Map Of Route 66 Across America

Map Of Route 66 Across America

If you’re planning a road trip across the United States, following the famous Route 66 is a must. This iconic highway spans over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, taking you through eight states and countless attractions. To help you make the most of your journey, we’ve put together a comprehensive travel guide that covers everything from top attractions to off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Top Attractions

There’s no shortage of things to see and do along Route 66. Some of the most popular attractions 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

While the top attractions are certainly worth a visit, don’t overlook the hidden gems that can be found along Route 66. Some of our favorites include:

• The Meteor Crater in Winslow, Arizona
• The Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma
• The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona
• The Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri

Food Scene

One of the best parts of a road trip is trying new foods along the way. Along Route 66, you’ll find everything from classic diner fare to regional specialties. Some must-try dishes include:

• Chicago-style deep dish pizza in Illinois
• Barbecue in Kansas City, Missouri
• Green chile in New Mexico
• Burgers at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Texas

Budget-Friendly Tips

Road trips can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money along Route 66. Some tips include:

• Stay in budget motels or campgrounds instead of pricey hotels
• Stock up on snacks and drinks at grocery stores instead of buying them at gas stations
• Look for free or low-cost attractions, such as state parks or museums
• Cook your own meals instead of eating out every night

Outdoor Adventures

Route 66 offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, from hiking to kayaking to hot air balloon rides. Some of the best activities include:

• Hiking in the Grand Canyon
• Kayaking on the Meramec River in Missouri
• Hot air balloon rides in Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Camping in the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona

Historical Landmarks

Route 66 is steeped in history, and there are many landmarks that tell the story of America’s past. Some of the most significant include:

• The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois
• The Oklahoma City National Memorial
• The Barstow Harvey House in California
• The Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma

Family-Friendly Activities

If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities along Route 66. Some of the best include:

• The St. Louis City Museum
• The Petrified Forest National Park Junior Ranger Program
• The Route 66 Drive-In Theater in Springfield, Illinois
• The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California

Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

For those who want to get off the main road and explore lesser-known areas, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to be had along Route 66. Some ideas include:

• Visiting the ghost town of Oatman, Arizona
• Exploring the abandoned town of Glenrio, Texas/New Mexico
• Checking out the murals in Joplin, Missouri
• Seeing the blue hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico

Natural Wonders

Route 66 takes you through some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the United States. Some of the must-see natural wonders include:

• The Grand Canyon
• The Painted Desert in Arizona
• The Ozark National Forest in Arkansas
• The Mojave Desert in California

Vibrant Nightlife

If you’re looking for a night out on the town, there are plenty of options along Route 66. Some of the best nightlife spots include:

• The Blue Note in Columbia, Missouri
• The Viper Room in West Hollywood, California
• The Bottle Rockets Bar in Albuquerque, New Mexico
• The Sky Room in Long Beach, California

Local Markets

If you want to get a taste of local life along Route 66, check out some of the local markets. Some of the best include:

• The Springfield Farmers Market in Missouri
• The Downtown Burbank Farmers Market in California
• The Albuquerque Downtown Growers Market in New Mexico
• The Tulsa Farmers Market in Oklahoma

Beaches and Mountains

Route 66 takes you through a variety of landscapes, including both beaches and mountains. Some of the best include:

• The Santa Monica Pier and beaches in California
• The Ozark Mountains in Arkansas
• The San Bernardino Mountains in California
• The Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico

Cultural Immersion

Along Route 66, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture. Some of the best ways to do this include:

• Visiting Native American reservations, such as the Navajo Nation in Arizona and New Mexico
• Checking out the murals and street art in cities like Joplin, Missouri
• Attending cultural festivals, such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
• Sampling regional cuisines, such as Tex-Mex in Texas and New Mexico

Art and Music Scene

Route 66 has a rich history of art and music, and there are plenty of venues and galleries to check out along the way. Some of the best include:

• The Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, which hosts concerts and events
• The Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum in Illinois
• The California Route 66 Museum in Victorville, California
• The Tucumcari Art Space in New Mexico

Walking Tours

One of the best ways to explore the cities and towns along Route 66 is on foot. Some of the best walking tours include:

• The St. Louis Walking Tour, which takes you past landmarks like the Gateway Arch
• The Kingman Historic Downtown Walking Tour in Arizona
• The Tulsa Art Deco Walking Tour in Oklahoma
• The Hollywood Walk of Fame in California

Architectural Marvels

Route 66 is home to some incredible examples of architecture, from historic buildings to modern marvels. Some of the best include:

• The Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix, Arizona
• The El Vado Motel in Albuquerque, New Mexico
• The Art Deco buildings in Tulsa, Oklahoma
• The Santa Monica Pier in California

Historical Sites

Route 66 is known for its rich history, and there are plenty of historical sites to explore. Some of the best include:

• The Route 66 State Park in Missouri
• The La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona
• The Lincoln Highway in Illinois
• The Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma

Biking Routes

For those who want to explore Route 66 on two wheels, there are plenty of biking routes to choose from. Some of the best include:

• The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri
• The Santa Fe Trail in New Mexico
• The Ozark Highlands Trail in Arkansas
• The Pacific Electric Trail in California

Wellness Retreats

If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate during your road trip, check out some of the wellness retreats along Route 66.