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Route 66: The Mother Road
Welcome to the start of the ultimate American pilgrimage. We're kicking things off in Chicago, where the neon lights meet the Great Lakes. Get your photo at the iconic sign, fuel up on deep dish, and prep your playlist for the 2,400 miles ahead.
11days
25stops
DAY01
Route 66 Begin Sign → Chicago Hotel
Overnight in Chicago Hotel
- 09:00Route 66 Begin Sign· start
- Navy Pier
- 20:00Chicago Hotel· overnight
Chicago Classics
- Lou Mitchell's · The legendary 'first stop' for Route 66 travelers since 1923.
- Giordano's · You can't leave Chicago without a massive deep-dish pizza.
Day 1 Budget
- Hotel
- $220
DAY02
Chicago Hotel → St. Louis Hotel
Overnight in St. Louis Hotel
- 08:00Chicago Hotel· start
- 10:30Gemini Giant
- 16:00Gateway Arch
- 19:00St. Louis Hotel· overnight
Roadside Bites
- Cozy Dog Drive-In · Home of the original corn dog on a stick. A must-stop.
- Pappy's Smokehouse · Incredible St. Louis ribs that fall right off the bone.
Daily Spend
- Gas
- $45
- Hotel
- $160
DAY03
St. Louis Hotel → Springfield Hotel
Overnight in Springfield Hotel
- 08:30St. Louis Hotel· start
- 10:30Meramec Caverns
- 18:00Springfield Hotel· overnight
Local Eats
- Missouri Hick BBQ · Smoked meats in a rustic, Route 66-themed setting.
Activity Costs
- Cavern Tour
- $25
DAY04
Springfield Hotel → Oklahoma City Hotel
Overnight in Oklahoma City Hotel
- 08:00Springfield Hotel· start
- 11:30Blue Whale of Catoosa
- 18:30Oklahoma City Hotel· overnight
Diner Stops
- Tally's Good Food Cafe · Classic diner food with neon lights and 1950s charm.
Today's Budget
- Gas
- $50
DAY05
Oklahoma City Hotel → Amarillo Hotel
Overnight in Amarillo Hotel
- 08:30Oklahoma City Hotel· start
- 14:00Cadillac Ranch
- 19:00Amarillo Hotel· overnight
Texas Sized Eats
- The Big Texan Steak Ranch · Home of the 72oz steak challenge. Go for the atmosphere!
- Midpoint Café · Famous for 'ugly crust' pie and being the exact center of the route.
Fun Fund
- Spray Paint
- $10
DAY06
Amarillo Hotel → Santa Fe Hotel
Overnight in Santa Fe Hotel
- 08:00Amarillo Hotel· start
- 09:30Midpoint Café
- 16:00Santa Fe Plaza
- 19:00Santa Fe Hotel· overnight
Santa Fe Flavors
- The Shed · World-class red and green chili. Ask for 'Christmas' style.
Daily Budget
- Gas
- $55
DAY07
Santa Fe Hotel → Wigwam Motel
Overnight in Wigwam Motel
- 09:00Santa Fe Hotel· start
- 13:00El Rancho Hotel
- 18:00Wigwam Motel· overnight
Campsite · Wigwam Motel
Campsite details not verified yet
Historic Dining
- El Rancho Hotel Restaurant · Eat where the movie stars stayed during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Unique Stays
- Wigwam Stay
- $110
DAY08
Wigwam Motel → Flagstaff Hotel
Overnight in Flagstaff Hotel
- 09:00Wigwam Motel· start
- 11:00Petrified Forest
- 18:00Flagstaff Hotel· overnight
Flagstaff Eats
- Miz Zip's · Classic Flagstaff diner known for great burgers and homemade pie.
Park Fees
- Park Entry
- $25
DAY09
Flagstaff Hotel → Kingman Hotel
Overnight in Kingman Hotel
- 07:30Flagstaff Hotel· start
- 09:30Grand Canyon South Rim
- 19:00Kingman Hotel· overnight
Kingman Classics
- Mr D'z Route 66 Diner · Famous for root beer floats and neon-pink exterior.
Daily Spend
- Gas
- $50
DAY10
Kingman Hotel → San Bernardino Hotel
Overnight in San Bernardino Hotel
- 08:30Kingman Hotel· start
- 10:30Oatman
- 14:30Roy's Motel
- 19:00San Bernardino Hotel· overnight
Desert Stops
- Roy's Motel & Café · Iconic mid-century stop. Great for a cold soda and a photo.
Fuel Budget
- Gas
- $60
DAY11
San Bernardino Hotel → Santa Monica Pier
- 09:00San Bernardino Hotel· start
- 13:00Santa Monica Pier
Victory Meal
- The Albright · Fresh seafood right on the pier to celebrate your finish.
LA Prices
- Parking
- $20
Heads Up
- Book vintage motels early
- Check car fluids daily
- Carry physical maps