Route 66: A Century of Iconic Americana, Roadside Culture And Unforgettable Open-Road Journeys
Route 66 remains one of the world’s most iconic touring routes, blending heritage, culture, and timeless open-road appeal. Spanning a century of Americana, the Mother Road runs from the neon-lit streets of Chicago to the red-rock landscapes of Arizona, weaving together classic diners, vintage motels, and unforgettable roadside attractions that continue to captivate travellers.
Travelling through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, each stretch of the route reveals its own stories, regional flavours, and distinctive experiences. From instantly recognisable landmarks to characterful small towns, Route 66 offers a richly layered journey that brings the romance of American road travel vividly to life.
Use the links below to explore each state, or scroll on to uncover the stories, sights, and experiences that make the Route 66 Centennial a once-in-a-lifetime road trip:
The heartland states that define the Route 66 experience: Illinois | Missouri | Oklahoma | Texas | New Mexico | Arizona
Celebrate 100 years of Route 66: Route 66 Centennial Celebrations | Route 66 Museums & Attractions | Dining Along the Mother Road
Suggested Route 66 itineraries: 22-Day Route 66 & Highway 1 by Motorhome | 19-Day Route 66 The Road Less Travelled by Motorhome | 16-Day Highlights of Route 66 Escorted Tour | 22-Day Route 66 Extravaganz Self-Drive Tour | 16-Day Route 66 (Chicago-LA) – Guided Motorcycle Tour
Confessions of a Globetrotter Blog: Journeying Along Route 66 – A Guide to Eight States of Americana, Culture and Roadside Legends
The Heartland States That Define the Route 66 Experience
Illinois
Illinois, the birthplace of Route 66, offers travellers a compelling introduction to the Mother Road. From Chicago’s Lake Michigan shoreline, world-class museums, music venues, shopping, and iconic skyline, to Springfield’s historic attractions including the Abraham Lincoln sites, each stop combines heritage, flavour, and classic Americana. Along the route, visitors encounter vintage diners, murals, and neon-lit signs, explore quirky roadside attractions such as Pontiac’s Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, and experience the character and nostalgia that define this iconic U.S. road trip.
Missouri
Missouri delivers a diverse mix of iconic stops, cultural highlights, and authentic Americana along Route 66. Starting outside St. Louis at the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi, travellers follow the Mother Road through charming small towns where classic diners, 1950s-style motels, vintage neon signs, and quirky roadside attractions showcase the highway’s nostalgic appeal. Springfield, Missouri, recognised as the birthplace of Route 66, anchors this stretch, offering a central highlight and key storytelling opportunity as the Mother Road celebrates its centennial in 2026.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma features more than 400 miles of the Mother Road’s longest driveable stretch, passing through charming towns, classic diners, and quirky roadside attractions. Key highlights include Oklahoma City and Tulsa, along with welcoming communities offering distinctive shopping, diverse dining, and local character. Museums such as the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton and the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City bring the highway’s history to life. Vibrant neon signs, vintage motels, drive-in theatres, and nostalgic small-town charm illustrate the enduring appeal of Route 66 in the Sooner State.
Texas
Texas’ stretch of Route 66 spans nearly 178 miles across the Panhandle, offering a rich mix of roadside character, history, culture, and classic Americana. Small-town main streets, neon-lit diners, vintage gas stations, and quirky roadside landmarks showcase the enduring legacy of the Mother Road. Key highlights include the art-deco Tower Station & U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, the Leaning Tower of Texas near Groom, the Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean, and Amarillo’s iconic Cadillac Ranch. Each stop provides travellers with a nostalgic glimpse of the golden age of the American road trip, along with memorable photo opportunities and local charm.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s Route 66 corridor is among the most iconic stretches of the Mother Road, winding through high desert landscapes and showcasing classic Americana. Along the route, travellers encounter neon-lit motels, vintage diners, and historic roadside attractions in Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Albuquerque, and Gallup. Albuquerque’s Central Avenue highlights restored landmarks and hosts Route 66 festivals celebrating its heritage, while surrounding scenery offers dramatic desert vistas and rich culture mix. This section presents multiple opportunities for nostalgic, photogenic stops and immersive experiences resonating with the story of the Mother Road.
Arizona
Arizona’s portion of Route 66 stretches 385 miles from Lupton to just west of Kingman, representing the longest preserved segment of the original Mother Road in the U.S. In 2026, the highway will celebrate its Centennial, marking a century of history, community, and the enduring spirit of the open road. Towns such as Peach Springs, Hackberry, Seligman, and Holbrook inspired Radiator Springs in the film Cars, and each offers distinctive roadside attractions, quirky landmarks, and photogenic stops. This stretch provides rich storytelling opportunities and highlights the cultural and nostalgic appeal that make Arizona a key destination along the Mother Road.
Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66
As Route 66 approaches its centennial on 11th November 2026, the Mother Road offers a perfect showcase of iconic American experiences. From classic diners and retro soda fountains to quirky roadside attractions and contemporary food halls, the route provides a diverse mix of cultural, culinary, and nostalgic highlights. Road trips remain a favoured travel style worldwide, and Route 66 connects people, places, and stories across generations. This legendary highway offers rich opportunities to explore nostalgia, vibrant small towns, and authentic Americana, making it a compelling component of any itinerary.
Route 66 Centennial Celebrations
The Route 66 centennial in 2026 will be marked by a wide programme of events across the Mother Road, as communities commemorate the history, culture, and enduring appeal of this iconic highway. From classic car showcases to festivals and heritage-led experiences, the celebrations highlight the diversity and personality found along the route.
Key centennial highlights include:
- Springfield, Missouri kick-off – The recognised birthplace of Route 66 launches the centennial on 30 April 2026 with concerts, parades, classic car displays, and live-streamed events
- State-wide celebrations – Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona host parades, community festivals, and special programming at historic Route 66 sites
- Centennial Fun Run – A series of classic car cruises, live music events, and community-led festivities staged along the route
- Mother Road Market Bash – Oklahoma’s flagship Route 66 market event featuring food, music, and pop-up art installations
- Historic commemorations – Curated ceremonies and heritage events bringing the story of Route 66 to life in towns and cities along the highway
- End of the trail celebrations – Santa Monica Pier hosts live performances and commemorative events marking the symbolic conclusion of Route 66 at the Pacific Ocean
Route 66 Museums & Attractions
Route 66 is defined by an eclectic collection of roadside attractions, heritage museums, and instantly recognisable landmarks that reflect a century of Americana. From vintage cars and restored neon to oversized sculptures and historic sites, the Mother Road delivers a rich mix of culture, storytelling, and standout photo opportunities.
Notable stops along the route include:
- Illinois highlights – Route 66 Hall of Fame in Pontiac, Route 66 Experience in Springfield, the Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston and the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville
- Missouri quirks – Gateway Arch, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, St. Robert Route 66 Neon Park, Red Cedar Inn in Pacific, World’s Largest Rocking Chair at Fanning Outpost, and the Route 66 Car Museum
- Oklahoma gems – Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park and Threatt Filling Station
- Texas art – Cadillac Ranch outside Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon – Texas’ “Grand Canyon”
- New Mexico pit stops – Route 66 Auto Museum, West Central Visitor Center and Route 66 Remixed public art series
- Arizona landmarks – Petrified Forest National Park, Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Kingman Route 66 Museum and Winslow’s “Take It Easy” sites
Dining Along the Mother Road
Route 66 is synonymous with classic diners, retro soda fountains, and long-standing local institutions that reflect the culinary traditions of America’s heartland. From comfort food and regional specialities to memorable roadside stops, dining along the Mother Road adds flavour and character to the journey.
Standout tastes along the route include:
- Cozy Dog Drive-In, Springfield (Illinois) – A Route 66 original, credited with popularising the corn dog, serving a simple retro menu of burgers, fries, and classic diner fare
- Missouri Hick BBQ, Cuba (Missouri) – A well-known roadside stop for smoked meats, casual atmosphere, and authentic Route 66 character
- Mother Road Market, Tulsa (Oklahoma) – A vibrant, non-profit food hall showcasing local vendors and globally inspired cuisine
- The Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo (Texas) – An iconic Route 66 dining landmark, famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, Western saloon setting, and live entertainment
- El Pinto Restaurant, Albuquerque (New Mexico) – Located just off Route 66, offering traditional New Mexican dishes, festive surroundings, and regional flavours
- Delgadillo’s Snow Cap, Seligman (Arizona) – A much-loved retro stop known for shakes, sandwiches, and playful Route 66 nostalgia
Suggested Route 66 Itineraries
A selection of Route 66 itineraries showcasing different ways to experience the Mother Road, from independent self-drives to RV, motorbike, and fully escorted tours. These routes highlight classic diners, neon-lit landmarks, and iconic landscapes across America’s most legendary highway.
22-Day Route 66 & Highway 1 by Motorhome
Motorhome along Route 66 from Chicago to San Francisco, exploring classic Americana, iconic roadside attractions, neon-lit towns, Grand Canyon vistas, Native American heritage, the vast Mojave Desert, stunning scenic landscapes, and California’s Pacific Coast.
** Tailor to your clients’ needs **
From £2,149pp
Including flights
Operated by North America Travel Service
- Chicago offers Lake Michigan views, world-class museums, jazz and blues heritage, and diverse dining. Springfield provides classic Route 66 Americana with its museum, shops, and vintage diners, introducing the Mother Road’s historical charm
- St. Louis highlights include the Gateway Arch, Lone Elk Park, and Route 66 State Park, while small towns and rolling hills showcase iconic roadside stops, Joplin’s history, and the nostalgia of classic diners and motels
- Tulsa’s arts districts, western collections, and live music heritage combine with historic towns en route to Oklahoma City. Stockyards, Route 66 museums in Clinton and Elk City, and small-town attractions reflect Native American culture and the Mother Road’s legacy
- The Panhandle includes Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch, Palo Duro Canyon, and heritage attractions, while New Mexico features Tucumcari’s murals and neon, Santa Fe’s art scene, Albuquerque’s central Route 66 corridor, and Gallup’s Native American heritage sites
- Arizona’s Petrified Forest, Holbrook, Winslow, and Williams provide classic Route 66 landmarks, desert scenery, and access to the Grand Canyon. The Mojave Desert, Hoover Dam, and Boulder City highlight the western stretch, leading to Las Vegas for iconic entertainment
- Southern California’s Mojave Desert, Angeles Crest Highway, and Los Angeles combine dramatic scenery with cultural and historic landmarks. Northward along the Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, and San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge, complete the coast-to-coast journey
- Accommodation on the first night – Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
- C25 Motorhome, including: insurance (Third Party Liability Protection, Auto Liability Coverage and Supplemental Liability Coverage up to $1,000,000), 500 mile package and local taxes on items which have been prepaid
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
19-Day Route 66 The Road Less Travelled
An immersive coast-to-coast experience along the legendary Route 66, combining classic Americana, scenic landscapes, historic towns, iconic roadside attractions, national parks, and rich cultural highlights from Los Angeles to Chicago, with authentic and memorable local experiences throughout.
** Deposit from £125pp **
From £2,349pp
Including flights
Operated by Travelpack
- Greater Los Angeles offers Santa Monica’s classic California beach vibe, shopping, dining, and the Route 66 end/start photo opportunity at the pier, before the RV is collected and the journey east begins through Southern California freeways and the Mojave Desert
- The Mojave Desert and Barstow region highlight historic ghost towns such as Calico, scenic desert landscapes, and the juxtaposition of Route 66’s original alignment against modern interstates, with opportunities to explore early mining and pioneer history
- Arizona’s Route 66 corridor includes Kingman, Seligman, and Williams, featuring Mojave high desert scenery, Hualapai Mountains, Fort Beale Wagon Trail remnants, nostalgic roadside towns, and access to the Grand Canyon via train, helicopter, or guided tour
- Flagstaff, Holbrook, and Petrified Forest National Park provide Route 66 landmarks, university town culture, outdoor adventures, and the Painted Desert, while Gallup offers Native American heritage sites and desert vistas en route to Albuquerque
- Albuquerque and surrounding New Mexico showcase the Continental Divide, volcanic landscapes at El Malpais National Monument, historic Acoma Pueblo, Old Town Albuquerque, Sandia Peak Tramway, and regional cultural experiences including the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October)
- Tucumcari, Texas Panhandle, and Oklahoma feature classic Route 66 Americana with neon signs, historic motels, Cadillac Ranch, Midpoint Café, iconic roadside attractions such as the Blue Whale of Catoosa, and engaging museums celebrating the Mother Road’s heritage
- 1 night stay at Freehand Los Angeles
- 17 nights/18 days C25 RV motorhome hire with insurance, unlimited mileage, • Personal & vehicle provisioning kits
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
16-Day Highlights of Route 66
Route 66’s centennial journey spans Chicago to Los Angeles, crossing eight states and showcasing historic towns, iconic roadside attractions, Route 66 museums, preserved motels, natural landmarks, and cultural highlights, including St. Louis’ Gateway Arch, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Santa Monica.
** Incredible excursions included **
From £3,269pp
Including flights
Operated by Cosmos
- Chicago introduces the Route 66 adventure with Lake Michigan vistas, iconic architecture, the Magnificent Mile, riverwalks, and jazz and blues heritage, while the starting point of the Mother Road and early Route 66 landmarks set the historical context
- Illinois and Missouri feature Pontiac’s Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, St. Louis’ Gateway Arch, the Mississippi River, and original stretches of the Mother Road, alongside classic diners, motels, and small-town Americana
- Kansas and Oklahoma include the state’s brief Route 66 corridor, with whimsical attractions such as the “Cars on the Route” installation, Tulsa’s arts districts and western collections, Oklahoma City’s Stockyards, Bricktown, and the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City
- Texas and New Mexico highlight Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch, Palo Duro Canyon, and historic Route 66 sites, as well as Tucumcari’s neon signs, Santa Fe’s art scene, Albuquerque’s central corridor and Old Town, and Gallup’s Native American heritage and landscapes
- Arizona showcases Petrified Forest National Park, Winslow’s “Standin’ on the Corner” Park, Holbrook, and Williams’ historic district, while optional access to the Grand Canyon adds dramatic scenery along classic stretches of the Mother Road
- Nevada and California complete the journey with the Mojave Desert, Hoover Dam, Boulder City, Las Vegas entertainment, and Southern California highlights including Angeles Crest Highway, Los Angeles landmarks, and northward along the Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
- 15 nights named accommodation
- 4 breakfasts, 3 continental breakfasts
- Guided city sightseeing in Chicago and Los Angeles
- Visit to Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum
- Admission to Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
- Orientation tours of St. Louis, Joplin, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas
- Entrance fee to Gateway Arch National Park including trip to the top of the Arch
- Visit to Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Welcome & Cultural Center
- Admission to National Route 66 Museum
- Stop at Cadillac Ranch
- Visit to Russell’s Car Museum
- Visit to El Malpais National Monument
- Entrance Fee and guided sightseeing at Grand Canyon National Park
- Visit to California Route 66 Museum
- Cosmos Tour Directors and local guides
- Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
22-Day Route 66 Extravaganza
A Route 66 adventure from Chicago to Santa Monica, highlighting historic towns, iconic roadside attractions, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders across Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California for a truly classic American road-trip experience.
** All accommodation included **
From £4,099pp
Including flights
Operated by North America Travel Service
- The itinerary begins in Chicago, Illinois, highlighting the city’s skyline, cultural districts, and the official start of Route 66, including key Route 66 attractions in Joliet, Pontiac, and Springfield
- Travel through Missouri, featuring St. Louis with the Gateway Arch, historic Ozark towns, Meramec Caverns, and the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield
- Route 66 across Oklahoma showcases Tulsa’s arts and heritage districts, historic Route 66 landmarks, roadside attractions, and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton
- The Texas and New Mexico section includes Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch, the Big Texan Steak Ranch, Santa Fe’s cultural sites, Tucumcari’s murals, and Albuquerque’s historic Route 66 districts
- Arizona highlights include the Petrified Forest National Park, Winslow’s “Standin’ on the Corner” park, Flagstaff’s neon signage, Seligman’s retro towns, and the Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman
- The final leg passes through Nevada and California, with Las Vegas, the Mojave Desert, Barstow’s Route 66 museum, Pasadena landmarks, Los Angeles highlights, and the official Route 66 endpoint at Santa Monica Pier
- 21 nights accommodation with stays at:
- Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel, Chicago
- President Abraham Lincoln Springfield – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
- St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, St Louis
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Springfield
- The Mayo Hotel, Tulsa
- Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown
- Inn and Spa at Loretto, Santa Fe
- Hilton Garden Inn, Gallup
- Little America Hotel, Flagstaff
- Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
- Hyatt Centric Delfina, Santa Monica
- Intermediate 4 door car hire including insurances
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
16-Day Route 66 (Chicago-LA) – Guided Motorcycle Tour
EagleRider’s Route 66 motorcycle tour follows the Mother Road from Chicago to Los Angeles, covering 2,400 miles across eight states. Preserved highways, diners, neon motels, and frontier landscapes showcase why Route 66 remains a motorcycle journey.
** Option to self-guide available **
From £6,605pp
Including flights
Operated by North America Travel Service
- Chicago combines Lake Michigan views, a world-class skyline, top-rated museums, vibrant jazz and blues heritage, and dining options that set the stage for the Mother Road. Pontiac and Springfield offer iconic Route 66 attractions, including the Route 66 Museum and vintage roadside Americana
- The state features the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, historic small towns, 1950s-style diners, neon signage, and quirky roadside stops like the World’s Largest Rocking Chair. Springfield, recognized as Route 66’s birthplace, anchors centennial celebrations and heritage experiences
- Oklahoma’s stretch presents more than 400 miles of the longest driveable Route 66 corridor, highlighting small towns, neon-lit diners, and cultural attractions. Key stops include Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Route 66 Museums in Clinton and Elk City, and historic sites reflecting Native American heritage along the trail
- The Panhandle showcases classic small-town main streets, vintage gas stations, and roadside landmarks such as the Tower Station & U-Drop Inn, the Leaning Tower of Texas, the Devil’s Rope Museum, and Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch, offering a vivid glimpse of the Mother Road’s golden age
- Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Tucumcari, and Gallup feature neon signage, vintage diners, historic motels, and Route 66-inspired public art. Cultural diversity, high desert landscapes, and heritage attractions provide multiple points of interest for immersive, photogenic experiences
- Arizona offers the longest preserved stretch of Route 66, with classic towns such as Holbrook, Winslow, and Seligman, and landmarks including the Petrified Forest and Wigwam Motel. California concludes the Mother Road at Santa Monica Pier, with the Angeles Crest Highway providing scenic, dramatic terrain for memorable journey experiences
- Accommodation on the first night – Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
- Motorbike
- VIP Zero Insurance, Supplemental Liability Insurance, motorcycle friendly hotels/motels, door-to-door luggage transportation, fuel and breakfast on riding days, hosted welcome and farewell dinners, half-shell helmet, custom protective riding jacket, support vehicle for luggage, national park entrance fees, hotel parking fees and Mobile Tour Guide app
- Expert travel guide
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
**Clients MUST have a motorcycle license to ride
Confessions of a Globetrotter Blog:
Journeying Along Route 66 – A Guide to Eight States of Americana, Culture and Roadside Legends
Route 66 spans eight remarkable states, offering travellers a rich blend of history, local flavours, iconic landmarks, and distinctive personalities. From Chicago’s bustling streets to the sunlit Santa Monica Pier, the Mother Road showcases classic Americana, characterful towns, and memorable moments that continue to draw visitors.
