Best Places to Visit on Route 66
Few highways in the world carry the romance, nostalgia, and cultural significance of Route 66. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, this legendary road winds through eight states, small-town diners, desert landscapes, neon-lit motels, and some of the most iconic roadside attractions in America.
Known as the “Mother Road,” U.S. Route 66 is more than just pavement — it’s a living museum of Americana. Whether you’re planning a cross-country adventure, a photography expedition, or a nostalgic drive through history, this ultimate Route 66 road trip guide will show you the best places to visit on Route 66, top attractions, and unforgettable things to do along the way.
If you’ve been dreaming of the ultimate American road trip, this is your sign to hit the highway.
Why Route 66 Is the Ultimate American Road Trip
Established in 1926, Route 66 connected rural communities to major cities and became a symbol of freedom, migration, and adventure. During the Great Depression, families traveled west seeking opportunity. In the 1950s and 60s, it became the heartbeat of American car culture.
Today, driving Route 66 is about slowing down, exploring vintage Americana, and discovering hidden gems you won’t find on interstates.
Things you’ll experience on Route 66:
✅ Classic roadside diners
✅ Vintage neon signs
✅ Desert landscapes and red rock canyons
✅ Historic motels
✅ Quirky roadside attractions
✅ Iconic American cities
Let’s explore the best stops state by state.
Jump to:
Why Route 66 Still Matters Today
Illinois: Where the Journey Begins
Chicago, Illinois
Our Route 66 adventure begins in Chicago. Before heading west, take time to explore:
Things to Do:
✅ Visit Millennium Park and see “The Bean”
✅ Walk along Navy Pier
✅ Grab deep-dish pizza at a historic local pizzeria
✅ Take a photo at the official Route 66 Begin sign
Chicago blends modern city life with historic Route 66 nostalgia — the perfect launch point for your journey.
Pontiac, Illinois
A small town packed with Route 66 history, Pontiac is home to:
✅ Route 66 murals
✅ Vintage cars
✅ Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum
This is where you start feeling the spirit of the Mother Road.
Missouri: The Gateway to the West
St. Louis, Missouri
In St. Louis, you’ll find one of America’s most iconic landmarks — the Gateway Arch.
Things to Do:
✅ Ride to the top of the Gateway Arch
✅ Explore Forest Park
✅ Visit the Missouri History Museum
✅ Stop at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (a Route 66 tradition)
✅ St. Louis represents the historic gateway to westward expansion.
Kansas: The Short but Sweet Stretch
Kansas only has about 13 miles of Route 66, but don’t skip it.
Galena, Kansas
Galena inspired characters in the movie Cars.
Things to Do:
✅ Visit Cars on the Route
✅ Explore restored vintage gas stations
✅ Take photos of classic Route 66 signs
✅ Explore restored vintage gas stations
✅ Take photos of classic Route 66 signs
✅ It’s small — but packed with charm.
Oklahoma: The Heart of Route 66
Oklahoma has more drivable miles of Route 66 than any other state.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa offers incredible Art Deco architecture and Route 66 nostalgia.
Things to Do:
✅ Visit the Blue Whale of Catoosa
✅ Explore downtown Tulsa
✅ Tour Route 66 Historical Village
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City blends cowboy culture with modern attractions.
Things to Do:
✅ Visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
✅ Explore Bricktown Entertainment District
✅ Walk through historic Route 66 districts
Texas: Big Skies and Classic Americana
Route 66 crosses the Texas Panhandle.
Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo is home to the iconic Cadillac Ranch.
Things to Do:
✅ Spray paint a Cadillac
✅ Eat a 72-ounce steak challenge
✅ Explore Palo Duro Canyon
This stretch delivers wide-open skies and unforgettable roadside art.
New Mexico: Desert Magic and Cultural Fusion
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is a cultural highlight of Route 66.
Things to Do:
✅ Explore historic adobe architecture
✅ Visit local art galleries
✅ Enjoy authentic Southwestern cuisine
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque blends Route 66 nostalgia with desert landscapes.
Things to Do:
✅ Walk Central Avenue (historic Route 66)
✅ Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway
✅ Explore Old Town Albuquerque
Arizona: Iconic Route 66 Landscapes
Arizona offers some of the best preserved sections of Route 66.
Winslow, Arizona
Made famous by Eagles in the song “Take It Easy.”
Things to Do:
✅ Stand on the Corner Park
✅ Take photos with Route 66 murals
✅ Visit nearby Meteor Crater
Seligman, Arizona
Often called the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66.”
Things to Do:
✅ Visit Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In
✅ Browse vintage gift shops
✅ Capture classic neon signs
Grand Canyon Detour
While not directly on Route 66, the Grand Canyon is worth the detour.
California: The Final Stretch
Barstow, California
Barstow preserves Route 66 history with museums and desert charm.
Santa Monica, California
The journey ends at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica.
Things to Do:
✅ Walk the Santa Monica Pier
✅ Take your final Route 66 photo
✅ Watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean
Standing at the pier, you’ll feel the emotion of completing one of the most legendary road trips in the world.
Best Roadside Attractions on Route 66
Here are must-see stops:
✅ Cadillac Ranch (Texas)
✅ Blue Whale of Catoosa (Oklahoma)
✅ Wigwam Motels (Arizona & California)
✅ Route 66 murals (Illinois)
✅ Standin’ on the Corner (Arizona)
These quirky stops define the Route 66 experience.
Route 66 Road Trip Tips
1. Don’t Rush
Interstate highways are faster, but historic Route 66 segments are where the magic happens.
2. Support Local Businesses
Eat at family diners and stay in vintage motels.
3. Carry Cash
Some small stops don’t accept cards.
4. Download Offline Maps
Signal can be limited in desert areas.
Why Route 66 Still Matters Today
Route 66 represents freedom, resilience, and the American spirit. Even though it was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985, its legacy continues through preservation efforts and passionate communities along the route.
Driving it today connects you with nearly 100 years of American history.
Is Route 66 Worth It?
Absolutely.
If you love:
✅ Road trips
✅ Americana
✅ Photography
✅ Nostalgic small towns
✅ Scenic desert landscapes
Then Route 66 belongs on your bucket list.
From Chicago to Santa Monica, this journey is more than a drive — it’s an experience.
So fuel up, roll the windows down, turn up the music, and let the Mother Road guide you west.
7 Days Route 66 Road Trip
Perfect for who can’t do the full 3 weeks.
Day 1 – Chicago to St. Louis
Start in Chicago
End in St. Louis
Highlights:
- Route 66 Begin Sign
- Classic Illinois diners
- Gateway Arch
Day 2 – St. Louis to Tulsa
Drive through Missouri countryside
Explore Tulsa
Highlights:
- Route 66 murals
- Blue Whale of Catoosa
- Art Deco downtown
Day 3 – Tulsa to Amarillo
Arrive in Amarillo
Highlights:
- Cadillac Ranch
- Big Texan Steak Ranch
- Texas Panhandle views
Day 4 – Amarillo to Santa Fe
End in Santa Fe
Highlights:
- Adobe architecture
- Local art galleries
- Southwest cuisine
Day 5 – Santa Fe to Winslow
Stop in Albuquerque
End in Winslow
Highlights:
- Historic Route 66 Central Avenue
- Standin’ on the Corner Park
Day 6 – Winslow to Barstow
End in Barstow
Optional detour:
- Grand Canyon
Day 7 – Barstow to Santa Monica
Finish at Santa Monica
Celebrate at:
- Santa Monica Pier
- Pacific Ocean sunset
Day 7 – Barstow to Santa Monica
Finish at Santa Monica
Celebrate at:
- Santa Monica Pier
- Pacific Ocean sunset
Route 66 FAQ
When Is the Best Time to Drive Route 66?
The best time is spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) when temperatures are mild. Summer can be extremely hot in Arizona and New Mexico.
How Long Does It Take to Drive Route 66?
The full Route 66 journey is approximately 2,400 miles.
✅ Fast trip: 10–14 days
✅ Ideal experience: 2–3 weeks
This allows time to explore attractions, museums, diners, and scenic detours.
Is Route 66 worth driving?
Yes, Route 66 is one of the most iconic road trips in the world, offering historic towns, scenic deserts, and nostalgic Americana.
How long does it take to drive Route 66?
It takes about 2–3 weeks to fully experience Route 66, but a 7–10 day version is possible.
What is the most famous stop on Route 66?
Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo and the Santa Monica Pier are among the most iconic stops.
