Create Your Ultimate Travel Guide For Route 66 Road Map

If you’re planning a road trip through the United States, Route 66 is a must-visit destination. This iconic highway stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, and offers plenty of attractions and adventures along the way. In this travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip on Route 66, from the top attractions to the hidden gems and budget-friendly tips.

Top Attractions on Route 66

When it comes to Route 66, there are plenty of famous landmarks and attractions that you won’t want to miss. Some of the top highlights include:

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
The Grand Canyon in Arizona
The Santa Monica Pier in California

Hidden Gems on Route 66

While the top attractions are certainly worth a visit, don’t overlook some of the hidden gems along Route 66. These lesser-known spots offer a chance to get off the beaten path and discover something unique:

The Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico
The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona
The World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Fanning, Missouri
The Art Deco Architecture in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Food Scene on Route 66

One of the best things about road trips is trying out the local cuisine. Along Route 66, you’ll find plenty of delicious options, from classic diners to modern gastropubs. Some must-try dishes include:

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza in Illinois
Barbecue in Kansas City, Missouri
Tacos in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Burgers at In-N-Out in California

Budget-Friendly Tips on Route 66

Planning a road trip can get expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money along the way. Consider these budget-friendly tips:

Camp instead of staying in hotels
Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks
Visit free attractions like national parks
Use gas apps to find the cheapest fuel prices

Outdoor Adventures on Route 66

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for adventure on Route 66. Some popular activities include:

Hiking in the Grand Canyon
White-water rafting in Oklahoma
Hot air balloon rides in New Mexico
Rock climbing in California

Historical Landmarks on Route 66

Route 66 is steeped in history, and there are plenty of landmarks that tell the story of this iconic highway. Some must-visit spots include:

The Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma
The Meramec Caverns in Missouri, which served as a hideout for Jesse James
The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
The Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Illinois

Family-Friendly Activities on Route 66

Traveling with kids? Don’t worry, there are plenty of family-friendly activities along Route 66 to keep everyone entertained. Some ideas include:

The Oklahoma City Zoo in Oklahoma
The Six Flags amusement park in St. Louis, Missouri
The Route 66 Drive-In Theater in Carthage, Missouri
The California Science Center in Los Angeles, California

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences on Route 66

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, Route 66 has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to offer. Some ideas include:

The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, which is a preserved 1950s motel
The Musical Highway in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which plays a tune when you drive over it
The Ozark Trail in Missouri, which features stunning views of the Ozark Mountains
The Amboy Crater in California, which is a volcanic crater that you can hike up

Natural Wonders on Route 66

From the Grand Canyon to the Painted Desert, Route 66 has no shortage of natural wonders to explore. Some of the top spots include:

The Grand Canyon in Arizona
The Painted Desert in Arizona
The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
The Mojave Desert in California

Vibrant Nightlife on Route 66

When the sun goes down, Route 66 comes alive with plenty of nightlife options. Some ideas include:

The Blue Note Lounge in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which features live music
The Delmar Loop in St. Louis, Missouri, which is packed with bars and restaurants
The Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, California, which is famous for its nightlife scene
The Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is a classic casino

Local Markets on Route 66

If you want to experience the local culture, be sure to check out some of the markets along Route 66. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Some top picks include:

The Tulsa Farmers’ Market in Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Phoenix Public Market in Phoenix, Arizona
The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles, California
The Downtown Container Park in Las Vegas, Nevada

Beaches and Mountains on Route 66

While Route 66 is known for its deserts and plains, there are also plenty of opportunities to hit the beach or the mountains. Some top spots include:

The Santa Monica Pier in California
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado
The White Sands National Monument in New Mexico
The Hoover Dam in Nevada

Cultural Immersion on Route 66

Route 66 is a melting pot of cultures, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in local traditions. Some ideas include:

The Pueblo Indian culture in New Mexico
The German heritage in Hermann, Missouri
The Hispanic culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Native American culture in Arizona

Art and Music Scene on Route 66

From street art to live music, Route 66 is packed with creative inspiration. Some top spots include:

The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, which is covered in colorful graffiti
The Pops Soda Ranch in Arcadia, Oklahoma, which features a giant soda bottle sculpture
The House of Blues in Los Angeles, California, which hosts live music performances
The Neon Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada, which showcases vintage neon signs