Route 66 Travel Guide

Everything you need to plan an unforgettable journey along America’s Mother Road—from Chicago to Santa Monica.

Start Planning Your Route 66 Adventure

Quick Navigation

🗺 Route Overview


📍 State-by-State Highlights

⭐ Must-See Stops

 

🍔 Classic Diners

🚗 Trip Planning Tips

 

❓ FAQs

Route 66 at a Glance

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2,448 Miles

8 States

14-21 Days

Chicago

Santa Monica

Distance

Crossed along the Route

Duration

Starting Point

Ending Point

Highlights along the Route

Route 66 crosses eight states on its journey from Chicago to Santa Monica. Each state offers its own blend of history, scenery, roadside attractions, and unforgettable experiences.

Illinois

Major Stops

  • Chicago
  • Joliet
  • Pontiac
  • Springfield

Highlights

  • Historic Route 66 Begin Sign
  • Cozy Dog Drive-In
  • Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum

Illinois is where the Mother Road begins, offering a mix of big-city landmarks, classic diners, and some of the best-preserved Route 66 history anywhere along the route.

Major Stops

  • St. Louis
  • Cuba
  • Springfield

 

Highlights

  • Gateway Arch
  • Chain of Rocks Bridge
  • Route 66 Mural City

Missouri combines historic towns, scenic countryside, and some of Route 66’s most iconic bridges and roadside attractions.

Major Stops

  • Galena
  • Riverton
  • Baxter Springs

 

Highlights

  • Cars on the Route
  • Rainbow Bridge

Although Route 66 only travels about 13 miles through Kansas, it packs plenty of history and charm into a short stretch.

Major Stops

  • Tulsa
  • Oklahoma City
  • Clinton

Highlights

  • Blue Whale of Catoosa
  • Route 66 Museum
  • Arcadia Round Barn

Oklahoma contains more drivable Route 66 miles than any other state and is packed with classic roadside attractions and historic towns.

Major Stops

  • Shamrock
  • Amarillo
  • Adrian

Highlights

  • Cadillac Ranch
  • Midpoint Café
  • U-Drop Inn

Texas delivers wide-open plains, quirky roadside art, and some of the most photographed landmarks along the Mother Road.

Major Stops

  • Tucumcari
  • Santa Rosa
  • Albuquerque

Highlights

  • Blue Swallow Motel
  • Route 66 Neon Signs
  • Historic Old Town Albuquerque

New Mexico combines classic Route 66 nostalgia with vibrant Southwestern culture and spectacular desert scenery.

Major Stops

  • Holbrook
  • Winslow
  • Seligman
  • Kingman

 

Highlights

  • Wigwam Motel
  • Standin’ on the Corner Park
  • Delgadillo’s Snow Cap

Arizona offers some of the best-preserved sections of historic Route 66 and countless opportunities to experience the highway’s golden age.

Major Stops

  • Barstow
  • San Bernardino
  • Santa Monica

 

Highlights

  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
  • Original McDonald’s Site Museum

California provides a fitting finale to the Route 66 journey, ending at the Pacific Ocean after nearly 2,500 unforgettable miles.

Must-See Stops Along Route 66

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cadillacranch@2x
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Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma

Cadillac Ranch, Texas

Wigwam Motel, Arizona

One of Route 66’s most beloved roadside attractions, this giant blue whale has welcomed travelers since the 1970s.

America’s most famous roadside art installation featuring colorful Cadillacs buried nose-first in the Texas prairie.

Spend the night in a teepee-shaped room at one of the most iconic lodging stops on the Mother Road.

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Santa Monica, California

Gateway Arch, St. Louis

Chicago, Illinois

The western terminus of Route 66 where travelers celebrate reaching the Pacific Ocean after crossing America.

The towering symbol of westward expansion sits just off Route 66 and offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River.

Historic Route 66 officially begins in downtown Chicago, where travelers start their journey west toward California.

Kitschy Diners & Roadside Eats

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teddrewes@2x
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Lou Mitchell’s, Chicago, Il

Ted Drewes, St. Louis, MO

Midpoint Cafe, Adrian, TX

A Route 66 tradition since 1923, Lou Mitchell’s has long been considered the unofficial starting point of the Mother Road. Famous for its hearty breakfasts and warm hospitality, it remains a favorite stop for travelers beginning their journey west.

Serving frozen custard since 1929, Ted Drewes is one of the most beloved Route 66 stops in Missouri. Visitors line up for its legendary concretes and nostalgic roadside atmosphere.

Located at the exact halfway point of Route 66, MidPoint Cafe is a beloved roadside stop known for its homemade pies and small-town charm. It’s the perfect place to celebrate reaching the midpoint of America’s most famous highway.

Route 66 Travel Tips

A little preparation goes a long way on the Mother Road…

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Before You Go

On the Road

Budget & Lodging

Weather & Safety

Vehicle prep, navigation, and reservations.

Fuel, pacing, and historic alignments.

Accommodations, food, and costs.

Seasonal conditions and travel safety.

Vehicle Preparation

  • Complete routine maintenance before departure.
  • Check tires, brakes, fluids, and battery.
  • Carry a spare tire and emergency kit.

Navigation

  • Download offline maps.
  • Bring a paper Route 66 guidebook or atlas.
  • GPS apps can be helpful, but occasionally miss historic alignments.

Reservations

  • Book popular historic motels well in advance.
  • Centennial celebrations may increase demand in 2026.

Fuel Planning

  • Never pass up fuel in remote areas of the Southwest.
  • Some stretches have limited services.

Driving Pace

  • Allow time for unexpected stops.
  • Many of the best Route 66 memories happen off schedule.

Historic Alignments

  • Watch for “Historic Route 66” signs.
  • Original sections often leave the interstate.

Lodging

  • Historic motels offer a more authentic experience.
  • Mix classic Route 66 properties with modern hotels when needed.

Food

  • Plan for a combination of diners, local restaurants, and quick stops.

Budgeting

  • Daily costs vary widely depending on accommodations and activities.

Summer

  • Expect extreme heat in Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas.

Spring & Fall

  • Often considered the best seasons for Route 66 travel.

Safety

  • Carry water, sunscreen, and basic emergency supplies.
  • Let someone know your planned route when traveling through remote areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a Route 66 adventure? Here are answers to some of the most common questions travelers ask before hitting the road.

Most travelers spend between 14 and 21 days exploring Route 66. While it’s possible to drive the route in a week, a longer trip allows time to enjoy attractions, historic towns, diners, and scenic detours along the way.

Although Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985, most of the historic route can still be driven today. Many sections are marked as Historic Route 66, and travelers can follow the original alignment through all eight states.

pring and fall are generally considered the best seasons for a Route 66 road trip. Temperatures are more comfortable, crowds are smaller, and travelers can avoid the extreme summer heat found in parts of the Southwest.

Costs vary depending on accommodations, dining choices, fuel prices, and trip length. Many travelers budget between $2,000 and $5,000 for a two-week Route 66 adventure.

Yes. Most of Route 66 is accessible by RV, though some historic alignments include narrower roads and older bridges. Planning ahead for campgrounds and RV-friendly stops is recommended.

Some of the most iconic Route 66 attractions include Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, the Wigwam Motel in Arizona, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and Santa Monica Pier in California.

Ready to Hit the Mother Road?

Whether you’re planning your first Route 66 adventure or returning to revisit old favorites, Route 66 continues to offer unforgettable experiences, historic landmarks, and the freedom of the open road.

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