Ultimate 15-Day Route 66 Road Trip
Experience the ultimate American road trip across eight states. From the skyscrapers of Chicago to the Pacific breakers of Santa Monica, this 15-day journey follows the Mother Road through neon-lit diners, vintage motels, and historic western landscapes.
- Historic Route 66 Begin Sign
- Gemini Giant
- Gateway Arch
- Meramec Caverns
- Blue Whale of Catoosa
- Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
- Cadillac Ranch
- Blue Swallow Motel
The Journey Begins in Chicago
Historic Route 66 Begin Sign
Historic Route 66 Begin Sign, Chicago, Illinois, US
Lou Mitchell's
Lou Mitchell's, Chicago, Illinois, US
Giants and History in Illinois
Gemini Giant
Gemini Giant, Wilmington, Illinois, US
Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum
Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum, Pontiac, Illinois, US
Gateway to the West
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, St. Louis, Missouri, US
Gateway Arch
Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri, US
Caverns and Murals of Missouri
Meramec Caverns
Meramec Caverns, Stanton, Missouri, US
Wagon Wheel Motel
Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba, Missouri, US
The Short Stretch of Kansas
Cars on the Route
Cars on the Route, Galena, Kansas, US
Blue Whale of Catoosa
Blue Whale of Catoosa, Catoosa, Oklahoma, US
Oklahoma City and Museums
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Clinton, Oklahoma, US
National Route 66 Museum
National Route 66 Museum, Elk City, Oklahoma, US
Icons of the Texas Panhandle
U-Drop Inn
U-Drop Inn, Shamrock, Texas, US
Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas, US
Entering the Land of Enchantment
Blue Swallow Motel
Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, New Mexico, US
Santa Rosa Blue Hole
Santa Rosa Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, US
Santa Fe Cultural Heritage
Santa Fe Plaza
Santa Fe Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico, US
Canyon Road Art District
Canyon Road Art District, Santa Fe, New Mexico, US
Sky City and Gallup
Acoma Pueblo
Acoma Pueblo, Acoma, New Mexico, US
El Rancho Hotel
El Rancho Hotel, Gallup, New Mexico, US
Petrified Forest and Tepees
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park, Holbrook, Arizona, US
Wigwam Motel
Wigwam Motel, Holbrook, Arizona, US
Arizona High Country Towns
Standin' on the Corner Park
Standin' on the Corner Park, Winslow, Arizona, US
Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, Arizona, US
Birthplace of Historic Route 66
Angel & Vilma Delgadillo's Route 66 Gift Shop
Angel & Vilma Delgadillo's Route 66 Gift Shop, Seligman, Arizona, US
Oatman Ghost Town
Oatman Ghost Town, Oatman, Arizona, US
The High Mojave Desert
Roy's Motel & Café
Roy's Motel & Café, Amboy, California, US
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch, Oro Grande, California, US
Pacific Coast Grand Finale
Original McDonald's Site Museum
Original McDonald's Site Museum, San Bernardino, California, US
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California, US
- Check local road conditions as some original segments are seasonal or may have detours.
- Many historic diners and museums along the route close early (4-5 PM); plan daily timing carefully.
- Carry extra water and monitor fuel levels when crossing the Mojave Desert stretches between Needles and Barstow.
- Advance reservations are highly recommended for iconic overnight stops like the Blue Swallow or Wigwam Motel.