Route 66

Route 66 Itinerary

• Days 1–2: Chicago – Springfield (IL) – St. Louis | Route 66 starting point, Joliet, Pontiac, Lincoln Tomb, Gateway Arch

  Begin your journey in Chicago at the official Route 66 starting point, soaking in the city’s vibrant energy before heading southwest. Make stops in Joliet and Pontiac to visit classic Route 66 museums and photo ops, then continue to Springfield, Illinois, where you can pay respects at the Lincoln Tomb. On the second day, travel onward to St. Louis, taking time to marvel at the iconic Gateway Arch and explore the lively riverfront.

• Days 3–4: Springfield (MO) – Tulsa | Meramec Caverns, Blue Whale Catoosa, Route 66 icons

  Leaving St. Louis, venture into Missouri and explore the fascinating Meramec Caverns, a legendary Route 66 attraction. Continue through small towns filled with vintage Americana until you reach Springfield, Missouri. The next day, drive toward Tulsa, Oklahoma, stopping at quirky roadside icons like the Blue Whale of Catoosa and other classic Route 66 landmarks along the way.

• Days 5–6: Tulsa – Oklahoma City | Pops Soda Ranch, Buck Atom’s, Uptown Route 66 (neon district)

  In Tulsa, visit Pops Soda Ranch, famous for its giant soda bottle and hundreds of soda flavors, and don’t miss Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios for a fun photo stop. As you approach Oklahoma City, explore the Uptown Route 66 district, known for its dazzling neon signs and retro charm, capturing the spirit of mid-century travel.

• Days 7–8: Oklahoma City to Amarillo to Tucumcari

  From Oklahoma City, make a stop at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton to dive deeper into the road’s history. Cross into Texas and visit the iconic Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, where you can add your own graffiti to the row of half-buried cars. Continue west to Tucumcari, New Mexico, famous for its glowing neon motel signs and classic roadside ambiance.

• Days 9–10: Tucumcari to Albuquerque

  Take a scenic detour to Santa Fe, enjoying its historic adobe architecture and vibrant arts scene, before heading south to Albuquerque. Spend the next day exploring Old Town Albuquerque, with its charming plazas and classic Route 66 diners, perfect for a nostalgic meal.

• Days 11–12: Albuquerque to Holbrook to Flagstaff

  Travel west to the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert, two natural wonders along the route. Stop in Holbrook to see the famous Wigwam Motel, then continue to Flagstaff. Take a detour to the Grand Canyon for breathtaking views, and visit Meteor Crater for a glimpse of space history.

• Days 13–14: Flagstaff to Las Vegas

  Drive through Seligman, a town credited with sparking the Route 66 revival, and pass through Kingman before reaching Las Vegas. Spend time exploring the dazzling lights and entertainment of the Vegas Strip, a stark contrast to the quiet towns along the route.

• Day 15: Las Vegas to Santa Monica

  On your final day, cross the Mojave Desert, stopping at Roy’s Motel & Café in Amboy for a classic photo. Optionally, detour through Joshua Tree National Park for stunning desert landscapes. Conclude your epic journey at the Santa Monica Pier, the symbolic end of Route 66, where you can celebrate completing one of America’s most legendary road trips.