Katie and Pierce
Route 66 stretches from Chicago to California, providing some of the most memorable sights in America. This historic highway has been drawing road trippers since 1926, with its mix of quirky roadside stops, natural wonders, and classic diners.
Here’s a list of the best stops you’ll want to add to your Route 66 road trip plans.
1. Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas)
This is one of the weirdest and coolest spots on Route 66. Ten Cadillacs are stuck nose-down in a field, and they’re all covered in bright spray paint. The best part? You can bring your own spray paint and add your own artwork! The cars have so many layers of paint that they’re constantly changing. It’s a fun place to stretch your legs and take unique photos.
2. Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
This national park has some of the most amazing natural sights on Route 66. You’ll see ancient trees that turned to stone millions of years ago. The colors in the petrified wood are stunning, with reds, oranges, and purples. While you’re there, check out the Painted Desert area with its rainbow-colored rock layers. There are easy walking paths so you can get up close to these natural wonders.
3. Santa Monica Pier (California)
After driving across the country, you’ll finally reach the end of Route 66 at this famous pier. The “End of the Trail” sign marks your accomplishment! The pier itself is super fun with rides, games, food, and great views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel, play some arcade games, or just enjoy watching the waves. It’s the perfect place to celebrate finishing your Route 66 adventure.
4. The Blue Whale (Catoosa, Oklahoma)
This giant blue whale is one of the quirkiest roadside attractions you’ll see. Built in the 1970s as an anniversary gift (talk about a unique present!), this 80-foot whale sits in a small pond. It has a slide and ladder, though you can’t swim there anymore. It’s a quick stop but makes for great photos and a fun break from driving. Kids especially love seeing this big blue guy!
5. Gateway Arch (St. Louis, Missouri)
This massive 630-foot stainless steel arch is one of the most impressive landmarks on Route 66. You can take a tram ride to the very top for amazing views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. The museum at the base tells the story of America’s westward expansion. Even if you just view it from the outside, the arch is breathtaking and a perfect spot for photos.
6. Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Space fans will love this historic observatory where Pluto was first spotted in 1930. You can take tours during the day, but the real magic happens at night when they open the telescopes for public stargazing. The dark Arizona skies make it perfect for seeing stars, planets, and more. Even if you’re not into astronomy, the views and the history make this a worthwhile stop.
7. 66 Drive-In Theatre (Carthage, Missouri)
Step back in time at one of the few authentic drive-in movie theaters still operating on Route 66. Watch a movie from your car just like people did back in the 1950s! They usually show double features, so you get two movies for the price of one. Bring some snacks or visit their concession stand for the full experience. It’s a great way to spend an evening during your road trip.
8. Wigwam Motel (Holbrook, Arizona)
How many people can say they’ve slept in a concrete teepee? These funky rooms shaped like wigwams make for one of the most unique places to stay on Route 66. The motel has been around since 1950 and was even the inspiration for the Cozy Cone Motel in the movie “Cars.” Each wigwam has modern amenities inside despite their old-school exterior. Book ahead as they fill up fast!
9. Palo Duro Canyon (Texas)
Often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” this is the second-largest canyon in America. The red rock formations are stunning, and there are lots of ways to enjoy the scenery. You can drive through, hike the trails, go horseback riding, or even camp overnight. The colors are most beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the rocks seem to glow. It’s a natural wonder that many Route 66 travelers miss.
10. Old Town Albuquerque (New Mexico)
This charming area is the heart of Albuquerque with beautiful adobe buildings and Spanish architecture. Visit the historic San Felipe de Neri Church, shop for Native American crafts, or enjoy authentic New Mexican food with plenty of green chile. The streets are lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s a perfect place to spend a few hours soaking up the southwestern culture and history.
11. Grant Park (Chicago, Illinois)
Start your Route 66 journey right at the beginning! Grant Park in Chicago is where the famous road begins. Take a photo with the “Begin Route 66” sign, check out the iconic “Bean” sculpture in Millennium Park, and enjoy views of Lake Michigan. The park has beautiful gardens, fountains, and plenty of green space. It’s worth spending some time here before hitting the road.
12. Snow Cap Drive-In (Seligman, Arizona)
This quirky roadside diner is famous for its sense of humor. The menu includes funny items like “cheeseburgers with cheese” and “dead chicken.” The walls are covered with thousands of dollar bills from past visitors, and the whole place is decorated with random, wacky items. The food is good, but the laughs and atmosphere are what make this place special.
13. Meteor Crater (Arizona)
This massive hole in the ground was created when a meteor crashed into Earth about 50,000 years ago. It’s nearly a mile wide and 550 feet deep! The visitor center has cool exhibits about meteors and space science. You can walk along the rim and look down into this impressive crater. It’s a bit off the main route but well worth the detour for such an unusual natural sight.
14. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, Illinois)
History comes alive at this interactive museum about our 16th president. You’ll see amazing life-like figures of Lincoln and his family, artifacts like his famous hat, and exhibits about the Civil War. The museum uses special effects, holograms, and sets to make you feel like you’re really there. Even if you’re not a big history buff, this modern museum is interesting and fun.
15. Lou Mitchell’s (Chicago, Illinois)
Known as the “First Stop on the Mother Road,” this classic restaurant has been serving hungry travelers since 1923. They’re famous for giving out donut holes and Milk Duds to customers waiting in line. Their breakfast is legendary, especially the fluffy omelets and pancakes. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before starting your Route 66 adventure.
16. Mojave National Preserve (California)
As you near the end of Route 66, you’ll find this amazing desert landscape filled with Joshua trees, sand dunes, and unique rock formations. You can hike through The Lava Tube, climb the Kelso Dunes, or just drive the scenic roads. The stargazing here is incredible at night due to the dark skies. It’s less crowded than many national parks but just as beautiful.
17. Gemini Giant (Wilmington, Illinois)
This 28-foot tall space man statue stands outside The Launching Pad restaurant. With his space helmet and rocket, he’s one of the most photographed sights on Route 66. The giant is a “Muffler Man,” a type of large advertising figure popular in the 1960s. Very few of these remain today. Stop for a photo op and grab a bite to eat at the restaurant.
18. Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum (Pontiac, Illinois)
Learn all about the history of America’s most famous highway at this awesome museum. You’ll see thousands of items from Route 66’s heyday, including old signs, vintage cars, and personal stories from the road. The building itself is covered in colorful murals. It’s a great place to learn what makes Route 66 so special and why it became such an important part of American culture.
19. The Grand Canyon (Arizona)
While technically a detour from Route 66, the Grand Canyon is too amazing to miss when you’re so close. This massive canyon carved by the Colorado River is one mile deep and up to 18 miles wide. The views are breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset. You can walk along the rim, hike down into the canyon, or try the Grand Canyon Skywalk glass bridge. It’s truly one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
20. Meramec Caverns (Missouri)
Go underground to see this incredible cave system with stunning rock formations. Tours take you through lit passageways where you’ll see colorful stalactites and stalagmites. The caverns were supposedly used as a hideout by the outlaw Jesse James. The tour includes a light show projected onto a formation called “The Theater Curtain.” It’s a cool break from the road, especially on hot days.
21. Painted Desert (Arizona)
This beautiful landscape looks like an artist splashed paint across the hills. The colorful layers of rock show bands of red, orange, pink, and purple. It stretches from the Grand Canyon to the Petrified Forest National Park. There are several lookout points where you can stop for photos, or you can hike on short trails to get a closer look. The colors are most vibrant in the early morning or late afternoon light.
