com/
• Check out All Stays for helpful website and phone apps that help locate RV parks, hotels, RV dump sites, free places to camp, rest areas, WalMarts that allow overnight parking, and more:  https://www.allstays.com/

State Specific Route 66 Websites:

• Route 66 Association of Illinois:  https://www.il66assoc.org/
• Route 66 Association of Missouri:  https://www.missouri66.org/
• Kansas Historic Route 66 Association:  http://kshistoricroute66.com/
• Oklahoma Route 66 Association:  https://www.oklahomaroute66.com/
• Texas Route 66 Association https://www.rt66oftexas.com/
• New Mexico Route 66 Association:  https://www.rt66nm.org/
• Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona:  https://www.historic66az.com/
• California Historic Route 66 Association:  https://www.route66ca.org/

We hope you have found this guide to a Route 66 road trip helpful! Is a Route 66 road trip on your bucketlist? If you’ve driven any part of Route 66, feel free to share any tips or advice you have from your own trip! As always, all questions and comments are welcome. 

**Disclosure: During our first Route 66 road trip, we drove Route 66 during a RV trip in partnership with JUCY who covered most of the costs associated with our awesome campervan rental; however, all thoughts and opinions are our own. Food, lodging, fuel, and other trip costs were paid for by us.  Subsequent trips were fully funded by us.**

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Art Simmons Post author

January 18, 2024 at 11:12 pm

Wow, an amazing free resource for anyone traveling Route 66 – we are using it right now and just want to give you a big thanks. Your travel blogs are amazing.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

January 24, 2024 at 1:18 pm

You are very welcome and just let us know if you have any questions. Wishing you a wonderful trip down Route 66!!

Best, Jessica

India Post author

October 1, 2023 at 1:10 am

Excellent blog post; very thorough. In a Jucy van, we travelled all around New Zealand—the coolest means of transportation ever! I also enjoyed the brief portion of Route 66 from Los Angeles to Vegas.

October 3, 2023 at 11:23 am

Glad you enjoyed our post and that you got to drive a little bit of Route 66 between Arizona and California on your way from Las Vegas.

It was fun to drive Route 66 a Jucy campervan then, but sadly they closed their operations in the USA in 2021 due to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are looking to do something similar, there are a lot of options you can check out on Motorhome Republic for campervans and RVs of various sizes from several companies.

But glad that you got to travel with a Jucy van in New Zealand – sounds like you had a great time. I think they are still going strong in both New Zealand and Australia.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and hoping that someday you get to do the full Route 66 trip!

tena mason Post author

August 5, 2023 at 9:41 am

this was the most amazing and comprehensive guide to route 66! i see no need to do any further research beyond your page, and the guidebooks you suggest. my hubs and i are celebrating our 25th anniversary, and are driving from kansas to seattle (seeing amazing things on the way), taking the pacific coast highway from washington to santa monica, then driving route 66 home, ending back up in kansas (with a slight detour east and south to galena to see tow mater). thank you thank you thank you for your time and attention that you put into this!!!!

August 5, 2023 at 3:24 pm

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment – we love to hear that you have found our Route 66 guide and tips helpful! I am sure you also saw our 2 week itinerary and motel suggestions in some of our other posts on Route 66 but if not, you might find those helpful as well. Combining the Pacific Coast Highway and Route 66 is a great road trip, we’ve done that when we used to live in the SF Bay area, it’s a great trip.

Wishing you a wonderful trip and just let us know if you have any questions as you drive Route 66 and the PCH!

tena Post author

August 11, 2023 at 3:24 pm

Oh yeah, i’ve scoped it out and have a detailed day-to-day plan. I wish we were leaving now instead of April, but we’re making a HUGE circle. Route 66 to Santa Monica, then the PCH to Washington, then back across the northern US to yellowstone and mount rushmore then back home. So it will take 8 months of planning!!

Anyway, your detailed itinerary has been incredible, as are the resources you suggested. I’ll keep you posted when the trip happens.

As an aside, it looks like Elmer’s bottle ranch is open again!

August 12, 2023 at 7:23 pm

Sounds like a wonderful trip and if you have any further questions as you plan, just ask!

And great to hear that Elmer’s Bottle Ranch continues to be open to the public (its future has been a bit unclear after Elmer’s death in 2019).

Bet, Jessica

Kathryn Post author

July 25, 2023 at 3:18 am

Thanks for this amazing guide – it will be our constant companion as we plan our trip along Route 66 for the fall. If I only get one of the Route 66 guidebooks, which would you recommend?

July 27, 2023 at 8:12 am

Hi Kathryn,

So if you are only wanting one guidebook, and you want it primarily to stay on Route 66 and discover the highlights, I would recommend the EZ66 book by Jerry McClanahan. Just be sure to get the latest edition, currently the 5th edition. You can order it online before you go or you should be able to find it in Route 66 gift shops along the route.

For a guidebook more focused on specific attractions, I’d also recommend the Adventure Handbook . It has been updated and the sixth edition will be released in August 2023, so that would work well for your trip if you are not leaving until the fall.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any more questions as you plan your Route 66 trip!

Robert Smiler Post author

July 21, 2023 at 9:52 am

That was a very funny VW micro-bus photo. Robert Smiler

July 26, 2023 at 2:10 pm

Glad you enjoyed our photos and particularly the one of us in the VW bus in the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville, CA. It is a great museum to visit and support if you have the time!

Cynthia A Neal Post author

July 1, 2023 at 10:59 am

Hi We are taking the Route 66 from CA we are stopping by in in TN to see Fam😊🇺🇸 can’t wait 🦋 Is your guid in print ?

July 1, 2023 at 11:04 am

Hi Cynthia,

Sounds like a great road trip and family visit! So we just offer our Route 66 guide free online to our readers and it is not available as a printed guide. So we’d recommend using it as an online resource as then you also have all the links.

But if you do want to print the article in a printer-friendly format (with all ads and images removed) or save them as a clickable PDF, you just need to subscribe or be already subscribed to our monthly travel newsletter (it is free and easy to subscribe). Once you subscribe, you should get a confirmation email from us. Check your email and click the link to confirm the subscription within the email. Once you have confirmed your subscription, you just need to go to the article you want to print, click on the print icon (at the side or at the end of the article) and put in your name and then the email address you used to subscribe.

However, just note we don’t really recommend printing them unless you really need them as many of our guides are over 100 pages printed. You will also not be able to use the many links or referred websites if printed. If you wait to print it until close to your trip, you’d have a more recent version.

Hope that helps and if you have any questions as you plan your Route 66 trip, feel free to ask!

Jim B Post author

May 16, 2023 at 7:11 pm

What a great read and amazingly informative. Driving Route 66 has always been a bucket list of mine and reading this probably just made it going to happen sooner than later. I will definitely be using a lot of your helpful information when planning our trip. Well done, very well written and thank you for some added inspiration for getting the great road trip started! – Jim

May 18, 2023 at 9:42 am

So glad to hear this and that our guide has been both informational and inspirational for planning your own Route 66 road trip. I hope that you have a wonderful trip and just let us know if you have any questions as you do your trip planning!

Cheryl Post author

March 30, 2023 at 9:18 am

Jessica, First, I love your name, it’s my daughter’s name also. I am retiring at age 62 in May still young and healthy enough to travel. Hubs and I are going to travel Route 66 in July, of course just when you suggested is not the best time to go, but we’re doing it! Your information has been by far the best I’ve read so far…I can’t thank you enough. We are so looking forward to this trip and reading your info has made me even more excited. Thank you for this and we’ll let you know how it goes!

March 30, 2023 at 9:41 am

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and we love hearing that our information has been helpful. It sounds like you will have a great great start to your retirement and wishing you a wonderful trip in July.

July may not be the most ideal time to go but as long as you are prepared and plan ahead, you should be fine. It is just knowing and making the best of it, being prepared for some crowds and heat, etc. But one great thing about the summer is that everything should be open along the route and there is often a lot going on. I would just note that the pandemic has left some changes and closures that may not be reflected in all of our info.

If you have any questions as you plan your Route 66 road trip for this summer, just let us know. And we’d of course love to know how your trip goes and if you have any tips/advice to share based on your own travels.

Best, Jessica & Laurence

Sris Post author

February 23, 2023 at 1:39 am

If you travel route 66, I definitely recommend spending some time in Joliet! thank you for this article, it really has a lot of information.Thank you for the wonderful blog.

February 25, 2023 at 11:31 pm

Thanks for sharing your recommendation and hope you had a great time on Route 66!

Ron Post author

February 19, 2023 at 9:49 am

Than youk for the inspiration !

“Well it winds from Chicago to L.A. More than two thousand miles all the way Get your kicks on Route 66…”

February 20, 2023 at 8:07 am

Glad you are finding our Route 66 guide inspirational, and do let us know if you have any questions if you are planning your out Route 66 road trip!

Jackie Gilbert Post author

January 20, 2023 at 5:11 pm

I enjoyed your information. We are going to drive the route (leaving March) from Illinois to California. We have a 5th wheel camper and 2 pups. I took many notes and have some comfort now knowing more about the trip. Thanks!!

January 23, 2023 at 7:24 am

Glad that our Route 66 guides and articles have been helpful in planning your upcoming Route 66 trip. I’d probably avoid Chicago and L.A. with a camper and dogs but I think you’ll find lots of places to stay and enjoy throughout the route!

If you have any questions as you continue to plan your trip, just ask!

Jordan Smith Post author

June 28, 2022 at 11:32 am

it’s difficult for me to find the best driving route for me and my friends. This article really helps me.

June 29, 2022 at 8:11 am

Thanks for taking the time to let me know that you have found our Route 66 guide helpful. If you have any questions as you and your friend prepare for your trip, just let us know.

Eric Klassen Post author

June 21, 2022 at 1:08 pm

Did the west half of Rte 66 in 2006… wish I had had the benefit of this great guide back then. It’s nice to go back in time just by looking through your guide and remembering my trip. Thanks for the memories. Best Wishes, Eric

June 22, 2022 at 4:03 am

Glad that you enjoyed reading through our Route 66 road trip guide and that it brought back good memories of your trip 🙂 I hope you get a chance to return and perhaps do the eastern section of Rte 66.

Tom Giles Post author

April 20, 2022 at 7:26 am

Very much enjoyed reading your Route 66 trip. I am preparing for a 6 week adventure from south of Chicago to the West coast. I have been unable to locate any info as for the miles between fuel points, i will be driving my 1930 ford A Roadster on this trip. With the upgraded drive train i can only travel a distance of 250 miles. Any info or advice will be much appreciated. Thank you T Giles

April 20, 2022 at 9:53 am

Glad you are planning a Route 66 trip and how exciting to do it in a 1930 Ford Roadster!

So for the most part, there are regular gas stations along Route 66. The stretches where they are less regular is across the Texas panhandle and California desert stretches. So I would particularly pay attention to the Texas to Barstow stretch. I am guessing it is unlikely you’ll be covering more than 250 miles per day so you shouldn’t really have any issues if you stop for fuel each day. Since the locations of gas stations change over time, I would research this yourself rather than relying on a guide.

But I would maybe plot out your route so that you have a stop planned every 200 miles or so for fuel. If you know your daily route, you can make sure there will be a place approximately every 200 miles where you know you can stop. I’d also plan to get fuel during the day as although most places are open 24/7, there are some places that do close.

You can find gas stations along your route in a number of web and phone apps such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, and GasBuddy.

When driving, I’d recommend using a gas station app like Gas Buddy. This one not only will show you the nearest gas stations but also help you find the cheapest fuel which is definitely good to know as fuel prices have become so high in recent months.

I’d also recommend keeping a gas can / jerrrycan in your trunk to store some extra fuel. The standard ones hold 5 gallons so you know that you have that as a back up. I suspect with a 1930 Ford that you will also want to be traveling with some extra water. And would want some roadside assistance service or breakdown cover that covers classic cars.

Jack Rittenhouse, the writer of the first guidebook on the route, drove Route 66 in 1946 in a 1939 American Bantam coupe – he notes it 22 horsepower engine could go about 250 miles with its 5 gallon gas tank. Although the guidebook’s actual info for attractions/motels etc. for the most part is outdated, you may find it interesting to read before your trip.

Hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful trip along Route 66!

Mike Sweeney Post author

March 30, 2022 at 11:52 pm

Just got back from a road trip with my 14 year old and we specifically drove from AZ to CA on Route 66 for a good portion. A running history lesson from me to her plus stops at a few towns/attractions made it a memorable trip. The best part was doing this in our EV as an homage to the history of Route 66.. as I explained to her, it’s not the cars, it’s the journey and what you see. Thanks for the work in sharing all this info 🙂

March 31, 2022 at 4:31 am

Glad that you had such a great road trip with your daughter – sounds like a special trip! Hope that the two of you have a chance to drive the rest of Route 66 someday and explore the rest of the route 😉

Mark Borgmann Post author

March 12, 2022 at 8:15 am

Many thanks for all of your Route 66 writings – they’ve been very helpful. Recently I’ve been watching some of the Route 66 episodes on the Roku channel, where they’re being streamed. I just wanted to mention, as I was reading through the “Route 66” TV series reference, that even though much of the series may not have been on Route 66, I’ve found that several of the sites, motels, hotels, casinos, etc that were shown in the series are still in operation today, 60 years later!

March 13, 2022 at 9:53 am

Glad you are finding our Route 66 articles helpful 😉

Yes, the series name of Route 66 is not really that related to the show’s content other than they spend a lot of time traveling around the USA by car, but obviously go all over the country and the specific location changes each episode. It is great to see some of the celebrities of the day pop up as guest stars in that show like Joan Crawford, Robert Redford, Barbara Eden, etc. Glad you are enjoying it and found a place to stream it.

It is interesting to know that many of the places shown in the show from the 1960s are still around today – I always love seeing places that are still operating decades later!

Marina T. Post author

August 18, 2021 at 12:52 am

I can’t express how I love traveling by car! When the wind blows straight to your face and ruins your hair, when you stop on gas stations to get some snacks and take a break, when you sing out loud to your favorite songs and just feel how free you are. We used Route 66 to travel from Santa Fe to California and absolutely fell in love with this trip. Like you travel back in time seeing all these old-designed motels and cafes. If you love traveling by car just like I do, I totally recommend planning your trip through Route 66!

August 20, 2021 at 4:55 am

Glad you enjoyed your time on Route 66 between Santa Fe and California. I hope you get a chance to drive more of the route in the future since it sounds like you really enjoy time on the road! 😉

Marina Post author

June 13, 2021 at 7:38 am

If you travel route 66, I definitely spending some time in Joliet! thank you for this article, it really has a lot of information

June 13, 2021 at 9:09 am

Yes, Joliet is a great place, and a recommended stop along Route 66! We recommend those wanting to skip driving in Chicago to start in Pontiac or Joliet!

If you are planning a Route 66 trip and have any questions, just ask!

Nancy J Mccullough Post author

June 12, 2021 at 2:05 pm

Great read! Is there a print friendly version of this and the recommendations of where to stay. Doing trip starting next week

June 13, 2021 at 7:18 am

Glad you are enjoying our Route 66 blog posts!

To print the article in a printer-friendly format (with all ads and images removed) or save them as a clickable PDF, you just need to subscribe to be subscribed to our monthly travel newsletter (it is free and easy to subscribe). Once you subscribe, you should get a confirmation email from us. Check your email and click the link to confirm the subscription within the email. Once you have confirmed your subscription, you just need to go to the article you want to print, click on the print icon (at the side or at the end of the article) and put in your name and then the email address you used to subscribe.

However, I would not really recommend printing the planning guide, but just using it to aid in planning things before you leave. The one article that might be worth printing is one of the Route 66 itineraries, either our 2 week Route 66 itinerary (if you have 10 days or more) or the 8 day itinerary (if you have 10 days or less). But even with those, they are probably better used for planning and to look at along the trip so you can use the links. Some of our articles are over 100 pages printed!

In terms of recommendations of where to stay, both of our Route 66 itineraries above give lodging recommendations for each night of the day by day itineraries. So that should cover you for most places along the route if you follow either of our itineraries.

If you are interested in classic motels and historical hotels, we have a post on Route 66 motels & historical hotels that should give you plenty of options along the route. These options include places on our itineraries as well as lots of additional towns and cities.

But if you are specifically looking for where to stay along Route 66 in a place not covered in one of the above, feel free to ask!

Hope that helps, and wishing you a safe and fun road trip! Jessica

charly mnartin Post author

June 7, 2021 at 4:21 am

Thanks for such outstanding content on Route 66, thank you very much. have bookmarked the site to read such amazing content in feature as well. Thank you so much for this effort!

June 7, 2021 at 5:09 am

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed our Route 66 planning guide. Just let us know if you have any questions once you decide to plan your trip!

Shonda Post author

April 26, 2021 at 4:27 am

Wow! This is a great source of info for driving Rt 66. We live near Amarillo, TX, so I’m familiar with all the Texas sites. But we’re planning to take my son and nephew on a road trip this summer and we’re including Rt 66 from Amarillo to Springfield. This will be their Senior year and they grew up enthralled with all things Cars related, so I’m looking forward to showing them some of the sites that inspired the movie! Your post has given me ideas for another road trip toward California now!!! But I’ve also got a tip-to-tip (in both directions) road trip planned for Texas next year. You don’t happen to have any posts/guides about that, do you?

April 27, 2021 at 3:12 am

I am sure you and the kids will really love the trip! It’s great that you already live near Route 66 – and there are quite a few related sites near you. The Arizona and Texas stretches are probably the ones most reminiscent of the landscapes in the first film. Kansas is also great as it has the tow truck and Springfield has the Cozy Dog Drive-In, but you’ll see things that will remind you of the film throughout. Stopping at old-fashioned diners, going to some of the car museums, and seeing a drive-in movie might be some fun stops, depending on their interests. Whenever you head the other direction (towards California), I’d definitely recommend a night at one of the two teepee motels 😉

We do have several articles on Texas (mainly the cities) on Finding the Universe (or second travel blog) which you can see here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/search/texas . We have actually planned to write a road trip itinerary but haven’t done so yet and also would love to write additional posts on Amarillo, Fort Worth, Big Bend National Park, etc. If you have any questions about any of those places, happy to try to help, but hopefully we’ll have some more Texas related posts up by next year 😉

Wishing you a wonderful trip along that section of Route 66! Jessica

FBS Post author

April 2, 2021 at 4:27 am

Awesome Route 66 blog post. Thank you so much for sharing this insightful piece. It’s been really informative and helpful.

April 3, 2021 at 11:49 am

Thanks FBS for taking the time to leave a comment! Do let us know if you have any questions as you plan your Route 66 road trip.

Caius Wallen Post author

December 10, 2020 at 4:53 am

Great photos and blog

I’m putting together a picture quiz where people have to guess the states of America from a photo, and a google search turned up your image of Route 66 and an oil well for Oklahoma. Can I use it in my free quiz if I give you credit (I can’t pay). I understand that you are a professional, so if not, no worries!

December 10, 2020 at 11:38 am

Glad you enjoyed our Route 66 guide and photos we took along Route 66.

For questions about using/buying photos, please email us directly, thanks!

Bill Westlake Post author

September 18, 2020 at 7:27 am

I am only interested in RT 66 ideas, routing and attractions

September 20, 2020 at 3:58 am

Glad you are interested in driving Route 66 and Route 66 attractions. Just let me know if you have any questions if you are planning an upcoming trip. We have several Route 66 articles across our two travel blogs and more to come which cover all the basics. But if you have any questions, feel free to ask here!

George Chandler Post author

August 26, 2020 at 4:39 pm

Hey there. You guys did a great job on your Rte 66 itinerary. Our family did this trip back in August of 1969. I can remember my Dad driving on the two lane road (66) for many miles. I drive a tour bus thru out Canada and the US and have been doing it for 40 years. Have done many tours from Toronto, Canada to California. I’m planning on doing the Rte 66 from Chicago to LA in 2022. I’m gonna follow your itinerary as much as I can which I plan on doing in 14-15 days. Do you think doing this trip is better in May or September? Also what maps are the best ones to get to follow 66 as much as I can? I have the EZ66 one. Again you two did a great job and thx for doing this so everybody can enjoy The Mother Road. Look forward to your reply.

August 27, 2020 at 4:27 am

So glad you are finding our Route 66 guide and 2 week itinerary helpful in planning your 2022 trip!

In terms of maps, the EZ66 book is the best in terms of directions. It is not so much a map as a turn-by-turn set of directions with accompanying drawn maps and travel tips. This is by far the best resource if you want to stay faithful to the route and is best when you have a co-navigator with you to tell you the turns before they come up. We’d also recommend the Here It Is Map set (great for looking at when setting off each day to get a sense of where the route goes, not for actual navigation) and a good up-to-date USA road atlas.

There are a couple of Route 66 route maps that you can buy, such as this one . I bought this one last year on the route, but can’t really recommend it. It is not very helpful for actual navigating or directions given its lack of detail and scale, but can be useful more for trip planning if you want just a map that shows the route.

The road signage has gotten much better in recent years for the Historic Route 66 route so it is easier to follow than it was just a few years ago, and you can now see parts of the route even on Google Maps and other online and GPS mapping which it did not show before. Signage differs by state.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Alaa Post author

July 24, 2020 at 6:23 am

Reading your BLOG tooks me to mid (2015) when I rode route 66 with a group of friends.. it was an unforgettable 15 days motorcycle trip from Chicago to Santa Monica LA.. all that wonderful memories came back to my mind.. I wished that your blog was there before I started that trip for the huge and rich informations, details and explanations you mentioned.. THANK YOU SO MUCH !!

July 24, 2020 at 8:33 am

Hi Alaa, Glad you enjoyed our blog post and thanks for sharing a bit about your 15-day Route 66 adventure by motorcycle — sounds like a wonderful trip with friends! Best, Jessica

larry charles Post author

July 22, 2020 at 6:57 pm

I enjoy reading your comments on driving the route 66. we live in east tx and planing to take the trip in Sept or october. you gave me a lot of information what to take on the trip.i have a lot information I have received from the chamber commerce for my travel to the west part of the trip from each state. we are taking 3 weeks to do it. we are retired and no hurry to do the trip.as of today we are concern obout the virus that we are having right now and concern obout places to stay and eat that will be open.do you know how things are right now with the business on route 66. could I do this trip on 5000.00 with gas, food, motel and souvenirs.

July 23, 2020 at 5:14 am

Glad you are enjoying our articles on Route 66. Yes, we recommend at least 2 weeks on Route 66 if you are doing the full route and 3 weeks will allow you to do it at a slower pace which is nice, especially if you plan to do it soon.

The COVID-19 situation is different in each state along Route 66 and changes regularly. I would recommend checking the state public health websites for each of the 8 states and many also have specific coronavirus websites for the latest infection rates, measures, and for what is open.

Unfortunately, right now is probably not the best time to travel in certain states, especially Arizona, Texas, and California which have all seen sharp rises in COVID-19 infections and some businesses that had reopened along the route, have now reclosed. I know in California, indoor restaurants, bars, wineries, theme parks, museums, and other attractions are closed throughout the state and a stay at home order is in place. So you may want to watch the situation and consider delaying your trip or changing the itinerary.

But once you are able to do the trip safely, I do think that you could easily travel Route 66 with a budget of $5000 for 2 persons sharing a room for 3 weeks. It just requires some pre-planning and sticking to a budget. Over a 21 day trip that is about $238 per day which should be enough to cover your gas, food, motel, and souvenirs. Your biggest expense will be lodging so I’d try to book that in advance to ensure you stay in budget. If you keep lodging to an average of around $100 per night then that would give you about $140 per day for food, gas, and any souvenirs/incidentals. If you are driving your own car, you probably can calculate your own cost of fuel and can then set your budget accordingly for food and souvenirs.

Hope that helps and wishing you safe travels! Jessica

Mary Post author

June 28, 2020 at 6:11 pm

In Sept 1965 I drove from Detroit to LA mostly on Route 66. I drove by myself in a car with no air conditioning. I had to keep the windows down. My left arm got sunburned. Whenever I stopped at a restaurant or motel someone always said “ you must be driving West”. ? Great article!!!

June 29, 2020 at 8:05 am

Sounds like you had a great Route 66 road trip back in 1965 😉 Thanks for sharing your memories.

I remember a similar road trip as a teen with a friend from Ohio to Georgia in summer without A/C and getting a painful sunburn on half my upper body. Lesson learned to always wear sunscreen!

tracy dines Post author

June 27, 2020 at 11:03 am

i dont have long and would like to see part of rt 66

June 27, 2020 at 11:07 am

It will depend on how many days you have to see Route 66 and what section most interests you? Where do you plan to start? Are you planning to drive or take a tour?

We list some suggestions above for driving certain sections of the route by interest and theme above in the post that might be helpful. But happy to give advice if you want to give us more details about your trip plans and what you are most interested in seeing along Rt 66.

aditii Post author

June 2, 2020 at 12:33 am

Wow…What an excellent post. They are nice article. I was planning a road trip in next months. This is such a comprehensive and super helpful guide. Thanks for sharing your information.

June 2, 2020 at 6:03 am

You’re very welcome and wishing you a wonderful Route 66 road trip!

Emily Rose Post author

April 26, 2020 at 7:39 am

Wow this is by far the best article I’ve come across on Route 66!! I’ve driven most of the route 5 times now but just haven’t done the beginning part from Chicago. I’m looking to go back and do it this summer and your guide is fantastic! Thank you!!!

Xo, Emily Rose

April 26, 2020 at 10:23 am

Glad you enjoyed our guide to planning a Route 66 trip, and hope you get a chance to do the beginning section of Route 66 in Illinois later in the year! Just let us know if you have any questions.

Safe travels, Jessica

Roland Whitney Post author

March 2, 2020 at 3:13 pm

wow, what a great resource. we’re planning on a route 66 trip in my ’79 corvette. now that’s an adventure. thanks for noting all your research.

March 3, 2020 at 3:38 am

Hi Roland, That does sound like a grand adventure! Glad you are finding our blog helpful in planning your Route 66 trip, just let us know if you have any questions. Best, Jessica

Miguel c castro Post author

March 2, 2020 at 4:13 am

Hellow everyone great memories comes to my mind reading all this about 66. Was the year of 1964, while on the army at fort Bliss that we went from El Paso Tex to NY by car. Of course, we used the road in new Mexico to Indiana and from there to the east on hway 70. Well, how long ago was that? I was 18 years old, today I am almost 75. No, I have not forget this adventure as it was my first long road trip I ever had. Recently I went from Benton Il to Kentucky, and you know what? I traveled part of the same original route as the good old days. Who knows? Will I have another chance to go back to it? Maybe time will tell….

March 2, 2020 at 7:58 am

Sounds like you have some very happy memories driving along Route 66 and other American highways. Glad you were able to travel a part of that route again recently, and I hope you get a chance to have another road trip again soon 😉

Mark Post author

February 22, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Hi Jessica Before I ask my question just like to say excellent post lot of reading but worth it ,really envy you and Laurence experience of route 66, myself and my partner have always said we would like to do route 66 for my 60th which is now only 3 years away my question to you is is it still doable and can it be done on a motorcycle , the full route from Los Angeles to Chicago. Fantastic post (big fan) Mark & Charmaine From Birmingham UK

February 23, 2020 at 3:38 am

Hi Mark & Charmaine,

Glad you are finding our Route 66 articles helpful. Yes, Route 66 can be done on a motorcycle and many people do the route, or part of it, by motorcycle.

Route 66 hasn’t been an official highway for a long time, but much of the original road/route still exists. It is believed that over 80% of the original road is still there, although sections have now been paved under as part of the interstate and such. So yes, you can get between Los Angeles and Chicago by taking Rout 66, but there is no way to stay on the original highway the entire time. But most of the time you can and I’d recommend getting the EZ 66 Guide to help as it gives turn by turn directions. Just note that it will be more challenging to follow a guide or map on a motorcycle, so you may want to have a more relaxed plan rather than trying to be exact about following it.

Also if you have the chance to do the route westward from Chicago to Los Angeles (instead of eastward) I’d definitely recommend doing it east to west to follow the original route and development of the road (and westward expansion of people from the midwest to west coast).

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your 60th b-day trip!

Sarah Post author

January 3, 2020 at 5:18 am

Thanks for the amazing post! lost of very helpful information, and it sounds like you had a great time. I’m just starting to put together an itinerary for when we go, but had planned to take about 5 weeks, do you think that is too long? We are going to do all / almost all of the side trips, but do you think we would end up with too much ‘free’ time in smaller stops along the way?

Thanks!! Sarah

January 3, 2020 at 8:17 am

I think 4 weeks is a pretty perfect amount of time for traveling the route slowly, 5 weeks may be too long for some people but it really depends on how much you plan to do and what you like to do. It, of course, will give you lots of time to spend more time in each place, do side trips, and detours.

So it really depends a lot on your interests. For instance, Laurence and I can easily spend a day exploring small towns or doing a hike but for some people, that might be pretty boring. So you know yourself best about how well you enjoy small town and rural attractions. If you enjoy them, there are lot of options along Route 66, but there are also a number of cities (of varying sizes) as well. Our itinerary has a good mix of cities and towns of varying sizes, but since you have more time, you can add more time to the types of places you enjoy most.

I’d definitely turn some of the overnight stops into 2 night stops to give yourself extra time in places to avoid having to move each night. If you enjoy cities, then you could easily spend 3 days or more in both Los Angeles and Chicago so that could be an extra week just there. Then detours to places like the Ozarks, Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas could be another week.

I’d start with our itinerary (the route is pretty set in terms of Route 66) and then add days to overnight stops where you want to spend more time, add overnight stops in places you want to stop but aren’t included on the itinerary (e.g., perhaps you’d like to spend the night also in St. Louis, Santa Fe, and/or Williams), add in the time for detours you want to make, and then see how many extra days those additions will take. That should give you a good idea if the 5 weeks is too much or not for you!

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have more questions as you plan your Route 66 road trip! Jessica

alexandre calixto Post author

December 26, 2019 at 10:50 am

hi thx for post this will try next vacation, but first have to get my visa to USA!

December 26, 2019 at 2:46 pm

Hi Alexandre, Glad you enjoyed the post, and yes getting your visa and travel documents in order is definitely a good first step if you are coming from outside the USA! Good luck, Jessica

DOUGLAS JACK Post author

December 26, 2019 at 4:51 am

Dear Jessica and Laurence, Apologies – I feel a bit silly! Forget my previous comment about the length of Rte 66 (except for the bit about how brilliant your blog is). I have discovered that the driving distances site for the US that I have been using for years has suddenly started to give distances in miles that are actually Kms. All is explained. As an aside, (my having been in Edinburgh all my school and university days), your Edinburgh blog is spot on! Douglas

December 26, 2019 at 7:50 am

Hi Douglas,

Ah, yes, I just replied to your other comment earlier today and I guessed that it might be that you were looking at it in kms instead of miles. We are often doing km to mile translations ourselves so totally understandable, and it makes sense what your distance calculator calculations were so wildly off!

So glad you enjoyed our Edinburgh content as well. Yes, we lived near Edinburgh for about 5 years until just a few months ago actually 😉

Just let us know if you have any questions as you continue to plan your Route 66 trip!

Carl Post author

October 4, 2019 at 8:56 pm

Fantastic information thank you so much for all your time and effort to do this. We are from Australia and planning the 2 week drive in April/May 2020. Is it possible to download your Guide as a PDF so it can be referenced on the iPad during our drive or Heaven forbid printed out on paper ? !

October 5, 2019 at 4:07 am

I am very happy to hear that you are finding our Route 66 articles helpful in planning your trip. We don’t have any of our articles available as a downloadable PDF file or as a printable format at this time. We have had several similar requests for our articles, so we are looking into some solutions so contact us next year and we may have some options.

If you are subscribed to our monthly newsletter or part of our Facebook group , that is a good place to see our announcements and updates. It is something we are hoping to have a solution for by 2020.

Let us know if you have any questions as you plan your road trip!

stu johnson Post author

October 3, 2019 at 4:47 pm

in 1947 my dad moved our family from Michigan to California via US66. I know we did not travel the entire route. I was only 9 years at the time, so I do not remember much it. But the one thing that I have always remembered was spending Christmas in Texas. Later in the early 50’s we drove back to Michigan and came back via US66. My dad was a WWII Marine and was stationed in Camp Pendleton, CA.

October 4, 2019 at 10:41 am

Hi Stu, Yes, a lot of families and military personnel traveled Route 66 around that time and it is great that you have at least some memories from that trip out West. Are you planning to drive Route 66 again yourself now? Best, Jessica

Tom Lombard Post author

October 2, 2019 at 3:06 pm

Beautifully written. Best summary we’ve found. We are retired folks who did the first third of old Route 66 a few years ago and will do the middle third next week. Your summary has helped us prepare. Thanks.

October 4, 2019 at 10:38 am

Hi Tom, So glad to hear that and love that after doing the first third, you are coming back to do the middle third of Route 66 next week. Have a great road trip! Best, Jessica

Dave Loughner Post author

September 4, 2019 at 7:52 pm

Love your itinerary. Is there a paper copy available for purchase? Not a big internet user. Planning on 66 trip next spring.

September 5, 2019 at 2:59 am

Unfortunately, we don’t have any paper copies or books of any of our blog content at this time. We are looking into possible solutions in the future, but right now all our Route 66 content is just on our travel blogs. Feel free to check back with us in the Spring before your road trip.

Bethany Williams Post author

September 1, 2019 at 8:56 am

As everyone has already stated, this blog has been my official guide for planning our trip at the end of the month. It’s exceptional and I couldn’t have imagined planning the journey without constantly referring back to it. My biggest concern for when we go is that we’re going to struggle with the map reading, I’ve purchased the EZ66 guide by Jerry McClanahan as you recommended, however growing up in a generation where we’ve never needed to following road maps and alternatively rely on sat navs/iphones I have a feeling we might struggle. I’ve recently been looking at an app that I can download to my phone (Route 66 Navigation) for £35 with a pre-planned route of historic Route 66. What are your thoughts on this and are there any other apps/downloadable maps for sat navs you’d suggest?

Thanks in advance! 🙂 Bethany

September 1, 2019 at 1:47 pm

Hi Bethany,

So glad to hear that our Route 66 guide has been useful in planning your trip!

We have not personally used the Route 66 Navigation or any other navigation apps (such as the one by River pilot which you can see here ). The app you mention has some pretty mixed reviews online as you can see in the Google App store and such. So I would read over those to decide if that might be a good idea or not for you. Some people have said it was good and others terrible.

We personally used a combo of the EZ66 guide, an actual map, and our GPS. We never ran into any major issues. It is easier if you are going east to west so you don’t need to reverse directions or put extra thought into it. One of us drove and the other would keep track of the EZ66 guide as needed. We’d kept the GPS on to check the road we were on, look for upcoming roads, and navigate to specific places nearby (e.g., restaurant or hotel) or off the route. The map was useful to be able to plan, see the full route for the day, and see what was coming up next.

If you are using the EZ66 guide and/or our detailed day-by-day itinerary, that should also help as you know which town is coming up next and can always navigate to that if you get a little off track or feel you need to use your GPS.

I hope that helps and I think you’ll be OK even if you don’t use the navigation, and getting a little lost is just part of the journey. It is hard to get really lost as you can always use your GPS or phone maps to get you back to the route.

BTW, we’d love to have you come back and post and let us know about your trip and any tips you have from it!

Happy travels, Jessica

Patrick Breheny Post author

September 9, 2019 at 7:05 pm

Hi Bethany My wife and I are currently doing route 66 and we are using the Route 66 Navigation . Once we had the maps downloaded on our phone we could then use them off line. We have found it to be very helpful leading us to attractions and through the towns and cities along the route. We have used this post during our planning of the trip (we are from Ireland) and have found it very helpful. We also refer back to it every evening for advice.

dawn stevens Post author

August 11, 2019 at 8:06 am

Hi I just wanted to say how informational your posts are! I’m planning a road trip for me and my husband May of 2021 ( I knw that’s a ways off) but I like to plan ahead. we will just be doing the Texas to California portion on our 2 weeks We plan on spending more time in California. thanks again for all the very valuable info it will be a life saver….

August 12, 2019 at 2:14 am

Hi Dawn, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and let us know that our article has been helpful in planning your Route 66 trip! The Texas to California section is a good section of the route and will allow you to see a lot. We just spent a couple of weeks in California over the summer and there is lots you can do during/after your Route 66 trip. You could consider driving up the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco (we have an article on that) after you arrive in LA if you wish. But there are also loads of other places to visit in CA, just let us know if you have any questions. Enjoy! Jessica

Federico Post author

August 4, 2019 at 10:36 am

Hi Jessica & Laurence

After found this blog I haven´t realized that this Route would take that long to see it, because we where planning to see it in the way to LA from Williams in one day. As we already have booked everything there´s nothing that we can do to get more time, so it will be invaluable if you give us advice of what to visit in the way, we love landscapes like the Painted Desert, also authentic places like the Cadillac Ranch, Old CoffeShops, Hotels, with neon signs, etc..

Thanks in advance,

August 5, 2019 at 7:38 am

Hi Federico,

It is too bad you did not read our Route 66 guide before booking your trip. Yes, unfortunately, you are not going to have much time to explore Route 66 as it is about 7 hours of driving (quickest route, not Route 66) to get from Los Angeles, CA to Williams, AZ. You won’t really have time to faithfully follow the route on this trip as it would require a lot more time as we’d recommend at least 3 days for this part of the route.

So I would choose one or two attractions you really want to see on the way between LA and Williams and then you can take time to explore the Route 66 attractions in Williams itself since you’ll have more time to relax and explore there if you are staying overnight. You can check our detailed Route 66 itinerary and see what is between those two cities (look at Days 14, Day 13, Day 12, and part of Day 11). There are loads of places you could stop, but you will have limited time so I’d choose a couple of things you really want to see.

The Painted Desert is located east of Williams and Cadillac Ranch is located in Texas so unless you are continuing along the route you won’t be able to stop there. Are you continuing on to Chicago? If so, you might want to check out this 1 week itinerary that may be useful.

Hope that helps, and wishing you a good trip!

August 6, 2019 at 7:45 am

Hi again Jessica,

Thanks a lot for the advice, because of it we are trying to add one more day, at least, to the circuit.

BTW Awesome blog, it´s very detailed and helpful.

August 7, 2019 at 4:55 am

Enjoy Federico, and just let us know if you have any further questions after looking at the guide and itinerary. Hope you have a great visit to the USA! Best, Jessica

Johnny Post author

August 1, 2019 at 7:23 am

Hey Jessica & Laurence, I’ve just finished reading through your absolutely amazing Route 66 Guide. All I can say is ‘Wow!’ what an amazing thing you did! – and to share it so eloquently, well, you must both be congratulated on it! 🙂 My friend and I were ruminating over a pint a few nights ago (we’re English) when we somehow got onto a conversation that neither of us have been to The States, and how much we would one day love to. Then, in a kinda ‘light bulb’ moment – I asked him whether he’d ever thought about driving Route 66. Well, he had not but now, we both can’t stop thinking about the possibility of doing so! Things in both our lives will have to line up first; a bit like stars in the sky, before this idea can become a reality. But now that the notion of it is fixed in my brain, who knows what the future will bring! Thanks again for making the possibility of it, seem even more real! Kind regards, Johnny

August 1, 2019 at 8:49 am

Hi Johnny, So happy you have found our Route 66 guide to be helpful and inspirational 😉 I hope that you and your friend both get a chance to visit the U.S. some day soon and to do the drive along old Route 66 – I am sure you would enjoy it! Feel free to reach out in the future if you get to the stage of trip planning with any questions. Best, Jessica & Laurence

DaMommas Post author

July 31, 2019 at 9:49 am

Thank you for such a great post! I am considering making the trip next year from Chicago, as I will be turning 66 shortly. Kind of getting my kicks at 66. 🙂 I hadn’t realized the signs were removed when it was decommissioned, very good to know!

August 1, 2019 at 1:47 am

Hi there, Driving Route 66 to celebrate turning 66 sounds like a great idea 😉 Yes, since the original Route 66 signs were official road signs, they had to be taken down as the sections were decommissioned. However, there are now brown historic Route 66 signs along many sections of the route now. But since the route itself is not signed in many places, you’ll want a guide to keep you on the route. Best, Jessica

sal desanto Post author

July 18, 2019 at 7:12 am

HI, I AM A RETIRED TEAMSTER AND HAVE DRIVEN TRACTOR-TRAILERS FOR OVER 30 YRS. I AND MY WIFE HAVE BEEN LOOKING TO TRAVEL 66 FOR A WHILE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFO ON THIS TRIP. NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD FOIND SOMETHING LIKE THIS. WE HAVE LIVED IN VEGAS FOR A FEW YEARS SO WE ARE FAMILAR WITH THE SOUTHWEST. I AM THINKING NEXT YEAR STARTING IN AUGUST BY LEAVING FROM CHI-TOWN. I WILL READ YOUR INFO AND COPY IT FOR REFERENCE TO START WITH. WE WILL FLY INTO CHIGAGO AND RENT A VEHICLE TO DRIVE OUT THEN FLY BACK. WE HAVE DRIVEN ACROSS TWICE BEFORE BUT NOT ON 66. THANK YOU, REGARDS. SALVATORE.

July 18, 2019 at 10:00 am

Hi Sal, Glad you are finding our Route 66 guide helpful in planning your road trip from Chicago. Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip! Best, Jessica

Tiffany Post author

July 17, 2019 at 3:41 pm

Where did you find the large route 66 sign on the actual highway? Would there be any between Albuquerque and Santa Fe?

July 17, 2019 at 4:55 pm

Hi Tiffany, There are a number of places along Route 66 where people have painted Route 66 shields on the highway but these change over time (wear off, get paved over) and are not official so it is hard to give you a location. I think all the locations in the photos (most are from a few years ago) in our posts come from California and Arizona, which are two states where I think we saw the most shields and also were taken in places where there was no traffic making it safe to photograph them. But we saw them in just about every state, including Kansas! If you drive the route (or a longer stretch of it), you’ll likely run across them in a number of places.

There are almost always shields on the highway at the Midway Point in Adiran TX (near the NM border) which is one of the more popular places to see and be able to photograph them so you are pretty guaranteed to see them there. We recently (a couple weeks ago) saw some Route 66 shields on the road in California near Amboy so I know there are 2 there at the moment in good shape.

I don’t know of any shields on the highway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. But they have installed a Route 66 neon sign near 6411 Central Ave NW in Albuquerque that is over the highway. It is close to the Western View Steak House and looks great at night when the neon is lit. There is still a number of nice Route 66 era neon signs in Albuquerque.

Hope that helps!

Amara Post author

July 16, 2019 at 5:19 am

It’s really helpful for me to get such information to guide to plan for road trip. i really like to go on rte 66 road trip on highway, it’s really feel so amazing .

July 17, 2019 at 12:20 pm

Hi Amara, Glad you found our Route 66 guide helpful and I do hope you get a chance to take this road trip. Just let us know if you have any questions. Best, Jessica

Herb Shartle Post author

July 6, 2019 at 6:52 pm

Just stayed at the El Vado in Albuquerque on 66 and within walking distance to the old town square. It has been recently renovated and worth the slightly higher cost per night…

July 7, 2019 at 8:10 am

Hi Herb, Glad you had a good stay at El Vado in Albuquerque, we were there last year. The motel was actually closed back in 2008 but the building was restored and reopened in August 2018. It is a hotel plus dining area and shops. You can read more in our guide about Route 66 attractions in Albuquerque . Jessica

Steele Honda Post author

June 20, 2019 at 2:14 pm

Thanks for pointing out that in Arizona, you might want to make a pitstop at Wild West Junction in Williams, Arizona. My husband and I are thinking about taking a road trip down Route 66 this summer. I think it would be fun to stop and see some of the unique things like that pitstop along the way to help make our trip even more fun.

June 21, 2019 at 5:55 am

Hi Steele, Yes, it is a good potential stop for those interested in western and cowboy stops along Route 66. Wishing you and your husband a great road trip! Jessica

Tom & Catherine Post author

March 1, 2019 at 5:36 am

Hi just finished reading all the info on your site and really found it informative. We are getting ready to have a family trip (eight of us) using a crusing van. We plan on renting it from Florida where we will be based from and then doing stops in Nashville and Branson, Mo to see some sites before getting on 66. Since we do not have time to run the whole route our thoughts are to pick it up in Mo…possibly Springfield and then go as far as Arizona since we plan on heading up to Vegas from there. Based on that itinerary how many days would you think we need to be able to travel the route as close to original as possible and still see some of the great sites between those two points? Any thoughts or suggestions by anyone would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Tom & Catherine

March 1, 2019 at 7:18 am

Hi Tom & Catherine,

Yes, if you are visiting Branson Missouri, Springfield, MO is a good place to start your Route 66 journey. This falls in the middle of Day 3 of our suggested 2 week itinerary. Then to detour to Las Vegas and end your Route 66 road trip, I’d recommend either Kingman, AZ (Day 11 of our itinerary) or Needles, CA (day 12 of our itinerary) depending on the time you have.

So for that sort of itinerary and following the route closely (using our suggested itinerary) I’d recommend 8 or 9 days along Route 66 (add extra time if you are making any major detours). Going at a slower pace, 10 days. If limited on time, you can do it in fewer days, you’ll just take highway to speed up between major attractions.

Since you are traveling as a big group, I’d also take into consideration how interested each person is in the Route 66 aspect. If some travelers are less interested than others, then you may want to speed up some sections by taking sections of the highway as some attractions do require some interest in Route 66 to appreciate 😉

Dave K Post author

February 20, 2019 at 8:27 pm

This is an awesome sight, guys! Thank you so much for it. You rock!!!

In 2009, we ventured from Richmond, Virginia & picked up 66 in NE Oklahoma & drove to Santa Rosa on our way to see our kids @ Holloman AFB in Alamogordo, NM. Had a lot of fun with the blue whale and the “Cars” places in Shamrock TX. Enjoyed a night @ the Big Texas Steak Ranch. Stayed at the motel with the fake cowhide bedspread. A real hoot! Have been to the Cadillac Ranch twice; although, I think it is losing its allure.

We now live in Colorado Springs and this past weekend we picked up part of the Santa Fe leg just below Las Vegas, NM (SR 84). We enjoyed the stretch of Historic 66 from Moriarty, NM all the way through Albuquerque finishing at Enchanted Trails RV Park. Took the route up to Santa Fe & had a lovely evening in a bungalow @ El Rey Inn.

I’ve only read your planning guide, but will read the actual 2-wk site in the next few days since we hope to get the rest of NM & AZ in next month. Kinda worried about the weather in early March though. I’ll write more later, but THANKS AGAIN!

February 21, 2019 at 3:54 am

Hi Dave, Glad you have enjoyed your time so far on Route 66 and have found our planning guide useful! El Rey and the Big Texan are both classic places to stay 😉 I am sure you’ll enjoy the rest of NM & AZ – Arizona has a lot of Rte 66 treasures.

The weather can be unpredictable in March but it certainly should not be busy. I’d just check the weather and pack accordingly and take it slow. Let us know if you have any questions once you check out our suggested Route 66 road trip itinerary and look forward to hearing how you enjoy the next part of the route.

Howard Penn Post author

January 26, 2019 at 6:59 pm

I drive from Detroit to Tucson yearly. I’ve been on many parts of 66, I’m always seeing something new. It’s an amazing journey. Take your time and explore!! This is a great website as well. See you on the road!

January 27, 2019 at 4:42 am

Hi Howard, Happy to hear that you have enjoyed driving along parts of Route 66 and hope you get to continue to see more on future trips. Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad to hear you enjoyed our road trip planning guide. Best, Jessica

Andrew Post author

January 18, 2019 at 4:20 am

There is an easy way to avoid the heavy one way fees for car rental – do the route in reverse – price for car rental from Chicago to LA I got quoted yesterday £1,500, same company quoted me £480 to go from LA to Chicago. This is because everyone is going from Chicago to LA so they have a load of cars needing to be taken back to Chicago.

January 18, 2019 at 9:02 am

Hi Andrew! Thanks for that great car rental tip for Route 66. I think that if people are flexible in the direction they are going, it is definitely worth checking out the rates going from both direction to see which is lowest! Best, Jessica

Susana Post author

November 18, 2018 at 12:33 am

This website is really amazing! The details are awesome!

I have been dreaming this trip for more than 20 years and it’s still hard to believe I will make it next year May/2019 with your help. Unfortunately I only have two weeks… but I am not discouraged! Flying Dubai-Chicago and then Los Angeles-Dubai so really travelling from far to travel the Mother Road.

Anyway, thank you for getting your kicks in the Route 66 and share it with us!

Going to check your suggestions for renting the car! 🙂

November 18, 2018 at 7:12 am

So happy that you found our Route 66 information helpful and I hope it will help you plan your upcoming road trip in May!

2 weeks is a great amount of time and should allow you to see the full route and most of its highlights. For a day-to-day guide is our 2 week Route 66 itinerary .

For the rental car, just be sure to check to see if there are extra one-way fees sine you will be renting in one city and dropping off in another. Also check to see if you will need an International Drivers License or not, always a good idea, and you’ll need to apply for that in advance from your home country.

Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your Mother Road road trip!

Monika Vaičiūnaitė Post author

August 25, 2018 at 5:26 am

Hey, Jessica and Laurence,

I have been looking for a way to plan Route 66 trip for a long time. I believe your post is the best thing on the internet!

I am planing the trip with my dad (as this father-daughter thing) but as we are from Europe it’s hard to understand the way road trips work in America. This was exceptionally helpful. We are hoping to experience the classic feel of America through the whole country (with us renting a Mustang and listening to classic rock 🙂 ).

Though I do have one question. I understand that the financial part of the trip is very personal depending of what we’ll see, eat and where we’ll sleep, but excluding the plane tickets and the car rental, what would be the approximate amount of money spent on this kind of trip (as we have no understanding of prices in America). Or a better question- what would be the best way to calculate the vacation budget? if you have any tips, that would be greatly appreciated!

August 25, 2018 at 2:33 pm

So happy you are finding our Route 66 road trip guide so helpful in planning your father-daughter road trip!

Yes, the cost will be very depending on the types of places you want to stay, eat, and visit. Also on how long your trip lasts (e.g. a 12 day trip is going to cost a lot more than a 20 day trip). The things you’ll want to factor for are your car rental, fuel, food, entrance fees/tours/activities, and lodging. Also souvenirs if you plan to do some shopping.

Note that if you want to drive a Mustang, the rental car price for that type of car will be 2 to 3 times that of a regular car and you’ll have limited rental options. If you are traveling on a budget, you might want to consider a regular compact or economy car.

Prices will depend on where you are along the route (Los Angeles and Chicago have much higher average lodging prices than say OKlahoma or Kansas) and fuel is normally much more expensive in California than in other states. It will also depend on what type of lodging and restaurants you like. But you can stay in 1 room (2 people) at budget to lower mid-range motels, inns, and hotels along the route, on an average, for USD $70 to $90/night along many parts of the route. If you are not sharing 1 room and need 2 rooms, I’d say USD $125 to $180 per night. You’ll need to increase that price if you want to stay at nicer hotels.

For food, you can get free breakfast at many motels and hotels (check when booking), and easily eat for around $15/person for lunch and $20/person for dinner (no alcoholic drinks) at diners, fast food places, delis, and cafes. Even less if you want to and you can of course also make sandwiches, cook your own meals, etc. to save money. But of course if want to eat at nicer restaurants, you’ll need to increase that budget. Restaurants in cities like Chicago, Santa Fe, and Santa Monica can be very expensive.

Fuel prices fluctuate a lot so I’d check the prices ahead of your trip, such as here or here .

Here is a post about costs of travel in the USA that might help.

But the best way is to just start looking at the kind of lodging and restaurants you want to eat at. I’d go through and check some of the lodging prices and menu prices for some of the places listed on our Route 66 itinerary to get a better idea. You can often save money and better stick to a budget by booking your lodging in advance.

Hope that helps give you an idea, and please feel free to ask any further questions as you continue to plan your road trip!

Leo Post author

July 25, 2018 at 1:52 pm

Hey guys, great guide, you did cover everything anyone needs to make this trip. I do have one request though…can you please make some comments about fuel availability? Perhaps there are stretches that may be better to drive them with a full tank, or maybe there are sections with not much gas stations (or non at all). And what about tolls? Did you find Toll by Plate booths all the way? Did you pay cash? How did you deal with this? Is there an estimate amount of money spent on tolls that you can share? Thanks a lot!

July 25, 2018 at 3:22 pm

Glad you are finding our Route 66 road trip guide helpful in planning your trip!

It is probably always a good idea to keep your tank at the 1/4 mark or above when driving Route 66 as it can be a fairly long drive to the next gas station along some stretches of the route. The route becomes more rural with fewer towns as you get further west, but there is almost always a gas station within a 30 to 60 minute drive. The only stretch though that would be a real concern is the Mojave Desert stretch in California as it is the most desolate stretch with the fewest services. To get a better idea of the route, you can check out our suggested 2 week Route 66 itinerary as it will give you an idea of the number of towns/cities along each stretch.

BTW, as mentioned in the article if you do NOT have an American credit card with an American address, you may not be able to get fuel at automatic stations without an attendant. Many require you to put in the zip code attached to the credit card. So if that is the case, I’d be sure to always fill up during the day at stations with an attendant or store attached in case you need to go inside to pay.

Sounds like you have traveled in a state (Florida maybe?) where there are a lot of road tolls and the tolls-by-plate system is in place. As far as I know and can remember, there are no road tolls along Route 66. However, you may encounter them as you drive around to explore the larger cities along the route like Chicago and Los Angeles. But you are unlikely to encounter many, if any, road tolls and I don’t think this is something you really need to factor into your budget. If you do encounter tolls, you can pay cash.

Hope this helps! Jessica

Goncalo P Post author

July 5, 2018 at 7:31 am

Hi Jessica & Laurence,

Nice blog about Route 66 experience. I am planning to do it in soon…

How much does it cost to rent a car (pick Up Chicago and Drop at LA) for 15 days ? All companies apllies the “one way drop off” fee, and i Can´t find any economy/medium car (2 people) for less than 1500 USD ! Can you please give some tips.

Thanks, Goncalo

July 5, 2018 at 7:58 am

Hi Goncalo,

Glad you are finding our Route 66 planning guide helpful, and excited to hear that you are planning to do the route this summer.

There are a lot of major rental car companies that have offices in both Chicago and Los Angeles and allow one-way rentals, but as you are finding, most charge a hefty one-way rental fee. Rental car prices depend a lot on time of year as well.

Here are some tips for finding the lowest price car rental for Route 66:

• We like to use Priceline to compare rental car prices as it compares across a number of companies. However, you still need to be careful about one-way fees as they come back with the one-way fees after booking (if they apply) and then you can cancel the booking or not.
• We normally find in the U.S. that Enterprise or Budget has the lowest rates for regular cars. When you book directly, it should show you all one-way fees.
• Summer and holidays are going to be the busiest time for rentals and the most expensive time. This probably doesn’t help as it sounds like you are planning to travel in summer, but you can often save money traveling off-season and avoiding holidays.
• Check prices outside of airports as rental car agencies usually charge more when located at an airport and may charge additional fees. It may be less expensive to take a taxi or bus into the nearest city for a less expensive rental. Enterprise will pick you up and often has a number of offices outside of airports to keep costs down.
• If the above don’t work, you can also try checking prices for cities located nearby Chicago and LA. For instance instead of Chicago, see if you get cheaper prices by picking up in Evanston or Joliet, or dropping off in Long Beach. This may be less convenient though so you’d need to factor that in as well.

Hope this helps and let us know if you have further questions as you plan your Route 66 road trip!

Shawn Post author

June 29, 2018 at 11:49 pm

Wow, this is amazing!! Great practical advice in your planning guide and a very useable detailed Rte 66 itinerary. 100X better than any of the other travel websites out there and 10X than any of the actual guidebooks I have checked. We will be using this to guide our Route 66 road trip next month, we are only doing about 1/2 of the route this time but know we’ll be back next year to do the rest and using your wonderful guide. Thank you for taking the time to put this excellent resource together for the benefit of the rest of us!!

July 14, 2018 at 8:00 pm

Hi Shawn, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, and we are very happy that you are finding our planning guide and itinerary helpful in planning your Route 66 road trip! We do put a lot of time and effort into our travel blog and always love to hear when we have helped someone. Do let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip, and feel free to report back on your own Route 66 trip! Best, Jessica

Perri Wilson Post author

June 29, 2018 at 6:11 pm

I wanted to thank you for all the information in your blog. We are planning a Coast to Coast trip next year following I-40 from Barstow to the east coast (not sure where) then on to the Florida Keys. it’ll be 5 motorcycles with chase truck for most of the trip, so I’m looking to use US66 to keep us off the highways to probably western Missouri. I plan on checking out your itinerary, mainly to see if there were parts of the road that were not motorcycle friendly – too deteriorated parts of the road. And I have followed a couple of your links to guides on Amazon. The book – The Route 66 Party Guide sounds like it’ll be just the guide to have. Thanks again for a wonderful afternoon of road trip research!

July 1, 2018 at 1:27 am

Hi Perri, So glad your found our Route 66 guide and the itinerary will also likely come in handy for the sections you want to drive.

Sadly, the specific motorcycle guides have come and gone and for whatever reason don’t seem to come out in regular new editions but the Party Guide is still the most popular for bikers. Based on our experience, motorcycles can still follow most of the ~ 80% of the road still available and you are typically only a few miles from the Interstate if you do decide a road is a bit too rough. I would probably also recommend the latest version of the EZ 66 Guide as Jerry typically has the latest road information (he does the route in a car each year but many motorcyclists use his guide as well) and you can visit his website to learn more about road closures, floods, detours, etc. that have occurred since the latest book.

If you are looking for a historic route to the east coast you might consider U.S. Route 30 which today still closely follows the Lincoln Highway – it was the first transcontinental road for automobiles in the U.S (in 1913!). It stretches from California to New York, and from 66 could connect from say Illinois (it goes through Joliet, IL). I have driven only sections, so can’t stay anything for motorcycles or traffic, but it may be one route to consider.

The Keys are fantastic and a great way to end such an epic cross-country road trip! So many great towns and cities you can visit on the way south as well. Feel free to reach out if you want any recommendations as you continue your planning!

Rachel Green Post author

June 18, 2018 at 10:14 pm

My great-grandfather used to tell my father his stories of Route 66, about the experienced he had with his friends. These fun stories have created curiosity in my mind that even I want to experience Rte 66 once in my life at least. I really liked how you explained everything in such detail you made me remember all those stories I heard when I was a kid.

June 19, 2018 at 12:50 pm

Hi Rachel, Thanks for your comment and I hope you have a chance to do a Route 66 road trip some day and see some of the things that your great-grandfather spoke about to your father! Best, Jessica

David Post author

June 17, 2018 at 11:44 pm

Before undertaking Route 66 I started researching online. There was a lot of information out there, much of it not very helpful so the first task was to work out which sites provided information and suggestions which were relevant to the trip I wanted to do. Yours was the best by what Australians would call “a country mile”: helpful, well written and current with no hint of partisanship (apart from the JUCY sponsorship which you declared quite openly).

Armed with the information from your site, I was able to target my further research without wasting time and effort. In the end, I opted for three weeks on the Route (not including my 3 and 1/2 days in Chicago – a city full of pleasant surprises) and my last day in LA before flying back to Australia. Apart from two nights in Santa Fe, every night was in a different place because if I was to complete the trip in the three weeks I’d allowed myself, there wasn’t time to dilly-dally too long. I chose to follow the actual Route as far as possible and if where there was more than one alignment, I would always take the older alignment if it was available and driveable.

I think your advice to not over-plan the trip is critical. This is not characteristic of my holiday planning, but in the end, I just decidedt to go with the Road and stop at the end of the day. Sure, there was so much more I could have spent time seeing, but I’ll be back another day. For those contemplating Route 66, heed the advice of the Travel Cats and buy a copy of ‘EZ66’ (or something equally as comprehensive) but make sure you get the latest edition. I know Jerry McClanahan is intending to update that publication but I doubt that will be on the bookshelves for another year at least). The ‘Here it is’ maps were invaluable, as was Drew Knowles ‘Route 66 Adventure Handbook’. Yes, you need lots of information and you’re constantly cross-referencing, but it’s worth the effort.

So many sights, experiences and now memories. I loved it and am so glad I had the opportunity to experience Route 66 first-hand. The fact that you’re on this web site is a great start to your own journey – travel safely. And a very big ‘thank you’ to Jessica and Laurence for their invaluable help.

June 25, 2018 at 12:58 am

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and share about your Route 66 road trip experience after the trip!

Sounds like you had a great Route 66 trip – 3 weeks allows you to really explore and see a lot. We are also happy to hear you used our Route 66 articles to help plan your road trip and sightsee along the way! We spent a lot of time on those posts and are always very happy to know that they have helped other travelers 😉

Happy travels! Jessica

Joanne Cameron Post author

May 1, 2018 at 6:19 pm

WOW!!!!! This was such a great sight to get to know the Route 66 and all that it has to offer. Our family, when we were kids, and there were 5 of us and our parents drove from NJ to CA back in the 60’s in a Rambler and remember the old road that we drove and the newer highways that offered a faster pace. Thank goodness my dad stopped at some of the Historical towns and sights. My 66th Birthday is this May and thought I would make that trip. Looking so forward to it. Thank you for all your great info. :}

May 2, 2018 at 12:00 pm

Hi Joanne, Glad you have fond memories of being in the car with your family along Route 66 back in the 1960’s 😉 I am so happy you are enjoyed our Route 66 guide and happy that you are planning a Route 66 trip for May. Hopefully our guide and our Route 66 itinerary will help you plan your trip, but do let us know if you have any questions as we are happy to help! Best, Jessica

JD Byous Post author

May 1, 2018 at 10:31 am

Love your articles… especially this one. As a child my family traveled Route 66 each year to visit family in Eastern Oklahoma. Your excellent writing and photos bring back many good memories. JD Byous

May 1, 2018 at 1:23 pm

Hi JD, So glad you enjoyed our Route 66 travel guide and I am glad it brought back some good memories for you. I hope you get a chance to travel the road again in the future 😉 Best, Jessica

Karen Taylor Post author

January 18, 2018 at 2:49 pm

Hi, We are thinking of traveling Route 66 next year, just read your blog, very informative and helpful, thank you!

I was wondering about safety on the route? My other worry was breaking down but you have already covered that. One part of me loves the thought of being on the open road of the route, the other worries about the dangers you could encounter? Standing out as obvious tourists with regards to robberies etc?

January 19, 2018 at 6:18 am

I am glad that you found our Route 66 article helpful!

Yes, there are many ways to be prepared for car related issues or accidents such as having proper insurance, subscribing to a roadside assistance program, making sure you have the proper gear in your car (e.g., extra tire, extra headlight bulbs, safety vest), etc.

The safety question is a good one and I will add some of this information to the main article for future readers who may also have concerns.

In terms of safety, I think you’d want to basically do what you’d do in any other area of the USA or really any country. Crime rates vary considerably along the route from big cities like LA, Chicago and Albuquerque where there is higher crime to small little towns in Oklahoma or Arizona that may experience almost no crime. A lot of crime, especially violent crime, happens late at night or early in the morning so completing your sightseeing by dinner time (most things are closed by then anyway) and heading off to your accommodation for the night may make you feel safer. We felt very safe on our trip, particularly during the day but I has also been to many of the states before and had lived in both CA and NM.

I think the biggest concerns are probably theft (of valuables and car) and here is some of our general safety advice we give to people when traveling (applies to Route 66 or really anywhere!). Keep your valuables hidden, car and hotel doors locked, and be cautious about opening motel or hotel doors to people you don’t know. If you are wearing a purse, I’d wear a cross body one that is difficult for someone to snatch. Have copies of important phone numbers, IDs and credit cards stored in a separate place (physical and/or online) in case your purse and/or phone are stolen. Keep your cell phones charged and carry a spare battery or charger. Always have a bit of cash on you ($20 to $50) but don’t carry large amounts of cash in case you are robbed. Let other people not on your trip know your general plans. Some people also like to carry pepper spray.

If you are camping, I’d stay at proper campsites with staff on-site and avoid camping off by yourself out of sight of others. If staying in budget motels or rented rooms (e.g., Airbnb ), I’d be sure to read reviews and check on the area a bit (especially in larger cities) to try to avoid high crime areas. It can also help to make sure you have your lodging booked ahead at least a day or two in advance so you are never scrambling to find lodging late at night. We did not have any safety related issues during our trip but I think you should definitely watch out for yourself like you would anywhere else and if you are new to these areas, it is always good to be a little extra cautious.

Hope this helps, and wishing you a wonderful (and safe) Route 66 road trip if you do decide to do it!!

Aaron C. Post author

October 3, 2017 at 10:55 am

Excellent article! I like how thorough and detailed it is. One thing that scares me with long road trips like this is car trouble. Something as little as a flat tire or bad fuel injector can throw off the entire trip. Thanks for writing.

October 4, 2017 at 9:41 am

Hi Aaron, Thanks, glad you enjoyed our Route 66 road trip article and thanks for taking the time to comment. Yes, a long road trip can be a bit scary as things can go wrong with your car. In fact, we just had a flat tire and problems with our clutch on a road trip in the past couple of weeks. But there are ways that you can be prepared for some issues such as having insurance, subscribing to a roadside assistance program, making sure you have the proper gear in your car (e.g., extra tire, extra headlight bulbs, safety vest), etc.. Even though we’ve had significant car problems this trip, it has not ruined our trip at all as we had roadside assistance and were able to always get issues sorted same day or next day. But definitely something you should think about, especially if going to less populated areas where you may not be close to service stations. Best, Jessica

Blaine Tamayo Post author

September 14, 2017 at 6:52 am

This article really helps! Thank you for sharing this guide on planning a roadtrip on Route 66.

September 14, 2017 at 12:28 pm

Hi Blaine, You’re very welcome, glad you found our Route 66 planning guide helpful! We had a wonderful time traveling Route 66 and wishing you a similarly wonderful Route 66 road trip! Best, Jessica

Louise Post author

August 24, 2017 at 9:24 am

I enjoyed reading about your thoughts and experiences on Route 66. We’re a Kiwi and Japanese couple who just came from a our own Route 66 odyssey–well, half of it. Now that our kids are self sufficient, we took the time to do a couple’s trip. Due to work schedules, we only had 10 days to get over there from Tokyo and back again, so we did half the route, from Chicago to Adrian, TX. We look forward to doing the other half in a year or two, hopefully by Harley next time. (My husband is a biker. I am the decorative partner who rides on the back.) All the best to you guys and your cats–we have three of our own. Three kids, three cats.

August 24, 2017 at 9:38 am

Hi Louise, Glad you enjoyed reading our guide to Route 66, and it sounds like you had a great trip if you plan to return to do the rest of the route. Yes, and congrats on doing exactly half of it as Adrian, Texas (to those readers who don’t know) is considered the exact midpoint of Route 66 😉 The second half is quite different to the first and very scenic, especially from New Mexico to the California desert. Wishing the best to you as well and hope you get a chance to return in the next few years! Best, Jessica

Vickie Good Post author

June 3, 2017 at 7:09 pm

Thanks for the great information, I want to buy a gas card for a friend who is driving the complete route this month. What national brand companies are most prevalent along the route. Thanks!

June 5, 2017 at 12:35 am

Hi Vickie, Along Route 66 there are a lot of different gas station brands (Exxon, BP, Philips, 7-Eleven, Texaco, Shell, Chevron, Sinclair, Speedway, Marathon…not to mention the giant gas station brands of WalMart & Costco) as it spans over 8 states and there are a lot of regional and local gas stations. In some places you just don’t have much choice (many towns just have one or two stations). The vast majority allow you to pay with a credit or debit card, so I would suggest instead of a gas card for a specific company getting at pre-paid credit or debit card for your friend to be able to use to purchase fuel as well as other essentials along the route (food, supplies). For instance there are pre-paid VISA gift cards that you can use anywhere that VISA is accepted (VISA and Mastercard are accepted just about everywhere credit cards are in the USA). You can purchase these cards online or via certain stores (I think stores like WalMart carry them). Hope that helps! Best, Jessica

April Yap Post author

November 9, 2016 at 3:47 am

I like the photos and the adventure of your Route 66 trip!

travelcats Post author

November 11, 2016 at 5:00 am

Hi April, Thanks, Route 66 was a great road trip, probably our favorite of the many road trips we have taken so far! ~ Jessica

Lori E Post author

October 4, 2016 at 7:47 pm

As a blogger who is, at the moment, not blogging much anymore due to lack of time, I appreciate the enormous amount of work you have put into this post.! Well done. I will heading from Vegas to Santa Fe in a couple weeks and really enjoyed your experience. We are just going to cruise along and see what we can see. Of utmost importance to us is good food and interesting sites. You have given me a lot to look into. I absolutely love your photograph of the street in Calico. I would frame that and hang it on my wall. It is great art!

October 4, 2016 at 11:23 pm

Hi Lori, I am glad you found our article helpful and I hope you have a great trip along that section of Route 66. There are some great places to visit in Arizona and New Mexico along Route 66. I am a big fan of New Mexican food and highly recommend trying lots of New Mexican dishes and green chile burgers. Be sure to check out MeowWolf in Santa Fe if you haven’t been there; we just went last week and loved it. Thanks, glad you like our Calico ghost town photos (definitely worth a visit!). Any of our photos are available to our readers for printing, just email us for details. Have a great road trip! Best, Jessica

Jenny Post author

August 7, 2016 at 12:03 pm

We are planning to drive out to CA, to see our children. We are making this an adventure and of course, must drive on Route 66! You have provided great information! Thank you so much!

August 8, 2016 at 5:10 am

Hi Jenny, Glad you found the Route 66 information helpful. Sounds like you have a fun trip planned and glad you get to incorporate Route 66! Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂 Happy travels, Jessica

Mark Anderson Post author

March 11, 2016 at 1:53 am

A fantastic and comprehensive article. Any advice on driving and navigating the big cities for a United Kingdom driver like me who drives on the left hand side of the road with steering wheel on right side of car. Would definitely consider driving Route 66 with my wife and three kids.

March 13, 2016 at 9:30 am

Hi Mark! Thanks so much, we are glad you found the article to be comprehensive! Yes, it can be a great family trip, even if you just choose to do a portion of Route 66. My husband is British so I definitely understand your question as we are currently living in Scotland. Here is a link to an article on tips for driving in the USA and another helpful articles that were specifically written for the British driver’s first time driving in the U.S. that outlines many of the main driving differences, laws, and things to consider: UK beginner driving tips for USA ,

Note that there are differences in traffic laws by state (speed limits, whether U-turns are legal, fines for cell phone use) but most traffic laws are similar across the states and similar to those in the UK. Many of the traffic signs will be familiar or make sense to you. It will take you a bit of time to adjust to driving on the opposite side of the road and the opposite side of the car and I would suggest picking up your rental car in a smaller town or city to give you more time to practice driving in an easier place rather than picking it up in a congested city like Chicago, L.A., or San Francisco which can be stressful places to drive even for native drivers. Or pick it up at a major city’s airport and directly head to a smaller town or suburbs for a couple days of driving and exploring before tackling the big cities. After a couple days of driving people often start feeling more comfortable.

Also most American rentals are automatic which my husband actually now prefers as he found it much easier not having to worrying about changing gears all the time. But if you are used to a Standard/manual car, you may want to request one of them so at least that would be the same. Note that Americans use miles for distance and gallons for fuel/gas.

A great thing right now is that fuel prices in the U.S. are much lower than in the UK! Please let me know if you have any specific questions about traffic laws or planning a Route 66 road trip after checking out those links and we are happy to answer them. Happy travels! ~ Jessica

Joy Macarthur Post author

February 27, 2016 at 9:33 pm

Hi, I have just read you blog .. It’s amazing with so much information … Thank you so much! We have 2 guide books now, The Adventure Handbook and Tom Snyder Route 66..which I am in the process of reading cover to cover..But now we think we might buy the Ez66 book as well .. We are planning our trip ,well we have booked our trip for mid June of this year .. We are hoping to buy a bike and ride 66 but we have limited room …..We would like to get the dining and food one but we might have to just go with what we find along the way .. We haven’t got anything planned .. But do know we will probably do 320 to 400 km a day on our trip.. I have written everything down so thank you so much ..by the way we are from New Zealand – Joy

February 28, 2016 at 4:11 am

Hi Joy, I am glad that you found our Route 66 post useful and I hope it helps you plan your upcoming Route 66 road trip! I would strongly recommend the Route 66 EZ66 Guide in addition to The Adventure Handbook you already own. If you have limited room, I would choose these two plus a good road map/atlas over both the Snyder guide (it is less up-to-date) and the Dining & Food guide. There are some recommendations for food in the other guides, they are just more limited. Another idea is to purchase the Route 66 Dining/Lodging guide and just write down or photocopy some of your favorites to take with you or make any special motel reservations in advance as we did find the guide’s recommendations to be quite useful, especially for food. There are some motorcycle guides to Route 66 out there as well, I included a link to them in the post, but the issue with most of these is that they are not that regularly updated so you are probably best to stick with the other guides. As you keep planning, I’d also love to hear more about where you choose to rent your motorcycle and general issues around that to help future readers finding this post, since our experience was in a car/RV. Happy travels! ~ Jessica

Leigh Blochlinger Post author

February 20, 2016 at 1:01 pm

Hi! We are from South Africa….having been planning a trip to the US since 2012! needed to wait for our youngest Grandson to reach “Disney” height…the year has arrived! So seven of us are booked to leave Johannesburg for Orlando on 7th December! We have planned to spend spend a week in Orlando and then hiring two RV’s to drive through to Las Vegas….preferably using Route 66. Little concerned re: your comments about travelling in December…unfortunately, we do not have much choice as in SA December is the longest vacation time for all major professions and schools! So….what is your advice?

February 20, 2016 at 1:27 pm

Hi Leigh, I am very excited for you and your family’s USA road trip! I would not be too concerned about driving in December but I would be prepared for cold temperatures and possible poor road conditions, especially in the mountain areas of both New Mexico and Arizona. You may need to make detours if the weather is bad (especially if driving larger RVs) and some places may be closed or have limited winter hours; however the great news is that there won’t be a lot of other travelers on the Route, you won’t have to deal with the really hot weather in the desert, and it is easy to get road updates online or by phone. If you are detouring to the Grand Canyon I would make RV spot reservations at least 3 months in advance as it is busy all year. So obviously you can’t drive the full Route 66 route given your trip stopping and ending points, but if driving from Orlando I would suggest starting Route 66 around Oklahoma City, OK, and then driving westward through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and then leaving Route 66 to go north to Las Vegas around the Arizona/California border. If you are driving Route 66, Las Vegas is convenient from around Needles, California and the Grand Canyon is convenient from either Williams, AZ or Flagstaff, AZ. I would definitely get one of the recommended books to help guide your Route 66 drive. Also I am not sure how much time you have, but it is a very long drive from Orlando to Las Vegas, and taking Route 66 will only make it slower. If you need to shave time off of your trip, I’d recommend booking a domestic flight from Orlando to a more convenient location (e.g., Los Angeles, CA; Tulsa, OK, Albuquerque, NM, or Oklahoma, City, OK) to drive a section of Route 66 to Las Vegas. Hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions, also check back for further Route 66 posts coming up this year before your trip. Happy travels! ~ Jessica

Stephen Garone Post author

January 12, 2016 at 11:20 am

That’s a terrific article. I’ve always wanted to drive this route. You’ve given me new inspiration!

January 12, 2016 at 6:55 pm

Hi Stephen, thanks! Yes, Route 66 is a great route to drive in the U.S. The country is just great for road trips in general and Laurence and I are actually back in the U.S. right now doing another road trip in the southeast part of the country. ~ Jessica

Corinne Post author

January 2, 2016 at 11:34 pm

Jessica, What an excellent post, and of course I always drool over your’s and Laurence’s images! I’ve driven much of Route 66, but never altogether. It’s a must-do for sure!

January 4, 2016 at 9:33 am

Hi Corinne! Yes, I think driving the full route at once can really be a different and great experience, as you are not really focused on a destination, just on things along the route. But I think most people don’t have the time to drive Route 66 from end to end and driving a section can still be a great experience. ~ Jessica

budget jan Post author

January 2, 2016 at 3:52 pm

An excellent resource for Route 66. We’ve yet to explore the States and I think that driving this route would be a good way to start. This post can be our guide and inspiration. Thanks for including so many details and suggestions. The photo of yourself leaning against the coke machine – I remember those coke machines being in use when I was a kid in Australia.

January 4, 2016 at 9:18 am

Hi Jan, glad you found the guide to be useful & inspirational:) Route 66 is a fun place to see all sorts of American things you remember from your childhood and that of your parents:) I think Route 66 is a great way to see part of the U.S.! More posts on Route 66 to come over the next few months so check back and Laurence is also doing an 8-post series of photo essays (one for each state) over at htttp://www.findingtheuniverse.com – we just took so many photos from our trip!

Roshan Post author

December 31, 2015 at 11:52 pm

Great blog post- very detailed. We went around New Zealand in a Jucy van- best mode of transport ever! Also loved the little bit of Route 66 we got to see from LA to Vegas.

January 4, 2016 at 9:13 am

Hi Roshan, thanks glad you found the post helpful! Yes, JUCY is much better known in Australian and New Zealand but the company is starting to become better known on the West Coast of the U.S. — it is hard not to notice the bright green and purple vans! Glad you got to see a bit of Route 66 on your L.A. to Las Vegas trip:)

Kathryn Hastedt Post author

September 9, 2020 at 8:07 am

My husband and I did the Historic Route 66 mid August. Your guide was a huge help. My husband was impressed that each night our accommodations were right close to the route. That was thanks to your 2 week planner. We also made sure we didn’t miss any attractions. It was an awesome trip!!

September 10, 2020 at 7:52 am

So glad to hear that you had a great Route 66 trip and that you found our guides helpful! So happy to hear you had such an awesome road trip. We love to hear that our blog has been helpful to people in their travels 😉

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

1 Week on Route 66: The Ultimate USA Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated: December 15, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 21 Comments

If you’re looking to take a road trip in the USA, perhaps the most iconic of all is Route 66. Spanning over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, this driving route will take you through a broad span of America, from big cities through to vast desert landscapes.

We’ve driven the entirety of Route 66, and we’ve already put together a detailed guide to planning a Route 66 trip and guide to all the best places to stay on Route 66 .

We also have a detailed two week Route 66 itinerary with day by day higlights for the Route. However, we know that not everyone necessarily has as much time to take two or three weeks driving Route 66, and we wanted to put together a shorter Route 66 road trip itinerary for you.

The itinerary that we have put together for this post is for 8 days and 7 nights, from Chicago to LA (or the other way round). This is one way.

Before we launch into this classic USA road trip itinerary, we just want to clarify a few things about driving Route 66 in a shorter amount of time.

To do the route in this amount of time will require spending some time on the interstate rather than following the original route faithfully. Specifically, you will spend a fair amount of time on I-40, which was the road that replaced the original Route 66 for the stretch from Oklahoma City to Los Angeles.

In many places, the I-40 runs right next to the original route, or even over the top of it, so the overall experience is not too dissimilar – it will just be faster and a little less authentic.

If you want to absolutely faithfully follow the original Route 66 route you will want to spend a bit more time. It would be very challenging to follow the original route in a compressed time frame as the speed limits are slower, and it passes through a lot of smaller towns which will also slow you down.

If you want to follow Route 66 as accurately as is possible today, then we’d suggest you need a minimum of two weeks for that trip, and you should check out our two week Route 66 itinerary .

Of course, it is also possible to drive the route in a shorter amount of time by spending even more time on the interstate and less time on old Route itself. We think this negates the point somewhat (and we’re not sure at what point it stops being a true Route 66 road trip), but we also appreciate not everyone has huge amounts of time!

The total drive time from Chicago to LA on the interstate is 30 hours. If you mostly stuck to the interstate, and just did a few sections of Route 66, you could get from Chicago to LA in three to five days if you really rushed it.

However, we’d really recommend trying to find more time, and taking at least 8 days to do the route, as we have laid out here. If you have the luxury of more time, then you can follow our two week itinerary, which can also be done at a more leisurely pace of three week or more!

That’s enough preparation. Let’s take a look at our one week itinerary for what might be the most famous road trip in the USA, and probably even the world – Route 66!

A Classic USA Road Trip Itinerary – 1 Week on Route 66

Day 1: chicago – st. louis.

Route 66 officially starts in Chicago. As with many roads, Route 66 changed over the years, and there are a number of different versions of the road, which are referred to as alignments.

Chicago is no different, and there are in fact two official starting locations. The first dates from 1926, and is on Jackson Boulevard at Michigan Avenue. The second is from Jackson Boulevard on Lake Shore Drive, and dates from 1933.

To be honest, the locations are pretty close to each other, and other than a small sign that you might miss if you weren’t looking for it, aren’t that exciting. There aren’t a lot of other Route 66 attractions in the city, however it is of course still very much worth visiting.

If you have time before (or after, depending which direction you are driving) your Route 66 trip, s ee our guide for spending 2 days in Chicago for some tips on what to see and do in the city.

Anyway, back to Route 66. It’s time to head out of the city – you’ve got over 2,000 miles to drive!

Our first highlight on the route that you’ll want to stop for a photo of is the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, IL. Route 66 was home to a whole range of quirky, oddball attractions, and you’ll be seeing a lot more of these as you go.

The Gemini Giant is one of the original Muffler Men . These were large statues of men created in the 1960’s as advertising props – often the man, who who be around 20 feet tall, would be depicted holding whatever the store in question was advertising. These ranged from hotdogs to car mufflers.

The Gemini Giant is outfitted as a giant astronaut holding a rocket, and was used to advertise the “Launching Pad” restaurant. It can still be seen today outside the restaurant (currently closed), and is a great first start for your Route 66 quirky objects collection.

Further on from Wilmington you’ll come to Pontiac, where a stop at the Route 66 Half of Fame and Museum is a must. Most states on the route have their own Route 66 museum (we stopped at all of them!), and we highly recommend stopping at at least one or two of them.

We think this first one is a logical start to get yourself acquainted with the Route, and the journey you have ahead of you.

From Pontiac, head on to Springfield IL, where you’ll have the option for the first classic Route 66 food stop. As you would imagine, a road trip like Route 66 inspired a whole host of dining options, many of which have been going strong for decades.

The first dish we suggest you try are the Cozy Dogs (their name for a corn dog) at the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield. This has been a Route 66 staple since 1949, with the same family running it throughout.

If you’re not from the US you might not be familiar with what a corn dog is – it’s essentially a hot dog sausage covered in cornmeal batter and then deep fried. A word of warning about Route 66 – the meals along the route tend to be of the fast food variety, so if you want to try the classics, don’t expect to be doing a great deal of healthy eating!

From Springfield, continue on until you reach Staunton, where we suggest you visit Henry’s Rabbit Ranch . This is the home of Rich Henry, who has created a unique Route 66 attraction which is home to a variety of lovely live rabbits that you can meet, a number of old VW vehicles, as well as other Route 66 memorabilia.

We definitely recommend stopping in here and picking up a souvenir or buying a soft drink to support this Route 66 location.

If you still have time on your first day, you might also want to visit the Pink Elephant Antiques Mall in Livingstone, before ending your first day’s journey in St. Louis. Here you’ll find a range of Route 66 era signs and statues, which include a UFO and a giant pink Elephant.

Finally, you’ll finish the first day of your Route 66 adventure in the city of St. Louis.

St. Louis is a major city with a number of attractions – the most famous of which is the Gateway Arch . This is a 630 ft high monument which is also the tallest arch in the world. Complete in 1963, the Arch would have been seen by Route 66 drivers towards the end of the Route’s heyday.

The Arch is a fitting Route 66 symbol, as it is a monument to the westward expansion of United States – an expansion in which Route 66 played a major role for half a century. Today, the Gateway Arch is a National Park. You can ride to the top in a tram for wonderful views across the city.

Our last Route 66 stop for the day is another food highlight – Ted Drewes Frozen Custard . As the name suggests, this seasonal attraction serves up frozen custard, which is a bit like ice cream.

They are also famous for their “concretes”, which are malts or shakes which are so thick they are served upside down! Ted Drewes Frozen Custard have been serving Route 66 travellers since 1930. There are a number of locations, but the Chippewa Street location is on Route 66.

With that, you are done with your first day on Route 66! Time to relax for the evening before continuing with your next day. We have a few recommended locations for you to spend the night.

Where to stay in St. Louis

St. Louis is a large city with a great many accommodation options. There aren’t any of the classic Route 66 motels that you’ll find in some of the stops further along the route, but there are a few locations we can recommend.

• The Holiday Inn St Louis SW Route 66 – This is a well-reviewed chain hotel that includes a free continental breakfast and has a Route 66 theme. This would be our main pick for a Route 66 hotel in St. Louis.
• The Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch – This 3-star hotel includes a terrace with a view of the Gateway Arch and stays include breakfast.
• Four Seasons – If you are looking for 5-star luxury option in St. Louis, we suggest that the Four Seasons is your best option.
• Hampton Inn St. Louis at the Arch – This is a great option for a good-value hotel which is within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions. You can see the Gateway Arch from the hotel and breakfast is included.

For more options, see our guide to the best Route 66 era motels and hotels along the route.

Day 2: St Louis – Carthage

The second day of your Route 66 adventure across the USA is going to take you right across Missouri from St. Louis to Carthage. There are a lot of attractions along the way, and it’s going to be a minimum of four hours drive, so we’d suggest picking a few of the following for your day.

One of the most famous stops on this part of Route 66, and the first one we recommend you stop at yourself, is Meramec Caverns . This is a 400 million year old 4.6 mile long cavern system near the towns of Sullivan and Stanton.

Meramec Caverns has long been a Route 66 attraction, and it was made particularly famous by the advertising that was painted all over barns and other buildings along the Route advertising it. A few of these original advertisements can still be seen, and they are now Route 66 attractions in their own right.

The cave can be visited by guided tour, and it’s still one of the most popular attractions in the state. Tours run throughout the day, departing every 20-30 minutes, and last for approximately eighty minutes.

Whilst you could get a coffee at Meramec Caverns, we would instead suggest you continue on the route until you get to Cuba. This is home to a number of Route 66 attractions, including the Wagon Wheel motel , which is the oldest continuously operating motel on the Route. They have coffee and soda available in their gift shop.

Other attractions in Cuba include a series of lovely murals, a restored 1932 Phillips 66 gas station and an operating drive-in theatre.

A little further along the route and you will come to Fanning, home to a giant rocking chair, which is worth a photo stop. The Rocking Chair is outside the Fanning 66 outpost, where you can pick up Route 66 memorabilia and souvenirs.

The next stop on your second day on Route 66 is the town of Rolla. Here you’ll find a variety of attractions, including the Mule Trading Post , which has been in business on the Route since 1957. Other highlights of Rolla include a scale model of Stonehenge and the Totem Pole Trading Post.

From Rolla there are a number of towns and Route 66-era attractions, from the 1923 bridge at Devil’s Elbow to the Munger Moss Motel at Lebanon. Time will likely be against you by this point however, so we’d suggest pressing on, with just a quick stop at those attractions you are interested in.

If you want to, a stop at the Route 66 Welcome Centre near Conway makes for a good break point, it has maps, information and exhibits about the Route, as well as restrooms and its own neon sign.

Otherwise, head on for Springfield. Springfield is a fairly large city, and multiple alignments of Route 66 ran through the town over the years. As you would imagine therefore, there are numerous locations where you will find Route 66 attractions, including the Route 66 Car Museum . There are also old gas stations, neon signs, and a number of old Route 66 motels.

Finally, head on to Carthage, where we suggest you spend your second night on Route 66.

Where to Stay in Carthage

• Boots Court – Lovingly restored to its 1940’s glory, this motor court would make a fantastic and authentic stopping point for your second night on Route 66. The motel is an Art Deco-Steamline Modern motel, and celebrities including Clark Gable have stayed here. We highly recommend this location, but you’ll want to book well in advance as there are only a handful of rooms.
• Best Budget Inn – This is a great budget option with good reviews. It’s no frills, and dates from 1955, although restoration work has taken place to bring it up to date.
• Shiloah Manor B&B – If you would like a romantic B&B option in Carthage, this is the option we suggest
• Quality Inn & Suites – Another great budget option with an indoor pool, fitness center, and included breakfast.

Day 3: Carthage – Clinton

We suggest you start the third day of your Route 66 itinerary by visiting Red Oak 2 . This is about a four mile backtrack, so if you have time on Day 2 you could also fit it in then.

Red Oak 2 is partly an art installation and partly a community where you will find a variety of old buildings from the surrounding area which have been relocated and restored. You are free to explore and look around here at the various building and art installations, but please do be respectful as people live and work here.

From Red Oak 2, head on to the town of Galena. On the way, you will pass through Joplin, which has a number of Route 66 era motels, signs, and stores.

The main attraction in Galena is the “Cars on the Route” gas station, a restored gas and service station which is home to the tow-truck which served as the inspiration for the character “Mater” in the Pixar Cars movies.

Note, the movies draw inspiration from many parts of the route, and there are many claims to connections, but the tow truck has been confirmed!

Galena is also your first stop in Kansas. Kansas only has 13 miles of Route 66, making this the shortest stretch of Route 66 in any of the eight states that the original Route passed through. The major town that the route passes through in Kansas is Baxter Springs, where you’ll find a Route 66 visitor centre.

This is in a restored Phillips 66 station and is worth stopping at. Kansas is also home to Riverton General Store, which dates from 1925, and which is a good place to stop for a snack or drink.

From Baxter Springs we suggest rejoining Interstate 44 where you’ll head down into your fourth state of the Route – Oklahoma!

There are a number of great stops in Oklahoma, but as we don’t have an infinite amount of time, we suggest you head straight down to the Giant Blue Whale in Catoosa. This is one of the more recognisable and photographed stops in Oklahoma, and consists of a large blue whale which was once part of a larger attraction.

Now it’s largely used as a swimming area and photo stop.

From Catoosa you’ll head into Tulsa, where there are a number of attractions and photo stops, including Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza. This has a number of Route 66 related installations, including flags of all the Route 66 states and various bronze statues including a car driven by Will Rogers.

If you are hungry, Tulsa is home to a variety of eateries, including Hank’s Hamburgers, which has been serving burgers and malts since 1949. Another favourite is Ike’s Chili, which has been in existence since 1908!

If you want to photograph some murals, head on to Sapulpa, about 20 minutes from Tulsa, where you’ll find a number of old murals, some of which date from Route 66 times. The Sapulpa Historical Museum is also excellent.

From Sapulpa, continue on to Chandler. Chandler is home to a variety of attractions, including the Route 66 Interpretative Centre and the Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History . However, our suggestion is to make a beeline for McJerry’s Route 66 Gallery .

This is owned and run by Jerry McClanahan, a local artist and lover of Route 66, who is also the author of the fantastic EZ 66 Guide . This is without doubt the best and most accurate printed guide for travellers looking to follow Route 66 as faithfully as possible, and is the book we used on our Route 66 journey.

If Jerry is in, you can meet him, peruse and buy some of his artworks, and talk about all things Route 66 related. We loved meeting Jerry when we drove the Route, and the artwork we bought from him is a lovely memento of our trip. He also kindly signed our EZ66 Guide!

Next, head on to the town of Arcadia. Here you’ll find the Round Barn , an unusual farming structure which dates from 1898, as well as the POPS soda store . This is a newer Route 66 attraction which has a huge soda bottle outside the front, and all kinds of soda for sale inside. You can also eat here.

Finally, head on to Clinton, where we recommend you spend your third night on Route 66.

Where to stay in Clinton

Clinton does not have any classic Route 66 locations that are a must-stay, but there are a good range of motels and hotels to choose from.

• La Quinta Inn & Suites Clinton Historic Route 66 – This is a well-rated 3-star chain property. Breakfast included.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites  – Another well-reviewed 3-star property.
• Super 8 Motel – This is a well-rated budget option.
• Trade Winds Motel – Whilst this is the most authentic Route 66 option, with celebrities like Elvis Presley said to have stayed here on several occasions, reviews are mixed, so you might want to inspect the room before staying.

Day 4: Clinton – Tucumcari

Today you’re going to drive into New Mexico, your fifth state on Route 66, and you’ll be overnighting in the town with some of the most famous Route 66 motels that are still in operation.

First though, we suggest you start be exploring what Clinton has to offer, in case you didn’t have a chance on your previous day. Clinton is home to the Clinton Route 66 Museum as well as the Mohawk Lodge Indian Store.

In operation since the 1940’s, this store is a good option if you’re looking for Native American goods and history.

Now it’s time to hit the road, and continue blazing your trail west.

Your first stop today is going to be at Elk City, home to the National Route 66 Museum Complex . This is an excellent Route 66 museum, and one we can highly recommend visiting.

Now, as you continue west, it’s time to leave Oklahoma behind and enter your fifth state of Route 66 – Texas!

As you drive west, you’re going to notice that the landscape starts to change. Towns are going to feel further apart, and the greenery of the eastern states will be replaced by more arid, desert-like landscapes.

This section of the route from Texas through to the edge of California is one of my favourite parts of the drive, with those big wide open skies that make for a fantastic road trip experience.

There are a number of stops along this stretch of the route that are worth stopping at. The town of Shamrock is home to a lump of the actual Blarney Stone (the rest of the stone can be found at Blarney Castle in Ireland).

It’s said that if you kiss the stone you will be given the “gift of the gab”, or in other words, the ability to smooth talk your way through any situation.

Shamrock is also home to the Pioneer West Museum, and a restored Magnolia Gas Station, which are within a block of the Blarney Stone.

From Shamrock, you’ll want to head to the town of McLean, which is home to the Texas Route 66 Museum and Devil’s Rope Museum . This is one of my favourite quirky museums on Route 66, and it’s dedicated to “Devil’s Rope” – more commonly known as barbed wire.

As the name suggests, there’s also a section of the museum dedicated to Route 66 and other local history artifacts.

From McLean, continue heading west until you get to the city of Amarillo. This has a number of historic buildings along the Route 66-Sixth street historic district, and is also well known for two other attractions.

The first of these is an art installation called Cadillac Ranch. This dates from 1974, so is a post-Route 66 attraction, but the colourful upended cadillacs buried in the dirt here make for a fun photo opportunity.

The other must-see attraction is the Big Texan Steak Ranch .

By this point in your drive, you’ll likely be familiar with the Big Texan Steak Ranch, as there are advertising billboards promising you a free 72oz steak stretching for hundreds of miles along the Route in both directions. Of course, there is some fine print – you have to eat the entire steak meal in under an hour to get it for free!

We didn’t tackle the challenge, but we have eaten at the Big Texan twice, and we think it’s an experience everyone needs to have. It also has a great history, and was originally located on Route 66, although it was moved to a more prime location off I-40 in the 1970s.

After Amarillo, continue along the I-40 until you get to Vega, where we recommend a short stop to visit Dot’s Mini Museum. Again, this is one of those quirky Route 66 attractions which is a bit odd, but worth a short stop.

It’s essentially one person’s collection of random things throughout the years. It’s free to visit, but donations are appreciated and be respectful as this is on someone’s private property.

Rejoin the I-40 for a short journey until you get to the town of Adrian. Adrian is famous with Route 66 travellers as it is the self-proclaimed midpoint of the Route. You’re half way there!

Ok, so Route 66 changed its exact route many times over the years, meaning it’s quite tricky to pin down an exact midpoint, as this would have changed over the years.

Still, it is definitely thought to be in the region between Vega and Adrian, and there’s a nice sign in Adrian at the Midpoint Cafe, so this works for us. It’s a great photo opportunity, and you can also grab food or pick up souvenirs here.

From Adrian, you’re going to carry on the I-40, leave Texas, and enter your sixth Route 66 state of your road trip – New Mexico!

Our last stop for the day is Tucumcari. In the heyday of Route 66, Tucumcari was one of the most popular towns to overnight in, and today it is home to more surviving Route 66 era motels than anywhere else on the Route.

There are also some great eating options in Tucumcari, including Kix on 66 (great for breakfasts and diner food in general), Watson’s BBQ, Del’s Restaurant (a Route 66 classic since 1956) and La Cita, which serves Mexican food.

Other highlights of your time in Tucumcari will include the plethora of neon signs that light up the streets at night (it’s worth taking a walk or drive down the main street to see them all). We can also advise making time to visit Tee-Pee curios, a souvenir shop found inside a giant concrete Tee Pee, as well as the local  Route 66 Museum .

Where to Stay in Tucumcari

We really recommend booking in advance to make sure you get the motel you want in Tucumcari. Whilst you should be able to find a room (there are over 1,000 rooms in the town), the more popular motels do tend to sell out quite far in advance.

If you have a particular property you want to stay in, you should definitely book it.

• Blue Swallow Motel – Opened in 1939 this family-owned motel is one of the most iconic motels on Route 66. We stayed here on our second visit to Tucumcari and absolutely loved the vintage 1940’s/1950’s themed rooms, and the gorgeous neon sign. Note that this sells out well in advance, so definitely book early.
• Historic Route 66 Motel – This was the first motel we stayed at in Tucumcari. It’s a recently updated 1963 Route 66 motor court motel which offers aviation themed decor. There’s also a coffee shop on site.
• Motel Safari – This is another Route 66 era motor court, and even if you don’t stay here, you should come take a look at their classic neon sign in the evening. This one dates from 1959 and offers retro decor with modern furnishings.
• Road Runner Lodge – a classic well reviewed motel with a 1960s theme that extends to its own 1960s radio station! Ensuite rooms are air conditioned and there’s free private parking on site.
• Desert Inn – This is a more modern and well-reviewed 3 star motel which includes features like a hot tub, a fitness center, and free continental breakfast.

Day 5:  Tucumcari – Gallup

Today you’re going to drive right across the rest of the state of New Mexico, which has fantastic landscapes and miles and miles of beautiful open road to enjoy. You’re going to see a lot today, including the only place where Route 66 crosses itself! Let’s get started with Day 5 of our Route 66 itinerary.

Once you’ve finished exploring everything you want to see in Tucumcari, continue heading west. From Tucumcari to Santa Rosa, you will primarily pass a number of what are now largely ghost towns, many of which have abandoned Route 66 era buildings.

We suggest however that you press on until Santa Rosa, where you will find the Route 66 Auto Museum . From here, continue on towards Albuquerque. We can recommend a stop at the Flying C Ranch . This is a large rest stop with a variety of services, owned by the Bowlin family who have been providing services to travellers in this region for over 100 years.

A similar resting point can be found in Clines Corners, where Roy Cline opened a rest stop in 1937 to serve Route 66 travellers.

After this, you’re going to find yourself arriving into Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city. This is home to the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta , and there are also many Route 66 sights to be found here.

These include murals, diners, shops and signs. In fact, there are so many Route 66 attractions in Albuquerque that we wrote a whole guide to Route 66 in Albuquerque .

We’ve visited this city a number of times, and Jess used to live here, so we’ve also put together a guide to things to do in Albuquerque  and where to eat in Albuquerque .

Back to Route 66. Albuquerque was the location of a number of Route 66 alignments, and in fact, two of these alignments actually cross each other in the city. So you can stand at the crossroads of Route 66 and Route 66! This is found at the intersection of 4th Street and Central Avenue in downtown.

If you are hungry at this point, there are some great Route 66 themed and Route 66 era dining options. Some of our favourites include Lindy’s (dating from 1929), the Dog House drive-in (a long time Route 66 favourite) and the 66 Diner .

The latter only dates from 1987, but is found in a former 1940’s gas station and is fully Route 66 themed!

Continuing on from Albuquerque, we can recommend a stop at Rio Puerco, where you can see and walk across a 1933 bridge which would have been part of Route 66. Just near here is the Route 66 Casino , which is a themed casino you might enjoy stopping at if you’re feeling lucky!

From here you will pass a number of towns which were popular Route 66 stops, but have since faded somewhat. One that is definitely worth a stop is Cubero, where you might want to visit the Villa de Cubero trading post. This sells a variety of supplies, snacks and souvenirs and it’s believed that Ernest Hemingway stayed the night here.

The next major town along is Grants, which is home to a number of Route 66 era motels and signs, as well as a mining museum. However, time is likely to be against you by this point, so we advise pressing on towards the Continental Divide.

The Continental Divide marks the point where water  drains into either the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. Once you cross the continental divide going west, you are on the side where rainwater will run into the Pacific ocean.

It’s a fun location for a photo opportunity, and there are some signs explaining the geography as well.

Finally, the last stretch of driving will bring you to the town of Gallup, close to the border of Arizona, and where we suggest you spend your fifth night on Route 66.

Where to Stay in Gallup

There’s a variety of accommodation options in Gallup.

• El Rancho Hotel & Motel – Dating back to 1937, this is a Route 66 landmark which has played host to numerous celebrities. This would be our pick for authentic Route 66 accommodation in Gallup.
• Sands Motel – a basic but classic Route 66 motel with a well known sign.
• Hilton Garden Inn Gallup – A good mid-range option in Gallup. There’s a restaurant on site, an indoor pool and a fitness centre.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites East – This is a well-reviewed hotel that includes breakfast. There’s also a pool.
• Econo Lodge Gallup – At the budget end of the scale, this is a well-rated motel with all the basic amenities you should need.

Day 6: Gallup – Seligman

Today you’re going to be entering your seventh state on the Route, as well as having the opportunity to drive the longest surviving stretch of Route 66.

Arizona is very much associated with Route 66, and there’s a lot to see in the state relating to the mother road. In fact, if you were only to drive one stretch of Route 66, we’d suggest Arizona would be the state to visit.

The first stop on your adventure in Arizona will be the Petrified Forest National Park , where you can also see the Painted Desert. The Petrified Forest is home to a large number of fossilised trees, and the colourful landscapes of the painted desert make it a worthy detour for photos.

The Petrified Forest was a popular stop for Route 66 drivers, and an original section of the Route used to run through the park. Whilst this no longer exists, there is a rusting old car here that makes for a nice photo opportunity.

There are of course hiking trails and other wilderness activities available here, but given your limited time, we suggest you just drive through the park, pick a couple highlights from the visitor map, and then head on into Holbrook.

Holbrook has a number of fun and quirky Route 66 attractions. If you’re looking for souvenirs, you might consider either the Rainbow Rock Stop or Stewart’s Petrified Wood Shop. These two locations are also home to various giant statues.

You may also want to drive by Holbrook’s famous Wigwam Motel . Here you’ll find large concrete teepee’s that have been operating as a motel since 1950.

From Holbrook, you will continue west until you come to two of the Route’s more famous trading posts. The first of these is the Geronimo Trading Post, which is home to what is claimed to be the world’s largest petrified log. It is certainly very big!

The next stop is one of the most iconic signs on Route 66 – the “Here it is!” sign at the Jack Rabbit  Trading Post. This was well known in the Route 66 era as there were many signs along the highway in both directions promising a wonderful experience to anyone who stopped by. Many of these signs still exist along the route.

We definitely recommend stopping here for a photo of the sign, and dropping in to buy something to support the trading post as well.

Your next stop is going to be the town of Winslow. This was made famous by the Eagles, whose 1972 song “Take it Easy” features the lyrics “I’m a standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona”.

The town has very much embraced this song, and there are multiple references to it throughout the town. The most obvious of these is at the corner (of course!) of Kinsley & Second Streets, where you’ll find a mural depicting events in the song, as well as a statue and sign.

There’s a lot more to see in Winslow from Route 66, including old gas stations, signs, motels, and cafes. If you are hungry, we can recommend a stop at the 1955 Route 66 era roadside diner, the Falcon Restaurant & Lounge, at 1113 E. 3rd Street.

After Winslow you will pass the remains of two former Route 66 attractions, Twin Arrows and Two Guns. These were famous stops for travellers on the Route, but they have long been abandoned and left to decay with no much left today.

You will then come to Flagstaff, the largest city on the Route today. This was home to multiple variants of the Route 66 route, and there are numerous reminders of Route 66 throughout the city. We would suggest a visit to the historic 19th century downtown area would be a good option in Flagstaff.

Food wise, there are a number of Route 66 era dining options, including Miz Zip’s, the Grand Canyon Cafe, and Galaxy Diner.

From Flagstaff, you will head on to Williams. If you are planning a detour to the Grand Canyon (we suggest adding a day or two to your itinerary if so), Williams is where you will do this, as the south entrance to the park is only about a 70 minute drive from Williams.

Williams was the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by the Interstate, and there are a number of Route 66 era businesses still in operation that you can visit. The Route 66 Gas Station Museum is also well worth a visit.

After Williams, you will pass Ash Fork, home to the Ash Fork Route 66 Museum , which you can stop at if you have time.

Just after Ash Fork you will find exit 139 of the I-40, which leads you onto the longest surviving stretch of Route 66. This is 159 miles long, and is very much worth the drive – it’s one of our favourite stretches of the whole route.

This stretch is also where you could detour to do the epic Havasu Falls hike . You’ll want to plan ahead for that, and expect to spend at least two nights / three days doing it.

Finally, the sixth day of your Route 66 itinerary will have you arriving into the town of Seligman, where we suggest you spend the night. Seligman has many historical buildings, and has fully embraced Route 66, with lots of shops, cafes, and quirky stores to visit.

For food, there are a number of good options. If you arrive late, the Black Cat Bar is likely your best option for late night snacks, as it is one of the few places open after 9pm. Another great Route 66 option is Delgadillo’s Snow Cap which opened in 1953.

Where to stay in Seligman

Seligman has some fantastic authentic Route 66 era motels to choose from. Here are our picks for your stay.

• Deluxe Inn – Found next door to the popular Roadkill Cafe, this is a well-rated and good-value motor court motel which dates from the 1930’s.
• Stagecoach 66 Motel – Featuring themed rooms, this 1960’s era motel (originally called the Bill Mar Den Motel) offers basic accommodation for a good price.
• Supai Motel – Dating from 1952, this is a well-reviewed vintage Route 66 era motel. Continental breakfast is included.
• Historic Route 66 Motel – Another vintage motel with themed rooms found next to the Roadkill Cafe. This 1950’s era motel doesn’t take online reservation s-  Call +1 928-422-3204 for a room.

Day 7: Seligman – San Bernardino

Your last full day on Route 66 has you entering the final state of your road trip, and almost completing the route. If you are pressed for time, you could actually drive the remainder of the route today, but we think there’s a lot to see today, so finishing on the eighth day is a better option.

From Seligman, we suggest continuing along on the longest stretch of Route 66, which you will follow all the way to Topock, near Needles. Whilst this will be slower than the Interstate, this is by far one of the best preserved and most impressive stretches of old Route 66 you can drive today, and we think it is worth taking a bit of time to enjoy it.

There are a number of highlights along the way which are worth a stop. First of these is the town of Truxton, where there are a number of Route 66 buildings, as well as what was once the Frontier Motel and restaurant.

The next stop is the city of Kingman, home to the Arizona Route 66 Museum . There are also other buildings and Route 66 signs. We can also recommend Mr D’z Route 66 Diner in Kingman if you need a refreshment stop. This dates from 1938.

The next section of Route 66 is particularly scenic, with the road winding over the hills. Sitgreaves Pass is a good spot for a photo opportunity (there’s a pull out at the top of the pass), and you can reflect as to how tricky this winding stretch of the route must have been for drivers in times gone by.

Oatman is the next stop on your itinerary. This former gold mining town is famous for it’s daily wild west shows, as well as the live burros which wander the streets.

Whilst these attractions didn’t exist during the Route 66 times, they certainly are in keeping with the sort of thing Route 66 travellers would have expected to see along the Route, and it’s worth stopping off to explore for a little while here.

From Oatman you will continue on to Topock, the last town in Arizona. Here you’ll cross the Colorado River and enter California!

The first city you’ll come to in California is Needles. This is famous as being one of the hottest places in the USA, and when we visited it was 110 degrees F. Needles has some nice murals as well as a number of vintage motels and signs.

From Needles, you’re going to be driving through the incredible landscape of the Mojave Desert.

Travelling today in our vehicles with air conditioning and comfortable suspension, it is hard to imagine how difficult this part of the Route must have been in cars that were often well past their prime, and which had already made a valiant effort to get this far.

If you have the time, you will definitely want to detour off the I-40 at Exit 115 to follow the original Route 66 through some of the old towns that have long been forgotten by the majority of passing motorists. These include Chambles, Amboy, and Bagdad.

Amboy is home to Roy’s Motel and Cafe . This was an iconic Route 66 stopping point where there’s a giant and often photographed sign. The location dates from 1938, and today there is a gas station, a gift shop and some cold snacks and coffee. The motel is no longer operational.

There’s nothing really left of Bagdad any more, although there was once a popular cafe here known as the Bagdad Cafe. The next town along, Ludlow, has a cafe, gas station and motel.

Back on the I-40 and you’ll pass Newberry Springs which also has a number of attractions, including the location of the new Bagdad Cafe. This is a popular stopping point as it’s the filming location for a 1987 German film called Bagdad Cafe.

The next major stopping point is the city of Barstow. This is the home of the  Route 66 Mother Road Museum . There are also a number of vintage motels, Route 66 era signs and businesses.

From San Bernadino you will pass through a number of towns that have surviving Route 66 businesses, although you will likely be running out of time by this point. We’d suggest, if you have time, that a stop at the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville would be worth it.

Finally, your seventh day of Route 66 adventure will bring you to San Bernardino, where you will spend the final night of your grand USA road trip. This is a city in its own right which marks the beginning of the Greater LA region. It’s also famous as being the location of the world’s first McDonald’s restaurant, which is now a museum .

Where to stay in San Bernardino, CA

• Wigwam Motel – Dating from 1949, this is one of the two Wigwam Motels that are still available on Route 66. The TeePees here are also concrete, but they come with private bathrooms and are comfortable if basic.
• Homewood Suites – This is a good mid-range option that features comfortable rooms, many of which have kitchens and sitting areas. Breakfast is included, and there’s an outdoor swimming pool.
• Hampton Inn & Suites – This is a chain hotel with favourable reviews. Rooms are comfortable, and some have refrigerators and microwaves. Breakfast is included and there’s also a pool.
• Econo Lodge – If you’re looking for a budget option, this is a basic motel. Recent reviews have been mixed.

Day 8: San Bernardino – Los Angeles

It’s your last day of your Route 66 adventure! To be honest, this will be quite a short day, as the idea is that you will be able to return your vehicle if you have hired one, and catch a flight home. Or take time to explore Los Angeles or continue your road trip adventure – maybe along the Pacific Coast Highway ?

The main highlight of today is reaching the end of the road. Much like the beginning of Route 66, we have to admit that this is somewhat underwhelming. The original end of Route 66 was at 7th and Broadway in downtown LA. This was then moved to the intersection of Lincoln and Olympic boulevards in Santa Monica.

As neither of these locations has anything exactly going for it that marks the end of such an epic adventure, the Route 66 Alliance decided that a more fitting end to the Route would be Santa Monica pier, where you basically can’t drive any further.

As such, there’s an “End of the Trail” sign on Santa Monica pier, and this is where we suggest you drive to complete the route. The sign also has a gift shop, and you can stop off here for a photo and to buy souvenirs. The nearby beach is also lovely, and you’ll find the grave stone for Will Rogers nearby.

Map of Route 66 Itinerary

You made it! To help you visualise the route, we’ve put all the major highlights mentioned above from road trip itinerary into a map, which you can also see on Google Maps here .

Route 66 Itinerary Overview

Here’s a quick overview of this 1 week Route 66 itinerary for reference.

• Day 1: Chicago – St. Louis
• Day 2: St Louis – Carthage
• Day 3: Carthage – Clinton
• Day 4: Clinton – Tucumcari
• Day 5:  Tucumcari – Gallup
• Day 6: Gallup – Seligman
• Day 7: Seligman – San Bernardino
• Day 8: San Bernardino – Los Angeles

Practicalities for Driving Route 66

We have a complete planning guide for Route 66 , which we suggest you read through before tackling the Route, as it is very comprehensive. However, we also wanted to share some quick tips for your trip as part of this itinerary.

Some of the sections below include tips for useful products you might need for driving the route, including guidebooks and maps. We’ve put these, plus some more recommendations, all together in one list to make it easier. You can see that by clicking here .

Booking Accommodation on Route 66

For each day of this Route 66 itinerary we have suggested accommodation options. We definitely recommend booking in advance if you can for your trip, especially if there are specific properties you want to stay at.

Whilst there are generally plenty of options, the more iconic motels can book out far in advance, especially in the busier summer months. If you’re interested in staying in an iconic motel or hotel from the heyday of the Route, check out our guide to all the historic Route 66 motels and hotels along the route that you can still stay in.

We’ve also provided links to how to book each hotel. While many of this properties are on booking sites like Booking.com , the smaller motels may not be, so you might have to either contact them directly by phone or e-mail.

Don’t forget to also check out other booking sites, including AirBnB, as well as some of our favourite alternatives to AirBnB .

Car and RV Rental on Route 66

Route 66 is a road trip, so naturally you are going to need a car if you plan to drive! If you are from the USA, you might already have your own car of course. Just bear in mind that this is a one way road trip, and so you will have to drive back to wherever you have originally started from.

If you’d prefer not to do that, or are travelling from outside the USA, then you have a number of options for renting a vehicle for Route 66, which I’ll go through below.

Renting a vehicle in the USA is similar to rental in other countries. Most rental firms will require you to be at least 21 years of age, and there is often an additional fee if the driver is under 25. You will likely need a driving license printed in Latin characters, ideally English, however different rental companies will have different conditions.

If this is your first time driving in the USA, we highly recommend taking some time to read our guide to driving in the USA , which has lots of tips to help you plan.

Route 66 Car Rental

First of all, you can rent a normal car in a size to suit. Just be aware that if you plan on doing a one way rental (picking the car up in one place and dropping it off somewhere else), car rental companies will charge an additional fee.

For one way rentals in the USA, we often find Enterprise to be the best value. You can check prices with them here .

Of course, there are lots of other options. If you want to compare prices on car rentals across a range of providers, then we use and recommend Rentalcars.com . Just be aware that when comparing prices using a comparison service, they sometimes forget to add the one-way fee.

Naturally, we appreciate that as Route 66 is an iconic USA road trip, you may want to drive it in an iconic vehicle such as a Chevrolet Corvette or Ford Mustang. These will usually carry a price premium.

Whilst some of the major car rental firms will have these vehicles as an option, you may also want to look at car rental companies that specialize in classic car rentals such as Ride Free .

Route 66 Motorbike Rental

If you want to ride a motorbike, this is also an option for Route 66 of course! We’d advise looking at specialist Route 66 rental companies like   Eagle Rider  and  Ride Free .

Route 66 RV Rental

Finally, Route 66 can also be done in an RV, also known as a campervan. Again, you will want to hire from a firm that allows for one way rentals, and which has offices in both Chicago and LA.

Our recommendation is to compare prices across a range of providers using a company like Motorhome Republic , so you can find the right vehicle and price for your. You can see their US listings here .

Taking a Tour of Route 66

If you love the idea of Route 66, but don’t love the idea of planning everything,  you might consider a tour instead.

Most tours take around two weeks to do the route. Check out these options:

• A 16 day tour from Chicago to LA
• Another 16 day tour from Chicago to LA

There are other tours which are guided, although these usually only follow a part of the Route, or include a part of Route 66 in a much larger tour. You can see more Route 66 tour options here .

Safety on Route 66

We didn’t have any problems travelling Route 66, however you should always be vigilant when travelling and practice basic safety precautions like keeping your valuables out of sight.

The larger cities in the USA certainly have their crime problems, as with anywhere in the world, whilst you will find that smaller towns tend to have low crime rates.

How to Find Route 66

Route 66 is a bit of a strange one, because it doesn’t exist anymore as a single road. So whilst some sections of the route do have markers and signs, you can’t follow these reliably and expect to get from Chicago to Los Angeles!

Our suggestion for our itinerary is to take each day as it comes, to pick the attractions each day that you want to see, and to navigate between them using good navigation software like Google Maps, or a dedicated GPS unit. Also recommend having a good USA Atlas like this in the car.

If you want to really follow the Route faithfully, at least in part, then we highly recommend picking up a copy of the EZ66 Guide for Travelers . This is the best Route 66 book available as a navigation aid, and is one we strongly recommend for all Route 66 adventurers!

Money on Route 66

Being in the USA, the currency along Route 66 is obviously the US dollar. The majority of shops and businesses along the route accepted credit cards in our experience, however there is a small minority where cash is preferred or are cash only, so we recommend travelling with some USD cash as well.

There are ATM’s along the route in the major towns and cities, but not always in the smaller towns, so we suggest getting some dollar bills before you start.

Power on Route 66

The USA uses a 120 Volt electrical system. If you’re coming from abroad you need to check if your equipment supports this standard.

In our experience, most laptops and phone chargers will work (the adapter will have 100 – 240V marked on it), however high powered items like hair dryers, hair straighteners, and travel kettles will not.

Whilst voltage convertors are available, these tend to be heavy. So our advice would be just to get a dual voltage travel version of any item you particularly need, such as this hair dryer or these hair straighteners . Alternatively, you can pick up a cheap version of whatever it is you need in the country from somewhere like Walmart.

Plugs in the USA are for the most part a narrow two pin plug. If you’re coming from outside the USA where your equipment uses a different plug, you’ll need a travel adapter like this . See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

We also advise travelling with a power strip. On Route 66 especially, the older motels don’t have many outlets. Something like this  would be good.

Route 66 Road Trip Music

Putting together a classic Route 66 soundtrack before you go is a fun way to prepare for your trip. Naturally, you’ll want to include one of the versions of “ Getting your Kicks on Route 66 “, we suggest the version by Asleep at the Wheel is a good option. We also think “ Take it Easy ” by the Eagles should make it onto your list!

Most rentals these days support either Bluetooth or USB connectivity, so you could load a playlist onto your device or a USB stick before you go, so you’re fully prepared!

Useful Route 66 Books

There are a number of books and maps which have been published to help you plan your Route 66 trip, many of which we bought prior to our adventure. From these, we recommend the following as the most useful for your trip.

• EZ66 Guide for Travelers by Jerry McClanahan – This is a turn-by-turn guide to the route and attraction highlights of Route 66. If you only buy one book for your Route 66 trip, you have to make it this one. We used this throughout our whole trip, and it was invaluable.
• Route 66 Adventure Handbook by Drew Knowles – Whilst not turn by turn, this is still an excellent guide to the Route, and it also provides a good overview of the majority of the roadside attractions along Route 66. It also has some motel and dining options.
• Here It Is! The Route 66 Map Series – This set of 8 hand-drawn maps (one for each state) provides both eastbound and westbound directions driving directions. In addition, the most popular attractions are listed on the map. To be honest, we found the EZ66 guide easier to follow, but we do like the maps as a memento of our adventure.

Further Reading for your Route 66 USA Road Trip

Well, we’re at the end of our Route 66 USA Road Trip itinerary! We hope you found this guide useful. Before you head onto the Route, we wanted to share some more resources that you might find useful when planning this trip.

• Our detailed guide to planning a Route 66 road trip
• As well as this one-week itinerary, we also have a detailed and comprehensive two week Route 66 itinerary . We suggest reading that too, even for a shorter trip as it has even more lodging, dining and attraction recommendations along the way!
• Speaking of lodging recommendations, check out our guide to all the best hotels and motels on Route 66 .
• If you’re looking for more photos to inspire you, we have a photo series from every state we visited on Route 66! You can see those here: Illinois Route 66 highlights ,  Missouri Route 66 highlights , Kansas Route 66 highlights , Oklahoma Route 66 highlights , Texas Route 66 highlights , New Mexico Route 66 highlights ,  Arizona Route 66 highlights and California Route 66 highlights
• As this is a road trip, you might find our guide to driving in the USA useful
• If you’re looking to put a budget together for Route 66, our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA should help
• Route 66 is one of our favourite road trips . However, we also have guides to some other road trips in the USA, including a California road trip , a Pacific Coast Highway road trip , a Deep South road trip and a western USA road trip
• We also have lots more content on travelling in the USA , from city guides to travel tips. See our guides to spending 2 days in Chicago , Things to do in Savannah ,  Things to do in Charleston ,  Things to do in Albuquerque ,  Visiting New Orleans During Mardi Gras ,  Things to do in Cambria  and  Things to do in Santa Fe  to get started!

And that’s it! As always, if you have any feedback or questions about this post and taking a Route 66 road trip, just let us know in the comments below!

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Brandi says

7th February 2024 at 4:23 am

Love and appreciate this! My husband and I would love to be able to make this trip the right way but currently won’t have more than 9 days to do it in. This will help! We’re from the Tulsa, OK Area, so we’ll probably just head West from home. I also wanted to let you know that the bronze sculpture/statue, “East Meets West” in Tulsa, depicts Cyrus Avery, “The Father of Route 66” and his family in the car. Thanks for sharing!

Laurence Norah says

7th February 2024 at 3:08 pm

Hi Brandi – it’s our pleasure! We hope you have an amazing time on Route 66 and thanks for the info on the Tulsa statue 🙂 Safe travels!

Chongli Tang Bangs says

7th November 2022 at 10:19 am

Thanks so much for the in-depth wonderful article you turned out he re . God Bless You

7th November 2022 at 10:43 am

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it!

Paul Dawson says

17th September 2022 at 4:51 pm

I’ve just done the entire trip, using this site as a principal guide. It was very useful. I hope the following serves some purpose.

1. The guide advocates using freeways to break the back of the mileage, and leaving time to explore the various attractions en route. We decided we would rather spend more time on 66 and less time on freeways and at the attractions.

2. Despite the slower speeds and longer mileage, we found we could cover the distances between the suggested stops easily enough in a day. Logistical issues meant that we did not always stay at the locations in the guide, but we got to Santa Monica without difficulty in the specified 8 days.

3. There were 4 of us, driving (i) a 1964 Triumph TR4 and (ii) a rented Nissan Rogue. Obviously we rotated cars and driving duties amongst ourselves and the general view was that the open-topped TR4 gave a much better sense of “being there” than the SUV. With hindsight, perhaps our rental car should also have been open-topped, but see the points 4 and 5.

4. En route to Clinton, OK, I developed serious eye-watering in the TR4. I am sure this was an allergic reaction to the local pollen. It recurred in shorter and less serious forms on a couple of later occasions. The enclosed space of the SUV was a great help in mitigating this.

5. We had not been too diligent about baggage. The TR4 could not take any and the rear seats of the SUV had to be folded down to accommodate it all. A rented convertible would obviously have much smaller baggage capacity.

6. I might repeat this at some point in the future, in which case I shall drive Santa Monica-Chicago. For a first-timer though, I would suggest driving westbound. The reason is a little subtle. From Chicago, the early part of the drive is soutwards and the changing latitudes mean changing landscapes. Across Arizona and California, the latitude is pretty constant and so is the landscape – basically desert full of sage brush. Someone starting in California might find the unchanging early landscape boring and give up. This would be a pity.

7. My final point is that four people in two cars was an excelent arrangement, although it doubled the transport costs. By regular switching, we developed strong bonding between the various pairs in the two cars. The group of 4 was together at meals and at the overnight stops. I would worry that four people in a single car all day long would begin to get on each other’s nerves.

19th September 2022 at 4:39 pm

Thank you so much for sharing this detailed feedback from your Route 66 experience. We’re sure it will help others, and we’re happy to hear our content helped with your trip as well!

Safe travels 🙂

Donna Harwood says

2nd April 2022 at 9:27 pm

Hi there and thanks so much for this great info. By any chance, do you have an easy way to ‘flip’ this trip? We are going to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles, rent a car and drive back to Chicago. I’m trying to juxtapose the trip but am confusing the heck out of myself! Great, great info. Thanks! Donna

3rd April 2022 at 10:31 am

So we have done the trip from LA to Chicago and appreciate your confusion. We don’t have an easy way to flip this itinerary unfortunately, other than working backwards through the content and creating your own trip. We do highly recommend the EZ66 Guide for Travelers by Jerry McClanahan, which does offer directions for going either way and is most useful.

Have a great trip, let me know if you have any other questions we can hopefully help more with!

25th June 2020 at 4:11 am

Im planning to leave from San Diego on the 12th of july and go for about 10 days. What is the best route you recommend to cover as much as possible? Route? Etc?

25th June 2020 at 9:55 am

This is a tricky question to answer as this will vary depending on your interests. Personally I love the wide open spaces and landscapes of the west, so would take more time over that stretch of the route. However, if you prefer to visit the small towns and attractions along the way, you may prefer a different focus. My suggestion would be to take a look at our longer 2 week Route 66 itinerary here , and then put together a route that combines your favourite parts of the two 🙂

Have a great trip!

Anthony says

21st January 2020 at 12:16 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica.

Thank you for this great guide. My wife and I plan to do this exact route in March for my 50th birthday trip. Just a quick question what time did you guys typically head out in the morning and approximately what time did you reach each destination in the evening.

21st January 2020 at 9:25 am

Hi Anthony,

Our pleasure! When we travel we try to leave our accommodation by 9am, and we usually prefer not to drive late into the evening where possible (driving at night means we can’t see the sights!), so normally aim to arrive between 5 and 7 if possible. Of course, this will vary depending on what we’re seeing in the day, but that’s the goal, and how we structure our itineraries.

Let me know if I can be of any more help, and have a great time on the Mother Road,

26th January 2020 at 2:15 am

Excellent, thank you..

Mnandi says

9th November 2019 at 11:36 am

Thank you so much for this amazingly helpful article. I’m form South Africa and my husband and I decided we want to visit the US next year and it’s been on our bucket lists to drive route 66. We only get 15 days off of work each year and the flights to and back from the US will probably be 2 days. Therefore the 2 week trip would not have worked for us, so THANK YOU for this.

I was wondering if you can give us some sort of budget. Especially in terms of accommodation, food, activities and fuel for the 8 days.

Thank you so much Kind regards

10th November 2019 at 12:08 pm

Our pleasure! So it’s hard to give a precise budget because everyone has a different travel style. What I would suggest is you take a look at our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA , which should answer all your questions 🙂

Have an amazing trip!

Jax Welborn says

18th April 2019 at 9:57 pm

Wonderful write up/itinerary. Some how I was tagged on this tweet but my place is not mentioned or even my wonderful city, Waynesville, Missouri. Please stop by if you are on the Mother Road in Missouri again.

Safe travels.

Jax Welborn PicsbyJax LLC Route 66 Community Art Gallery Get Your Pics on Route 66 Souvenir Shop

19th April 2019 at 11:47 am

Thanks Jax! We did pass through and Waynesville is mentioned in our 2 week itinerary, but we unfortunately didn’t have time to stop and see your shop. Next time we will be sure to stop by though!

4th April 2019 at 7:22 pm

Can u do a detailed itinerary from Tulsa Oklahoma we’re looking at a week of driving tk u Cindi

4th April 2019 at 7:55 pm

Our suggestion would be to look at our 2 week itinerary, which covers the section you are interested in over about a week:

https://independenttravelcats.com/2-week-route-66-itinerary-ultimate-american-road-trip/

28th March 2019 at 12:33 am

Your blog looks interesting I was looking for something or someone that was writing about Rome and Paris on a train and I saw you guys but then I saw this Route 66 thing and because I live in Arizona and love to go to Flagstaff, I looked at your route 66 articles. This is the best town to visit in Arizona. I thought I’d see what you had to say about it and gosh I think you guys really missed the mark on Flagstaff you need to come back and spend some time in Flagstaff. You have no idea what a cool town it is and how many really really good food spots there are.

28th March 2019 at 12:39 pm

Thanks for your comment. We definitely would like to come back to Flagstaff to spend a bit more time to see what is on offer. Unfortunately, on a 1 week Route 66 itinerary, there isn’t a great deal of time to explore along the route in great depth. We did cover Flagstaff a bit more in our two week Route 66 itinerary , as in that post we include it as a stopover, and with two weeks there is a bit more time to see more.

Thanks for your comment and stopping by!

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The Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip Guide

Introduction.

Welcome to the ultimate guide for planning the iconic Route 66 road trip! Known as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 is a historic highway that stretches over 2,400 miles across eight states, from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. This legendary road trip offers a nostalgic journey through the heart of America, allowing travelers to experience the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture of the country.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply in search of a classic American road trip adventure, Route 66 has something to offer everyone. From retro diners and quirky roadside attractions to breathtaking national parks and charming small towns, each stop along the route promises unique experiences and unforgettable memories.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of Route 66, highlighting the must-visit attractions, best places to stay and dine, and provide practical tips to make your road trip a memorable one. So, grab your keys, buckle up, and get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime!

Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about planning your Route 66 road trip. It’s essential to have a well-organized itinerary to make the most of your adventure. Consider the duration of your trip, the time of year you plan to travel, and the attractions you don’t want to miss along the way.

Whether you have a week or several weeks to spare, allocating time for each state and its attractions will help you create a realistic schedule. However, remember to leave some room for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries along the way.

Next, let’s discuss the best time to travel on Route 66. While the highway is accessible throughout the year, certain seasons offer unique advantages. The climate, events, and availability of accommodations vary across the different states, so it’s worth considering these factors when planning your trip.

Planning the Route 66 Road Trip

Planning a Route 66 road trip requires careful consideration and preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here are some essential steps to help you plan your adventure:

• Decide on the duration: Determine how much time you have available for your road trip. Route 66 can be completed in about two weeks, but if you have more time, you can explore at a more leisurely pace.
• Choose the direction: Decide whether you want to start in Chicago and head west to Santa Monica or do the trip in reverse. Consider factors like weather, time of year, and your preferences.
• Research the attractions: Route 66 is famous for its nostalgic roadside attractions, historical landmarks, and natural wonders. Research and make a list of the must-visit sights along the way.
• Create an itinerary: Based on the attractions you want to visit and the duration of your trip, create a detailed itinerary. Allocate enough time for each stop, including travel time between destinations.
• Book accommodations: Route 66 offers a range of accommodation options, including motels, hotels, and campgrounds. Book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Prepare your vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the long journey. Get a maintenance check, change the oil, check the tires, and pack essential tools and spare parts.
• Check travel documents: Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and any necessary travel documents if you’re an international traveler. Carry copies of important documents like insurance and registration.
• Pack essentials: Pack clothing suitable for different weather conditions, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first aid kit, and a good road map or GPS device.
• Set a budget: Plan your budget for accommodations, meals, fuel, attractions, and souvenirs. Keep in mind that some attractions may have entry fees, so factor those into your budget.

By following these planning steps, you’ll be well-prepared for your Route 66 road trip. Remember to be flexible and allow for detours or spontaneous adventures along the way. Now that you have your plan in place, let’s talk about the best time to travel on Route 66.

Best Time to Travel on Route 66

The best time to travel on Route 66 largely depends on your preferences and the experiences you want to have along the way. Each season offers its own advantages and considerations. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and what you can expect:

• Spring (March – May): Spring is a popular time to travel on Route 66. The weather is generally mild, and the landscapes come alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery. However, keep in mind that some areas may experience unpredictable weather, including rain showers.
• Summer (June – August): Summer is the peak tourist season on Route 66. The weather is typically warm, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring attractions. However, popular destinations can be crowded, and accommodations may be more expensive. Be prepared for high temperatures in states like Arizona and New Mexico.
• Fall (September – November): Fall is another excellent time to travel on Route 66. The weather begins to cool down, and the landscapes are painted with vibrant colors as the leaves change. The crowds start to thin out, making it easier to secure accommodations and enjoy the attractions.
• Winter (December – February): Winter is the off-peak season on Route 66. The weather can be cold, especially in the northern states like Illinois and Missouri. However, if you’re seeking a quieter and more budget-friendly trip, this could be the perfect time. Just be aware of possible road closures or challenging driving conditions due to snowfall in some areas.

It’s important to note that some attractions along Route 66 may have specific operating seasons and hours. Before your trip, check the availability and opening times of attractions you’re interested in. Additionally, consider any special events or festivals happening along the route, as these can enhance your experience and provide unique cultural insights.

Ultimately, the best time to travel on Route 66 depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of summer or the peaceful solitude of winter, you’re bound to find something special at any time of the year.

Now that you have an idea of when to embark on your Route 66 adventure, let’s begin exploring the starting point of this iconic road trip: Chicago, Illinois.

Starting Point: Chicago, Illinois

Your Route 66 road trip begins in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois. Known for its stunning architecture, cultural attractions, and deep-dish pizza, Chicago sets the stage for an unforgettable journey along the historic highway.

Before hitting the road, take some time to explore the iconic landmarks and attractions that the Windy City has to offer. Marvel at the breathtaking views from the Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower or take a stroll along the picturesque Navy Pier. Visit world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago or the Field Museum to delve into art, history, and culture.

Food lovers won’t want to miss a chance to indulge in Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza. Grab a slice at renowned pizzerias like Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s for an authentic and delicious Chicago-style experience.

When you’re ready to start your journey on Route 66, head south on Adams Street and follow the signs for Historic Route 66. As you leave the city behind, you will pass through quaint suburbs and begin your adventure along the open road.

One notable stop just outside of Chicago is the Berwyn Route 66 Museum, where you can learn about the history and significance of Route 66. The museum showcases vintage artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that transport you back to the heyday of this iconic highway.

As you continue your drive, you’ll encounter classic Route 66 attractions like the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, a towering figure holding a rocket, and the historic Polk-a-Dot Drive-In in Braidwood, where you can enjoy a nostalgic burger and shake.

After leaving Illinois, your Route 66 journey will take you through a total of eight states, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences. From the rolling hills of Missouri to the stunning landscapes of New Mexico and Arizona, you’re in for a diverse and captivating road trip.

While Chicago is usually the starting point for many Route 66 travelers, you also have the option to begin the road trip from Santa Monica and head east. This gives you the opportunity to experience the journey in reverse and enjoy the excitement of reaching Chicago as your final destination.

Whichever direction you choose, starting your Route 66 road trip in Chicago is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the city and set off on an adventure filled with history, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Now, let’s continue our exploration of Route 66 as we dive into the attractions you’ll encounter in Illinois.

Illinois Attractions on Route 66

As you cruise through the state of Illinois on your Route 66 road trip, you’ll encounter a variety of attractions that showcase the rich history and charm of this iconic highway. Here are some must-visit stops along the Illinois stretch of Route 66:

• Route 66 Start Sign: Located on Adams Street in downtown Chicago, the Route 66 Start Sign marks the beginning of your journey. Snap a photo at this iconic sign to commemorate the start of your adventure.
• Berwyn Route 66 Museum: Just outside of Chicago, the Berwyn Route 66 Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the history and culture of Route 66. Explore exhibits filled with vintage artifacts and photographs, and gain insights into the significance of this iconic road.
• The Gemini Giant: Make a quick stop in Wilmington to admire the towering Gemini Giant, a fiberglass statute of an astronaut holding a rocket. This classic example of roadside Americana is perfect for a unique photo opportunity.
• Pontiac: The town of Pontiac is home to several Route 66 attractions, including the Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum and the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. Explore the rich automotive history of the area and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the Mother Road.
• Pink Elephant Antique Mall: Don’t miss the chance to visit the Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston. This quirky attraction features a giant pink elephant statue and offers a treasure trove of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items to browse and discover.
• Old Chain of Rocks Bridge: As you approach the Illinois-Missouri border, you’ll cross the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. This historic bridge, which spans the Mississippi River, offers stunning views and is a favorite spot for cyclists, pedestrians, and photographers.

These are just a few of the many attractions you’ll encounter in Illinois along your Route 66 journey. As you travel through the state, keep an eye out for charming small towns, classic diners, and unique roadside curiosities that embody the spirit of the Mother Road.

As you leave Illinois and venture into Missouri, get ready for a whole new set of attractions and experiences. From the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the Route 66 State Park, each destination along the way offers a taste of history and adventure.

Now that you’ve explored the attractions in Illinois, let’s continue our virtual road trip as we make our way through the next state on Route 66: Missouri.

Missouri Attractions on Route 66

As you journey through Missouri on Route 66, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of attractions that showcase the state’s history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Here are some must-visit stops along the Missouri stretch of Route 66:

• Gateway Arch: While not directly on Route 66, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a must-see landmark and worth a slight detour. Take a tram ride to the top of this iconic stainless steel arch for breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River.
• Katz’s Delicatessen: Indulge in delicious comfort food at Katz’s Delicatessen in St. Louis. This family-owned deli has been serving up mouthwatering sandwiches and homemade desserts since 1902 and is a local favorite.
• Meramec Caverns: Explore the fascinating underground wonders of Meramec Caverns in Stanton. Take a guided tour through this extensive limestone cave system, marveling at the stunning formations and learning about the cave’s storied past.
• Munger Moss Motel: Experience a vintage stay at the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon. This classic Route 66 motel has been welcoming travelers since 1946 and offers a glimpse into the past with its retro charm and nostalgic atmosphere.
• Red Cedar Inn: Discover a hidden gem in Pacific at the Red Cedar Inn. This historic restaurant and bed and breakfast exudes timeless charm and serves delectable American fare. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing meal or spend the night.
• 66 Drive-In Theatre: Catch a movie under the stars at the 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage. This iconic outdoor theater embraces the spirit of the Mother Road and offers a unique cinematic experience.

As you travel through Missouri, be sure to soak in the picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and charming small towns that dot the Route 66 corridor. You’ll have the opportunity to indulge in classic American cuisine, browse interesting shops, and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the historic highway.

Missouri is also home to the old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which you may have crossed from Illinois. This unique bridge spans the Mississippi River and offers unparalleled views and a chance to walk in the footsteps of Route 66 travelers from decades past.

Now that you’ve explored the attractions in Missouri, let’s continue our virtual road trip as we make our way through the next state on Route 66: Kansas.

Kansas Attractions on Route 66

As you venture into Kansas on your Route 66 road trip, you will discover a variety of attractions that highlight the state’s unique history and charm. Here are some must-visit stops along the Kansas stretch of Route 66:

• Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum: Start your Kansas Route 66 journey in Baxter Springs with a visit to the Heritage Center and Museum. Learn about the town’s rich heritage, mining history, and its role as a prominent stop along the Mother Road.
• Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store: Step back in time at the Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store in Riverton. This preserved and restored general store is a treasure trove of vintage items and Route 66 memorabilia.
• Rainbow Bridge: Marvel at the historic Rainbow Bridge in Riverton, one of the few remaining Marsh Arch bridges on Route 66. This scenic bridge is a testament to the engineering marvels of the early 20th century and provides a picturesque backdrop for photos.
• Cars on the Route: Visit Galena, where you’ll find Cars on the Route, a charming restoration of an old Kan-O-Tex service station. This spot was the inspiration for the character Fillmore in the Disney-Pixar film “Cars.”
• Baxter Springs Independent Oil and Gas Station: Take a photo stop at the Baxter Springs Independent Oil and Gas Station, an iconic example of a historic service station along Route 66. This restored landmark showcases the architectural style prevalent during the golden era of road trips.

While Kansas has a shorter stretch of Route 66 compared to other states, it offers a unique glimpse into the history and charm of this iconic highway. As you drive through the rolling prairies and small towns of Kansas, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the Mother Road and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Be sure to interact with the locals, visit local diners, and explore the small mom-and-pop shops that line the route. The people and communities along Route 66 are an integral part of the experience, and connecting with them will add an extra layer of authenticity to your journey.

As you leave Kansas and head further west, you’ll soon cross into Oklahoma, where a wealth of attractions and landmarks await you along the Route 66 corridor.

Now that you’ve explored the attractions in Kansas, let’s continue our virtual road trip as we make our way through the next state on Route 66: Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Attractions on Route 66

As you cruise through Oklahoma on your Route 66 road trip, you will encounter a wealth of attractions that showcase the state’s vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some must-visit stops along the Oklahoma stretch of Route 66:

• Oklahoma Route 66 Museum: Start your Oklahoma Route 66 journey in Clinton with a visit to the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. Explore the exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that tell the story of the Mother Road and its impact on the state.
• Lucille’s Service Station: Pay a visit to Lucille’s Service Station in Hydro, an iconic Route 66 landmark. This restored filling station-turned-museum is dedicated to the memory of Lucille Hamons, a beloved figure and “Mother of the Mother Road.”
• Catoosa Blue Whale: Take a quick detour to Catoosa to see the famous Blue Whale, a Route 66 roadside attraction that has become an icon of the Mother Road. This unique structure offers a fun photo opportunity and a glimpse into the whimsical side of Route 66.
• Round Barn of Arcadia: Discover one of Route 66’s architectural wonders at the Round Barn of Arcadia. This National Register of Historic Places landmark is a beautifully restored round barn that now serves as a community center and museum.
• Pops: Make a refreshing stop at Pops in Arcadia, a unique soda pop haven with over 700 varieties of beverages. Enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant and browse the vast selection of soda pops before continuing your journey.
• The Coleman Theater: Step back in time at the beautifully restored Coleman Theater in Miami. This stunning Spanish Colonial Revival-style theater offers guided tours, showcasing its luxurious interiors and hosting various performances throughout the year.

Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66 is filled with iconic landmarks, nostalgic attractions, and the warm hospitality of its residents. As you drive through the state, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore charming small towns, dine at authentic diners, and soak in the stunning landscapes that make Oklahoma a memorable destination along the Mother Road.

Don’t forget to try some regional specialties while in Oklahoma, such as barbecue, chicken-fried steak, or a slice of homemade pie. The local cuisine is as rich and diverse as the history and culture along Route 66.

As you continue westward, you’ll soon cross into Texas, where the adventure on Route 66 continues with its own set of unique attractions and experiences.

Now that you’ve explored the attractions in Oklahoma, let’s continue our virtual road trip as we make our way through the next state on Route 66: Texas.

Texas Attractions on Route 66

As you cross into Texas on your Route 66 road trip, you’ll find a variety of attractions that highlight the Lone Star State’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some must-visit stops along the Texas stretch of Route 66:

• Cadillac Ranch: Make a stop near Amarillo to witness the famous Cadillac Ranch, an art installation that features ten brightly painted, half-buried Cadillac cars. This unique roadside attraction is a favorite among Route 66 travelers.
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” Hike, bike, or drive through the scenic park to admire the stunning landscapes and panoramic views.
• The Big Texan Steak Ranch: Get your taste buds ready for a challenge at The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo. This legendary restaurant is famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, but also offers a wide range of delicious Texas-style dishes for everyone.
• Wigwam Village Motel: Stay in a unique teepee-shaped motel at the Wigwam Village in Rialto. This historic motel, one of the few remaining in the Wigwam Village chain, offers a nostalgic experience and a glimpse into the past.
• MidPoint Cafe: Stop by the MidPoint Cafe in Adrian, considered to be the halfway point on Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles. Enjoy a meal or indulge in a slice of the famous “Ugly Crust” pie as you take in the nostalgia of this classic roadside diner.

As you drive through Texas, you’ll also be treated to the state’s vast and diverse landscapes, ranging from towering mesas to wide-open plains. Take your time to appreciate the beauty of the Lone Star State and embrace the warm hospitality of its residents.

Don’t forget to enjoy some traditional Texas cuisine during your journey, such as Texas-style barbecue, Tex-Mex dishes, or a hearty plate of chicken-fried steak. The food culture in Texas is as vibrant and diverse as the attractions along Route 66.

As you continue westward, you’ll soon enter New Mexico, where a new set of attractions and experiences await on the next leg of your Route 66 adventure.

Now that you’ve explored the attractions in Texas, let’s continue our virtual road trip as we make our way through the next state on Route 66: New Mexico.

New Mexico Attractions on Route 66

As you reach New Mexico on your Route 66 road trip, you’ll discover a vibrant mix of cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and historic attractions. Here are some must-visit stops along the New Mexico stretch of Route 66:

• Blue Hole: Take a refreshing break at the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, a natural swimming hole with crystal-clear blue water. Dive into the cool waters or simply relax by the shore of this unique geological marvel.
• Santa Fe: Make a detour to Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico. Explore the city’s rich history, visit art galleries, and indulge in the vibrant culinary scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful Santa Fe Plaza and immerse yourself in the city’s distinctive Southwestern charm.
• Albuquerque: Discover the cultural hub of Albuquerque, where you can explore the historic Old Town and experience the city’s fascinating blend of Native American, Spanish, and American cultures. Take a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
• Acoma Pueblo: Visit Acoma Pueblo, also known as “Sky City,” and discover the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America. Take a guided tour of the pueblo and learn about the rich history, traditions, and artistry of the Acoma people.
• Route 66 Auto Museum: Spend some time at the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, where you can admire a wonderful collection of classic and vintage cars. From hot rods to classic convertibles, this museum showcases the history and allure of automobiles along Route 66.

As you drive through New Mexico, you’ll witness the stunning desert landscapes, mesas, and wide open spaces that make this state truly unique. Take in the vastness of the scenery and appreciate the untouched beauty of the Southwest.

New Mexico is also renowned for its vibrant arts and crafts scene. Explore local galleries and shops along the route to admire and purchase beautiful Native American jewelry, pottery, and artwork. The state’s rich cultural heritage is seamlessly integrated into the fabric of Route 66.

As you continue your journey westward, you’ll soon enter Arizona, where the natural wonders and iconic attractions of the Grand Canyon State await.

Now that you’ve explored the attractions in New Mexico, let’s continue our virtual road trip as we head towards the next state on Route 66: Arizona.

Arizona Attractions on Route 66

As you make your way through Arizona on your Route 66 road trip, you’ll encounter a treasure trove of iconic attractions, breathtaking landscapes, and charming towns. Here are some must-visit stops along the Arizona stretch of Route 66:

• Grand Canyon: Take the opportunity to visit one of the world’s natural wonders, the Grand Canyon National Park. Marvel at the vastness of the canyon, walk along the rim, and take in the awe-inspiring panoramic views. Plan ahead and consider spending a night at one of the park’s lodges to fully immerse yourself in this magnificent spectacle.
• Petrified Forest National Park: Discover the natural wonders of Petrified Forest National Park, where ancient trees turned to stone millions of years ago. Take a hike along the trails and witness the beautifully preserved petrified logs and vibrant colored badlands.
• Standin’ on a Corner Park: Pay a visit to Standin’ on a Corner Park in Winslow, made famous by the Eagles’ hit song, “Take It Easy.” This quirky park is a tribute to the iconic song and offers a unique photo opportunity with a bronze statue of a musician.
• Wigwam Motel: Spend a night in one of the legendary Wigwam Motels in Holbrook. These unique accommodations, shaped like teepees, were once a popular choice among Route 66 travelers. Experience the nostalgia of the Mother Road by staying in these iconic roadside lodgings.
• Oatman: Step back in time in the town of Oatman, where wild burros freely roam the streets and old Western buildings transport you to the days of the gold rush. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, shop for souvenirs, and witness live gunfight reenactments.

As you drive through Arizona, the landscapes will amaze you with their diversity, from the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the arid desert vistas dotted with iconic Saguaro cacti. Take the time to stop at scenic overlooks, venture on short hikes, and capture the natural beauty of the state with your camera.

Arizona also offers a wealth of Native American history and culture. Explore historic sites and museums that showcase the rich heritage of the Navajo, Hopi, and other tribes. Immerse yourself in the art, traditions, and stories of the Southwest’s indigenous peoples.

Next up, you’ll reach the final state on your Route 66 journey: California. Get ready to experience the last leg of this iconic road trip and discover the cultural delights and scenic wonders that the Golden State has to offer.

Now that you’ve explored the attractions in Arizona, let’s continue our virtual road trip as we head towards the final state on Route 66: California.

California Attractions on Route 66

As you embark on the final leg of your Route 66 road trip in California, you’ll encounter a plethora of iconic attractions, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant cities. Here are some must-visit stops along the California stretch of Route 66:

• Santa Monica Pier: Celebrate the end of your journey at the Santa Monica Pier, the official western terminus of Route 66. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean as you bask in the accomplishment of completing this historic road trip.
• Wigwam Motel: Experience the unique accommodations at the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino. Similar to the motels in Holbrook, Arizona, these teepee-shaped lodgings provide a nostalgic and authentic Route 66 experience.
• Route 66 Museum: Explore the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, which showcases the history, culture, and artifacts of the iconic highway. Learn about the people, events, and innovations that shaped the road’s legacy.
• Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch: Marvel at the whimsical and eclectic Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande. This unique outdoor art installation features a collection of metal sculptures adorned with colorful glass bottles, creating a mesmerizing sight along the Route 66 corridor.
• Historic Seligman Sundries: Stop by Seligman, a town frozen in time, and visit Historic Seligman Sundries, a classic Route 66 souvenir shop. Browse through a wide selection of trinkets, memorabilia, and Route 66-themed merchandise.

As you drive through California, you’ll experience the diverse landscapes of the Golden State, from the stunning coastline to the majestic mountains. Take the opportunity to discover the beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, the dramatic scenery of Mojave National Preserve, or the bustling city vibes in Los Angeles.

California also offers a wealth of culinary delights, so be sure to indulge in local flavors along the way. From fresh seafood in coastal towns to vibrant food scenes in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, your taste buds will be delighted throughout your journey.

As you conclude your Route 66 adventure, take a moment to reflect on the memories, experiences, and stories you’ve gathered along this historic road trip. Congratulations on completing the iconic journey from Chicago to Santa Monica!

Now that you’ve explored the attractions in California, it’s time to wrap up your virtual road trip and savor the memories of this unforgettable Route 66 adventure.

Ending Point: Santa Monica, California

Congratulations! You’ve reached the final destination of your epic Route 66 road trip: Santa Monica, California. As the western terminus of the Mother Road, Santa Monica is the perfect place to conclude your unforgettable journey. Here’s what you can look forward to experiencing in this vibrant coastal city:

Santa Monica Pier: Your road trip culminates at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and soak in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel, test your skills at the carnival games, or stroll along the lively boardwalk filled with street performers, shops, and restaurants.

Third Street Promenade: Just steps away from the pier, Third Street Promenade awaits with its vibrant ambiance and fantastic shopping opportunities. Explore a wide variety of stores, boutiques, and specialty shops, and enjoy live street performances from local artists.

Main Street: Delve into the vibrant neighborhood of Main Street, known for its unique shops, trendy cafes, and excellent dining options. Take a leisurely stroll and soak in the relaxed beach town vibe that Santa Monica is famous for.

Santa Monica State Beach: Take some time to unwind and relax on Santa Monica State Beach, where soft sand, rolling waves, and coastal breezes invite you to breathe in the ocean air and bask in the Southern California sunshine.

Bergamot Station Arts Center: For art enthusiasts, a visit to Bergamot Station Arts Center is a must. This former railroad station is now home to a variety of galleries and art spaces, featuring works from local and international artists.

Santa Monica Mountains: If you have extra time, explore the nearby Santa Monica Mountains. Go for a hike, enjoy a scenic drive, or picnic amidst picturesque landscapes with stunning views of the city and coastline.

After completing the historic Route 66 journey from Chicago to Santa Monica, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history you’ve encountered throughout this iconic road trip. Capture the memories and cherish the stories that will be shared for years to come.

As you conclude your adventure in Santa Monica, take the time to appreciate the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing the cross-country journey on Route 66. Whether you’re ready to continue exploring California or planning your next travel endeavor, remember that the spirit of adventure and discovery is always within reach.

Thank you for joining us on this virtual road trip along the Main Street of America. We hope this guide has inspired you and provided valuable insights for planning your own memorable Route 66 adventure.

Safe travels and happy trails!

Accommodations on Route 66

When embarking on a Route 66 road trip, finding the perfect accommodations can greatly enhance your overall experience. Along the iconic highway, you’ll find a diverse range of lodging options that cater to various preferences and budgets. Here are some accommodation choices you can consider along the Route 66 journey:

Classic Motels: Route 66 is synonymous with classic motels, many of which have been preserved and restored to capture the spirit of the road’s golden era. These motels often feature retro decor, neon signs, and provide a nostalgic ambiance that takes you back in time. Staying in these motels can be a delightful throwback experience that adds authenticity to your Route 66 adventure.

Boutique Hotels: For travelers seeking charm and character, boutique hotels along Route 66 offer a unique sense of style and personalized service. These smaller-sized accommodations often feature distinctive decor, thoughtful amenities, and a more intimate atmosphere. Boutique hotels can provide a cozy and memorable stay during your journey.

Bed and Breakfasts: If you desire a more intimate and cozy experience, consider staying at a bed and breakfast along route 66. These charming establishments often offer comfortable rooms, homemade breakfasts, and the opportunity to connect with local hosts and fellow travelers. Bed and breakfast accommodations can provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere after a long day on the road.

Chain Hotels: Along the route, you’ll also find well-known chain hotels that offer reliability, comfortable amenities, and familiar settings. If you prefer the consistency and convenience of chain hotels, you can find them in various cities and towns along Route 66, providing familiar comforts during your journey.

Campgrounds and RV Parks: For those who enjoy the great outdoors, camping along Route 66 can be a fantastic option. Many campgrounds and RV parks are scattered along the way, allowing you to set up camp and enjoy the serene beauty of nature. Be sure to check ahead for availability and amenities, as well as any necessary reservations.

Regardless of the accommodation type you choose, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons when popular destinations can be crowded. Plan your journey and map out your stops ahead of time to ensure availability and secure your preferred accommodations.

Remember that part of the charm of Route 66 is immersing yourself in the culture and history of the road. So, when choosing accommodations, consider opting for those that align with the nostalgic vibe of the journey. Whether you stay in a retro motel, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a unique boutique establishment, your choice of accommodation can add a distinct flavor to your Route 66 experience.

Now that you have an idea of the diverse accommodation options along Route 66, you can plan your overnight stays accordingly and make the most of this unforgettable road trip.

Dining Options on Route 66

One of the most memorable aspects of a Route 66 road trip is the opportunity to savor the diverse culinary delights along the way. As you travel through the various states and towns, you’ll encounter a wide range of dining options that reflect the rich food culture of America. Here are some dining experiences to consider while traveling on Route 66:

Classic Diners: Route 66 is synonymous with classic diners that embody the spirit of the open road. Step into these nostalgic establishments, often adorned with retro decor and neon signs, and indulge in all-American comfort foods like burgers, milkshakes, and homemade pies. These diners offer a taste of the past and the chance to experience the quintessential roadside dining experience.

Local Eateries: Along Route 66, you’ll encounter a plethora of family-owned restaurants, cafes, and hole-in-the-wall establishments that showcase regional flavors and culinary traditions. From Tex-Mex in Texas to traditional barbecue joints in Kansas City, each state offers its own unique culinary treasures. Don’t be afraid to seek out these local gems and try the specialties that have been passed down through generations.

Ethnic Cuisine: Route 66 is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is reflected in the array of international cuisine available along the way. Enjoy a plate of authentic Mexican tacos in New Mexico, savor some mouthwatering Italian pasta in Chicago, or indulge in savory barbecue in Kansas City. From Asian fusion to Greek delicacies, you’ll find options to satisfy every craving.

Farmers Markets and Roadside Produce Stands: For a taste of local, fresh produce, make a stop at farmers markets and roadside stands that dot the Route 66 landscape. Discover regional fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products, and even pick up some items for a picnic or to enjoy during your drive.

Street Food and Food Trucks: As you explore the cities and towns along Route 66, keep an eye out for street food vendors and food trucks that offer a variety of quick and delicious eats. Sample gourmet hot dogs, tacos, barbecue, or fusion cuisine from these mobile culinary delights. It’s a convenient and flavorful way to experience a wide range of flavors.

When dining along Route 66, remember to savor not just the food, but also the unique dining atmospheres and the chance to connect with locals and other travelers. Engage in conversations, share stories, and embrace the hospitality that Route 66 is famous for.

While planning your Route 66 road trip, research local recommendations and seek out iconic dining establishments that have become landmarks along the highway. Whether it’s a famous steakhouse, a beloved pie shop, or a legendary barbecue joint, these culinary landmarks add an extra layer of authenticity and flavor to your journey.

Now that you’re familiar with the dining options along Route 66, get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your memories enriched.

Roadside Attractions and Photo Ops

One of the most exciting aspects of a Route 66 road trip is the abundance of quirky and iconic roadside attractions that are scattered along the highway. These unique attractions offer opportunities for memorable photo ops and add an extra dose of fun and whimsy to your journey. Here are some must-visit roadside attractions on Route 66:

• Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas): Don’t miss the chance to visit Cadillac Ranch, an iconic art installation comprising of ten half-buried Cadillacs planted nose-first into the ground. Take some spray paint and leave your mark on these colorful, graffiti-covered cars.
• Blue Whale (Catoosa, Oklahoma): Stop by the Blue Whale, a beloved roadside attraction that dates back to the 1970s. This whimsical structure offers a unique photo opportunity as you stand beside the massive blue whale emerging from a small pond.
• Standin’ on a Corner Park (Winslow, Arizona): Pay homage to the Eagles’ hit song “Take It Easy” at Standin’ on a Corner Park. Capture a photo beside the life-sized bronze statue that immortalizes the famous line from the song.
• Giant Route 66 Shield (Tulsa, Oklahoma): Pose in front of the giant Route 66 shield located in Tulsa. This vibrant and oversized symbol of the Mother Road serves as an excellent backdrop for a fun and memorable photo.
• Munger Moss Motel Sign (Lebanon, Missouri): Take a snapshot with the iconic Munger Moss Motel sign, a Route 66 institution that has welcomed travelers with its neon glow since 1946. This vintage sign is a true symbol of the road’s heritage.

As you drive along Route 66, keep an eye out for other unique and photo-worthy sights such as vintage gas stations, classic cars parked along the road, retro diners, and quirky roadside sculptures. These unexpected treasures can make spontaneous photo ops and memories that will last a lifetime.

Remember to exercise caution and observe any rules or guidelines when visiting these attractions. While they are often open to the public, it’s important to respect the sites and practice responsible tourism.

Sharing your Route 66 adventure through photographs is a wonderful way to convey the essence and excitement of the journey with friends and family. Capture the charm of the historic road, the beauty of the landscapes, and the spirit of the communities you encounter.

Now that you’re equipped with knowledge about some of the memorable roadside attractions on Route 66, get ready to strike a pose and create lasting memories during your epic road trip.

Tips for an Epic Route 66 Road Trip

A Route 66 road trip is a bucket-list adventure that promises unforgettable memories and experiences. To make the most of your journey, consider these tips for an epic Route 66 road trip:

• Plan your route: While spontaneity adds to the charm of the road trip, having a general plan and itinerary will help you make the most of your time on Route 66. Research attractions, accommodations, and dining options beforehand, and allocate enough time for each stop.
• Allow for flexibility: While planning is important, also allow room for unplanned detours and spontaneous discoveries. Some of the best memories on Route 66 come from unexpected experiences.
• Travel light: Pack essentials but be mindful of limited trunk space. Leave room for souvenirs and treasures you pick up along the way. Consider versatile clothing options suitable for different weather conditions and comfortable footwear for exploring attractions.
• Bring a good camera or smartphone: Route 66 is filled with picturesque landscapes, unique roadside attractions, and charming towns. Capture the beauty and fun of your journey by bringing a quality camera or smartphone with ample storage space for photos and videos.
• Embrace the local culture: Route 66 is more than just a road trip—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse cultures and communities that line the highway. Interact with locals, support local businesses, and be respectful of the cultural heritage you encounter.
• Try regional cuisine: Indulge in the culinary delights along Route 66 by trying the local specialties and iconic dishes. From classic American diners to ethnic restaurants, allow your taste buds to savor the flavors of each state you pass through.
• Take breaks and enjoy the journey: Route 66 is not just about reaching the destination—it’s about enjoying the journey itself. Take breaks to stretch your legs, explore small towns, and appreciate the beauty of the landscapes. Enjoy the ride and embrace the sense of adventure.
• Be mindful of the weather: Check the weather forecast for each area you’ll be passing through. Be prepared for different climates and pack accordingly. Keep in mind that extreme weather, such as storms or heatwaves, can affect road conditions and local attractions.
• Connect with fellow travelers: Route 66 attracts travelers from all over the world, creating a vibrant and friendly community on the road. Connect with other road trippers at events, landmarks, or through online forums. Share stories, tips, and recommendations with fellow adventurers.
• Enjoy the nostalgia: Route 66 is a road trip through history, so take the time to appreciate the nostalgic charm of the classic roadside attractions, vintage motels, and neon signs that line the route. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the road and cherish the journey.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on an epic Route 66 road trip. Remember, the key is to embrace the adventure, soak in the sights, and create lasting memories along this iconic highway.

Now that you’re equipped with knowledge and inspiration, get ready to hit the road and embark on an unforgettable Route 66 experience. Safe travels and enjoy the ride!

Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide to an epic Route 66 road trip! As you now know, Route 66 is much more than just a highway—it’s a journey through history, culture, and stunning landscapes that capture the spirit of America. From the iconic starting point in Chicago, Illinois, to the breathtaking final destination of Santa Monica, California, Route 66 offers an experience like no other.

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the planning process, the best times to travel, attractions in each state, accommodations, dining options, and tips for a memorable road trip. By following these insights and recommendations, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on the adventure of a lifetime along the Main Street of America.

From retro diners and roadside attractions to scenic vistas and iconic landmarks, Route 66 presents an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and hospitality that make the United States so unique. Along the way, embrace the unexpected, connect with fellow travelers, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

As you embark on your own Route 66 journey, remember to stay flexible, take breaks to explore the small towns and hidden gems, and bask in the nostalgia of the Mother Road. Capture the beauty through your camera lens, indulge in regional cuisine, and connect with the communities that call Route 66 home.

Whether you have a week or several weeks to spare, a Route 66 road trip promises an adventure filled with vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a sense of discovery that can only be found on the open road. So, gather your travel companions, pack your bags, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Route 66.

Safe travels and enjoy the ride. As they say, it’s not the destination, but the journey that matters most. Have a fantastic time exploring the Main Street of America!

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The Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip Guide

Where to eat, what to see, and where to stay on a perfect Route 66 road trip.

Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the jungle.

Route 66 doesn't always surface on Google Maps, but it's there. The most celebrated stretch of asphalt in America rolls out from the heart of downtown Chicago and begins its epic journey west toward the Pacific. The so-called "Mother Road" slides through endless farmland, forgotten towns, and the spectacular desert of the American West. The scenery is a thrill, but it's the stops and sights along the way — each seemingly more mind-blowing than the last — that make the Route 66 road trip . There's the infamous 1858 penitentiary from Beat literature and Prison Break , which you can tour the day you set off. A barbed-wire museum? Texas has one, complete with the recreation of a diner serving 20-cent pie. A landmark "soda ranch" is the pick-me-up pit stop you didn't know you needed in the Oklahoma plains. Read on for a state-by-state, Chicago-to-L.A. guide for the ultimate American road trip .

It's day one: You're going to need a good breakfast. Fuel up on monster omelets and bottomless coffee at local favorite Lou Mitchell's (you might just meet fellow Route 66 road-trippers in a neighboring booth). If you want to stretch your legs before the first phase of your journey, Chicago's Millennium Park is an excellent place to do it. From there, it's just one block to the Historic Route 66 Begin sign. Snap a selfie — you're officially on your way. If you couldn't bear the wait times for breakfast in Chicago, Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket is your first stop. The 1930s gas station/lunch counter is now a Route 66 icon for its superlative fried chicken. Look for the restored neon sign — so retro you'll half-expect to see chrome-stripped Bel Airs parked below it.

Channel Kerouac in "On the Road" and go "by the Joliet pen" — the pen being the infamous Old Joliet Prison (also immortalized in "The Blues Brothers" and a particularly harrowing Bob Dylan ballad). Set foot inside the 25-foot-high walls and explore the creepy grounds. Stand up straight — you might reach the knee of the Gemini Giant, a 30-foot Muffler Man statue patrolling the Launching Pad Drive-In , now a restaurant and gift shop. Swing by historic sites dotting the road, like Ambler's Texaco Gas Station and Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup , where you can buy maple candies for the console. For heartier fare, head to the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop in Springfield for beef sandwiches and shakes. If you have it in you, drive on till you see the looming Gateway Arch of St. Louis.

Welcome to St. Louis, the Gateway to the West. Dig into a country-fried steak or a stack of pancakes at Southwest Diner before braving a tram to the arch's peak, touring the 19th-century Anheuser-Busch brewery , or walking high above the Mississippi on the famous Chain of Rocks Bridge, whose span jauntily crooks to the north. Drink up the city life while you can; outside of St. Louis, the drive slips through quaint small towns and rolling green hills. Dip into Meramec Caverns, a dramatic cave complex (and alleged Jesse James hideout) with guided tours. Stay the night in a tidy stone-and-mortar cottage at the 1930s landmark Wagon Wheel Motel .

The nearby Fanning 66 Outpost is a required stopping point for many Route 66 veterans. They're not wrong: The general and farm store has a giant rocking chair perfect for photo ops and popcorn and glass-bottle soda for snack-stocking the car. Veering south of the highway, Mark Twain National Forest is a lovely place for a picnic; its easy Stone Mill Spring hike offers pretty views over the Big Piney River. Dial up the nostalgia factor to an 11 by catching a double feature at the 66 Drive-In , then crash at Boots Court Motel , complete with period furniture and radios piping out big-band music. The unassuming Joplin History & Mineral Museum is an interesting stop, with local discoveries like a wooly mammoth tooth on display and delightfully oddball antiques including old circus funhouse mirrors, "Bonnie and Clyde" memorabilia from their Joplin bolthole, and an entire exhibit of cookie cutters.

Peek inside the Coleman Theater , a Spanish Revival gem from the vaudeville days, and see the ghost of the abandoned Chelsea Motel. At Totem Pole Park , gaze up at the world's largest concrete totem pole. The roadside whimsy continues at the Blue Whale of Catoosa , an adorable whale whose smiling mouth you can walk right through. The Golden Driller statue was plonked at the entrance of Tulsa's Expo Square in the 1960s, where he stands to this day on concrete work boots the size of cars. Tap into Tulsa's amazing barbecue scene at Burn Co , a popular spot in Jenks that grills and smokes its meat in Tulsa-made charcoal ovens, or keep it simple with a patty melt and ice cream float from the Rock Cafe , 50 miles to the west in Stroud. Gearheads and Marvel fans adore Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum , a former gas station now filled from wall to wall with bikes ranging from a 1909 Triumph to a custom-built ride used in Captain America film shoots. Thirsty? Shelves at the landmark Pops in Arcadia hold classic candies and drinks — over 500 varieties of sodas, ginger ales, and root beers — your taste buds have never dreamed of. Right before the Oklahoma-Texas border, stop by eerie little Texola, with a population of 6. Passersby can still see relics of the former farming town, notably a one-cell cinder-block jail all alone in an overgrown field.

The gloriously Art Deco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe give travelers an old-school Texas welcome. Originally a gas station/diner, the pristine little visitors' center is home to classic Conoco pumps and a booth where Elvis once ate. You probably never thought you'd visit a museum dedicated to barbed wire, but here we are — the Devil's Rope and Route 66 Museum tips its rancher hat to the spiky fencing material, as well as other artifacts from the state's ranching heritage, like the cattle brand used at former President Lyndon B. Johnson's Texas ranch.

Being situated in a remote Panhandle location doesn't stop the tiny town of Groom from having its share of bizarre sights. The largest freestanding cross in the U.S. shoots 190 feet in the air here, while the Britten Leaning Water Tower has been grabbing roadsters' attention for decades. In Amarillo, stroll the city's antique shop-filled Route 66 Historic District and kick back at down-home burger joint Coyote Bluff Cafe . Or, if you're up for a challenge (and the tourists), see if you can put away 72 ounces of steak at The Big Texan Steak Ranch . Starlight Canyon , a bed-and-breakfast with cabins and an Old West vibe, is a nice alternative to Amarillo's endless string of chain motels.

If you miss Cadillac Ranch on your way out of town, did you even drive Route 66? The must-see, kitschy-cool landmark features a group of vintage Caddies buried nose down in the ground, their tail ends poking skyward and covered in graffiti. Celebrate hitting the halfway mark — Chicago is 1,139 miles behind you, L.A. is 1,139 miles ahead — with a slice of pie at the throwback Midpoint Cafe .

In time, the dusty flatlands of the Panhandle give way to the unreal landscape of the American West. Opened the same year (1939) that the "The Wizard of Oz" came out, Blue Swallow Motel is everything Americana lovers could want in a place to stay — expect attached garages next to each room, Frank Sinatra crooning through outdoor speakers, and arguably the best neon sign outside of Las Vegas. What began as an artist's hobby of carving tiny figures has sprouted into the Tinkertown Museum , a rambling warren with detailed Old West dioramas and walls made from concrete and 50,000 glass bottles. Grab a pic in front of the wall of vintage tin signs at 66 Diner in Albuquerque, and you might as well order a Frito pie and banana split while you're there. If you're RV-curious, Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post has 60s-era trailers to sleep in for the night, although traditionalists might continue to El Rancho Hotel and stay in a room where John Wayne once slept.

Route 66 cuts through the stunning red mesas and the eerie moonscape of Petrified Forest National Park . The Rainbow Forest Museum is a starting point for hiking trails to the famous petrified logs. Drive to the Blue Mesa trail for a one-mile loop through hilly badlands. The kitsch flag soars at Wigwam Motel , considered an essential stopover by many road-trippers. The 15 guest rooms here are modeled after teepees (not wigwams), and the 1950s cars parked outside add to the vibe.

Walk the rim at Meteor Crater Natural Landmark and see the chilling prehistoric footprint of an asteroid that smashed into Earth. Of course, all desert marvels seem like a warmup in the face of the mind-bogglingly vast Grand Canyon — detour 60 miles north at Williams, Arizona, to reach the national park's South Rim. Serious planners who book far in advance might score an edge-facing cabin at Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins or a spot in Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon. Back on Route 66, glide through a wide-open expanse of prairie and red rock, checking out time-capsule towns such as Seligman, Peach Springs, and Kingman along the way.

The Golden State is the final leg on Route 66's slow unrolling march toward the Pacific. The semi-defunct Roy's Motel and Cafe , located smack dab in the middle of the Mojave Desert, is a fun stop en route to Calico Ghost Town Regional Park . The roadside attraction recreates its California Silver Rush heyday with pioneer-style restaurants, shops, and a narrow-gauge train through the bone-dry terrain. The glass-bottle "forest" Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch is a funky oasis in the dusty wilderness. If you missed the teepee experience at the Wigwam Motel in Arizona, its San Bernardino outpost offers you one more shot.

Not far is the original McDonald's, now a free museum and quirky shrine to the fast-food giant's humble mid-century beginnings. The cheery yellow Cucamonga Service Station serves as a tiny Route 66 museum, its mint-condition Richfield pumps from 1915 still advertising 18-cent gallons of gas. Finally, it's west to Santa Monica Pier — the all-American boardwalk with its endless parade of pedestrians, partiers, and performers — and the official end of Route 66.

The Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary

A route 66 road trip is on everybody’s bucket list, right? Well, here’s the ultimate travel companion for the Mother Road. You’re welcome!

Old Route 66 is by far one of the most famous roads in the United States. Stretching diagonally from Chicago, Illinois, all the way to Los Angeles, California, this 2,400-mile route is affectionately known as the Mother Road. The classic route 66 road trip takes around 30 hours of driving and it runs through eight states including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Along the way, you’ll pass by historic towns full of kitschy Americana and iconic roadside attractions. 

When it was first constructed in 1926, it was the first transcontinental railway of its kind. It quickly became an important thoroughfare for everyone from long-haul truckers to vacationing families. Many family-owned, mom-and-pop businesses popped up along the main routes and its byways and it was known as a “road of dreams” for many Americans. Although its glory days may be over, this doesn’t mean that a good old-fashioned Route 66 road trip isn’t one of the best ways to explore the diverse landscape of America!

The road is long and full of adventure !

It’s time to hit the road again, and this time it’s the big one! Perhaps you’re just doing a short stretch of the famous Mother Road? Or maybe you’re in it for the whole shebang? Either way, we salute you. Route 66 is legendary and those who travel on it are heroes. But heroes deserve a little fun along the way, right? At Let’s Roam , fun is our middle name. In fact, it’s our first and last names too. That’s why we offer oodles of scavenger hunts in hundreds of cities! And there’s more. If you fancy something spooky, take a look at our haunted tours . Feeling artsy? Our art walks will give you that fuzzy feeling of culture. Wherever your road leads you, take the Let’s Roam app along for the ride.

The Logistics

Planning a trip on Route 66 may seem very overwhelming at first. Are you going to drive the entire thing? Where will you stop along the way? How long will it take you? These questions are likely to be floating around in your mind. The great thing though is that there’s no right or wrong way to explore this fabled route. You can spend two weeks or two months depending on where you stop and how long you decide to stay there. Some people who are short on time prefer to rush through the entire 2,400-mile route while others do it section by section and visit as many towns and roadside attractions as possible as they go. The choice is yours!

How you “do” Route 66 depends a lot on what you want to do and why you want to do it. For example, is your goal to cover the entire route within a certain period of time? If so, what types of places do you want to stop at along the way? Or do you want to spend your time visiting the small towns and the quirky attractions as you go? Once you have a rough idea about these questions, you can begin filling in the blanks on the others. 

Below we have provided an example itinerary for covering Route 66. This is based on having access to your own vehicle whether it be privately owned or rented. If you live far from Route 66 itself, you’ll also have to factor in travel time to get there. You also need to decide if you want to drive your own car to your starting point or fly there and rent a car. If you plan on flying in from one place and out of another, it’s also important to check on the extra fees associated with one-way rental cars as this can often add hundreds of dollars to the total price of renting a car. 

The other option that you may want to consider is taking one of the Amtrak trains that ply along the tracks. This is a great way to travel as you can sit back and relax as you watch the world go by. Unfortunately, this does limit where you can stop and since the trains often experience delays, you may find it difficult if you have a tight schedule. 

Making a Plan

Depending on how you like to travel, you can plan as little or as much of the trip in advance as you want. While some people like to have a detailed itinerary put together before they leave the house, others prefer to fly by the seat of their pants and decide where to stay as they go. There are pros and cons to both ways and our best advice is to do both. 

You can start the journey with the first few stops planned and see how that goes. If you like having a structured schedule, you can continue planning the next few stops as well. We recommend giving yourself a little wiggle room in the schedule in case anything goes wrong or you discover someplace where you want to stop. If this happens and you don’t have the time to spare, don’t panic. You can often take the Interstate highway instead of Route 66 which shaves off a lot of time since it bypasses busy towns and cities. 

If you’re traveling during the busy summer months, you may also want to book some of the accommodation in advance to ensure that you have a bed to sleep in at night.

Expert tip : When you’re deciding on the amount of time and stops that you’ll take, try to plan on spending four to five hours at the most each day driving. Any longer than this can get tiresome as the days go by and you may end up feeling too exhausted to enjoy the trip.

The Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip

This itinerary starts in Chicago and finishes at Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. Depending on how much time you have to dedicate to your road trip, you can start or end the trip wherever you want. 

Day 1: Chicago to Springfield, Illinois

The official starting point of Historic Route 66, Chicago is one of the country’s most dynamic cities. From the iconic skyline to the idyllic Riverwalk, Chicago is heaven for culture vultures. One of the most popular things to do during a visit’s to take a ride on one of the tour boats that take visitors along the river. During the ride, you’ll learn a lot about the history of the city and see some of its most well-known buildings. 

Other great things to do in Chicago include heading up to the viewing deck of the Willis Tower, exploring the Pullman Historic District, finding Nemo at Shedd Aquarium, and catching a ball game with one of the many professional sports teams based there. 

A bit confusingly, there are two different starting points to choose from. The first one is Jackson Blvd at Michigan Avenue, the original 1926 starting point. Otherwise, you can go to Jackson Blvd at Lake Shore Drive which has been the new starting point since 1933. The places are located just a few blocks from one another so it’s unlikely to make a big impact on the amount of time it takes you to get out of the city so choose whichever one works best for you!

As you’re driving along Ogden Avenue, make sure to keep an eye out for the Castle Car Wash. Built in the year 1925 as a filling station, this castle-like structure was later turned into a car wash. This is one of the first Route 66 sites that you’ll see and there are plenty more to come! 

Once you leave Chicago, you’ll head to the town of Joliet. This charming town epitomizes what many people think when they hear Route 66. This is where you’ll find the Route 66 Welcome Center and Gift Shop as well as many Route 66-era businesses and signs. There is also the beautifully restored Rialto Square Theater, a 1926 vaudeville theater that offers tours and hosts performances. 

As you head towards your next destination, you’ll also want to be on the outlook for enormous “Muffler men” statues. These large fiberglass structures were made in the 1960s as advertisements and although most of them are long gone, there are a few still visible today. The first one you’ll see is “Gemini Giant” in Wilmington.

Home to the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum, Pontiac is proud of its Route 66 heritage. It’s worth taking a quick stop here to see not only the Route 66 Museum but also the handful of other interesting little museums such as the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center. There is also a colorful collection of 20 outdoor painted murals that highlight the city’s history. 

Anyone who is a fan of US history should make a stop in Lincoln. This was the first town named after Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln once practiced law here and you can find many sites related to him including the Lincoln Heritage Museum, a giant statue of Lincoln, and the Postville Courthouse State Historic Site. 

Springfield will be the last stop on Day 1. It’s the state capital of Illinois and you can find the beautiful Old State Capitol Building, a Greek Revival masterpiece that offers tours where you can learn more about Illinois history. 

If you have time, you can also visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site where Lincoln and his family lived from 1844 until 1861. There is also a wildlife sanctuary lying just outside of town where you can stretch your legs for a bit before jumping back in the car to continue your way on Route 66!

Day 2: Springfield, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri

Once you leave Springfield, it’s time to start heading west toward Missouri. Before you hit the state line, you may want to make a quick detour to check out the Chain of Rocks Bridge which carried traffic over the Mississippi River for decades until it was finally closed to cars. It’s currently open to bikers and pedestrians and it provides an interesting perspective of this fabled river.

You can make a quick stop for lunch in St. Louis or spend a day or two exploring the many sites of the city. Here, you can take a ride up to the top of its famous archway that looms high above the downtown, go for a stroll through Forest Park, catch a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium, or pay homage to Anheuser-Busch by taking a brewery tour or having a quick beer at their onsite beer garden. If you didn’t get your fill of presidential history yet, you could also check out White Haven, the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site.

Regardless of how long you decide to stay, one thing that you shouldn’t miss on the way out of town is the Meramec Caverns, the largest commercial cave in the entire state of Missouri. You can take a tour of this massive cave system and gape in wonder as the guide leads you past impressive rock formations. The caves are located about an hour southwest of St. Louis and are an easy addition to a Route 66 itinerary.

Day 3: Missouri to the Kansas border

Once you leave the caverns, you can continue on Route 66 to the city of Cuba. The town is nicknamed the “Route 66 Mural City” thanks to its vibrant murals that take visitors through the city’s long history. After grabbing a hearty breakfast at Shelly’s Route 66 Cafe, it’s time to start making your way toward Kansas.

As you pass through the tiny city of Rolla which lies about halfway between St. Louis and Springfield, you may want to stop at the Totem Pole Trading Post which has been selling souvenirs and snacks since 1933. If you can’t find anything you like there, head over to the Mule Trading Post which has been operating since 1957. 

Once you finally get to Springfield, you may want to spend some time wandering around. The city is full of retro neon signs and billboards and you certainly don’t want to miss the 1926 Gilloz Theater with its beautiful art deco interior and facade.

As you finish the day just across the state line in Kansas, it’s a good idea to stop by either ‘Cars on the Route’ in Galena, or ‘Angel’s on the Route’ in Baxter Springs. Both were once Kan-O-Tex service stations which served as roadside diners, gas stations, and souvenir shops when Route 66 was at its peak. Route 66 only goes through about 13 miles of the state so you can either choose to spend the night here or push into Oklahoma.

Day 4: Kansas to Tulsa, Oklahoma

Straddling the Midwest and the South, Oklahoma has a unique charm to it. Route 66 covers about 400 miles of the state so you have plenty of opportunity to discover what happens when Midwestern politeness and Southern charm collide. Oklahoma is also home to the “Father of Route 66” Cyrus Avery who created the route and helped turn it into the economic and cultural lifeline that it eventually became. 

If you’re a fan of old Wild West movies, you’ll want to make a stop in Claremore, which was home to legendary actor Will Rogers. There are many sites dedicated to his memory where you can learn more about “Oklahoma’s favorite son”.

As you make your way toward Tulsa, make sure to keep an eye out for the iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa. This massive waterfront structure is one of the most recognizable sites on Route 66. Built in the early 1970s by Hugh Davis as a surprise anniversary present for his wife, the whale and surrounding pond quickly became a favorite roadside attraction along Route 66 and soon grew into a major landmark as more and more attractions were added to the area. 

After visiting the whale, you can grab some lunch at Clanton’s Cafe . Opened in 1927, it’s now the oldest family-owned restaurant on Route 66 and serves up American food like hamburgers, sandwiches, and hand-cut fries. You can also find plenty of memorability focusing on the history of Oklahoma. 

Tulsa is a surprisingly cool and quirky city with a walkable downtown area and beautiful parks lying just outside of the city. The city center has a slew of great bars serving locally-brewed craft beers and there’s a surprisingly large variety of restaurants that you can choose from. This is a great place to get your fill of some of your favorite foods from around the world as the options may be pretty limited for the next few days. 

Day 5: Tulsa to Oklahoma City

Get up bright and early for the drive to Sapulpa. Although the driving time is relatively short today, you’ll want plenty of time to make a few stops along the way. We highly recommend checking out the historical Frankoma Pottery which has been selling handmade pottery since 1933. This is a great souvenir to remember your epic trip and honestly, when are you going to find yourself in this part of the country again?

You should also stop by the Rock Creek Bridge and the former Teepee Drive-in Theater located on the outskirts of Tulsa. Opened in 1950, this single-screen drive-in theater once had space for more than 400 cars across seven acres of land. It eventually closed its “doors” in 1999 after providing a fun, family-friendly way to spend the evening for nearly 50 years. After decades of lying vacant, rumor has it that the theater will be opening again in the spring of 2023 so make sure that you check their website before you hit the road to see what the newest developments are. You may even want to adjust your trip plans slightly so that you can catch a movie at a historic Route 66 drive-in theater!

As you head past Sapulpa towards Oklahoma City, you’ll also pass the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum in Warwick. This former 1921 gas station has been transformed into a motorcycle museum and it’s a great way to spend a few hours for anyone who is a big fan of motorcycles. As you go by Arcadia, you can also stop by the Oklahoma County 66 Auto Trim and Mini Museum where you can find replicas of classic Route 66 attractions including the Catoosa Blue Whale that you just passed the day before and the Wigwam Motel. 

Make sure to leave enough time to also make a quick stop at POPS 66 Soda Ranch. You can’t miss this ultra-modern diner and gas station. Just look for the 66-foot-tall soda bottle standing in front of it. Inside, you can find what feels like every single different soda on the planet including mainstream brands as well as regional favorites. There are more than 700 varieties of bottled sodas so you’re bound to find something that appeals to you.

Day 6: Oklahoma City to Amarillo, Texas 

It’s time for another early start so that you can explore a bit of Oklahoma City before hitting the road again. As the capital of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City features many grandiose government buildings in its grid-like downtown section and the cool and quirky Bricktown Entertainment District which offers a plethora of bars and restaurants. It was the original downtown area when OKC was an important commercial hub at the start of the 20th century. 

Make sure to leave time to visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, dedicated to the Oklahoma City bombing that left 168 adults and children dead. The museum offers a haunting minute-by-minute account of the day’s events and the aftermath, including a “reenactment” of the bombing itself as experienced by survivors. Although it’s not related to Route 66, this is one of the must-sees on the trip and it’s a good way to pay tribute to the many people that lost their lives here. 

Another great stop is the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Located right in the heart of downtown OKC, these 145-acre gardens provide a nice escape from the concrete and stone of the city. They are also just a short walk away from the memorial so you can easily fit them both in before heading to your next destination. 

Oklahoma City is also home to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Founded in 1955, this museum has been attracting visitors for well over 50 years and is dedicated to preserving the unique heritage of the American West. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of exhibits where you can learn more about the Wild West and there’s even a recreation of an old western town. There are more than 28,000 pieces of Western and American Indian art and artifacts in their collection as well as the world’s largest collection of American rodeo artifacts such as photos, saddlery, trophies, and barbed wire. 

After you have seen everything you wanted in OKC, it’s time to start heading toward Texas. Try to time your drive so that you’ll be passing through El Reno for lunch. This small city is famous for its All-American diners and Route 66 eateries. Here, you can try the original fried onion burger which made its debut during the Great Depression or stop by Robert’s Grill, one of the oldest burger joints in the country that opened its doors nearly a century ago. 

If you want to pick up a few more souvenirs, you may also want to stop at the Mohawk Lodge Indian Store in Clinton. Opened in the late 1800s, it sells some of the most authentic Native American Goods in the United States. 

As you drive the final stretch towards Amarillo, stop by Elk City to see the National Route 66 Museum Complex. This is the most comprehensive of the Route 66 museums and you can learn about the Mother Road’s history, route, and roadside attractions. This will be the final stop in Oklahoma before heading into Texas.

Once you cross the state line, keep your eyes out for Shamrock’s Tower Station and the U-Drop Inn in Shamrock. This complex was originally built in 1936 and features beautiful Art Deco detailing anchored by two towers. Designed to accommodate a service station, cafe, and retail store, this was the first commercial building on Route 66 in Shamrock and it was regarded as one of the most interesting and creative structures along the road. Although there were a few cosmetic alterations to the buildings over time, it has been lovingly restored to their original appearance and currently looks much the same as they did in the mid-20th century. 

Lying in the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo features a charming little historic district full of art deco and Spanish Revival buildings where you can grab a delicious dinner or browse in some of the shops. The district covers 13 blocks and was developed in the early 20th century as a streetcar suburb. There are many historic service stations nestled in between buildings dating back from the 1920s and 1940s that offer many opportunities for photographs. 

 If you have a lot of time and want to get in some exercise, you can use the city as a gateway to the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This large park features 80-foot cliffs and plenty of hiking trails that give you the chance to see a little more of the area’s nature. There are also a handful of museums in the city that are interesting to check out.

One of the must-visit attractions here is the Cadillac Ranch. Created by a group of hippies and funded by a local millionaire, this “ranch” features half-buried Cadillacs brightly painted. Although most of the car fixtures are long gone, it’s interesting to see how historic cars can be repurposed in a very unusual way. 

Day 7: Amarillo, Texas to Tucumcari, New Mexico

Grab a filling breakfast in Amarillo before heading back out to Route 66. Today, you’ll make your way to the city of Vega which offers the restored 1920s Magnolia Gas Station and Dot’s Mini Museum where you can see a few interesting personal artifacts of Route 66. From here, you’ll cross the border into New Mexico, fittingly known as the Land of Enchantment. 

The next stop will be the town of Tucumcari, a tiny town with a ton of historic Route 66 motels. The town was founded in 1901 and despite being home to just 5,000 people, it’s the largest city between Albuquerque and Amarillo. Most of the motels still have their retro neon signs including some of the route’s most famous motels such as the Blue Swallow Motel, Motel Safari, and Pow Wow Inn. If you want to keep the nostalgia going, you should also stop by The Odeon, a 1930s Art Deco theater, to see if anything is playing while you’re in town!

Day 8: Tucumcari, New Mexico to Albuquerque, New Mexico

After getting a good night’s sleep at one of the iconic Route 66 motels, it’s time to jump back in the car and make your way to Santa Rosa where you can grab brunch at the Route 66 Restaurant. From here, you can head along the pre-1937 Route 66 route that goes through Santa Fe. This allows you to see the scenic area of Romeroville. This tiny town was started by an enterprising young man named Trinidad Romero when he built a mansion here in 1880. This town would eventually become the intersection of the Ozark Trail Highway and the Santa Fe Trail. Although it was once an important terminus, today, there are just a handful of buildings left and it’s effectively one of the many ghost towns along this fabled route.

As you head through Santa Fe, you can stop to see some of the city’s many art galleries, museums, or street art. This is the state capital of New Mexico and one of the most vibrant and diverse parts of the state. It was established in 1607, making it one of the oldest state capitals in the country and if you’re flexible with time, it’s a great place to spend a few hours or even days if you need a bit of a break from sitting in the car day after day. 

After you have finished up in Santa Fe, it’s time to continue toward Albuquerque. This is the longest section of Route 66 and along the way, you’ll pass some great historic sites including Albuquerque’s Old Town, the Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque Museum, and Tingly Beach. If you make it in time, you can also stop and see a movie or show at the historic KiMo theater, built in 1927.

Day 9: Albuquerque to Holbrook, Arizona

As you leave Albuquerque, make sure to stop by Acoma Pueblo, the oldest inhabited community in North America. The Acoma Pueblo tribe has been living here since 1150 and it offers a fascinating look back at the early history of the southwestern United States. The views here are spectacular and it’s a great place to watch the sunrise if you can get up early enough. 

From Pueblo, you can head towards Cubero where you can visit the Villa de Cubero Trading Post and stock up on groceries and snacks for today’s drive. The final stop before you leave New Mexico will be Gallup. This interesting little town has some very interesting historic sites including the Rex Museum that once served as a hotel and brothel at the turn of the 20th century, El Morro Theater, the old McKinley County Courthouse, and the El Rancho Hotel.

From Gallup, make your way toward Lupton, Arizona. Along the way, you can stop at the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. This park features Native American ruins and petroglyphs as well as miles of hiking trails and, of course, lots of petrified wood.

Finish the day in Holbrook, home to many historic buildings including the alarmingly named Bucket of Blood Saloon and the former Navajo County Courthouse. Make sure to spend the night at the famous Wigwam Motel where you can stay in one of the concrete teepees that have been providing shelter to guests since 1950. This is part of a chain of motels and if you love the experience, you can stay at its sister property in San Bernardino!

Day 10: Holbrook to Flagstaff, Arizona

Time to get up nice and early again to make your way to Flagstaff. Part Route 66 town, part college town, Flagstaff is a charming little place that offers some fantastic Route 66 motels, complete with towering signs showcasing their incredibly low room rates from the distant past. The main street is lined with cobblestones and independently owned restaurants and shops and this is one of the best places along the entire route to get your fill of different cuisines so make sure that you come hungry! 

Day 11: Flagstaff to Kingman, Arizona

After a fun night out in Flagstaff, it’s time to hit the road and start heading west toward Williams. This small town is a popular place to stop for breakfast before making a detour to the Grand Canyon National Park. Although the Grand Canyon isn’t right on Route 66, this is an excursion that is definitely worth your time. Located a few hours’ drive from Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon is one of the biggest and deepest canyons in the world and needs no introduction.

If you choose to go to the Grand Canyon, you may want to spend an extra night in Williams or Seligman which will give you a bit more time to explore. Otherwise, you can stop in Williams for a few hours to explore the charming historical district complete with the historic Frey Marcos hotel and Sultana Theater. 

From Williams, it’s time to push on to Seligman. Depending on the timing, this is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner at Angel’s Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In. This drive-in has been around since 1953 and serves up mouthwatering burgers, fish tacos, and milkshakes along with a side of slapstick humor. After eating, drive towards Kingman. If you make it in time and still want to see more museums, you can check out the Historic Route 66 Museum. 

Day 12: Kingman to Needles, California

Once you leave Kingman, there will be another long section of Route 66. Here, the route has lots of switchbacks as it winds its way toward California. It goes through old mining towns and abandoned ghost towns until you finally reach Oatman. This former gold mining town from the 1920s has found a new lease on life as a tourist attraction and offers visitors live Old West shows plus a wide array of other attractions where you can easily spend a few hours.

After leaving Kingman, you can wave goodbye to Arizona as you make your way into California. One of the best places to stop for Route 66 nostalgia is Needles. Here, there are many Route 66-era businesses including vintage models, a giant Borax Wagon, and a historic train depot. Before hitting the sack, you can listen to live music or grab some dinner before settling into your motel.

Day 13: Needles to Barstow, California

Up and early! Today is the last full day on the road and there are some exciting detours you can take before making your way to LA! One of our favorites is a trip through Joshua Tree National Park where you can see the park’s namesake tree and drive around the park on the creatively named Park Boulevard. If you have the time and energy, you can head out on some hiking trails to explore more of this beautiful spot. 

When you leave Joshua Tree, head toward Barstow, another of the idyllic Route 66 towns where you can find the streets lined with neon signs and bright Route 66 murals. You can grab dinner at Rosita’s, one of the best Mexican restaurants around before checking into one of the many historic motels. 

Day 14: Barstow to Los Angeles, California

Congratulations! You have officially reached the end of Route 66, one of the most famous roads in the history of the USA! Today, you have a short drive between Barstow and Los Angeles. Make sure to time your arrival well so that you can avoid the notorious LA traffic. 

As you stare out at the Pacific Ocean, give yourself a pat on the back that you have successfully followed in the footsteps of so many Americans that have made this pilgrimage from Chicago to Los Angeles . From here, you can check out the sites of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or Downtown LA or you can even continue on your road trip and head to San Diego or Las Vegas. 

Ready to roam?

We hope that this guide has inspired you to hit the road! As always, we would love to hear your suggestions and please let us know if we have forgotten anything. If you need to find more information on these spots, check out our blog posts such as “Road Trip Sing-Along Songs for Every Type of Adventure” or download the Let’s Roam app where you can find a ton of user-generated content about locations across the country. Until then, happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on you! There are so many great places on Route 66 ranging from small towns to big cities that there is something great for everyone!

Route 66 officially begins in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles. Download the Let’s Roam app to learn about the great things to do along the way.

From checking out interesting little gift shops where you can buy Route 66 memorabilia to hiking through Joshua Tree National Park, there are tons of great things to do!

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How to Plan Route 66 Road Trip

Last Updated: 08.Dec.2023 . By Austin Whittall

This is our " Road Trip Planner " page :

With everything you will need to organize your Route 66 road trip.

Tips, advice, and many resources for planning your itinerary and preparing for your vacations.

Learn about the Weather , road conditions , best time of the year to travel , read our detailed Itinerary , see maps, information on rental (cars, motorcycles, RVs), and more.

Also try our Route 66 Itinerary planner tool to calculate distances between key locations, view them on the route 66 trip planner map and plan your trip!

Road trips open your mind, build bonds, create memories, give you a better perspective on life and are good for your mental and physical wellbeing: Learn the 10 Reasons to Go on a Road Trip . And if you have concerns about your safety, visit our Is Route 66 Dangerous? safety tips page.

In this page:

• Gather Information and Analyze it
• How long will your trip be?
• Calculate your Budget
• Check your Plan again and again

How much should you plan?

Plan your route 66 road trip.

Definition of Plan "Noun. A set of actions that have been thought of as a way to do or achieve something"

A check list to plan your trip

Your Vacation on U.S. Highway 66

Just like you would do for any other vacation, you will have to gather information to plan your Route 66 trip.

This means you have to do some research, read tips and suggestions to learn more about the attractions that you will enjoy during your journey.

Actually, planning a trip along US 66 is part of the fun.

The four steps that we outline below combined with our Route 66 Route Planner Tool will help you design the perfect Route 66 Road trip.

How to Plan a Route 66 Trip

Step-by-step list.

Our step-by-step checklist will help you to outline your journey and consider everything that you should take into account when planning your trip.

1. Collect information and analyze it

You should first learn about your destination (in this Route 66 is the destination):

A map and Route 66: start living your adventure!

• What are the main sights and attractions?
• When will we drive it, summer, fall, spring?
• What sort of weather will you encounter during that season?
• Will you drive the whole Route 66 or part of it?
• Check a map to identify the main places you will visit (Grand Canyon? Petrified Forest? side trip to Las Vegas?)
• Drive the original alignment or stick to the freeway and only stop at the interesting cities?

These basic questions will help you to outline your trip and gather information.

If you have friends who have done the trip, ask them about their experience both planning their trip and enjoying it, and also, what they would have skipped and what they are sorry they did not visit during their vacations.

Write a rough outline of the trip, and a "wish list" of must-see sights.

You can gather all of your Route 66 vacation planning data here in our website; check the following links:

• Route 66 itinerary planner , an itinerary of the mother road, from Chicago to Los Angeles
• Towns & Cities a link to each and every town along Route 66. You will find all the attractions and sights of that town.
• Attractions a complete list with links to all the attractions and landmarks: motels, diners, gas stations and Route 66 classic sights, listed by state.
• Historic Sites all the "historic places" along US 66, listed by state.
• State by State a summary of each the top 10 sights in each state along the Mother Road
• National & State Parks for those interested in outdoors and nature

Step 1 outcome: A first outline of your trip

You now have a rough outline of where your trip will start and end; the towns, attractions, landmarks, must-see places and other sights. Now you can write down an initial draft of your Route 66 trip plan.

The next step will be to try to fit your initial plan into your allocated time frame, see Step 2 below

The Best Tips to Plan your Road Trip

Free E-Book

A beginners guide to planning a relaxing road trip

Here is what you will find inside:

• How to calculate your budget
• When to travel
• How to define the length of your trip
• Getting to your Road Trip
• A Check list
• Don't forget the Side Trips!
• What to Pack
• Plan it or go with the flow?
• Hotel bookings

Step 2. How long will your trip be?

How much time do you need for it.

Map showing airports close to Route 66

How much time can you spare? Your trip will change depending on how much time you have available.

But don't be discouraged, a one-week or a one-month trip can be planned so that you can pack as much fun and adventure as possible into it; it all depends on how you Plan your Route 66 road trip.

a. Getting to Route 66

In step one you defined the possible starting and ending cities of your road trip ; now you can use our Route 66 Road Trip Planner to check their location on the map, and see the distance and driving time between them.

Also, start thinking about getting from your home to the starting point and from the end point back home.

International Visitors

In case you have to fly to Route66, it will come in handy to see which options are available regarding flights and which are the airports closest to the Route 66 start & end points of your journey:

See our Flights page, with full information on flights and airports.

Check out our International Visitors page for useful travel tips.

Factor in the time it will take you to get to US 66. A visitor from the UK will need to calculate the flight times from Britain to the U.S., and the connecting flight to the point where you will start your trip. And then, the return flights to get back home.

A U.S. road-tripper or a Canadian one may choose to drive instead. Calculate the time you will need to " Go to and from Route 66 ".

Actual Driving Time

Driving time: take it easy.

Driving is fun and road trips are all about the driving experience. However Route 66 is also about the sights, the people and enjoying the trip.

Drive too many hours and you will get too tired to have fun. So try not keep driving at less than 6 hours per day.

You may also want to take side trips to visit nearby attractions or stick to the side road and avoid the Interstate. These roads may mean a slower pace.

It is a road trip so it is pretty obvious that you will be driving. So plan your driving time : From Chicago to Los Angeles it is 2,278 miles (3,665 km). You can drive along the old road in some parts, and in others you will have to drive along the Interstate. So assuming an average speed of 50 mph (80 km⁄h) you could drive the whole road in about 46 hours.

But you need to consider the towns, cities and villages (with their speed limits and traffic), stopping to take in the scenery, to visit the sights, to eat, fill up with gasoline, walking and relaxing; driving on Old Route 66 isn't like cruising along the Interstate, it is a slower trip.

Driving Route 66 planner tool

Route 66 planner.

Check our Route 66 travel planner Tool ; it will let you calculate the total distance of your journey between the starting and ending points that you select. It will also give you the total driving time and the Trip duration at the selected driving speed and hours of driving per day, plus a map showing the itinerary.

Play around with the planning tool using different starting and ending points for your trip.

So you can calculate how many days you will actually have for your trip, knowing:

• How much time you have for your trip (i.e. 7 days)
• How long it will take you to go and come from Route 66 (i.e. 2 days)

In this example you have 5 days for your road trip. Now refine you Route 66 Trip Plan by estimating:

• How many hours you will drive each day (i.e. 5 hours)
• Your average driving speed. Tip: err on the safe side; calculate a lower average speed (i.e. 40 mph).
• How many hours you will dedicate to visiting the attractions during each driving day. (i.e. 3 hours). So you will be using 8 hours each day between actual driving and sightseeing.

Our Route 66 travel planner Tool lets you do this calculation easily, try it! You can select driving time and speed.

So, in this example, you will have 8 hours between your check-out and check-in times. If you leave at 9 AM, you will arrive at 5 PM. You will be driving 5 hours x 40 miles⁄hour= 200 miles per day on average.

In your allotted time span of 5 days you will have driven: 1,000 miles

You also know the distance you will cover each day (in this case 200 mi.) so this will let you reckon where you will stop to spend the night. And let you plan your accommodation for the night.

Step 2 outcome: outline of itinerary and time required

You now have a draft of your itinerary (distance, main sights) and the duration of your trip (including the driving time and the time to go from your home to Route 66 and back.

The next step will be to calculate how much will it cost. See Step 3 below

Step 3. Calculate a Budget

How much will the trip cost? You must have a reasonable idea of the cost of your road trip. Take into account the following:

Getting There

The cost of reaching the Mother Road (and getting back home after your trip) depends on whether you will fly or drive to and from your home to the starting and ending points of your journey.

Calculate these costs, which may include: air fares, getting to the airport, parking, airport taxes, taxi, gasoline, tolls, food while you are traveling to get to US66, etc.)

Gasoline for your Road Trip

In Step 2, you calculated the total mileage you will be driving (add a +10% to it just in case). Now estimate the average mileage per gallon (km⁄l) of your car -yours or the one you wil be renting- and calculate how many gallons of gasoline you will need for your trip.

Turn this into dollars by checking the current Gasoline and Diesel Fuel prices in the US.

Accommodation

This is a key element in your budget, and the cost will depend on the season (high or low) and the type of lodging (will you stop at some icon landmark motel? or a regular chain motel?).

To calculate your lodging costs take each of the stopover towns that you identified in Step 2, and the starting and ending points of your journey (in case you spend a night there) and look for hotels to stay at.

Check hotels & motels along Route 66 that are available on the dates that you have identified in Step 2 using some online hotel booking tool such as Booking.com

Tips for Booking your accommodations

Book your hotel on time!

If you plan to drive Route 66 during the high season summer holiday period, reserve your hotel or motel in advance. Some key lodging may be fully booked months in advance, so pinpoint these locations and reserve with plenty of time.

There are of some Vintage and Route 66 "must see" hotels with thematic rooms which should be booked well in advance. Demand is high.

Read our Tips on Accommodation .

RV parks and campgrounds

Visit our RV Campgrounds page for a State-by-State detail of the RV Campgrounds on Route 66 or close to it. Full information on each RV Park and campground for your Recreational Vehicle or Motorhome. A State by State, Town by Town detail with contact information so that you can check the camp ground's features and book your space now, online.

Travel Insurance

What if you fall ill or suffer an accident?

For our international visitors: Are you covered? If you are traveling outside of your home country, your health and accident insurance may not cover you.

Your travel insurance should cover cancellations or other travel mishaps.

Learn more about Travel Insurance .

Renting a Car, RV or motorcycle

You'll need a vehicle for your Road Trip...

Car, motorcycle or RV rental . If you are an international traveler, you will surely rent a vehicle to do your road trip. Calculate the rental costs and the different options available.

Tips on Renting a Vehicle

Hiring a Car is expensive. For complete information, check out our pages on Renting a Car .

We also have information on Motorcycle rental and Renting an RV .

Calculating the cost of food depends on how you like to eat: Will you eat at restaurants? Fast food or more formal meals? Have both Lunch and Dinner? Buy snacks or stock up at the local supermarket?

Attractions and admission fees

You will have to pay an admission fee at National Parks, Museums and events... calculate these too. The fee for National Parks is between $25 and $30 per car per park. There are some senior and annual Passes which may interest you.

Miscellaneous items

Always set some cash aside for the unexpected, for souvenirs, emergencies and whatever may tickle your fancy.

Step 3 outcome: your expenses and a budget

You now know how much your trip will cost. You can now iron out the details... See Step 4 below

Step 4. Check your Plan again and again

Review your first draft. Get some more details. Add or remove sights and attractions, perhaps give yourself more time to see things, for shopping or to visit some cultural attraction. Factor in some side trip. Read more, and improve the original rough draft.

Review flight options the connecting flights, the car rental pick up and return points. Check other lodging options.

Planning a trip on Route 66 is part of the fun, it is about the journey not the destination; enjoy the process!

Trips are lived three times: when we dream them, when we live them, and when we remember them

Some travelers like to have a very detailed Route 66 trip plan detailing all their stops, the sights they will see and the hotels where they will stay at. This is perhaps a good idea if you have a tight schedule, so that you can optimize your trip.

Others, especially those with more time on their hands, prefer an open plan, and are open to letting the road take them to unexpected destinations.

A middle-of-the-road approach is to outline a general broad idea of your Route 66 vacation, and then book key accommodations with plenty of time. Leave room for unexpected scenic spots that may surprise you along the way.

See our One Week Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary

We have put together a 1-Week Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary from Chicago to Santa Monica.

You can use it as a starting point for planning your own road trip.

Some sponsored content:

>> Book your Hotel in Santa Monica

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Banner image: Hackberry General Store, Hackberry, Arizona by Perla Eichenblat

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The Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip Guide

Written By: The Planet D

Road Trips , United States

Updated On: February 14, 2024

A Route 66 road trip is one of the great road trips in America. Known as The Mother Road and the Main Street of America, Route 66 was the main thoroughfare through the United States for decades. This historic route runs from downtown Chicago , Illinois to Santa Monica, California, covering a total distance of about 2,400 miles (3,900 km). The Mother Road was one of the original highways within the U.S. Highway System and became an iconic symbol of American culture and cross-country road trips.

Table of Contents

ultimate route 66 Road Trip Guide

Built in 1926, Route 66 was a road of dreams passing through eight states all the way to the west coast. John Steinbeck gave Route 66 its name “The Mother Road” in the Grapes of Wrath following the Joad family as they traveled west along Route 66 after being driven from their home. Along the way, they discovered that The Mother Road was crowded with other migrants. Read more about road trips at 25 Best Road Trips in the World

Dust Bowl, Depression, and War

During the Great Depression, Route 66 was filled with people dreaming of a better life in the West as they escaped the drought-stricken southern plains known as the Dust Bowl. Route 66 was a road of lost dreams but also hope as people drove to Santa Monica taking the shortest distance between Chicago and Los Angeles looking for a better future.

During World War II soldiers and military vehicles used this road extensively as it was the most direct route through the country from Chicago to Los Angeles.

Route 66 Hey Day

As the depression faded away, families flocked to Route 66 to take their summer vacations to see the Grand Canyon and other iconic sites in California and Arizona from the 1950s to the 1980s.

Soon the Mother Road became known as the Main Street of America filled with neon signs, gift shops, gas stations and fun memorabilia. Route 66 was a rip-roaring good time through the 50s to the 70s. In 1984 the last segment of the highway was decommissioned and the old route of Route 66 was no longer. People were now in a hurry driving the Interstates to their destinations.

Businesses along Route 66 closed and the historic buildings fell into ruin.

Where does Route 66 Start?

Starting in Chicago, Route 66 passes through eight states. The states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas , New Mexico, Arizona , and ending California. There are plenty of things to see along the driving route as each section passes through several major cities and small-town America along the way.

The original starting point was downtown Chicago at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue in 1926. In 1933 it was changed to Jackson Boulevard and Lake Shore Drive along the shores of Lake Michigan. Check out: Where to stay in Chicago: Best Areas and Hotels

Where Does Route 66 End?

The official ending point of Route 66 is at Lincoln and Olympic Boulevards in Santa Monica. Highway 1 ends at these boulevards therefore, that is where the route officially ends. Santa Monica Pier is just a mile away and the official End of Trail sign was erected here in 2009 to commemorate the spiritual ending of route 66. I mean who wouldn’t want to go all the way to the Pacific Ocean right when driving route 66 right?

Since that sign was erected, Santa Monica erected official signs at Olympic and Lincoln Boulevards making it another fun place to go before heading to Santa Monica Pier for fun and festivities.

Things To See On Route 66

If you aren’t planning on driving the entire old route 66 to Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Ocean, we have broken down the best things to see along the Mother Road by section.

Car rentals can be booked one way if you don’t have your own. So there is no excuse not to drive this historic highway if you find yourself in America. (Or at least a portion or two). Since it spans across America, there’s a good chance you will be somewhere close to Route 66 during your United States travels.

1. Route 66 Illinois

Route 66 begins in downtown Chicago at Lake Michigan and there is a sign indicating the original historic route begins at the corner of West Adams Street and Michigan Ave where 78-98 E Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603, United States.

If you are driving the other way, you’ll find the Route 66, Historic Route Ends sign at the corner of Jackson Boulevard and Lake Shore Drive.

While in Chicago there are plenty of things to see and do, and we suggest spending at least 2 days in the city before starting your drive along route 66. Make sure to go to Navy Pier so that you can say your Route 66 trip went from Pier to Pier. Navy Pier to Santa Monica Pier offers the ultimate bragging rights. Who wouldn’t wan to drive from Lake Michigan and drove all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Read more at: 21 of the Best Things to Do in Chicago

Things to See on Route 66 in Illinois

You can’t miss visiting the capital of Illinoise Springfield and there are plenty of historic sites to see in this city. So make a a day of it.

Springfield Illinois is also where you’ll find the home of Abraham Lincoln that has been restored. It is also free to enter and you can visit the Lincoln Tomb, Abraham Lincoln’s final resting place. Don’t forget to stop in to see the Capitol Building in Springfield.

The Cozy Dog Drive In is also located in Springfield Illinois a route 66 icon that has been in operation since 1949. It’s home to the original hot dog on a stick.

Illinois is also home to 3 muffler men statues. On your route make sure to stop in Wilmington, Atlanta and yes, Springfield to see these giants. In its heyday, route 66 saw giant statues strewn along the route advertising businesses such as tcar repair shops and restaurants along the historic route.

Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum in Pontiac is worth a stop where you can peruse its thousands of Route 66 artifacts and memorabilia.

In Pontiac, Illinois, there is the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum showcasing the history of route 66.

Odell Station in Odell Illinois is one of the historic places to stop along the route. This service station has been restored and you can stop in to talk to the volunteers about the drive ahead.

2. Route 66 Missouri

The main city in Missouri is St. Louis and it will welcome you with its gateway arch. Missouri is the largest city on Route 66 between Chicago and downtown Los Angeles.

In Missouri, you’ll be crossing the Chain Rocks Bridge as you cross the mighty Mississippi River. The historic bridge connects Illinois and Missouri on route 66.

The Meramec Caverns are limestone caves that you must stop at. They are not only one of the popular roadside attractions along historic route 66, but they are also one of the most popular attractions in Missouri.

In Springfield Missouri, there is a car museum where you can see vintage cars that drove this route faithfully. There is another Route 66 Museum in Lebanon.

Did you know there is a Cuba in the United States? Cuba Missouri was named after the Caribbean Island and is located in Missouri. It is officially designated Route 66 Mural City depicting scenes from the Route 66 heyday.

And finally, you’ll be passing through Joplin Missouri since route 66 goes directly through its downtown. Its historic buildings will take you back in time transporting you to the days of the Mother Road. Stop at its murals for some great photo opportunities

3. Route 66 – Kansas

Kansas is the shortest section of Route 66 with only 13.2 miles of the Mother Road cutting through the southern portion of the state. The Kansas portion of Route 66 begins between Joplin Missouri and Galena Kansas. As you come into Kansas you are greeted by a bit of yellow brick road that is right on the state line.

If you are a fan of the Pixar movie, Cars, your first stop after the yellow brick road line is to stop at Luigi’s Pit Stop in Gelena where there is a tribute to the characters Luigi, Lightning McQueen, and the Sheriff car sitting high on a pole from the movie cars.

Note: We have heard that Cars has been closed since the summer of 2022. The Kan-O-Tex station, aka Cars where you can see the tow truck Tow Tater from the movie Cars, will possibly reopen in the summer of 2023. There is an old gift shop that sells snacks and movie memorabilia.

Cars fans will also enjoy Gearhead Curios in Gelana. This old Texaco Station has a Doc Hudson replica of a 51 Hudson, a Texaco Big Boy Statue, a neon-lit Texaco sign, and vintage gas pumps.

Next, if you are feeling hungry, stop in at Nelson’s Old Riverton store. This 100-year-old grocery store sells deli sandwiches that are great for a road trip. You’ll also find Route 66 memorabilia and local handicrafts. Cars is the theme here and you can take a photo with Mater, the tow truck that was the inspiration for the character in Cars.

Stop at Angels on the Route in Baxter Springs for lunch. This was originally opened as Cooper’s Dry Goods Store in 1865 and has been in operation over the years as a diner, drug store and even donut shop. Or pop into the Monarch Pharmacy & Soda Fountain where you can enjoy an old-fashioned soda from its vintage fountain.

One of the most famous sites is the historic Bush Creek Bridge which is the only remaining fixed Marsh Rainbow Arch bridge left on Kansas Route 66

There is the Sunflower field in Baxter which is the perfect photo stop. Sunflowers bloom in August, so if you are around that time of year, be sure to stop.

Thank you to A. Perry for this updated information. We can’t be everywhere at once and appreciate the updates on openings and closures.

4. Route 66 – Oklahoma

The opposite of Kansas, Oklahoma has the longest section of Route 66 with 400 miles of the Mother Road slicing through the state.

In Oklahoma, you’ll pass through the cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma City along the historic route. But there are many roadside attractions and historic sites to see as well. Tulsa city is definitely proud of its route 66 heritage and as you drive along the main street of America, its East Gateway welcomes you to a places that really embraces its history.

The Blue Whale of Catoosa is one of the most famous attractions on route 66. This giant blue whale marks a popular swimming hole for people driving route 66 in the 1970s and in the 2000s in was restored to its former glory.

There are a couple of museums along this route – The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma and the National Route 66 Transport Museum in Elk City showing artifacts celebrating the spirit and history of route 66.

Be sure to see the old vaudeville theater, the Colman Theatre in Miami , Oklahoma. And make sure to Grab a classic soda pop at POPS in Arcadia.

Other Route 66 Attractions in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has done a great job restoring its historic sites and buildings and there are several stops that you can enjoy along this stretch. Some of the quirkier roadside attractions include.

• The Round Barn in Arcadia dating back to 1898
• Pops in Arcadia that stands out with its huge landmark, a neon soda pop bottle standing tall out front.
• The World’s Largest concrete totem pole in Chelsea
• Afton Station is another good stop that is a restored service station that has a gift shop where you can buy memorabilia and some good maps and books about route 66.

5. Route 66 – Texas

Once you enter the Lone Star State there are plenty of things to see on Route 66. The 200 mile stretch of the Mother Road offers something for everyone. Read next: 29 Best Things to do in Austin, Texas

Cadillac Ranch

The Cadillac Ranch is one of the most iconic stops on route 66. Located in Amarillo the Cadillac Ranch is popular due to its 10 Cadillacs standing nose down that are covered in graffiti. If there is one landmark to see in Texas, it’s the Cadillac Ranch.

Plus if you like the art installation at the Cadillac Ranch, you must visit the VW Slug Bug Ranch that plays homage to the famous attraction. The VW Slug Bug Ranch features 5 VWs buried nose deep into the ground just like the Cadillac ranch but .

While visiting the Cadillac Ranch, stop into Amarillo for a day or two to enjoy the city. This is where you can find a vintage motel and get your kick on route 66 for the night.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch is another iconic stop on Route 66. Feeding 500 thousand people a year (mostly coming from a Rout 66 drive) the Big Texan Steak Ranch is famous for its 72 ounce steak dinner challenge. Are you up for it?

Other Texas Route 66 Attractions

Mid Pointe Cafe in Adrian. Did you know that when driving route 66 in Texas, you have made it halfway from Chicago to Los Angeles? Grab lunch at the Midpoint Cafe which is the oldest continuously running cafe on the route. Snap a photo as you’ve driven 1139 miles already and you have 1139 to go!

Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean will take you through a photographic journey of the history of the Dust Bowl. This museum showcases vintage memorabilia from the Mother Road including vintage gas pumps and a museum dedicated to barbed wire. You heard me correctly, barbed wire was called Devil’s Rope and you’ll find a complete collection of barbed wire (I never knew there was before) and fencing tools.

The Conoco Tower Station is a neon-lit, Art Deco Tower that dates back to the 1930s and keep an eye out for the leaning water tower in Groom

Check out more Texas Travel

• Things to do in Austina Texas
• 21 Things to do on South Padre Island, Texas
• 17 Interesting Facts About Texas

6. Route 66 – New Mexico

The major city in New Mexico is Albuquerque. Albuquerque, New Mexico has plenty of historic attractions and you may want to spend the night here as there is a vintage motel that is still in operation. The El Camino Motel will definitely take you back in time. Read more: The Very Best Historic Sites in New Mexico

Things to see in New Mexico – Route 66

Tucumcari has a good portion of Route 66 attractions in New Mexico with a dinosaur museum, roadside motels, and old gas stations. The Teepee Curios gas station in Tucumcari has a large concrete teepee out front and as you cruise through New Mexico, you can stop here to browse its gift shop.

It is in Tucumcari that you’ll also find the Route 66 Monument. The classic Cadillac fin is a popular photo stop on route 66 in New Mexico.

Santa Rosa has the Route 66 Auto Museum of New Mexico. It is free to enter with a donation and showcases vintage cars, and scenes from the Mother Road.

The Blue Hole in Santa Rosa is worth stopping at when driving through New Mexico. The crystal clear waters of this blue pool make it a popular diving destination.

Santa Fe, New Mexico was a popular stop on the earlier Route 66 alignments and has a few things to see including the La Fonda Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in the United States. Read more: The Very Best Historic Sites in New Mexico

7. Route 66 – Arizona

Arizona has a lot of Route 66 Attractions that are well preserved and is definitely worth a stop as you drive the main street of America. Read our full  Arizona Road Trip

Williams, Arizona, is considered the best preserved stretch of Route 66 and here it feels as if time has stood still. It has historic gas stations, quirky cafes and historic buildings.

Jack Rabbit Trading Post is located in Joseph City and has been a Route 66 staple since 1949. Original owner Jim Taylor put a statue of a black rabbit in a black convertible and the Jack Rabbit Trading Post was born.

Winslow Arizona – I cannot believe we didn’t make it to Winslow Arizona. I love the Eagles and I’m always singing “Standin’ on the corner of Winslow Arizona…” from Take it Easy.

If you are looking for a unique place to stay in Arizona, make your way to the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. During the migration west along the Mother Road, the Wigwam Motel chain was a prominent chain. Today, only three survive and two are located along Route 66. One is in Holbrook and the other Wigwam Motel is in California.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is not on the original Route 66 but it is located just north of Main Street America and is worth the detour to see this natural canyon clocking in 277 miles (455 km) long, a mile (1.6 km) deep. It lives up to the hype. In fact, it was during the 1950s that families made their way along route 66 to see the Grand Canyon that was formed by the Colorado River slicing through and eroding the canyon for thousands of years.. When we visited the Grand Canyon, we stayed in Williams Arizona and took day trips to the Grand Canyon.

To plan more for your Grand Canyon trip read our guides:

• Where to Stay At The Grand Canyon: Best Hotels And Areas For Every Budget
• The Absolute Best Things to do in The Grand Canyon
• 15 Fun Facts That You Need to Know About the Grand Canyon

Detour to Las Vegas – Route 66

Las Vegas may not officially be on Route 66 but how can you not pop into the city when you are so close? Many people visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, so after you have spent a couple of days exploring this natural wonder, make your way to the mother of neon lights Las Vegas. It’s the perfect compliment to a drive along America’s main street. Read more: Off the Strip – Things to do Outside Las Vegas

Route 66 – California

The final stop on the great American road trip. This is where dreamers ended their trip along the Mother Road in Santa Monica in search of the American Dream. Let’s go through some of the sites to see which are specific to Route 66 in California. Read more: 16 Best Cities in California

The Wigwam motel chain was built in the 1930s and 1940s. Today of the three surviving motels are located on historic U.S. Route 66. You’ll find one Wigwam Hotel in Holbrook, Arizona, and the other between Rialto and San Bernardino, If you are looking for a unique place to stay, the Wigwam Motel is a great choice.

What road trip would miss stopping at McDonalds and while in San Bernardino you can hit up another popular route 66 attraction? The McDonald’s museum is located in San Bernardino and is a free museum that you can explore.

Bottle Tree Ranch is a quirky work of art in Helendale that was a popular stop on route 66. Unfortunately, it is now closed as its owner passed away, but hopefully it will reopen in the future.

Calico Ghost Town in the Mojave Desert. This old mining town in the Mojave Desert dates back to 1881. It was a huge silver mine and today you can take a mining tour watch old west shows and enjoy the views of the surrounding desert.

The Mother Road Museum in Barstow has displays about the Mother Road history.

Hollywood – It’s now time to spend a few days exploring Los Angeles Check out – 25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles – Hollywood, Hikes, And More

Santa Monica – End of the Trail

Santa Monica Pier this is the spiritual end of Route 66 because you can dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean. There is a sign there that says Route 66 End of Trail and a mile in from Santa Monica pier at Highway 1 near Mels Diner.

So, now you have driven the complete route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica Read More: The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary

About The Mother Road

Route 66 was a busy and exciting historic route through America that saw people traveling regularly to the west coast from middle America. But that all changed in 1985 when the need for speed was at the top of people’s lists. As the interstates came in, the old roads connecting the east to west coast, went out.

Those days are long gone and today, the 3940 km (2448 miles) route is a shadow of its former self with only pockets still clinging to a bygone era. Read: The 17 Best Hikes in Arizona

See Scotland’s Guide to Route 66 at our Guide to the North Coast 500

What Happened to Route 66?

Why did Route 66 crumble? In the 1980s, the highway system was built bypassing most of the towns located along the route. With tourists driving directly to the tourist attractions of Arizona and California fast and efficiently on Interstates instead of the slow backroads of Route 66, most towns along the historic Route 66 fell into disarray.

But over the years, some began to rebuild and pockets of nostalgia have cropped up throughout the route. The allure of the road trip still holds strong and it is at the top of many people’s bucket lists to take this driving tour across America.

The Joliet Area Historical Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center is dedicated to preserving the spirit of Route 66, describing the allure of the Mother Road and what makes Route 66 worth preserving. Make sure to see the statues of the Muffler Men that were used to promote car repair shops along the historic route.

And if you spend the night in this portion of Route 66, be sure to catch a movie at the Skyview Drive In Theatre in Litchfield. It’s one of the last remaining original drive ins on Route 66.

Quirky Roadside Attractions

Bloomington, Atlanta and Lincoln – Along this route you’ll find the weird Paul Bunyon hot dog statue, the world’s largest covered wagon, and Abe Lincoln holding an ax. There are soda shops and diners.

How long Does it Take to Drive Route 66?

You can drive the entire route 66 and it will take about 2 weeks (three weeks if you really want to take your time which we recommend). But you can do portions of Route 66 as well. There are many portions that you can drive. As we said, route 66 passes through 8 states with plenty to explore in each .

It’s not easy to navigate Route 66 with just Google Maps but there are apps and guide books to help you out.

• Route 66 Navigation App
• Plan Your Route on Road Trippers
• The Best Hits on Route 66 – 100 Best Stops on the Mother Road

It’s nice to have that extra security because at times, we felt completely isolated. There were moments where we barely saw another car on the route. We drove it at the end of summer during shoulder season so that may be the case. We often we wondered if we had taken a wrong turn, but luckily, quirky signs would always pop up to let us know we were going in the right directly.

If you are “driving west” like the Nat King Cole song, you’ll start in Chicago, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and finally end in Santa Monica, California.

Choosing Your Route 66 Transportation

Being Canadian, we just jump in our car and head southwest to drive route 66. But if you don’t have the luxury of driving to a starting point, you can check out car rental companies or even decide on an RV rental to enjoy this historic driving route. Some people have it on their bucket list to drive classic cars across the original route and there are classic car rentals that cater to this dream. You can also book one way rentals from Chicago to Santa Barbara. Compare prices at CarRentals.com

Another great idea is to rent an RV to experience the mother road. Cruise America offers RV rentals and can help you plan the perfect road trip itinerary.

If you don’t have your own car and need to fly into the starting point, there are plenty of car rental companies all along the route where you can rent everything from classic cars to convertibles.

Stops on Route 66

We have created a map of the stops on route 66 to help you decide. My brother called me an actually decided that he was going to drive to Chicago to begin his road trip and start driving West to see how far they could make it.

You may be flying into Arizona to see the Grand Canyon, or maybe visting friends in Oklahoma City or New Mexico and simply want to drive a specific portion. Whichever part of route 66 you choose, you’ll find plenty to see along the old route and we’ve highlighted the best things to see on route 66.

How to plan Your Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary

Planning a road trip along Route 66 can be an exciting adventure, but it also requires careful preparation. Here are some steps to help you plan your journey:

Determine Your Route

There are several possible itineraries for driving Route 66, so you should choose one that suits your interests and schedule. Consider the distance you want to cover each day and the stops you want to make along the way.

• Check road conditions: Some sections of Route 66 may be closed or have limited access, so it’s important to check the latest road conditions before you go.
• Think about time of year – Route 66 is a long road trip and temperatures and terrain changes drastically. In Arizona and the surrounding desert it can become extremely hot in the summertime but pleasant in the winter. In the northeast, winter snow can be a real factor and affect your route 66 travels.
• Make reservations: If you’re traveling during peak season, it’s a good idea to make hotel or campground reservations in advance to ensure you have a place to stay each night. A vintage motel on route 66 will sell out quickly so plan accordingly.
• Plan your budget: Establish a budget for your trip, including the cost of fuel, food, lodging, and activities.
• Prepare your vehicle: Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before you go, and consider bringing a spare tire, jack, and basic tools in case of an emergency. You can rent a car to drive a portion or choose one way rentals and drop it off when you get to your destination. Compare prices at RentalCars.com
• Pack smart: Pack clothes and gear suitable for the weather conditions, as well as a map or GPS device, a camera, and any other essentials you might need.
• Make a list of must-see sights: Research the attractions and sights along Route 66 that you don’t want to miss. We have given some great ideas for what to see on route 66, but with a highway spanning 2400 miles, we couldn’t cover everything.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Route 66 road trip is safe, comfortable, and memorable.

Route 66 Signs And Quriky Roadside Attractions

As Americans migrated west looking for work, it captured the imagination of the nation. Luckily, a lot of the signs, quirky roadside attractions, and memorabilia have been preserved. One of the best things about driving Route 66 is to drive with no plans.

Go with the flow and stop when you see something nostalgic or historic. You’ll find a lot of roadside attractions along the route 66 and as tourists and Americans travel more to revisit a simpler past, more attractions are opening up.

All along the route from Chicago to California towns cling to a not so distant past and a few tourists who set out to recreate their own American Dream by driving along the iconic route making it the ultimate road trip.

The towns that were bypassed by the Interstates refuse to quit and attract visitors from around the world wanting to catch a glimpse of America’s glory days.

There are old cars on display, a soda shop and 50’s style gas stations, a colorful downtown and of course Route 66 signs and neon signs leftover ads from its heyday.

There are old motor hotels, The Road Kill Cafe, a Texaco Gas Station, and the old general store. If you are going to buy any souvenirs, buy them in Seligman because they have everything highlighting the historic Route 66.

It really is an amazing journey. The picturesque landscape with cows grazing in the distance and rolling hills surrounding our lonely stretch of road takes you back to a time when people didn’t stare at their phones and when family was first and foremost.

My favourite were the ads for Burma Shave. These quirky signs lined up in groups of five told a little tale with a silly punchline at the end, punctuated by a final sign advertising “Burma Shave”

A lot of times you’ll come across run down buildings and ghost towns. If it can’t attract tourists, towns completely shut down.

National Parks Along Route 66

Route 66 travels through some of America’s most beautiful scenery. You’ll want to take your time and make some detours to see the National Parks along the route. Here is a list you may want to consider.

We loved driving the historic Route 66. There has never been a better time to take a road trip across America. While people plan on staying closer to home, this is a great place to start.

• Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona – Read more about the Grand Canyon
• Petrified Forest National Park – Arizona
• Gateway Arch National Park, – St Louis, Missouri
• Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico
• Joshua Tree National Park – California – Read more about Joshua Tree
• The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary
• The 44 Best Road Trip Songs to Rock the Long Drive
• 13 of the Best Canadian Road Trips – That We’ve Done
• 23 Best Things to do in Cleveland, Ohio

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip Guide”

Very lengthy list of beautiful European cities. I appreciate your effort in picking up these countries and providing good reasons for the readers to visit them. I have selected a couple of them for a trip this year.

I love road trips . This route 66 is amazing. wanna go

Planning Your Route 66 Road Trip

TripSavvy /  Julie Bang

Planning the Route

Time on the road, when to drive route 66, highlights of the route.

Arguably the most famous road trip in the world, driving across the country on Route 66 is as embedded in U.S. culture as the American Dream. In fact, its popularity originally grew from migrants looking for a better life and traveling west during the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, when it was one of the main arteries connecting the west coast to the heartland. Later, the endearment for Route 66 was immortalized by the often-covered song of the same name and the Pixar movie, "Cars."

Throughout the 20th century, the much faster Interstate Highway System was built and threatened to shutter Route 66, and it was even decertified as an official U.S. highway. However, thanks to its popularity, the roads were saved and it's been designated a Historic Route.

Because it's no longer an official highway, the exact Route 66 isn't always clear on maps. Many sections that aren't well-maintained or drive through busy city centers often have bypass or alternate routes that are available—usually on the nearby interstate—to help maintain the flow of traffic. But if you want to exclusively drive Route 66 in its entirety, prepare yourself to travel through eight states and cover 2,448 miles of the Mother Road.

Going from east to west, Route 66 starts in downtown Chicago and ends at Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, but don't be fooled into thinking you can just show up and set off. The route is not easy to follow, often making unexpected turns, switching numbers, changing names, and nonsensically weaving through city streets. In the era of Google Maps, it's hard to imagine being genuinely lost, but GPS apps will naturally re-route you to the nearest interstate and aren't especially useful for navigating Route 66.

Between the lack of signage and spotty data coverage, investing in a hard copy of a Route 66 guide is essential for making this trip. Not only is every turn mapped out, but you'll also get alternate route suggestions, food and hotel recommendations, and historical anecdotes about the route. It's a small price to pay for a lifesaving resource.

Driving cross-country on Route 66 is much slower than driving cross-country on interstate highways and you should set aside at least two weeks to complete the journey. You could do it faster if you drive eight hours a day or longer, but you'd be spending the entire trip behind the wheel and miss out on all of the cultural offerings along the way. Plan to drive about 100 to 200 miles per day, and have an idea of cities you want to stop in and attractions you can't miss. One of the best parts about a road trip is flexibility and being able to make last-minute changes, but you'll be overwhelmed if you set off without at least a rough itinerary.

You can also speed up the trip if you're willing to forego driving on the actual Route 66, at least for parts of the journey. Route 66 is no longer contiguous, so in some instances, you'll be forced to drive on other highways. But you can save time by driving on the nearest interstate highway, especially when they bypass busy city centers. There are even long stretches where Route 66 is literally adjacent to the interstate and you can watch other cars fly by since their speed limit is higher.

How much you're willing to compromise your Route 66 experience is up to you, but remember, most of the charm is on Route 66 itself and this trip is about the journey. If you're in a hurry to get to your destination, you probably wouldn't choose Route 66 to begin with.

The best time for embarking on this odyssey is after the weather has warmed up and the rains and frost of winter have already subsided. Many of the most rural parts of Route 66 are unpaved roads or not well-maintained, and bad weather can make them undrivable. Summer is the most popular time since more people are on vacation, but motels in small towns are more likely to fill up. Plus, you'll have to face extreme heat, especially in the arid Southwest with triple-digit temperatures.

Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, but May and June are known for being tornado season along the Oklahoma and Texas parts of Route 66. Although the chance of encountering one on your drive is highly unlikely, it's better to be informed and prepared if you come across stormy conditions.

On a trip that stretches on for over 2,400 miles and several days, a directory of sites and attractions along the route has already filled several books. Designing the trip to stop where you want and see what you want to see is part of the fun, but it requires a significant amount of research and travel planning . Read through a variety of sources to find an eclectic list of pitstops and, of course, be open-minded while driving and explore as you go.

Spend at least a couple of days to enjoy Chicago before you set off. That way, you aren't rushed or stressed before starting the big trip across the country.

While driving through the town of Pontiac, don't miss out on the Route 66 murals painted all over the downtown buildings, ranging from the 19th century to the 21st century. Many of the original small-town eateries that used to line the highway have been shut down over the decades, but in Litchfield, you can visit the oldest restaurant on Route 66 that's still running. Ariston Café has been serving travelers since 1924 and is now on the Register of National Historic Places. Don't miss out on this iconic spot.

Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois, is one of the early quirky spots you'll encounter along the route but by no means the last. You'll find vintage Volkswagen Rabbits as well as live rescue bunnies at Henry's, giving drivers just a taste of the peculiar attractions that await them.

The original Route 66 went through a town called Times Beach, about 17 miles southwest of St. Louis. The entire town had to be bulldozed in the 1980s due to dioxin contamination and Route 66 was diverted, but today the Route 66 State Park sits on the same land. Not only does it provide a quick escape into nature, but the visitor center shares the fascinating story of this bygone town.

In Jerome, Larry Bagget's Trail of Tears Memorial is a rustic tribute to the Native Americans who crossed through the town nearly two centuries earlier after being forcibly removed from their homelands.

Route 66 slips into Kansas and then sneaks back out just 13 miles later, so quickly that if you aren't paying attention you might miss the whole state. There's not a lot to see on this short stretch, but the Kan-O-Tex gas station in Galena is a remnant of the neon lights and small-town businesses the route is famous for. It's closed down and can't fill up your tank here today, but it's fun to see. And if any passengers are fans of the Pixar movie "Cars," they're sure to recognize a certain tow truck parked at the station that was the inspiration for one of the film's most beloved characters.

Of all eight states that Route 66 passes through, Oklahoma feels the most like the embodiment of America's heartland. Here, you can visit McJerry's Route 66 Gallery in Chandler or the official Route 66 Museum in Clinton for learning more about the route or picking up some souvenirs. The Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, is a giant man-made whale that has become one of the most loved and recognized bizarre attractions along Route 66.

Enjoy the scenic drive between Tulsa and Oklahoma City along Route 66 and make a stop in both or either city to experience Okie culture—they will be the last major urban areas you see for a while.

The Coleman Theater in Miami, Oklahoma, is one of the more elegant stops you'll make on this road trip. This Spanish Revival theater was built in the 1920s, hosting some of the earliest silent films and vaudeville shows. You can still visit it for a free tour or even to catch a movie.

Route 66 cuts straight through the Texas Panhandle for 186 miles, but with plenty of interesting stops and detours along the way. Two different auto-themed art installations are only 30 miles apart: VW Slug Bug Ranch in Conway and then the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. These wacky structures are made up of Volkswagen Beetles and Cadillacs stuck perpendicular into the ground, and travelers are encouraged to visit them and even add to the paint on them.

If you're looking for a place to stretch your legs, Palo Duro Canyon State Park showcases the Texas Plains and is a perfect place to stop for a hike or even to camp out for the night. It's about an hour detour off of Route 66, so plan accordingly if you want to stop here.

Now officially in the American Southwest, one of the first towns you'll pass through in New Mexico is Tucumcari. Here, the Blue Swallow Motel is a vibrant example of the quintessential Route 66 lodging and has amazingly been in business since 1939. Further along the route, you'll see signs for "The Blue Hole" in the town of Santa Rosa, a natural crystal clear swimming hole that is great for taking a dip or even scuba diving.

By this point, you may be feeling nostalgic for a big city. Thankfully, the route will take you directly through Albuquerque, which is New Mexico's largest city and cultural center. You can experience all kinds of things in Albuquerque , from tasting regional (and spicy) cuisine to learning about native Indigenous peoples in local cultural centers. The Sandia Peak Tramway is an obligatory stop when visiting Albuquerque, and is a welcome break from sitting in the car.

One of the most popular attractions for travelers on Route 66 isn't even off of Route 66. Grand Canyon National Park is about an hour detour off of the highway, but being so close to such a majestic natural wonder, you should allot time to visit. If you have a couple of days to spare, you won't regret spending them here.

You can enjoy more local landscapes that are closer to the route in Petrified Forest National Park , which is adjacent to a colorful area known as the Painted Desert. Just after the National Park in the town of Holbrook, book a night in one of the original Wigwam Motels—with their iconic tipi-shaped rooms—for a unique overnight stay. Built during the 1930s and 1940s, only three of these hotels still exist in the U.S.

After countless hours on the road and days of eating in the car, you've made it to the final stretch of the trip. If you aren't in a rush to get to the end, Death Valley and Joshua Tree national parks are about an hour north and hour south, respectively, and are worthwhile excursions to make.

Quirky pitstops are a hallmark of Route 66, and Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch in Helendale is one of the best you'll see. This "forest" made of recycled glass bottles is a favorite for road trippers. Once you get to San Bernadino, Route 66 passes just a few blocks away from the First Original McDonald's Museum, a nostalgic piece of history that's fun for all ages and free to enter.

After getting through Los Angeles traffic , you'll emerge from your car at Santa Monica pier and wonder how the trip could have possibly gone by so quickly. Make sure to walk onto the pier and get a photo under the "Route 66 End of the Trail" sign. For the journey you've just completed, you deserve that and more.

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Set off on the ultimate Route 66 road trip—here's how

Explore one of America's original highways with our city-by-city itinerary for a Route 66 road trip

If you’re itching to hit the road , look no further than one of America’s oldest highways, Route 66. This iconic 2,451 stretch of freeway, completed in the 1930s, connects the Midwest with the West Coast and passes through eight states (Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California). Slow-pacing it through prairies and deserts might not be the first choice for folks looking to explore the U.S. without depleting their PTO bank, but it makes for a delightful, classic American road trip experience if you can swing it. It helps that many of the points of interest you’ll pass on your way west have embraced the nostalgia—think big neon signs and old-timey gas stations with retro soda fountains. How quaint! For the ultimate Route 66 road trip itinerary, follow below.

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Route 66 road trip

1.  Begin Route 66 Sign | Chicago, IL

A sign on the northwest corner of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue marks the start of the Mother Road (the name John Steinbeck gave it in his novel The Grapes of Wrath ). One block over on the south side of East Jackson Boulevard is the End Route 66 Sign for drivers who began their journey in California and drove east.

2.  Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum | Pontiac, IL

The Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum has thousands of Route 66 artifacts and memorabilia. Don't miss a photo in front of the Route 66 shield mural on the back of the museum's exterior wall—it's the largest Route 66 shield mural in the world.

3.  Cozy Dog Drive In | Springfield, IL

What started as a desire in the 1940s to find a quicker way to make a corn dog, a hot dog encased in batter, turned into "Cozy Dogs," hot dogs on a stick that could be French-fried. You can try Ed Waldmire Jr.'s quirky creation at the Cozy Dog Drive In , which opened in 1949 and is now run by Waldmire's grandson.

4.  Doc's Just Off 66 | Girard, IL

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Take a sip of nostalgia and a walk back in time at Doc's Just Off 66 . After 117 years as a pharmacy that was established in 1884, it changed owners and was renamed Doc's Soda Fountain. In 2021, Steve and Casey Claypool purchased the spot and thoroughly renovated the soda fountain while keeping some relics from its past life, such as old patient medicines and remedies, early equipment and advertisements on display.

5.  Soulsby Service Station | Mount Olive, IL

Gas hasn't been pumped at this old-school gas station since 1991, but the charming spot is still worth a stop.  Soulsby Service Station   was built in 1926 by Henry Soulsby. When the station stopped selling gas in the '90s, its proprietors continued to check oil and sell soda pop until it was shuttered in 1993. Mike Dragovich now owns the restored station, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

6.  Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket | Willowbrook, IL

What began as a gas station lunch counter, Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket is still going strong 77 years later with its world-famous fried chicken. Featured on the TV show Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives , Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

7.  Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup | Shirley, IL

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Since 1824, the Funk family has been making sirup (the product made by boiling sap).These days, the family draws sap from 6,000 taps, producing 2,000 gallons of maple sirup each season (typically March through August). The sirup, and the family's famous pure maple candy, is sold at its roadside Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup .

8.  Route 66 Rocker | Cuba, MO

Formerly the world's largest rocking chair, Route 66 Rocker  was imagined by Dan Sanazaro, who wanted to attract drivers to his shop. The massive 42ft, one-inch steel rocker rocked when it was first installed, but the rocking chair has since been welded to its base. Years on, it remains a popular spot for a photo op.

9.  Ted Drewes Frozen Custard | St. Louis, MO

No drive through the Missouri stretch of Route 66 is complete without a stop at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard for custard. Drewes first set up shop in Florida in 1929 and opened a location on Route 66 in 1941. The most popular frozen treat is the Concrete, a thick malted shake that is served upside down. The family is also famous for its seasonal sales of Canadian Balsam Fir Christmas trees, transported directly from their family farm in Nova Scotia.

10.  Route 66 Museum | Clinton, OK

With exhibits arranged by decade, the Route 66 Museum is brimming with Route 66 memorabilia, including a neon Route 66 sign, a classic car and vintage highway signs. The museum includes exhibits on the highway's construction, the Dust Bowl, and the Big Band era.

11.  POPS | Arcadia, OK

This newer, modern roadside addition embraces the retro vibes of Route 66 with a 66-foot-tall LED soda pop bottle, a collection of 12,000 soda pop bottles, and 650 kinds of soda for sale. POPS has a gas station, convenience store, restaurant and lots and lots of soda pop.

12.  Waylan’s Hamburgers the Ku-Ku | Miami, OK

With so many places along Route 66 serving hamburgers, Waylan's Hamburgers the Ku-Ku stands out thanks to its restaurant building that resembles a giant cuckoo clock. The retro burger joint has a drive thru to eat on-the-go and a throwback dining room. Fill up on old school comfort foods like hamburgers, fries and shakes.

13.  Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe | Shamrock, TX

What was once a Conoco gas station and a popular Route 66 cafe is now home to Shamrock, Texas's Chamber of Commerce. This historic spot is worth a stop and a photo op for its Art Deco detailing—evocative of the heyday of Route 66. The Tower Station 's spire still boasts the C-O-N-O-C-O letters, beckoning travelers to stop and fill'er up.

14.  Route 66 Midpoint | Adrian, TX

The midpoint of Route 66 is worth pulling over for. Look for the white line on the road and a sign noting the 1,139-mile distance from the midpoint to either Chicago or Los Angeles. 

15.  Cadillac Ranch | Amarillo, TX

Created in 1974 by Stanley Marsh 3 and The Ant Farm, a group of hippie-artists, the Cadillac Ranch is a roadside art installation featuring 10 Cadillacs positioned vertically into the dirt of a Texas field. The angled cars range from a 1949 Cadillac Club Sedan to a 1963 Cadillac Sedan deVille. Over the years, visitors have stripped off pieces of the cars to take as souvenirs. Today, visitors are welcome to come and graffiti the colorful cars.

16.  Blue Hole | Santa Rosa, NM

Stop for a refreshing swim or SCUBA dive at the Blue Hole , a bell-shaped artesian lake adjacent to Route 66. The crystal clear sapphire waters are as alluring to motorists as they are refreshing. The water is a constant 62 degrees Fahrenheit—truly an oasis in the middle of the desert.

17.  Oatman Hotel | Oatman, AZ

The former gold mining boomtown of Oatman, Arizona was used as the set for the 1962 film How the West Was Won . Built in 1902, the Oatman Hotel is a two-story adobe structure where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard stayed after their wedding in 1939. The hotel is rumored to be haunted by Oatie the Ghost.

18.  Grand Canyon Caverns | Peach Springs, AZ

Created over 65 million years ago, the Grand Canyon Caverns are the largest dry caverns in the United States. Located 210 feet underground, the caverns boast a restaurant (one of the few underground restaurants in the world) and a suite for folks who want to spend a night underground.

19.  Route 66 Memorabilia & Visitor’s Center | Seligman, AZ

The Route 66 Memorabilia & Visitor’s Center is the original Route 66 gift shop, selling a range of souvenirs for travelers of the Mother Road. Owned by Angel and Vilma Delgadillo, the family-run shop sells stickers, magnets, patches, pins, clothing and more.

20.  Delgadillo's Snow Cap | Seligman, AZ

Juan and Mary Delgadillo established Delgadillo's Snow Cap , a drive-in burger joint, in 1953. Juan built the restaurant from scrap lumber he collected while working for the railroad. Juan later became a co-founder of Historic Route 66, a locals'-led initiative to preserve original sections of Route 66.

21.  Red Garter Inn | Williams, AZ

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Built in 1897, this former bordello and saloon housed in a two-story Victorian Romanesque brick building has been painstakingly restored by John Holst. The four-room Red Garter Inn has a cafe, the Grand Canyon Coffee and Café, and endless charm. The Madam's Room has its original skylight while Big Bertha's Room boasts an original claw-footed bathtub and views of historic downtown Williams from the balcony.

22.  Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch | Oro Grande, CA

The creator of this glass bottle wonderland passed away in 2019, but Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch continues to grow in popularity. Long began collecting glass soda bottles and, as an adult, hung these glass soda bottles and wine bottles onto metal pipes, forming a garden of glass. The result is a kaleidoscope of color when the sun shines upon the bottle ranch.

23.  Route 66 Sign | Santa Monica, CA

Since 2009, drivers who complete the drive on Route 66 can commemorate it with a selfie in front of an official sign marking the end of the Mother Road. The large sign, which is at Santa Monica Pier , says “Santa Monica 66 End of the Trail.” It, and the memories of driving Route 66, is the ultimate souvenir. 

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On the Road: The Ultimate Guide to US Route 66 Road Trip

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Route 66, affectionately known as “The Mother Road”, spans across three time zones, starting from Chicago, Illinois, and traveling all the way down to the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles , California. A journey across Route 66 takes you back to the time when many families drove across the country in the 1930s to put food on the table and chase their dreams. Since then, the Route has become the essence of the American spirit. A road that runs through the heart of the country, Route 66 tells the quintessential American story of freedom, mobility, and exploration. It’s a road trip that celebrates the legacy and resilience of the American people.

A road trip across the Route 66 is like learning the story of the American people — from where the country began many years ago to how the country looks at present. Here is everything you need to know if you are planning a road trip along the US Route 66.

US Route 66 Facts

• Length of route : 2,448 miles (3,940 km)
• Duration : About 30 hours of driving (without stops) to cover the entire route
• Number of states covered : 8 states (California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois)
• Length of time to cover route: With rest stops, about 2 weeks
• Starting city / state : Chicago, Illinois 
• Ending city / state : Los Angeles, California
• Accommodations : Motels, RVs, and Inns found throughout the route  

History of US Route 66

Established in 1926, Route 66 was the first transcontinental highway of its kind. The unique architecture of a highway that ran diagonally across the country became the pulse of America.

Route 66 became a sought-after route for the trucking industry and many families who migrated west during the Great Depression. Perhaps most importantly, it served as the primary route for those who traveled west to rebuild during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, which greatly damaged the ecology and agriculture of many American communities.

As the highway grew more popular, Route 66 became a place of economic stability for families who took up business along the byways. In the years that followed, it became the lifeblood and “road of dreams” for many Americans.

US Route 66: An Ideal 14-Day Itinerary

Explore Route 66 and the heart of America in two weeks, where it’ll take you from the heartland of Chicago and all the way to the sparkling west coast of California. Along the way, discover the places that have stood the test of time and represent the very soul of America.

Day 1: Chicago, Illinois to Springfield, Illinois  This is where it all begins. The Mother Road starts at either Jackson Boulevard at Michigan Avenue (the original starting point of 1926) or alternatively at Jackson Boulevard at Lake Shore Drive (since 1933). Head over to Lou Mitchell’s (serving since 1949) for lunch for the perfect send-off onto Route 66.

From Chicago, Route 66 heads southwest to Pontiac, where you can find the Route 66 Hall of Fame and take a break over the historic Swinging Foot Bridges. Continue down to Lincoln, named after the famous president, where you can explore many sites, including where President Lincoln practiced law, the Lincoln Heritage Museum and a giant statue of the President himself. Finally, end your first day in Springfield with dinner at the Cozy Dog Drive-In. Learn more about the 1908 Race Riots while visiting the restored 1920’s Mahan’s Filling Station.

• Main Attraction : Lou Mitchell’s

Day 2: Illinois to Missouri Embark onwards toward St. Louis, passing through Staunton and the famous Henry’s Rabbit Ranch and Route 66 Emporium. Make your way to the Chain of Rocks Bridge, the famous mile-long bridge which carried traffic over the Mississippi for decades before it was closed to traffic. It’s well worth a detour to take a walk across the bridge, now open to bikers and pedestrians.

Now that you’re officially in Missouri, make your way to St. Louis and grab lunch at Eat Rite Diner before heading to the iconic Gateway Arch. End your day in Sullivan where you’ll find the famous Meramec Caverns. These caverns were formed from limestone deposits eroded over the years, with artifacts dating back to Pre-Columbian Native Americans. Meramec Caverns is famous for being one of the most visited caves in Missouri and a landmark destination for those coming into the state on Route 66.

• Main Attractions : Meramec Caverns, Chain of Rocks Bridge

Day 3: Missouri to Kansas From the caverns, continue along Route 66 into the city of Cuba, also known as “Route 66 Mural City” for its vivid paintings telling the story of the city’s incredible, rich history. Grab breakfast at Shelly’s Route 66 Cafe in Cuba before heading towards the city of Rolla.

In Rolla, discover takeaways from the Mule Trading Post, a popular souvenir shop that has been open since 1957, and the Totem Pole Trading Post, another souvenir and snack shop that has been in business since 1933. Continue onto Devil’s Elbow and over the Devil Elbow Bridge, into Waynesville and the Trail of Tears. Cruise down the highway and spend time in Springfield, Missouri where you’ll find many reminders of the Route 66 era with neon signs, billboards, the 1926 Gilloz Theatre and the Route 66 Car Museum.

Finally, end your day in Kansas. Although Route 66 only covers 13 miles of the state, take some down-time at ‘Cars on the Route’ in Galena and grab a bite at ‘Angel’s on the Route’ in Baxter Springs. Both were original Kan-O-Tex service stations - the roadside diners, souvenirs shops and fueling stations - that served many families during the Route 66 era.

• Main Attractions : Cars on the Route, Totem Pole Trading Post

Day 4: Kansas to Oklahoma Leaving Kansas, you’ll enter Oklahoma, which is rich in history and which contains 400 miles of Route 66. Oklahoma is the state that straddles the Midwest and South. It is also home to Cyrus Avery, the “Father of Route 66”, who created the whole route and promoted the highway during his lifetime. You’ll then make your way through Claremore. For fans of the actor and American cowboy Will Rogers, here you’ll find many sites such as his memorial museum and statue related to “Oklahoma’s Favorite Son.”

Continue along to Catoosa. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Blue Whale, one of the most recognizable attractions of Route 66. Grab lunch at Clanton’s Cafe, the oldest family-owned restaurant on Route 66 (around since 1927), before heading towards the diverse city of Tulsa.

Once in the city of Tulsa, you’ll find a lot of what’s left of Route 66 preserved in the city. Explore the remarkable architecture of the Art Deco buildings of the 1930’s and Route 66 signature spots such as the 1925 Blue Dome gas station, the 1916 Cyrus Avery Bridge and the Route 66 Historical Village. End your night with dinner at El Rancho Grande and some live music at Cain’s Ballroom. Call it a night at the Desert Hills Motel, which dates back to 1953 (its neon signs are still intact!).

• Main Attraction : Blue Whale

Day 5: Tulsa, Oklahoma to Oklahoma City Get an early start through Oklahoma from Tulsa and drive your way down to Sapulpa. Drop in for a visit at the historical Frankoma Pottery (who’ve been selling handmade pottery since 1933), Rock Creek Bridge, and the former Teepee Drive-In Theater. Enjoy a burger at Happy Burger before heading out of Sapulpa.

Make your way past the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum, a 1921 gas-station-turned-motorcycle-museum in Warwick, and head toward Arcadia. Peek into the Oklahoma County 66 Auto Trim and Mini Museum, an artistic collection of replicas of many classic Route 66 icons such as the Wigwam Motel and the Catoosa Blue Whale. Moving ahead to Oklahoma City, make a stop at Pops, a neo-modern gas station and soda gem. Spend the rest of your day discovering the many historical museums and highlights of the city.

Day 6: Oklahoma City to Texas From Oklahoma City, drive with an empty stomach to El Reno, a city known for its American gastronomy and Route 66 eateries. It is home to the original fried onion burger, birthed out of the Depression era. Grab the classic bite at the oldest burger joint Robert’s Grill, which has been serving onion burgers since 1926. After, make your way slowly to Clinton, and check out the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. Don’t forget to make a stop at Mohawk Lodge Indian Store. The store dates back to the late 1800’s and delivers some of the most authentic Native American goods in the country. Grab dinner in the historical 1925 Clinton Country Club dining at White Dog Hill.

Wrap up your Oklahoma travels in Elk City, home to the National Route 66 Museum Complex. Here you’ll find the all-you-need-to-know guide of Route 66, from its route, to its history, to the states it covers. Say one more farewell to Oklahoma by making your way to Pony Bridge, made famous by the 1939 film “Grapes of Wrath.” Head over to the Texas state line to end your day by checking out Shamrock’s Tower Station and U-Drop Inn, a marvel of Depression-era Art. Continue on and find your evening rest at Amarillo.

• Main Attractions : Route 66 Museum, Pony Bridge, U-Drop Inn

Day 7: Texas to New Mexico Start your day exploring Amarillo, the largest city in the Texas Panhandle. Take a drive through Cadillac Ranch, an art installation of 10 half-buried Cadillacs in the Texan desert. Time travel back to the classic days of Route 66 on 6th Street. The district spans thirteen blocks along 6th street in San Jacinto Heights district between Georgia and Forrest Avenues. It was developed in the 1900s as a streetcar suburb and became a road as part of the Ozark trail highway system in 1921. You’ll find many vintage services stations and 1920s to 1940s architectural buildings lining the streets, including stores, shops and the Ranchotel Historic Motel.

From Amarillo, drive down to the city Vega and find the restored 1920’s Magnolia gas station and Dot’s Mini Museum, which consists of many personal artifacts of the Route 66 period. Hop your way over to your next state of New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment.

Along the way, you’ll end up in Tucumcari, a city that remains true the Route 66 spirit. The city is known for its 2,000 motels. Spend your night among the many historic Route 66 motels such as the Blue Swallow, Motel Safari and Pow Wow Inn that all boast the iconic Route 66 neon signs. Don’t call it a night before you check out the 1930’s Art Deco theater, The Odeon, and see what’s playing!

• Main Attraction : Cadillac Ranch

Day 8: Tucumcari, New Mexico to Albuquerque, New Mexico Head to Santa Rosa and dine at the Route 66 Restaurant before taking the pre-1937 route through Santa Fe from Santa Rosa. Drive through the scenic north of Romeroville and head to the state capital of Santa Fe. The city is most renowned for its art, with an abundance of museums, galleries and street art to choose from. Check out the historic La Fonda Hotel, Museum Hill and the galleries that line Canyon Road.

Resume the route to end up at Albuquerque - the longest stretch of Route 66. Travel down historic Old Town, Sandia Peak Tramway, Tingley Beach and the Albuquerque Museum. Catch a movie at KiMo Theatre and spend the night at the Enchanted Trails RV Park and Trading Post in a 1950’s or 1960’s vintage travel trailer.

• Main Attractions : La Fonda Hotel, Tingley Beach

Day 9: New Mexico to Arizona Make your way to Acoma Pueblo, the oldest inhabited community in North America since AD 1150. It is home to the Acoma Pueblo tribe. The view across the plains are breathtaking, especially if you can catch the sunrise on top of the Mesa. From the Pueblo, through Cubero, visit the Villa De Cubero Trading Post filled with groceries and general supplies. Make a final stop in the New Mexico stretch at Gallup. You’ll want to visit the Rex Museum, a former hotel and brothel in 1900, El Morro Theater, El Rancho Hotel and the old McKinley County Courthouse which contain several New Deal era murals.

Head over to the city of Lupton, Arizona and ensure you stop by the Yellowhorse Trading Post, run by a Navajo family who started selling rugs alongside Route 66 in the 1950’s. Make your way past the city of Chambers and visit the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. The park is a landmark to the Native American culture, where you’ll find Native American ruins and petroglyphs. Hike the many trails along the park before heading to the nearby city of Holbrook. The city boasts many historic buildings, including the Bucket of Blood Saloon and the former Navajo County Courthouse. Explore the many original items from the courthouse and local history of the Navajo culture before finding rest at the famous Wigwam Motel. The motel has seen visitors sleeping in concrete teepees since 1950!

• Main Attraction : Painted Desert

Day 10: Holbrook, Arizona to Flagstaff, Arizona Dine at Joe & Aggie’s Cafe in Holbrook and continue forth to Winslow. In the city, you’ll find many Route 66 period gas stations, signs and cafes. Find time to visit the La Posada Hotel, the former 1928 Harvey House hotel and the Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post and Warehouse that was built in 1917 by the Navajo. Eat at E & O Kitchen before making your way to Flagstaff, the biggest city along Arizona’s Route 66 stretch.

The city sits comfortably between mountains and forests. Many 19th-century and Route 66 era buildings still exist in the downtown historic district. Be sure to check out the Lowell Observatory built in 1894, the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park and the Sunset Crater Volcano National Museum. Grab dinner at the Grand Canyon Cafe, a Route 66 era diner opened since 1942 before staying in the 1897 historic Weatherford Hotel.

• Main Attraction : Lowell Observatory

Day 11: Flagstaff, Arizona to Kingman, Arizona Grab breakfast at Miz Zips and head toward William, a popular place if you want to make a detour and see Grand Canyon National Park off Route 66. If not, explore William and the beautifully restored Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum. Spend some time touring the historical district and discovering the former Frey Marcos Hotel and Sultana Theatre.

Grab lunch in Seligman at Angel’s Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In. Take some time off the road and walk through the gift stores and former Cottage Hotel before settling into Kingman. Spend some time checking out the Arizona Route 77 Museum, an old old power station that served the city between 1907 and 1911. Find steam engines at the Locomotive Park and many hidden Route 66 gems along the city streets. Take a break at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner before ending the night at the El Trovatore.

• Main Attractions : Route 66 Gas Station Museum

Day 12: Arizona to California Eat at Ma and Pa’s Hot Rod Cafe in Kingman before leaving Arizona, where you’ll spend the day exploring the longest section of Route 66. This part of the highway goes through old mining towns and ghost towns of the Route 66 era. Be sure to take extra caution when driving on this stretch due to its winding roads and switchbacks. After a scenic drive, you’ll head to Oatman, a former gold mining town of the 1920’s. Spend the afternoon catching live Old West shows and find live burros along the streets before heading for lunch at the Oatman Hotel Restaurant and Saloon.

Bid Arizona goodbye as you cross the border into California, the last state to your Route 66 journey. Before long, you’ll find yourself in the city of Needles. You’ll find many Route 66 era businesses like vintage motels, a train depot and a giant Borax wagon. End your night with dinner at Wagon Wheel Restaurant, while enjoying some live music before heading to bed at the Route 66 era Imperial 400 Motor Inn.

Day 13: Needles, California to Barstow, California Take an early detour up to Joshua Tree National Park and grab breakfast at Crossroads Cafe. From there, enjoy a scenic drive around the park and if you’re an adventurous heart, try some of the many hikes the park has to offer. Once you’re done, hit the road into the city of Barstow.

Barstow is a town worth exploring where you’ll find many of the iconic neon signs and street murals of Route 66. Grab lunch at Rosita’s, a Mexican restaurant dating back to 1954. Find a huge collection of auto signs at Tom’s Certified Welding and Machine Shop, visit the Route 66 Mother Road Museum and a former 1911 rail depot now known as the Casa del Desierto building. End the night at DiNapoli’s Fire House Restaurant and rest at the iconic Route 66 Motel before heading out on the last stretch of your trip.

• Main Attractions : Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch

Day 14: Barstow, California to Los Angeles, California After two weeks of dusty roads, you’re at the end of the trip. The final stretch of Route 66 is all in the timing. Los Angeles is notorious for its traffic, so it’s recommended to arrive at the Santa Monica Pier by early afternoon at the latest.

Take a final Route 66 breakfast at Roy’s Cafe in Barstow before making your way to Rancho Cucamonga. Make a quick stop to the local history museum that was once the Cucamonga Service Station in 1915. Before heading back on the road, grab a quick bite at the Sycamore Inn, one of the oldest eateries along Route 66 dating back to 1848.

Head over to Pasadena where you’ll find the Colorado Street Bridge and a 19th Century old mill. If you have time, explore the Gamble House, an arts and crafts style house built for the wealthy Gamble family in 1908. Don’t miss a meal at Fair Oaks Pharmacy, before heading to Los Angeles.

As you pass Los Angeles, you’ll find yourself going through the neighborhoods of Highland Park, Echo Park, Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Leave some time to spot the 1924 Highland Theater and views of the Hollywood sign. Now slowly head to the end of route 66. The original 1926 terminus was at 7th Street and Broadway. Nowadays, it has been moved to the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard in Santa Monica. Head down to the famous beach, walk out to the dock before soaking in the west coast waters. You’ve made it! 

Alternative Alignments

Route 66 originated in 1926 as a network of local roads under the US Highway System. Most of the roads created during that time were not paved, instead only consisting of wooden planks on plains of sand. 

As time passed, the federal highway system was improved. In the late 1930’s, the original 1926 alignment was given widened, paved paths. The government laid realignments in 1937 (after World War II) and again in 1952. Some of those alignments exist today, while others have been closed due to dangerous roads and closures.

Please note that all of the mentioned alignments in this article are drivable / in operation. The dates are a reference to when the alignment was officially used as part of Route 66. Alignments can be enabled or disabled at any time, so be sure to investigate before setting off on your road trip. Some of the route’s alternative alignments include:

• 1926 - 1930 alignment (via Carlinville)
• Post-1930 alignment (via Farmersville and Litchfield)
• Pre-1932 alignment (1926-1932) via Des Peres and Ellisville
• Post-1932 alignment (via Pacific and Eureka)
• Pre-1937 alignment via El Reno New Mexico
• Post-1937 alignment (Tucumcari to Albuquerque)
• Pre-1937 alignment (Tucumcari to Santa Fe)
• Pre-1937 alignment via El Reno
• Post-1931 via I-40 to Sanders
• Pre-1941 alignment via Flagstaff
• Post-1952 via I-40 to Needle Mountain Road
• 1926-1931 alignment via Pasadena to Los Angeles (to reach original terminus in downtown Los Angeles)

Once the artery of the country, Route 66 brought stability and a new way of life to Americans in the 1930’s. Over the years, as more highways became urbanized,  Route 66 slowly lost itself within the growing infrastructure of the country. Regardless, Route 66 is still a road that carries meaning to the American people.

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Travel Guide to Historic Route 66: The Mother Road

Route 66 was one of the United States' first continuous stretches of paved highway, and served as a major path for those who migrated to the West.

"The Mother Road" was established on November 11, 1926, and ultimately stretched 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers) from Chicago to Los Angeles. It became the shortest, year-round route between the Midwest and the Pacific Coast, and was also known as " The Main Street of America " and the " Will Rogers Highway ". On that date, only 800 miles of Route 66 were paved, the rest being graded dirt, gravel, bricks, or planks of wood. It took 11 more years before the entire road would be paved.

From its beginning in Chicago, Route 66 headed southwest through Illinois and Missouri, and a small section of southeast Kansas.

From there it turned in a more westward direction through Oklahoma and Texas, with the final stretches in New Mexico and Arizona before its termination point in Los Angeles.

During the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s, the diagonal course of the Route 66 was the primary route for migrating farm workers from the Midwest to California. The migration continued during World War II due to job availability in California.

It linked small, rural towns to larger cities, and markets. The fact that it covered mainly flat areas and featured moderate year-round weather made it an attractive route for traverlers, and truckers. During this time, it also became one of the key routes for moving military equipment across the country.

Due to the efforts of the U.S. Highway 66 Association, Route 66 became the first highway to be completely paved, in 1938. In the 1950s, Route 66 became the main highway for vacationers heading to Los Angeles. The traffic along Route 66 led to the opening of many "mom and pop" restaurants, motels, and service stations along the route to satisfy the needs of traveling motorists.

Alignments of the road changed often over the years, as improved sections of highway were constructed. In the early years many sections connected only one small town to the next, and had no official federal route number. Over time the route was formalized as a Federal Highway numbered as "U.S. 66".

We've had the pleasure of driving in all eight states along Route 66, The Main Street of America !

Included on this website are photographs, personal experiences, commentary and travel recommendations on the various segments of the Mother Road. We hope that this site will help with the planning of your next vacation or holiday, and get Route 66 checked off your bucket list of destinations in 2024!

The Lore of Route 66: The Main Street of America

Route 66 became one of the most famous roads in the United States, outdistancing others such as the Lincoln Highway.

It is popular lore in movies, songs, books like "The Grapes of Wrath", and TV shows.

The legendary highway was known far and wide for its variety of "mom and pop" motels, neon lights, drive-ins, quirky roadside attractions, flat tires, cars with no air conditioning, dangerous curves, steep hills, and narrow lanes.

Today, there are more than 250 buildings, bridges, road alignments and other sites along Route 66 that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The movie "Easy Rider" was filmed at several locations along Route 66. The move "Thelma and Louise" also featured Route 66 references and scenes.

The popularity stuck, and continues to grow today! So ... get out and explore Historic U.S. Route 66!

Route 66 Map from Chicago to Santa Monica

Road Trip Travel Guides for Various States Along Route 66

Planning a road trip on Route 66 in 2024 or for the Centennial in 2026? Here are the travel guides and reviews by state...

List of Route 66 Mileage by State (1926 Alignment)

The demise of route 66.

Route 66 underwent many improvements and realignments during its lifetime.

The passage of the Federal Highway Act of 1956 sounded the death knell for the old road, and gradually segments were replaced with new, safer and faster superhighways.

Its final demise was the completion of the Interstate Highway System. The last town by-passed by the Interstate system was Williams , Arizona, on October 13, 1984.

Subsequently, U.S. Route 66 was officially removed from the United States Highway System on June 27, 1985.

Route 66 was replaced by five Interstates: I-55 southbound from Chicago, I-44 across Missouri and Oklahoma, I-40 in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, I-15 and finally I-10 into Los Angeles.

Route 66 Today

Today, in 2024, several states recognize the historical significance of the road, and have it marked with "66" in the state highway number. "Historic Route 66 Associations" are active in several states.

The road is also a major tourist attraction, so many states openly market attractions and lodging along the old route.

The old road still traverses dozens of small towns with vintage gas stations, quirky tourist attractions, diners, "Mop & Pop" motels, historic sites & museums, stunning vistas, and gift shops.

Touring Route 66 by Auto, Bus, or RV

Different people choose different modes of transportation to tour the Mother Road. While some elect guided bus tours, or drive their own vehicles, others seek new destinations in their RV or motor home.

And for those that don't own an RV yet, companies like Cruise America, El Monte RV Rentals, Road Bear RV Rentals, and Camping World offer a variety of RV sizes and rental plans.

Touring Route 66 by Motorcycle

Get your motor running! Get out on the highway!

Many travelers on Route 66 rent motorcycles to seek new open-air adventures on their USA road trip!

A variety of motorcycle rental plans are available, such as those from Eaglerider Motorcycle Rentals.

Out West, your motorcycle can be picked up at a number of rental locations in Nevada, California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. If you are starting your Route 66 trip further north, motorcycle pickup locations in Illinois are available.

Model options are plentiful, and cycles from manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson and Indian are available. Trikes can also be rented.

If you don't want to ride independently, choose from one of many guided motorcycle tours. Self-drive tours often include rental of the motorcycle, hotel reservations and detailed tour route information.

Some companies offer one-way rentals, hotel pickups, luggage storage, helmets and other amenities.

Route 66: The Song

The song "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" was composed by songwriter Bobby Troup in 1946.

It was first recorded by Nat King Cole, and sung by other singers over the years including Chuck Berry, Perry Como, and the Rolling Stones.

If you ever plan to motor west, travel my way, take the highway that is best. Get your kicks on Route sixty-six. It winds from Chicago to LA, more than two thousand miles all the way. Get your kicks on Route sixty-six. Now you go through Saint Looey Joplin, Missouri, and Oklahoma City is mighty pretty. You see Amarillo, Gallup, New Mexico, Flagstaff, Arizona. Don't forget Winona, Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino. Won't you get hip to this timely tip: when you make that California trip Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.

For the Route 66 TV series on CBS, the "Route 66 Theme" song was written by Nelson Riddle.

Route 66: The TV Show

A popular television show during the early 1960s bore the road's name: "Route 66". Starring George Maharis as Buz, and Martin Milner as Tod, the two young adventurers drove the road in their Chevrolet Corvette for 116 episodes.

Despite the name of the series, most episodes did NOT take place on the historic road, but in 25 different U.S. states. The show was filmed mostly on location, and became known for its cinematography. A long list of well-known actors and actresses appeared on the series.

The show ran from October, 1960, through March, 1964, and created a huge following.

The interest in the show continues today by "Baby Boomers" who remember the original showings, and new generations of viewers fascinated by the show who watch it on DVD.

Chicago: The Route Begins

The beginning point for a Route 66 road trip could be either Chicago or Los Angeles, depending on the direction of the trip. Most travelers seem to start their journey on Route 66 in Chicago, and head westbound, the direction taken by those leaving the Dust Bowl and those seeking a new life in the West. That is the direction we take on this website.

Illinois was the first of the eight states through which Route 66 passed to have its segment of U.S. 66 paved, at a time when much of the route across the country was still a gravel or dirt road. Illinois Route 66 took over Illinois State Highway 4, a pre-existing, fully paved two-lane road between Chicago and St. Louis.

The beginning point of Route 66 in Chicago has changed over the years. Today, the starting point is at East Adams Street at South Michigan Avenue, and the end point is at East Jackson at South Michigan. One way streets in the area can be difficult to navigate for first-time Route 66 visitors!

While in Chicago, many Route 66 travelers seek out Grant Park, the Willis Tower, Chicago Architecture River Cruise, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science & Industry, the Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park Zoo and the lakeshore shopping areas.

Santa Monica: The End of the Trail

The original terminus of U.S. Route 66 was at 7th and Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. However, over the years, and decades, Route 66 has had several “official” and “unofficial" ending points.

The route was later extended to the intersection of Lincoln and Olympic boulevards in Santa Monica, about one mile from the Pacific Ocean. This is often referred to as the official ending point of Route 66.

Route 66 Centennial: 1926-2026

Route 66 was one of the United State's first continuous stretches of paved highway, and served as a major path for those who migrated west.

"The Mother Road" was commissioned on November 11, 1926, and ultimately stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles.

In 2026, the nation will be celebrating the Route 66 Centennial ... 100 years of the Mother Road serving the traveling public! Many states and organizations are planning special events and tours to highlight the Centennial.

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Driving the Mother Road: the highlights of Route 66

By USA specialist Rob

It spans 2,400 miles, crosses eight states and three time zones, and enlists you for at least three weeks. The epitome of an American road trip , Route 66 takes you east to west, from Chicago to Santa Monica, Los Angeles , tracing the development of the pioneering country. The original road no longer exists unbroken, but as a road trip the route holds strong. It will take you through small-town America and past some of the most obscure attractions in the country.

Starting the road trip in Chicago

Chicago is the starting point for most Route 66 tours. The city warrants a few nights’ stay to take in its live music venues and museums, the sculptures of Millennium Park and the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan. In a city famous for pizza, I also rate Pizzeria Uno, Chicago’s first deep-dish pizza restaurant.

The city’s also known as the birthplace of skyscrapers. The world’s first was constructed here in 1885, just ten stories high. Since then, the number has grown to 121, and their design and height have become increasingly impressive.

Architecture river cruise

One of the best ways to appreciate Chicago’s skyline is from the Chicago River. If you’re visiting between May and September, we can arrange for you to join an hour-long boat cruise that focuses on the city’s architecture. Your on-board guide is likely to be an architecture graduate or student, equipped to tell you all about the design, construction and history of the key buildings.

Among the most notable are the 141 m (462 ft) neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, whose style was influenced by Spanish colonial revival and French Renaissance architecture, and the Willis (Sears) Tower, at 442 m (1,450 ft) the tallest building in the world for 25 years.

As interesting, in my mind, was seeing how these skyscrapers slot in alongside older brick buildings, some of which have stood since the city’s beginnings.

You won’t need a car to travel around Chicago as it’s an easy city to explore on foot and by public transport. Once you’re ready to begin the drive, you can pick up your hire car downtown before making your way to the start of the route, which is just around the corner.

Driving from Chicago to Springfield, Illinois

From Chicago, it takes two and a half hours through prairies and farmland to reach Springfield , the capital of Illinois.

Despite its proximity to Chicago, Springfield feels a world away, its red-brick architecture a contrast to the Windy City’s high rises.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Springfield was the hometown of Abraham Lincoln in the 17 years leading up to his presidency. You can visit the house where he lived, an attractive wooden building with large shuttered windows. Now a National Historic Site, it has been restored to reflect the era in which Lincoln lived there with his family.

Due to the house’s modest size, you can only look around on a ranger-led tour. From the kitchen and living area to the upstairs bedrooms, each room is furnished with items used by Lincoln in his day-to-day life. Your guide will point out the desk at which Lincoln wrote his memoirs, his bed, and the large mahogany table where he ate his meals.

Afterwards, I suggest strolling around the surrounding four blocks, where 12 buildings have also been restored to their 1860 heyday. It really helps to paint a picture of the Springfield Lincoln knew. Exhibits tell you about the past residents, most of whom would have known and interacted with Lincoln.

Springfield or Branson?

From St Louis  you have two choices. The first is to continue along Route 66 to Springfield, Missouri, noted for its classic cars that line the streets outside old-fashioned motels. While the city isn’t immediately alluring, I found that it grew on me as I took time to discover its hidden depths. With few other visitors, the city’s residents were keen to speak to me about their hometown, and I got the feeling that Springfield is beginning to embrace its Route 66 heritage.

Alternatively, take a short detour through the Ozark Mountains to the city of Branson. This all-American, slightly eccentric town sits within America’s Bible Belt so has a heavy Christian influence. Along with visiting the town’s theme parks, I suggest attending one of the shows that are held by multiple generations of Mormon families. From playing country music to performing magic tricks, they feel a bit like a variety show, and are usually very patriotic.

Driving to Oklahoma City

The countryside is flat and green as you make your way to Oklahoma City . Four hours from Branson, this compact metropolis is a highlight of Route 66 for me. It’s partly for its food, which is an eclectic mix of Southern Cajun dishes and Mexican fare.

Oklahoma City Dodgers baseball match

During your stay, we can arrange for you to watch the Oklahoma City Dodgers. The minor-league baseball team’s home is the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, right in the heart of Bricktown.

Unlike the big-name teams, where much of the crowd are visitors, almost everyone here is a local supporter. It means you get to cheer shoulder-to-shoulder with true fans.

Baseball matches tend to last for several hours, so it’s up to you if you just want a taster or to stay for the whole duration. I suggest getting there in time to experience the national anthem before the game, when the whole stadium erupts into song.

Throughout the match, hot dog and popcorn sellers pace the stands, people clink bottles of beer and giant foam fingers are jabbed excitedly in the air.

Oklahoma City to Amarillo

Heading into the Texas Panhandle, the prairies of Oklahoma give way to a drier landscape. This five-hour section of the drive is a touch uninspiring and I recommend jumping on the freeway to eat up the miles.

The Interstate 40 (I-40) will take you to the next stop along Route 66 — Amarillo  — of Tony Christie song fame. Although there’s not an awful lot to see here, it serves to break up the journey.

Visiting Cadillac Ranch

Ten miles outside Amarillo you’ll come across an unusual spectacle in a field adjacent to the road. Ten graffiti covered Cadillacs are buried nose first in the ground. What started as an art installation has become legendary along Route 66 and travelers, armed with their own spray cans, will leave a lasting reminder of their stop here.

Reaching the mid-way point on Route 66

A road sign in the tiny town of Adrian marks the road trip’s midpoint, before the route continues onto Santa Fe in New Mexico . Adrian is little more than one street and a quintessential small-town café, where a jukebox plays in the corner and American number plates hang on the walls. The café gift shop peddles halfway point souvenirs.

Entering Santa Fe, you feel touched by the Mediterranean as you contrast the city with Amarillo. The Spanish-influenced old town square and Pueblo-style adobe architecture provide a setting that contrasts widely with the cities further east.

Albuquerque

The Sandia Mountains rise up around you as you drive from Santa Fe to Albuquerque , and if you drive through around sunset you’ll witness the light casting a red glow on the rocks.

Around an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Santa Fe, Albuquerque is a sprawling city sporting a number of Mexican and Spanish museums.

Albuquerque to Winslow

From Albuquerque, you travel into Arizona as you make your way to Winslow. En route, you pass through the Petrified Forest National Park, site of numerous palaeontological discoveries. The forest’s name derives from the fossilized wood found here. Throughout the park you’ll see normal-looking tree stumps, but with fossilized insides of inorganic material such as pyrite and opal.

Taking a detour to the Grand Canyon and Meteor Crater

While the Grand Canyon isn’t technically on Route 66, it’s worth a detour. The South Rim is the most accessible from the route and has the best viewpoints; although that does make it the most popular with visitors.

There are several walking trails, or you could take to the air on a helicopter tour , flying over the green Kaibab National Forest. As the trees disappear, the Grand Canyon opens up in front of you and you feel as if you’re going to fall off the edge of the world.

It takes around three hours to reach the South Rim from Winslow, a little longer if you make a stop at Meteor Crater just outside the town of Flagstaff . As the name suggests, the crater is a huge hole created by a meteorite that struck Earth almost 50,000 years ago. There are plenty of alien connotations with the site and you can only get within a certain distance of it, further fuelling speculation.

The Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

As with the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas isn’t considered part of the original Route 66. But, it’s a city you might be keen to experience at least once, and it’s close enough (five hours’ drive) to the canyon.

En route is Seligman, a classic Route 66 town of traditional motels, diners, shops and flashing neon signs. You can also make a stop at the Hoover Dam, just 40 miles outside the city, where you can join a ranger-led tour or explore under your own steam.

The dusty desert surrounds you as you make your way to Las Vegas, whose outline you can see on the horizon for miles as you approach.

Downtown Las Vegas food tour

Every visitor to Vegas flocks to the Strip, with its themed hotels and trademark casinos. But, in the Downtown district, you can experience a slightly more laid-back atmosphere that’s shared between visitors and locals.

In recent years, investors have seen this area’s potential and plowed money into its regeneration. Independent shops and restaurants have opened up, and I felt an air of optimism and creativity as I strolled around.

You can join a small-group guided tour of Downtown, learning more about the area’s history and its plans for the future. At the same time, you’ll sample some of the signature dishes served at four of the best up-and-coming Downtown restaurants.

Among them is Therapy, an industrial-style restaurant where you can try contemporary comfort food such as chicken and red velvet waffle sliders. Far simpler than the name suggests, they’re a satisfying combination of buttermilk chicken on red breakfast waffles, served with punchy chipotle mayo.

We also called at 7th & Carson, which serves tapas-style dishes that fuse American classics with European and Middle Eastern cuisines. I sampled thick flatbread fresh from a wood-fired oven, dipping it into lightly spiced hummus, baba ganoush and yogurt.

The tour ends with a visit to Container Park. Here, repurposed shipping containers house pop-up shops and restaurants. Live music often accompanies food served by some of the city’s newest chefs.

From Las Vegas to Santa Monica

It takes around four hours to drive from Las Vegas to the final destination on Route 66: Santa Monica in Los Angeles. You can break up the journey in Barstow, the last of the main points of interest along Route 66, where you can visit the Mother Road Museum. The museum displays a collection of memorabilia related to this historic route and is a fitting stop as you near the end of your drive.

The sign marking the end of Route 66 is located on Santa Monica’s pier. Nearby, The Last Stop Shop will award you a novelty certificate confirming you’ve completed the drive.

Private Cadillac tour of LA

After weeks of driving, it’s nice to end your trip as a passenger. On previous visits to LA, I’d found myself constantly stuck in traffic. But, on this three-hour tour, my driver knew exactly where to go to avoid congestion. Sitting in his polished burgundy 1970s Cadillac, the top down and the sun warming my face, we took in most of the city’s sights.

We passed through Bel Air and Beverly Hills, where my guide pointed out the mansions of celebrities. In Santa Monica, we glided along the waterfront with its glittering pier. And, driving through Hollywood, my guide regaled me with the history of LA’s film industry, interspersed with snippets of celebrity gossip.

Your driver will have lived in LA for years and can use their knowledge to tailor the route to your interests. I mentioned that I loved the TV show Modern Family and, lo and behold, I was driven past two houses that appear in the series.

Practicalities of driving Route 66

• You need around three weeks to complete Route 66.
• There is no perfect time to drive Route 66. Due to its sheer size, you’re likely to experience some adverse weather conditions, whatever the month. Oklahoma can see heavy downpours during April, while Las Vegas and the surrounding desert can reach temperatures of 113 degrees during the summer. Throughout the winter months, Chicago can prove particularly cold.
• Road laws vary so check the speed limit when crossing into different states.

Plan your self-drive trip along America's Route 66

Complete Route 66 self-drive tour

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Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• Bite-sized Route 66: three sections for three interests
• Self-drive vacations in Florida
• Driving vacations in the United States
• Self-driving the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Self-driving in the Rockies
• Self-driving in Hawaii
• Self-driving through Arizona & Utah in America’s Southwest
• Self-drive vacations in California
• Self-drive vacations in Canada

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Route 66: 14 day road trip itinerary

For many people planning a Route 66 road trip it can get a bit overwhelming. I totally get it, have been there and got the t-shirt! Checking some sample plans of how to do the trip can help get your head around it and give you a good start when planning your own journey.

That’s where this Route 66 14 day road trip itinerary comes in. I’ve written it as a sample journey from the very beginning of the road in Chicago all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

I hope that you’ll find this road trip itinerary helpful no matter how long you have for your road trip .

This article probably contains affiliate links.   This means that if you buy or book after clicking, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

A note from the writer: Hey! I’m Kirsty and I’m a Route 66 enthusiast – I first became obsessed almost 20 years ago and then first visited in 2014. I’ve recently just come back from my last trip too! Comment below if you have any questions about your road trip and I’ll get back to you ASAP – or join me in my free FB group here .

Are you thinking of planning a road trip? I highly recommend a guide book to explore all the attractions around. It’ll come in handy when you’re actually driving too (if you get one with directions!) My favorite for the planning stage is the Route 66 Adventure Handbook

Planning your 2 week Route 66 road trip

Before we get started with the itinerary let’s take a look at some questions you might need to consider when you’re planning this journey:

Is 14 days enough for a Route 66 road trip?

So one of the first questions that I get asked is whether 14 days is enough to do the road trip.

Yes, you can do Route 66 in 14 days . Your driving mileage will vary each day from 100 – 250 miles and you’ll move on to a different destination each day.

I’d definitely be aware of the fact that it’s quite an intense driving time. You’re going to be moving on every day and you won’t have time to do side trips or to enjoy the cities of LA and Chicago at either end. But, yes, 14 days is definitely doable!

Will 14 days be a good amount of time to do Route 66?

So we’ve established that you can do Route 66 in two weeks, but should you? Are you going to do it well or will it be a terrible time?

I think the sweet spot for a Route 66 trip is between 2 and 3 weeks so a 14 day stretch fits in there nicely. You can definitely have a good time, you might wish you had more time to explore, but hopefully that will just encourage you to come back again!

How much driving will you do each day?

With a 14 day road trip on Route 66 you’ll be driving for between 100 and 250 miles each day. So some days might only have an hour or two on the road and some days will have longer driving days that you might want to break up throughout the day.

Should you book your accommodation in advance?

This is a personal preference. I know many people like to keep their options open and see what is available when they arrive. I, personally, am not like that and I much prefer to have my bed booked!

Some of the accommodation suggested on this page are popular stops on the road and as such, especially if you’re traveling in high season, you might be wise to book in advance.

Lots of hotels offer a decent cancellation policy these days so if your plans change it shouldn’t be an issue but always check when booking, especially if you’re booking direct with them.

Renting a car for route 66?

Most people think about renting a car for their Route 66 trip simply because the distances are so vast and it makes sense in a financial sense and also when thinking about the time available.

I’ve written a post about some tips you might find useful for booking your Route 66 rental car but checking out comparison sites like Discover Cars is my top tip to get a good deal.

Route 66 14 day road trip itinerary: overview

All mileage is approximate and is gleaned from Google Maps which will take the Interstate rather than the actual Route 66 alignments.

Day 1: Chicago

Miles to drive: 0

Our first day is spent in the city of Chicago. If you’re flying in to the city then much of today might be getting settled in to your hotel and exploring a little.

The beginning point of Route 66 is on East Adams Street right by the Art Institute of Chicago. If you’ve never been to Chicago then a river cruise could be a good way to get a fun overview of the city architecture, history and sights.

So many eating options here – for a good Chicago style pizza that is on the road itself try out Giordano’s on W Jackson Blvd.

Accommodation options for day 1

While you have the entire city of Chicago at your disposal, I suggest a hotel in the Downtown/South Loop area. If you want to start your Route 66 trip from the very beginning point it’s good to be in the vicinity so that you’re not fighting with traffic. Do be aware that they may have hefty car park charges and budget them in accordingly.

Alternatively you could aim for a hotel with a river view – a little bit of luxury before using the more basic motels that are ahead of you!

• Canopy by Hilton – on Route 66
• JW Marriott Chicago – on Route 66
• Congress Plaza Hotel – not far from start point. Lake Michigan views.
• The Langham – riverside
• LondonHouse Chicago

Day 2: Chicago, IL – Springfield, IL

Miles to drive: 250

Before leaving Chicago this morning try out Lou Mitchell’s for breakfast. It’s been a Route 66 classic since the beginning!

You’ll pass through many small towns on your way through Illinois with attractions like the Gemini Giant and lots of restored gas stations.

Head to Pontiac for some interesting museums about the history of the cars from round here. For lunch why not try Edinger’s Filling Station , a retro style diner nearby.

Your destination for today is Springfield, the former residence of President Lincoln. There’s a lot to do, including visiting his home, but do be aware of opening times if you wish to visit. You could always choose to visit in the morning before leaving the city. It’s normal opening times are 9am-5pm.

For food in the evening you could check out the Cozy Dog Drive In – a historic diner that’s been on the road since 1949.

Accommodation options for day 2

Springfield is a city and as such has a wealth of options. Any chain you wish will have a hotel here. For something a little different and local I suggest:

• Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center

Day 3: Springfield, IL – Cuba, MO

Miles to drive: 180

While around 3-4 hours driving today you need to make a decision as to whether you’ll spend time in the city of St Louis or explore some of the small towns in Illinois and Missouri.

If you want to go to St Louis then a trip up the Gateway Arch is a must and you can learn about the westward expansion in the museum. A trip on a boat on the Mississippi shouldn’t be missed too.

As you leave St Louis be sure to check out Ted Drewes frozen custard spot, you’ll be glad, especially if it’s a warm day!

You’ll end your day in Cuba which is has a lot of murals around to check out and a quirky BBQ restaurant called the Missouri Hick Barbeque which might make a good evening meal option.

Accommodation option for day 3:

A fantastic historic motel that’s been going since the 30s – it’s a popular one so a good idea to book ahead of time. Cuba has a few other options if you don’t fancy this one with some chains and other budget motels in town.

• Wagon Wheel Motel ( book direct )

Day 4: Cuba, MO – Baxter Springs, KS

Miles to drive: 215

You’ll travel through most of Missouri and into Kansas today, yes all 13 miles of it in the Sunflower State! There’s a lot to see in Missouri from caverns to museums and giant roadside attractions. Some notable places for you to try not to miss are Lebanon and the retro garage, Gay Parita, in Paris Springs.

Kansas attractions are plentiful too so make sure you leave time to explore some of them. You’ll end your day in the town of Baxter Springs, a really nice place with civil war history and mining heritage.

Accommodation option for day 4:

• Rose Cottage

Day 5: Baxter Springs, KS – Chandler, OK

We cross over into the next state to see what Oklahoma attractions are around!

You’ll also drive through the city of Tulsa which has a number of things to do as well. Again you might need to make a decision as to whether you’re interested in the smaller towns and sights or whether you want to explore the city.

Whatever you decide, be sure to stop at the classic Blue Whale in Catoosa to get that classic photo opp.

Before you rest your head a good eating option is in the town of Stroud, just before Chandler. The Rock Cafe is a classic Route 66 diner that was one of the inspirations for the Disney Cars film – the owner is said to be Sally!

Our evening destination is Chandler – an interesting town with some museums about the history of Route 66.

Accommodation option for day 5:

• Lincoln Motel in Chandler

Day 6: Chandler, OK – Shamrock, TX

Oklahoma has a lot to offer the Route 66 traveler so you’ll be pleased to have some more time in the state today before crossing over in to Texas.

Oklahoma City is the big city you’ll pass through today.

Shamrock is the first town you find on Route 66 through Texas and it’s a stunner. We were drawn here by the Irish connection (my husband has Irish roots) but we really loved the town and the neon – really feels like a proper Route 66 town! For evening food try Rusty’s where you’ll find classic burgers and fries.

Accommodation option for day 6:

There are a few options in Shamrock and all close by to the U drop Inn for that neon magic in the evening.

• Western Motel
• Shamrock Country Inn
• Blarney Inn

Day 7: Shamrock, TX – Tucumcari, NM

Miles to drive: 205

Before leaving Shamrock be sure to take a look around the U-Drop Inn in daylight. The cafe is apparently opened back up now so you might be able to catch a bite to eat here too.

The Lone Star State has a lot of wide open spaces for that road trip vibe but also lots of Texas road side stops too including The Big Texan (do you have space to try and eat their giant steaks?), the Cadillac Ranch and also the Mid Point. The city of Amarillo is worth a stop if you can, it’s not as big as other cities on Route 66 so doesn’t feel as overwhelming!

Tucumcari, just over the border into New Mexico marks a new chapter but continues the neon filled evenings that you had the previous night. For food options try either Del’s Restaurant or La Cita.

Accommodation option for day 7:

Tucumcari has a number of motels that are perfect for Route 66 travelers – and the joy is that you can enjoy them all from the outside as their neon lights up.

• Blue Swallow Motel
• Motel Safari
• Americana Motel
• Roadrunner Lodge

Day 8: Tucumcari, NM – Santa Fe, NM

Miles to drive: 175

Route 66 in New Mexico has two very different alignments and the original one went through the city of Santa Fe. A few years later it had a much more direct route. For this itinerary we’re heading slightly north and exploring round the New Mexico attractions there!

You’ll be driving along some of the roads that mirror the Santa Fe trail. An interesting stop is the Pecos National Historical Park with some old ruins and trails to get you out and about in nature.

Santa Fe itself is worth spending time in with plenty of museums, good eating options and nightlife if you want something a little different.

Accommodation option for day 8:

Santa Fe is a little more expensive than some of the other towns you might be staying at on Route 66. The motel El Rey is a good, relatively inexpensive option or you could splash out and enjoy a hotel downtown.

• El Rey Court Motel
• La Fonda on the Plaza

Day 9: Santa Fe, NM – Gallup, NM

Miles to drive: 200

After the city of Santa Fe you also have the city of Albuquerque nearby too. You can choose to spend today exploring that city, including its historic centre or you could choose to spend your time in the smaller towns checking out the abandoned businesses and cars.

The Petroglyph National Monument is a nice stop if you need to stretch your legs today and get a stunning view over Albuquerque while also seeing history in front of you.

If you have time, Grants has a great mining museum that covers a lot of the interesting industry in these parts including uranium mining!

Make sure to take some time in Gallup itself to check out the Cultural Centre and learn about how the amazing Navajo people contributed to the war effort by being able to send coded messages.

Accommodation option for day 9:

Your last night in New Mexico is in Gallup not far from the state border. This historic hotel hosted many a Hollywood star back in the day!

• El Rancho Hotel

Day 10: Gallup, NM – Holbrook, AZ

Miles to drive: 100

Our shortest driving day but this is because we’re going to be driving through a National Park and it’s well worth exploring rather than driving straight through.

The Petrified Forest is a great option whether you’re ultra fit and love to go on hikes or if you’re not and don’t want to stray far from your car. You can drive around the park, stopping at various points to take in the scenery and learn about the history of the area.

Holbrook is not far from the park and if you’re still enthralled by rocks, fossils and gemstones you’ll find lots of shops to explore. For food options try the Butterfield Stage Company Steakhouse.

Accommodation option for day 10:

Holbrook is home to one of the most iconic motels on the road – the WigWam motel. It’s a basic option but a must for many people. There are also a few other options in town if you don’t want to stay there.

• Wigwam Motel
• Brad’s Desert Inn

Day 11: Holbrook, AZ – Kingman, AZ

Miles to drive: 237

We’re driving pretty much across the whole of the state today so it’s probably a good day to get up early to see if you can fit in as many Arizona attractions as possible.

It feels odd to not encourage you to check out the Grand Canyon while driving by – you really need a full day for that so don’t try and fit it in unless you can add an extra overnight stop somewhere (we did Williams but Flagstaff also works).

There’s a lot to see in this state from the enormity of the Meteor Crater to small towns with a retro vibe and of course, plenty of roadside quirky stops.

I’ve chosen Kingman for our overnight stop. For an evening meal try Mr D’z or alternatively Rutherford’s 66 Family Diner.

Accommodation option for day 11:

Kingman is home to the El Trovatore Motel which is a classic retro offering with an awesome sign lit up at night. The whole motel has a ‘map’ painted on it which is claimed to be the longest one in the world!

• El Trovatore Motel
• Hotel Brunswick Suites

Day 12: Kingman, AZ – Barstow, CA

Miles to drive: 206

We head into our final state today but before enjoying all the Route 66 attractions in California be sure to head up the winding road to Oatman, an old ghost town that’s been revived as a kind of tourist area.

Our day today consists of ghost towns, desert and some interesting relics of the past. Be sure to fill up on gas as you don’t want to get caught short before heading into the wide open desert with not many options to replenish you. That goes for food too I guess!

Some interesting sights are Roy’s Motel & Cafe in Amboy (although it only serves a few refreshments and souvenirs currently), Bagdad Cafe and the Bottle Tree Ranch.

On the other side of the Mojave desert is Barstow, our stop for the day. Barstow is an old railroad town and you can check out a load of old trains and wagons near the Route 66 museum. If you’re in need of food try Roy’s Cafe which was inspired by the original in Amboy – this one at least is open!

Accommodation option for day 12:

• Route 66 Motel

Day 13: Barstow, CA – Santa Monica, CA

Miles to drive: 130

Or final day driving on the actual road has arrived. You’ll either be itching for a day off from being in the car or sad that it’s all coming to an end. Possibly both!

You might like to have a lazier morning today and enjoy the town of Barstow before setting off.

It’s a harder days driving today because you’ll be headed in to Los Angeles and dealing with the traffic from that. There are a few sights that you might like to stop at on the way into the city including the original McDonalds in San Bernardino and also another Wigwam Motel that is begging to be photographed.

Santa Monica is, of course, the final destination for Route 66 travelers. The pier is a final swan song to a wonderful (hopefully) trip.

There are many eating options including a few on the pier itself although you’ll likely be paying a premium for the food there and the view of the ocean. But what a view!

Accommodation option for day 13:

Santa Monica and Los Angeles have a huge array of hotels to choose from. You can go for a special hotel to mark the end of an amazing trip or keep the motel trend going. Entirely up to you!

• Georgian Hotel
• Rest Haven Motel

Day 14: Santa Monica/Los Angeles

Your final day will be dictated by how and when you need to leave the Los Angeles sprawl. You can choose to enjoy the beach, do some sightseeing in Hollywood or explore more of the city. If time is tight then an organized tour or hop on hop off bus could help you to fit more in. Yes they are VERY touristy, but sometimes needs must!

Accommodation option for day 14:

None – you’re done now, if you want to spend more time in LA or Santa Monica you can add some nights to your existing booking.

If you have 13, 15 or 16 days on Route 66:

If you have some extra time for your vacation and road trip then I’d probably keep the basic itinerary the same. What I would do with your extra time is to either add on a day in Chicago and LA so you can explore there. You could also add a night or 2 in Arizona, either in Flagstaff or Williams and spend a day in the Grand Canyon National Park

If you have a day or two less then you might want to end your trip by not staying in Santa Monica and returning home straight away. Alternatively you could save a night by cutting out Santa Fe on Day 8.

Other itineraries to check out:

• 7-day itinerary
• 10-day itinerary
• 21-day itinerary

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Links For Your Route 66 trip

Get your Route 66 guidebook on Amazon

Get your car rental quote at Discover Cars Book Motels at Booking.com or Hotels.com

Check Flights at Skyscanner

Kirsty Bartholomew

6 thoughts on “Route 66: 14 day road trip itinerary”

Thanks for the info.johnny

you’re welcome Johnny!

14 days on route 66 is definitely not enough there are so many sites and side trips to experience 21 days might be more realistic if you can spare the time, all in all the trip is a blast no matter how much time you spend,I can’t wait to go again and check out the stops I couldn’t see the first time. Happy Travels !!

yes if you can spare the time then longer is definitely better! But not everyone has that luxury. Like you say you can always go back again! Thanks for the comment.

My interest is doing this in an RV.

Hi Karen, I’m currently planning a trip using an RV too!

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Mark Watson

California-based member of a LA Motorcycle Club and a keen traveler. Author of bestselling books on Amazon about Route 66, Alaska Highway, PCH 1 & Overseas Higwhay. 🇺🇸

Route 66 – How Much Does it Cost To Travel Mother Road on a Budget? 10 BEST TIPS!

Route 66 on a budget tips. You may be wondering, “How much does it cost to travel Route 66 – per day?”. “How much should I budget for Route 66 road trip – full cost?”. “How much does it cost to do Route 66 on a motorcycle?”. Today I will answer these questions.

Traveling Route 66 on a budget is definitely possible, and there are ways to cut costs while still enjoying the experience. It’s recommended to create a budget that works for you and your needs, and to factor in any additional costs you may incur.

How much does it cost to travel Route 66 – per day?

The cost of a trip on Route 66 can vary greatly depending on factors such as mode of transportation, length of trip, and type of accommodation. A budget for a self-drive trip in a personal vehicle, staying in budget motels, and eating at inexpensive restaurants, could cost around $50-$100 per day per person. However, if you choose to fly to your starting point and rent a car, stay in luxury accommodations, and dine at upscale restaurants, the cost could easily be several times higher.

It is also important to consider that Route 66 covers multiple states and each state may have different road tolls, taxes, and regulations. It is advisable to budget for additional expenses such as car maintenance and fuel. You may also include the cost of admission for attractions you plan to visit along the way. It is also important to note that the cost will depend on the duration of your trip and the number of people traveling. The longer the trip and the more people, the higher the cost will be. It’s recommended to create a budget that works for you and your needs, and to factor in any additional costs you may incur.

How much should I budget for Route 66 road trip – full cost?

The cost of a Route 66 road trip in the USA can vary greatly depending on factors such as the mode of transportation, the length of the trip, and the type of accommodations and activities you choose. Some estimates suggest that a two-week road trip on Route 66 in a car can cost around $2,500 to $5,000 per person, including gas, lodging, and food. However, this cost can increase or decrease depending on the choices you make. For example, renting an RV may be more expensive than staying in hotels, and eating at restaurants every day will likely be more costly than cooking your own meals.

How much does it cost to do Route 66 on a motorcycle?

The cost of a Route 66 motorcycle trip can vary greatly depending on factors such as the length of the trip, the type of motorcycle you rent or bring, the type of accommodations and activities you choose, and your personal spending habits.

Some estimates suggest that a two-week motorcycle trip on Route 66 can cost around $3,000 to $6,000 per person, including the cost of renting or bringing a motorcycle, gas, lodging, and food. However, this cost can increase or decrease depending on the choices you make.

Renting a motorcycle can cost anywhere from $50 to $300 per day, depending on the type of motorcycle, location and rental company. Also, motorcycle insurance, gear, and maintenance should be taken into account.

It’s also worth noting that traveling by motorcycle can be more expensive than traveling by car because you’ll need to factor in the cost of gear such as helmets and protective clothing. Additionally, lodging options may be more limited and therefore more expensive.

It’s always recommended to budget extra money for unforeseen expenses such as breakdowns or repairs, and unexpected activities or detours.

Route 66 costs

Here are some key expenses to consider when budgeting for a Route 66 road trip:

• Transportation: Gas, tolls, and any rental car fees.
• Accommodation: Hotel/motel costs, RV or camping fees
• Food: Eating out, snacks and drinks
• Attractions: Entrance fees, tours, and activities
• Miscellaneous: Souvenirs, emergencies, or unexpected expenses

It is important to note that the cost will depend on the duration of your trip and the number of people traveling. The longer the trip and the more people, the higher the cost will be. Also, the cost of living and taxes vary across the different states that Route 66 runs through. It’s important to research on each state you plan to visit. It’s recommended to create a budget that works for you and your needs, and to factor in any additional costs you may incur.

Keep in mind that with proper planning, you can reduce the costs, and still have an amazing experience on Route 66.

Route 66 on a budget TIPS

Travelling Route 66 on a budget is definitely possible, and there are ways to cut costs while still enjoying the experience.

1. Plan ahead

Research free or low-cost activities and attractions along the route, such as historic sites, scenic drives, and local festivals. This way you can plan your route and budget accordingly.

2. Travel during the off-season

Accommodation and activities tend to be cheaper during the shoulder season. This is important when you are traveling on a budget.

3. Use a fuel-efficient vehicle

Renting or driving a fuel-efficient car can save you money on gas. Consider driving your own car instead of renting one. Not only will this save you money on rental fees, but it will also give you the freedom to stop and explore along the way. If you do decide to rent a car, opt for a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle to save money on gas. Be sure to budget for gas, tolls, and any rental car fees.

4. Accommodation

Look for budget motels or campgrounds along the route. Some towns also have RV parks that offer affordable overnight options. Booking in advance or during the shoulder season can also help you save money on accommodation. Avoid peak season and weekends as accommodation and activities tend to be more expensive. If you are on a budget this is a great tip!

5. Use a fuel rewards card

Sign up for a fuel rewards card and get discounts on gas. If you’re traveling with a group of friends or family, you can split costs and take advantage of group discounts.

Bring your own food and drinks and prepare meals in your accommodation or at campgrounds, which can save you a lot of money on restaurant meals. You can also look for deals on food, like discounts or coupons in the towns you visit along the way. Avoid eating out at restaurants and instead opt for grocery stores, street vendors, and local markets for affordable food options. This will help you travel on a budget (Route 66).

7. Free and low-cost attractions on Route 66

Attractions and activities can also add up, so be sure to research free or low-cost options along the route. Many historic sites, scenic drives, and local festivals are free or low-cost. Also, many attractions and restaurants along Route 66 offer student or senior discounts, so be sure to ask or look for them online. There are many free attractions to visit along Route 66, some of them are:

• Wigwam Motel in Holbrook
• The Route 66 Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
• The Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma
• The Route 66 Museum in Seligman, Arizona
• The Route 66 Historical Village in Pontiac, Illinois
• The Route 66 Plaza in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Be sure to check out my blog post about FREE attractions on Route 66 here: Route 66 – TOP 10 FREE Attractions & Things To Do On Mother Road

8. Use coupons

Many attractions and restaurants along Route 66 offer coupons or discounts, so be sure to ask or look for them online.

9. Use public transportation

Some towns along Route 66 have public transportation options that can save you money on gas and parking.

10. Use mobile apps

There are many travel apps that can help you find deals on accommodation and activities, track your expenses, and plan your route. Using mobile apps can also help you find deals on accommodation and activities, track your expenses, and plan your route. Some towns along Route 66 have public transportation options that can save you money on gas and parking.

By following these tips and being mindful of your spending, you can have a great trip on Route 66 without breaking the bank. Remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the journey, and not to stress about the cost. With proper planning and budgeting, you can make the most out of your trip and create memories that will last a lifetime. Hope you enjoy my 10 tips: “Route 66 on a budget”.

👍 Find out more:

Discover the best stops along the Mother Road in my travel guide, “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places” , which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the nostalgia and wonder of America’s Route 66! MUST-HAVE for all Route 66 travelers. Visit 202 places on Route 66 with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.

Mark Watson  is a California-based member of a Los Angeles Motorcycle Club and a keen traveler. He’s traveled the entirety of U. S. Route 66 seven times on his Harley-Davidson. He strives to interest others in the historic drive to keep the legendary Route 66 alive. He also traveled through the Alaska Highway. He is an author of bestseller books on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places” and “Alaska Highway – 202 Best Stops”.

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The Birthplace of the Road Trip

Arts, Culture & History

5 Days 371 Miles

Chicago, Joliet, Pontiac, Springfield, Great Rivers & Routes

Hit the mother road and all of her vintage glory

Route 66 Illinois Road Trip | 5-Day Itinerary

It's the things you see along the way that you remember most. The giant statue of the guy holding a hot dog. The drive-in where it’s not a day past 1955. The Lincoln monument. Legendary Route 66 begins in Illinois and offers road trippers 300 miles of vintage, quirky, and larger-than-life roadside attractions.

Let's hit the road

Your journey begins in Chicago. Book an  architecture boat tour  and enjoy the city from a new perspective, then refuel at a classic Chicago establishment like  Billy Goat Tavern . For a relaxed afternoon, visit world-class attractions like the  Chicago History Museum  or the  Museum of Science and Industry . 

Next, take in the city sights. 

Cloud Gate  in  Millennium Park  (aka “The Bean”) is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city. To take things up a level, visit  Skydeck Chicago  or  360 Chicago   for incredible views of the skyline.

When you’re ready to hit the road, be sure to snap the perfect selfie at the very spot Route 66 begins. You’ll find  the iconic sign  on E. Jackson Blvd.

Joliet & Pontiac

Time for a pit stop

Your first stop is a tour at the   Old Joliet Prison . Continuing on to Pontiac, pull over for a pic with the Muffler Man   Gemini Giant , and then get ready for a dose of Route 66 memorabilia. Visit the  Route 66 Mural & Hall of Fame Museum   for an iconic photo op and get your classic car fix at the   Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum .

Springfield

Meet Lincoln face to face

An Illinois road trip wouldn’t be complete without a dose of Honest Abe — you are in the Land of Lincoln, after all. If you’ve still got time on day 3, stop by the   Lincoln Tomb  when you arrive in Springfield. Be sure to rub his nose for good luck! Visit the  Illinois State Capitol  and   Old State Capitol , and make time for the   Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum  — known for its variety of unique and interactive exhibits. When you’re ready for a break, stop by   Route 66 Motorheads , a restaurant that doubles as a Route 66 museum.

Great Rivers & Routes

End on a high note

Browse retro knick-knacks at the   Pink Elephant Antique Mall   (trust us, you won’t leave empty handed). Then move on to the   world’s largest Catsup Bottle   for a great roadside photo-op. In Collinsville, be sure to visit   Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site   for a great view.   Chain of Rocks Bridge  is another unique attraction nearby. For a bit of extra height, a   Grafton Sky Tour  offers spectacular aerial views with the added bonus of   Aerie’s Winer y   waiting for you at the top.

And that completes your Illinois Route 66 road trip! This itinerary can easily be started in Chicago -- or flip the route if you are starting in southern Illinois.

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The road less travelled: don’t miss these quirky stops along the famed Route 66

Americans love the freedom of the open road. On Route 66, the US’s most famous highway, that freedom is celebrated in the form of nostalgia. Here, you’ll find everything from a giant catsup bottle to a museum dedicated to cowboys.

The road dust that clings inside your nostrils is to be expected. It’s arid here along most of the route, and even though the highway is paved along all 3,940km, the road snakes its way through scrubland and brush not well versed at holding in moisture. From Chicago, Illinois, to the Los Angeles beach area of Santa Monica, the “Mother Road”, as John Steinbeck termed it in his 1939 novel The Grapes of Wrath, has been a symbol of the American spirit since it was officially established in 1926. You can certainly travel eastward, but the quintessential journey is one that heads towards California.

To travel the entirety of the route, spanning eight states, is to experience a big slice of the proverbial American pie. Allow two weeks at minimum, but we recommend adding a week to make the most of the retro-cool attractions you’ll find around every corner. Here’s a snapshot of what Route 66 has to offer.

Illinois to Missouri

After you’ve packed snacks, loaded your playlist and thrown your bags in the “trunk”, start driving south-westward from Chicago. Soon you’ll see that Route 66 signs can be few and far between. That’s because the official road has been gradually replaced by new highways, and was (gasp!) formally decommissioned in 1985. Congress later stepped in to champion the iconic thoroughfare, investing in maintenance and other initiatives to preserve the road. And in 2021 the state of Oklahoma announced that its section of Route 66 was getting 400 new road signs, though many seem to disappear under, shall we say, mysterious circumstances.

In this bit of your itinerary, stop off at Abraham Lincoln’s tomb in Springfield, Illinois. At Oak Ridge Cemetery, a granite obelisk towers over the infantry and cavalry statues that surround it.

Further on, in Collinsville, Illinois, you’ll find a different flavour of sightseeing. Here resides the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle (ketchup, to some). Constructed in 1949, it’s 21 metres of ruby-red tomato sauce. Wear a yellow shirt, so you can be the mustard.

When you’re ready for some shut-eye, pull into the Boots Court Motel in Carthage, Missouri, one of the oldest operating motels along the route. There are 13 guest rooms, certainly nothing fancy, but if you want a brush with a legend, opt for number six or 10, where Clark Gable is said to have laid his head in the 1940s.

Kansas to Oklahoma

Don’t nap now or you’ll miss driving through Kansas, the state with the shortest stretch of Route 66 running just 21km. Stop for a refreshment at the Old Riverton Store, a provisions shop that’s operated since 1925.

Once you hit Tulsa, Oklahoma, head to the arts district downtown to visit the state-of-the-art Bob Dylan Center . Then get back in the saddle, and let that horsepower take you to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City (we’re in cowboy territory, in case you were wondering about the horse puns).

Dedicated to the evocative rabble-rousing heroes of the west, this deep dive into cowboy culture is a must-see along your journey. While you’re in the city, stop in to the First Americans Museum to learn more about the Indigenous Peoples of this area.

Now for something quirky. The giant Blue Whale of Catoosa may be a lesser expression of love than the Venus de Milo, but it is no less impressive or heartfelt in its intention. In Arcadia, Oklahoma, get your camera ready for the Round Barn (exactly what you think it is) and in Foyil have a look around Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park , which claims to be home to the world’s largest concrete totem pole.

Horses and horsepower are common themes among the attractions along Route 66 which winds across the US from Chicago, Illinois to the Santa Monica beach area of Los Angeles, California. Photograph: Visit The USA.

Texas to New Mexico

Half-buried cars and spray paint psychedelics will greet you at the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, where onlookers are invited to add their own tags to the automotive canvases; and the Leaning Tower of Texas in Groom offers Route 66’s version of a certain monument in Pisa. Look for the Blue Swallow Motel’s famous neon sign in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for an overnight rest inspired by 1930s Americana, replete with cars of that era parked in the lot.

Arizona to California

In the Arizona town of Oatman, you’ll find yourself stopping for animal crossings – those animals being wild burros that roam the streets like they own them. Sometimes they even lie down in the road if they feel like it, and cones are erected to direct drivers around them. Petrified Forest National Park , also in Arizona, glistens in the sunlight with carmine-coloured rock formations that seem to go on forever. It begs for a photograph or two.

Finally, before you arrive at the end of this storied route, stop at our last recommendation: Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, California. A forest of bottles fitted over tree-shaped sculptures, it is a slice of nature, repurposing and amusement all in one stop.

Just like Route 66.

Start mapping your Route 66 journey and other memorable road trips around the United States.

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19 Historic Route 66 Restaurants Worth a Pit Stop

Posted: February 1, 2024 | Last updated: February 1, 2024

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The famous American highway Route 66, which ran all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica, was established in 1926 as car culture was taking over the nation. As more people started using the route for travel, restaurants and attractions along the way became destinations in themselves. Many restaurants and taverns that were opened in the heyday of Route 66 — or even before the route came to be — are still operating today. Here are some of the most interesting and long-lived restaurants worth a stop on the mother road.

1. Roy's Motel and Cafe

Amboy, California

Roy's started as a gas and service station in 1938, an oasis on Route 66 in the Mojave Desert. It soon grew to include a cafe and cabins for overnight rentals, and supported a small community of 700 people in the town. At its peak in the 1950s, it was operating 24 hours a day, but eventually fell into disrepair after Interstate 40 was built in 1972. The entire town — all 950 acres — was sold for $425,000 in 2005, and many buildings have been restored, including the iconic 1959 arrowhead neon sign that's the main attraction. Potable water is a problem here, so the cafe isn't operating, but you can still see the diner's counter, stools, and plenty of history inside.  

2. Peggy Sue's 50's Diner

Yermo, California

The decor at Peggy Sue's 50's Diner is kitschy and over-the-top, like many other 50s-style diners. The difference is that Peggy Sue's really did open in 1954. Back then, it had nine counter seats and three booths and was constructed in part with railroad ties and mortar from the nearby railyard. At some point, it was closed, but reopened in the 1980s when it got most of its pop culture memorabilia. After a cheeseburger and shake, head outside to the Diner-saur park and its 10-foot tall metal dinosaur — and King Kong — sculptures.

3. Del Taco

Barstow, California

This is the oldest operating Del Taco location, a fast food chain that started when Ed Hackbarth rebranded his Taco Tia — a Glen Bell restaurant, of Taco Bell fame — and split from the company in 1964. That's not to say that it's the oldest, because the original one was demolished. But you'll find a wall mural of the history of the restaurant in the dining room here, and it's still one of the locations owned and operated by Hackbarth. 

4. Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

Willowbrook, Illinois

Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket has a quaint origin story. One day in the 1930s, two local farm women were at a gas station lunch counter and heard the owner talking about how he wanted to sell more food. The entrepreneurial women offered to teach him how to make fried chicken in exchange for buying his chickens from them, and the fried chicken was so popular that the restaurant expanded to a new building next door in 1946, the same one it's in today. Don't miss the corn fritters, fried chicken basket, or classic neon sign.

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5. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

Ted Drewes has been a summertime institution in St. Louis since 1930. It sells frozen custard, a treat that's denser, creamier, and just plain better than ice cream. The Route 66 location opened in 1941, and it still serves sundaes and concretes — that's like an extra-thick blended sundae served upside down — from walk-up windows that have long lines, especially in the summer heat.

Related:   Route 66: Then and Now

6. Midpoint Cafe

Adrian, Texas

Midpoint Cafe got its name because it's the geographic midway point between Chicago and Los Angeles on historic Route 66 — both cities are 1,139 miles away from the cafe. It was built in 1928 and expanded in 1947, and though it has changed hands and names many times over the years, it's been continuously operating. Flo's V-8 Cafe in the animated movie "Cars" was inspired by Midpoint, and you can sign your name on an old Ford parked outside. Don't miss the "ugly crust" pies, named because they might not look beautiful, but they sure taste good. 

Related:   Charming Retro Diners in Every State

7. Ariston Cafe

Litchfield, Illinois

One of the longest operating restaurants on Route 66 is Ariston Cafe . The restaurant actually predates Route 66 since it was built on the road's predecessor, Route 4, in 1924. The business was moved to Route 66 in 1935, and it's been there ever since. Today you can order everything from Greek salad and nachos to halibut and patty melts on the menu in a casual setting with white tablecloths. 

8. The Berghoff

A legendary restaurant in Chicago, The Berghoff is one of the oldest restaurants on Route 66, and the oldest in Chicago. It first opened in 1898, and while there's been some temporary closures, it's still owned by the same family. During Prohibition, they started brewing root beer, and after Prohibition ended, the bar got Chicago's first ever liquor license which is still on display. You can still stop in and order the restaurant's German specialities, like sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel, and apple strudel. 

Related: Oldest Restaurant in Every State

9. Original McDonald's Museum

San Bernardino, California

McDonald's started out as McDonald's Bar-B-Q in 1940 before changing the menu to include burgers and fries and dropping the Bar-B-Q in the name in 1948. The original building is gone, but on the same Route 66 spot is the McDonald's Museum, a homage to the chain's early years before Ray Kroc. It's owned by Juan Pollo Restaurants, a small local chicken chain whose owner has an affinity for fast-food history. 

10. Cozy Dog Drive In

Springfield, Illinois

Known almost as much for its adorable hot dog couple logo as its corn dogs, the Cozy Dog Drive In has been in operation since 1949. Original owner Ed Waldmire developed the cozy dog while in the Air Force, and opened the restaurant after being discharged because the corn dogs, with batter that actually stuck to the hot dog, were so popular. They only cost 15 cents originally, and today they'll still only set you back $3.  

11. Mitla Cafe

Established in 1937 by Lucia Rodriguez, Mitla Cafe is historic in its own right, but it's more famous for who it inspired. Glen Bell had a hamburger stand across the street from the wildly popular taco-slinging spot, and got his way into the kitchen by befriending the staff. He copied the crispy tacos dorados that people lined up for in his new venture, Taco Bell, in an age-old story of appropriating minority cuisine. The original Milta Cafe is still going strong, run by Lucia's grandson and great grandson, and still serves the infinitely better version of the crisp ground beef taco. 

12. Western View Diner and Steakhouse

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Opened in 1937, you'll still feel like you're walking back in time when you step into the Western View . Its retro diner interior isn't original, but it's cozy and welcoming. The mosaic tile on the wall behind the register area is original, though, so keep an eye out for it. The cuisine served includes diner favorites, steaks, New Mexican, and Greek, thanks to a succession of Greek owners. Don't miss the homemade biscuits and gravy, breaded steak fingers, or the savory stuffed sopapilla smothered in red or green chile.  

13. Sycamore Inn

Rancho Cucamonga, California

The restaurant now known as the Sycamore Inn has an incredibly long history, dating all the way back to the mid-1800s when an inn and tavern was built by "Uncle" Billy Rubottom on the Santa Fe Trail, which eventually became Route 66. The building that currently stands, along with its name, dates to 1920, and it's been a popular stop for travelers as well as celebrities since. It's an upscale spot that serves steak, oysters, and a large wine list in its chalet-style two-story wooden building. 

14. Maid Rite Sandwich Shop

Not to be confused with the Maid-Rite chain, this Maid Rite Sandwich Shop opened in 1924. It claims to have the first drive-thru window in America, and while those claims are hard to verify, it makes sense that it would be located on Route 66. It serves Americana on a bun, but not in the form of a hamburger. Instead, it serves a popular item in this part of the Midwest: the loose meat sandwich. It's like a sloppy joe but without the sauce, so it's more like a sloppy hamburger with mustard, pickle relish, and onions. 

15. Rock Cafe

Stroud, Oklahoma

Rock Cafe has survived some serious setbacks since it opened in 1939. In 1999, an F3 tornado ripped through the town and damaged the iconic neon sign. Then in 2008, a fire destroyed everything but the four outer rock walls and Betsy, the 200-pound griddle that had been in the kitchen for 75 years. Betsy was restored — as were the walls — and she's still used to cook up Buffalo burgers and chicken fried steaks. The "Cars" character Sally Carrera was modeled after Rock Cafe's owner, Dawn Welch , a tireless advocate for Route 66.

16. Luna Cafe

Granite City, Illinois

Luna Cafe , a small restaurant that opened in 1924, has an interesting history for one main reason. Al Capone used to meet with local mobsters at the restaurant after driving down Route 66 from Chicago, and it was reportedly one of his favorite hangouts. He may have enjoyed the supposed illegal gambling operation in the basement, or the illicit entertainment that allegedly took place upstairs (legend has it that the red cherry on the sign would light up during those times). Now it's a local dive bar.

17. Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe

Victorville, California

Built in 1947, Emma Jean's is named for one owner's wife, who worked at the cafe as a waitress. It’s their son, Brian, who now runs the busy daytime-only diner. He was the one that the menu's "Briancakes" and Brian burger are named after, and that burger, with its thick hamburger patty, roasted green chiles, melted Swiss, and grilled sourdough crusted with Parmesan, is the main draw here. Though it's just made out of cinderblocks, the aqua building is photo-worthy.

18. Jamil's Steakhouse

Oklahoma City

In the early 1900s, Lebanese immigrants came to Oklahoma to work in the oil fields. They brought their cuisine with them, of course, and a number of Lebanese supper clubs popped up, including Jamil's Steakhouse , which opened in 1964. The menu is an interesting mix of expensive steakhouse eats — we're not far from the Oklahoma capitol — Southern, and Lebanese fare. Every entree comes with an assortment of appetizers, including tabouli, hummus, stuffed cabbage, fried bologna, and a baked potato for an incredible mix of cultures.

19. Sultana Bar

Williams, Arizona

Open since 1912, there's a lot of history packed into Sultana Bar . There are tunnels under the building which were rumored to have been for running drugs, but most definitely were for hiding booze during Prohibition. There's a passageway to the former theater next door that used to screen silent films, and a police chief was murdered by a drunk patron in the bar in 1947. That, along with animal mounts like the cougar behind the bar, gave the tavern an air of intrigue and edginess that has never really gone away.

Related: 30 Historic Dive Bars Across the Country

This article was originally published on Cheapism

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Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

More from CBS News

See the list of notable total solar eclipses in the U.S. since 1778

How often do total solar eclipses happen?

When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S.?

Is it safe to take pictures of the solar eclipse with your phone?

2044 solar eclipse path: See where in US totality hits in next eclipse

Compared to this year's eclipse, with a path of totality that will cross over 13 states, the 2044 total solar eclipse won't have as quite as broad of a reach. here's what to know:.

Millions of Americans are by now eagerly awaiting the next total solar eclipse , which is only hours away from passing over a large swath of the continent .

But when the celestial event comes and goes, the awe-inspiring impression it leaves on skygazers may leave them with one question: "When can we see that again?"

Unfortunately, we'll have to wait awhile – this sort of spectacular astral phenomenon doesn't happen very often . Here's what we know about the next total solar eclipse that will cross over the contiguous U.S.

Solar eclipse glasses: What to know about glasses, safe viewing before the solar eclipse

When will the next total solar eclipse happen in the U.S?

Only seven years have passed since Americans had the opportunity to view a total solar eclipse, a relatively rare celestial event in which the moon appears to us here on Earth to completely block the sun.

The resulting fleeting moments of darkness can last for minutes or just mere seconds and is known as " totality ," whereby the sun's outermost layer known as the corona makes a rare appearance.

Today's total solar eclipse , the first in North America since 2017, will travel over portions of northern Mexico, thousands of miles of the U.S. and the maritime provinces of Canada, according to NASA . According to astronomers, this eclipse will be brighter, will last longer and will be visible to more people than the last one in North America.

It's also the last one for 20 years in the United States.

After Monday, the next total solar eclipse viewable from the lower 48 states will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

2044 total solar eclipse path of totality

Compared to this year's eclipse, with a path of totality that will cross over 13 states, the 2044 total solar eclipse won't have as quite as broad of a reach .

The Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach and political space advocacy, says that during the 2044 eclipse, the path of totality will only touch three states.

The eclipse will begin in Greenland, sweep through Canada and end around sunset in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

It's not too early to start thinking about where you want to witness it. According to whenisthenexteclipse.com , Americans may want to make sure their passports up to date.

The place to be will likely be Banff National Park in Alberta and Jasper National Park , with Calgary and Edmonton also within the path of totality.

What to know about the 2033 eclipse in Alaska

Outside of the "lower 48," Alaska is set to experience a total solar eclipse much sooner.

On March 30, 2033, a total solar eclipse will occur in Russia and cross over Alaska, according to nationaleclipse.com . The maximum duration of totality for this eclipse will be 2 minutes and 37 seconds.

Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Gabe Hauari

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]