Route 66 Start And Finish Map
Top Attractions
Route 66 is known for its iconic roadside attractions, including the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona. Other must-see stops on the route include the Grand Canyon National Park, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Santa Monica Pier in California.
Hidden Gems
For those looking to venture off the beaten path, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover along Route 66. One such gem is the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, a quirky roadside attraction that’s perfect for photo ops. Another hidden gem is the Painted Desert Trading Post in Navajo, Arizona, which features stunning views of the Painted Desert and sells handmade Native American crafts.
Food Scene
Route 66 is famous for its diners, drive-ins, and dives. Some of the best places to grab a bite include the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, which claims to have invented the corn dog, and the Pappas Drive-In in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, which serves up some of the best burgers and milkshakes around.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling Route 66 doesn’t have to break the bank. To save money, consider camping instead of staying in hotels, packing your own food instead of eating out, and taking advantage of free attractions like the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Illinois.
Outdoor Adventures
From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring the Petrified Forest National Park, Route 66 offers plenty of outdoor adventures. Other outdoor activities to try include horseback riding in Oklahoma and kayaking in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains.
Historical Landmarks
Route 66 is steeped in history, and there are plenty of landmarks to explore along the way. Some of the most notable landmarks include the Route 66 State Park in Eureka, Missouri, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, and the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona.
Family-Friendly Activities
Route 66 is a great destination for families. Some family-friendly activities to try include visiting the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois, exploring the City Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, and checking out the Route 66 Children’s Museum in Santa Rosa, New Mexico.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
For those who want to go beyond the typical tourist attractions, Route 66 offers plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences. One such experience is the Route 66 Drive-In Theater in Carthage, Missouri, which shows classic films under the stars. Another off-the-beaten-path experience is the Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, California, which features an impressive collection of bottle art.
Natural Wonders
Route 66 is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. In addition to the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest National Park, other natural wonders to check out include the Meramec Caverns in Stanton, Missouri, and the Mojave Desert in California.
Vibrant Nightlife
Route 66 doesn’t just offer daytime activities. Many of the towns along the route have vibrant nightlife scenes as well. Some of the best places to experience the nightlife include the Delmar Loop in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, California.
Local Markets
For those who love to shop, Route 66 has plenty of local markets and boutiques to explore. Some of the best markets to check out include the Tulsa Farmers’ Market in Oklahoma and the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market in New Mexico.
Beaches and Mountains
Route 66 offers a diverse range of landscapes, from sandy beaches to towering mountains. Some of the best beaches to visit include Santa Monica Beach in California and Lake Michigan in Illinois. For those who prefer mountains, the Ozark Mountains in Missouri and the San Bernardino Mountains in California are both worth a visit.
Cultural Immersion
Route 66 is a melting pot of cultures, and there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. Some of the best cultural experiences include visiting the Native American Pueblo villages in New Mexico and exploring the Hispanic heritage of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Art and Music Scene
Route 66 is known for its vibrant art and music scene. Some of the best places to experience the art and music of Route 66 include the Blue Dome Arts Festival in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta, Illinois, which hosts live music performances on weekends.
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to experience Route 66 is on foot. Many towns along the route offer guided walking tours that showcase the local history and culture. Some of the best walking tours to try include the Route 66 Walk of Fame in Kingman, Arizona, and the Route 66 Walking Tour in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Architectural Marvels
Route 66 is home to some of the most unique and impressive architecture in the United States. Some of the must-see architectural marvels include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona.
Historical Sites
For history buffs, Route 66 has plenty of historical sites to explore. Some of the most notable sites include the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, and the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma.
Biking Routes
For those who prefer to explore on two wheels, Route 66 offers some great biking routes. Some of the best routes to try include the Mother Road Ride Rally in Springfield, Missouri, and the Santa Fe Century in New Mexico.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking for a more relaxing Route 66 experience, there are plenty of wellness retreats to choose from. Some of the best retreats include the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa in New Mexico and the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California.
Adventure Sports
For adrenaline junkies, Route 66 offers plenty of adventure sports. Some of the most popular sports to try include white water rafting in Colorado, zip lining in Missouri, and rock climbing in California’s Joshua Tree National Park.