Cruising US Route 66 feels like flipping through an old family photo album filled with neon lights, oddball attractions, and fascinating stories at every mile marker. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or the novelty, a US Route 66 road trip is the ultimate adventure.
Stretching more than 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 is a road trip rite of passage with jukebox tunes and diner coffee pumping through its veins. Nicknamed the “Mother Road” by John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath, this highway is where mid-century dreams and modern detours meet. No two trips are the same, which is half the fun.
From vintage motels and roadside dinosaurs to canyons carved by nature and dusty towns clinging to yesterday, this US Route 66 guide rounds up the best stops along the way. Whether you’re driving the full length or just hopping on for a stretch, this is why you’ll want to ditch Interstate 40 and the other speedy expressways for the natural beauty and quirky, unexpected stops waiting along historic Route 66.
The Birth of US Route 66
In the 1920s, more Americans had cars, curiosity, and a growing itch to get out and go. But there was no good way to get anywhere fast. Rural roads were rough, signs were sketchy, and long-distance travel felt more like a scavenger hunt than a relaxing road trip.
Enter US Highway 66, a ribbon of asphalt dreamed up by two savvy visionaries who saw beyond the muddy ruts of back roads and into the future. Cyrus Avery from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and John Woodruff from Springfield, Missouri, had the wild idea to create a diagonal highway connecting Chicago to Los Angeles. Not north-south. Not east-west. Diagonal. Because if you’re going to build a road, you might as well make it a shortcut from cold Chicago winters to sunny California beaches!
From the start, Route 66 was an open invitation to dreamers, drifters, and anyone with gas money and a glovebox full of maps. Linking big cities with small towns, US Route 66 ran past mom-and-pop diners, motor courts, and general stores. It brought people together, stirred up economies, and painted a giant “open for business” sign across eight states, earning its nickname the “Main Street of America.”
From Desperation to Destination
In the 1930s, the Great Depression and relentless Dust Bowl storms turned vast stretches of the Great Plains into barren landscapes. Families packed up what little they had, abandoned farms covered by dust dunes, and headed west for a fresh start. For the roughly 2.5 million people who joined one of the largest migrations in American history, US Route 66 was a lifeline to California’s fertile fields and sun-drenched opportunities.
As the years rolled on, US Route 66’s role shifted. What started as a path of desperation became one of leisure and wanderlust in post-World War II America. In 1946, musician Bobby Troup jotted down the now-famous lyrics to “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” during a road trip to Los Angeles — a suggestion from his wife, who knew a good line when she heard one. With its catchy tune and lyrical tour through the eight states along the route, the song caught on fast, and Nat King Cole’s silky voice helped turn Route 66 into a symbol of freedom and exploration.
The Interstate Highway Act and the Decline of Route 66
In the mid-1950s, post-war America engaged in revenge travel like never before, and the roads couldn’t keep up. Traffic surged. The pavement cracked. Highways like US Route 66 were more of an obstacle course than a smooth ride.
Inspired by Germany’s autobahn, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act in 1956. With the stroke of his pen, Ike launched a plan for a 41,000-mile national highway system that promised speed, safety, and more direct routes across the country.
As those sleek interstates stretched coast to coast, they quickly replaced older roads like Route 66. Travelers traded in quirky roadside stops, charming diners, and local motels for freeway exits, fast food chains, and cookie-cutter hotels with more ice machines than charm. The eateries, accommodations, and filling stations that once thrived along the “Main Street of America” watched their customers disappear like taillights in the distance.
States decommissioned segments of Route 66 one by one, and by 1985, the government pulled the plug on its official highway status. (Thanks for hanging on so long, Williams, Arizona!)
But Route 66 didn’t take the hint.
Preservationists, road trip romantics, and curious travelers have kept its legacy alive. Today, you can still cruise miles of its preserved stretches, soaking up the spirit that refuses to die. In fact, as the 100-year anniversary approaches, this ghost highway is as alive as ever!
Begin Route 66 in Chicago
Every great road trip needs a proper sendoff, and Chicago provides one with skyscraper flair. In the shadow of landmarks like the Willis Tower and the Bean, you’ll find the famous “Begin Route 66” sign right across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago. Before you leave the city in your rearview mirror and head west, make sure to grab a photo at this legendary mile-zero marker. It’s the perfect way to say, “Let’s do this!”
Route 66 in Illinois
As you roll south out of Chicago, Route 66 takes you on a nostalgia-packed ride through Illinois. Quirky roadside attractions and throwback Americana line the way, letting you know you’ve officially entered Mother Road territory.
In Pontiac, pop into the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. Inside, you’ll find vintage cars, hand-painted murals, and enough memorabilia to make any road tripper grin. A little farther south, look for Collinsville’s claim to kitsch fame: the world’s largest catsup bottle. Yes, it’s technically a water tower, but who’s keeping track?
And scattered across the state? Those towering fiberglass giants known as Muffler Men, each one striking a pose like it’s waiting for a thumbs-up from your camera. And just when you think all hot dog holding and tire hefting Muffler Men are male, you’ll see Lumi the Pie standing tall with one hand on her hip in Atlanta.
“When you’re passing through Springfield, the Old State Capitol, Lincoln’s Grave, and Lincoln’s Home are obligatory stops for history buffs. The Capitol and Home offer tours, while the monument is something you can easily explore on your own.”
Give yourself plenty of time to explore Springfield. As the state capital and heart of the Land of Lincoln, it’s where Illinois history runs deep. Walk through Abraham Lincoln’s preserved home, then stop by his final resting place in Oak Ridge Cemetery, two powerful landmarks tucked along your Route 66 path.
Route 66 in Missouri
As Route 66 cuts diagonally through Missouri, it trades big-city buzz for winding roads, hidden caves, and a full dose of vintage Americana. The stretch of US Route 66 between St. Louis and Joplin is packed with pit stops that feel straight out of a time capsule.
Begin with the Chain of Rocks Bridge, once a working bridge for cars, and now a scenic walkway offering sweeping views of the Mississippi River. It’s got just enough rust and history to give you that real-deal Route 66 vibe.
Next up: Meramec Caverns near Stanton, a showy system of caves once rumored to be a hideout for Jesse James. In the heyday of American road trips, more than 400 barnside signs advertised the caverns across 14 states. The tradition of bold roadside marketing? It started here!
Car fans will feel right at home at the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield. More than 100 classic cars are lined up like they’re ready to roll into a ‘50s film set. And in Ash Grove, don’t miss the lovingly restored 1930s Sinclair gas station, one of the most photogenic stops on the Missouri leg.
Wrap up your ride through the Show-Me State with a double feature at the Route 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage. Then cruise into Joplin and snap a selfie next to the shiny red sports car in the Route 66 Mural Park, because your drive along US Route 66 in Missouri deserves a photo finish.
Route 66 in Kansas
Only 13 miles of Route 66 stretch through the southeastern corner of Kansas, but don’t let the low mileage fool you. This little stretch packs more history and charm than you’d expect from a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it segment.
Cruising through the Sunflower State, you’ll pass through the towns of Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs. In Galena, make time for a stop at Cars on the Route, a restored Kan-O-Tex service station that helped inspire the character “Tow Mater” in Pixar’s Cars. That’s thanks to four local women — affectionately dubbed the “Four Women on the Route” — who teamed up in the early 2000s to revive this forgotten stretch of road and breathe new life into the town.
Be sure to stop at the Brush Creek Bridge just outside of Baxter Springs. It’s the last remaining fixed Marsh Rainbow Arch bridge in Kansas, and it still arches gracefully over the creek like it has something to say. It’s also one of the most photogenic spots on the Kansas leg, and a quiet reminder of how much history fits into just 13 miles of the Mother Road.
Route 66 in Oklahoma
Route 66 really stretches its legs in Oklahoma. With more uninterrupted miles than any other state, this is where you settle into the rhythm of the road, windows down, tunes turned up, and history around every bend.
Start in Miami (pronounced my-AM-uh, if you want to blend in), where you can catch a show at the Coleman Theatre. This restored vaudeville palace is dripping in Art Deco flair and Old Hollywood charm. Just down the road, swing by the Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum for a shiny dose of chrome and nostalgia.
“Whether you’re traveling the Mother Road or just exploring the city, Tulsa has a number of Route 66 gems you won’t want to miss. A stop at Buck Atoms Cosmic Curios is a must when shopping for souvenirs, and the Route 66 Historical Village offers a way to learn about this piece of local history in an open-air museum setting.”
Between Miami and Tulsa, don’t miss Catoosa’s Blue Whale. This beaming, toothy aquatic giant has been a Route 66 photo stop since the 1970s, and it’s just the kind of lovable weirdness that begs for a quirky photo and a clever caption.
As the home of Cyrus Avery, the Father of Route 66, and designated the Capital of Route 66, Tulsa leans into its Mother Road legacy with pride and plenty of flair. Start at the East Gateway Arch, then swing by the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza to see the “East Meets West” sculpture honoring the Father of Route 66 himself. If you love public art, Route 66 Rising is worth a stop. It’s big, bold, and hard to miss.
Grab a cinnamon roll the size of a hubcap at Tally’s Good Food Café, then snap a photo under the retro glow of the Meadow Gold neon sign. Across the street is Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios, home to a 21-foot-tall space cowboy muffler man and his cosmic cowgirl, Stella Atom. Wrap up your Tulsa tour at the Route 66 Historical Village, where a gleaming steam engine and sky-high oil derrick stand as reminders of Tulsa’s role in fueling both Route 66 and the nation.
Leaving Tulsa, the road winds through small towns with big personalities. In Sapulpa, see the world’s tallest gas pump at the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum. In Stroud, grab a bite at the Rock Café. And in Arcadia, Pops dazzles with 700 soda flavors and a 66-foot bottle sculpture out front.
In Oklahoma City, take a break from the road to explore the First Americans Museum or the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The Route 66 Museum in Clinton and the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City round out the ride with exhibits, artifacts, and a hearty dose of nostalgia. By the time you reach Texola, you’re nearly in Texas, but the personality of Oklahoma’s Route 66 will ride shotgun for miles.
Route 66 in Texas
Deep in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, Route 66 delivers roadside attractions as bold and oversized as the Lone Star State. Route 66 slices across the Texas Panhandle for just under 180 miles, but it doesn’t waste a single one.
In Amarillo, fuel up with a side of bravado at The Big Texan Steak Ranch. This is where you’ll find the famous 72-ounce steak challenge. Whether you’re here to win bragging rights or just want a photo with the giant steer out front, it’s a must-stop for any Route 66 traveler.
Just west of town, Cadillac Ranch offers a surreal kind of sculpture garden — one with tailfins. Ten Cadillacs are planted nose-first in the dirt, and every surface is slathered in layers of spray paint left behind by travelers. Bring your own can or borrow one from a fellow road warrior.
Further west in Adrian, stop at the Route 66 Midpoint sign. It’s the official halfway point between Chicago and Los Angeles. Right across the street, the historic Midpoint Café serves pie, coffee, and nostalgia in generous portions. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, snap a photo, and celebrate how far you’ve come.
Route 66 in New Mexico
Welcome to the Land of Enchantment! Here Route 66 winds through high desert landscapes, neon-lit motels, and small towns that look like they’ve been frozen in time. This stretch of the Mother Road delivers natural beauty, vintage kitsch, and an unmistakable sense of Route 66 magic.
Start in Tucumcari, where colorful murals and glowing neon signs bring mid-century Americana to life. The Blue Swallow Motel, with its retro signage, garage-fronted rooms, and classic cars out front, is one of the most photographed spots along the route, and for good reason. It’s a perfectly preserved slice of 1940s motor court history that feels more like a movie set than a motel.
In Santa Rosa, classic car lovers will want to stop at the Route 66 Auto Museum, packed with vintage rides and memorabilia. And when the sun gets high and the road gets hot, cool off at the nearby Blue Hole, a deep, spring-fed swimming spot that’s crystal-clear, ice-cold, and completely unexpected in the New Mexico desert.
Before 1937, the original Route 66 alignment made a scenic loop through the New Mexico capital of Santa Fe. But when the “Santa Fe Cutoff” was introduced that year, the route was straightened between Santa Rosa and Albuquerque, saving time but bypassing Santa Fe entirely.
Today, Albuquerque offers the longest uninterrupted urban stretch of Route 66 in the country, spanning 18 retro-packed miles along Central Avenue. Enjoy huevos rancheros (or anything else smothered in green chiles) at Frontier Restaurant, grab a shake and blue plate special at the 66 Diner, and explore the shops and museums in Old Town Albuquerque. Don’t miss Nob Hill for its funky shops, Route 66 signage, and lively dining scene. It’s one of the most vibrant stretches along US Route 66..
Route 66 in Arizona
If your road trip wishlist includes surreal landscapes, quirky Americana, and deep cultural roots, Arizona’s stretch of US Route 66 checks all the boxes — and then some.
Start your drive through the Grand Canyon State at Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert, where Mother Nature has rainbow-colored badlands and fossilized logs on display. You can also gaze at a dusty stretch of the original US Route 66 that is forever protected by the National Park Service.
Roll through Holbrook to experience the Wigwam Motel, a vintage throwback with individual rooms encircled in oversized concrete teepees. Designed in the 1930s and inspired by Native American structures (though with a generous scoop of roadside whimsy), it’s one of the most Instagrammable motels on the Mother Road.
Joseph City invites travelers to stretch their legs and stock up on Route 66 memorabilia at the kitschy Jack Rabbit Trading Post, where the “Here It Is” billboard has been luring road warriors for decades.
Continue on to Winslow for a photo op on the corner made famous by the Eagles’ “Take It Easy,” then explore the historic La Posada Hotel—a restored rail-era gem that blends luxury with history.
Just outside Winslow, Meteor Crater makes a big impression — literally. Nearly a mile across and over 500 feet deep, this massive impact site looks like a Hollywood sci-fi set, except it’s 100% real and nearly 50,000 years old. The visitor center adds fascinating context to the crater’s explosive past.
Keep heading west and you’ll find the heart of Route 66 preservation efforts in Seligman. Here, barber-turned-activist Angel Delgadillo helped kick off a movement in the 1980s that saved this storied road from fading into history. His old barbershop still stands — now a gift shop and mini museum — and it’s a pilgrimage site for anyone who loves the spirit of the open road.
But the real thrill comes as you approach the Oatman Highway, one of the most dramatic drives along all of Route 66. With hairpin turns and dangerous curves hugging the Black Mountains, this section isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s also where wild burros roam free and vintage storefronts cling to the hillsides like movie props that refused to retire.
Route 66 in California
California’s final stretch of Route 66 is the grand finale. Here you’ll find stark desert scenes, nostalgic pit stops, and the glittering sprawl of Los Angeles. It begins in the Mojave Desert, where you’ll find photo-worthy sights like the Amboy Crater, a dormant volcanic cinder cone, and the whimsical Bottle Tree Ranch in Helendale.
Make a detour to Calico Ghost Town, once a booming silver mining camp and now a preserved slice of Wild West history. Then continue west toward the palm trees and traffic lights of Southern California.
Before your epic Route 66 road trip wraps, snap a photo at the famous Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, with its teepee-shaped rooms and mid-century flair. Finally, cruise into Santa Monica, where the route ends at the iconic pier overlooking the Pacific. From desert dust to ocean breeze, California’s Route 66 is all about contrasts—and the perfect way to finish strong.
End Point: Santa Monica
After miles of open road, quirky pit stops, and time-warp towns, Route 66 finds its grand finale in sunny Santa Monica. Standing at the iconic “End of the Trail” sign on the Santa Monica Pier, you’ll feel the weight of the journey — and the salty breeze of the Pacific — wash over you.
This isn’t just where the road ends; it’s where stories culminate. From the Dust Bowl days to classic road trip lore, Route 66 has carried generations westward toward hope, adventure, and sun-drenched horizons. Take a selfie, soak up the ocean views, and celebrate your journey across this legendary American highway.
Have You Road Tripped on US Route 66?
Have you driven all (or part!) of US Route 66? I’d love to hear about it! What quirky roadside attraction stole your heart? Which diner served the best pie? Drop your travel tips, favorite stops, and unforgettable moments in the comments below. Your story might just inspire someone else’s great American road trip.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
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