Exploring Route 66: A Traveler's Ultimate Guide

Hit the Road: Your Route 66 Adventure Awaits

There’s something magical about Route 66 that gets into your soul. Whether you call it the “Main Street of America” or just “66,” this legendary ribbon of asphalt has been calling to dreamers, adventurers, and road-trippers since 1926. Stretching over 2,400 miles from the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago to the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California, Route 66 isn’t just a drive—it’s a journey through the heart of America.

Picture this: classic neon signs glowing at sunset, vintage motels with their quirky charm, mom-and-pop diners serving up slices of pie that taste like home, and landscapes so stunning they’ll have you pulling over just to soak it all in. Whether you’re planning the ultimate cross-country adventure or just exploring a section that speaks to you, this guide will help you make the most of your Mother Road experience.

The Story Behind the Legend

Route 66 came to life on November 11, 1926, as one of America’s original highways. It connected people, dreams, and opportunities across eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. This wasn’t just any road—it became a lifeline for rural communities and a symbol of hope during some of our toughest times.

During the Dust Bowl years of the 1930s, thousands of families packed up everything they owned and headed west along Route 66, chasing the promise of a better life. The highway supported countless small-town businesses and helped entire communities thrive. But as the Interstate Highway System started taking over in the 1950s, Route 66 slowly began to fade. By 1985, it was officially decommissioned.

Here’s the beautiful part: the road never really died. Thanks to passionate preservationists and the communities that love it, Route 66 lives on—and today, it’s more popular than ever.

Planning Your Mother Road Journey

Before you fire up the engine, let’s talk planning. Here’s what you need to know:

Pick Your Starting Point: Most folks start in Chicago where it all began, but honestly? You can jump on anywhere along the route. Listen to what calls to you.

Time It Right: Want to really dig into the experience? Give yourself about two weeks to drive the whole thing. But there’s no wrong way to do Route 66—even a weekend exploring one state will give you memories that last a lifetime.

Choose Your Ride: Some people go full nostalgia with a classic car or motorcycle. Others take their trusty daily driver. What matters is that it’s reliable and ready for adventure.

Book Ahead: Some of those charming small towns have limited lodging, especially during peak season. A little advance planning goes a long way.

Know the Road: Parts of the original Route 66 aren’t maintained anymore or got swallowed up by newer highways. Grab a good Route 66 guidebook or download a specialized GPS app to help you find those hidden gems.

Must-See Stops That’ll Make Your Trip

The real magic of Route 66 is in the details—the quirky, the historic, the downright unforgettable. Here are some spots you won’t want to miss:

Illinois: Chicago to St. Louis

Start at the Gemini Giant in Wilmington—this towering fiberglass spaceman welcoming you to a classic diner will set the perfect tone. Cross into Missouri over the Chain of Rocks Bridge with its unique 22-degree bend. And if you’ve got time, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is worth the short detour.

Missouri: St. Louis to Springfield

Treat yourself to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis (trust me on this one). Explore the underground wonderland of Meramec Caverns near Stanton, grab a cheeseburger in St. Robert at the Route 66 Diner and geek out over vintage beauties at the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield.

Classic Route 66 roadside diner at sunset.

Oklahoma: Tulsa to Oklahoma City

The Blue Whale of Catoosa is pure Route 66 whimsy—perfect for photos and smiles. Dive deep into the highway’s story at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, and immerse yourself in Western heritage at Oklahoma City’s National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Texas: Amarillo

You can’t miss Cadillac Ranch—those half-buried, spray-painted Cadillacs are an interactive art installation where you’re encouraged to add your own mark. Then challenge your appetite at the Big Texan Steak Ranch and their famous 72-ounce steak (no pressure!).

New Mexico: Tucumcari to Albuquerque

Tucumcari’s murals tell stories on every wall. Stay at the beautifully preserved Blue Swallow Motel for a slice of vintage Americana. And don’t skip Old Town Albuquerque—it’s packed with culture, shops, and incredible food.

Arizona: Holbrook to Kingman

Walk among ancient forests at Petrified Forest National Park. For a truly unique stay, book a teepee-shaped room at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. And make time for the Hackberry General Store—it’s nostalgia overload in the best possible way.

California: Barstow to Santa Monica

Explore the Old West at Calico Ghost Town, then make your way to where the road ends: Santa Monica Pier. Stand at the official terminus, breathe in that ocean air, and celebrate—you just drove Route 66!

Making the Most of Your Experience

Route 66 isn’t about racing from Point A to Point B. It’s about savoring the journey. Here’s how:

Connect with Locals: The people who live along Route 66 have incredible stories to share. Strike up conversations—you’ll be amazed at what you learn.

Taste the Region: Every state has its own flavor. From Chicago deep-dish to New Mexican green chile, let your taste buds be part of the adventure.

Slow Down: Give yourself permission to stop whenever something catches your eye. That random roadside museum? That vintage shop? That stunning overlook? They’re all part of your story.

Capture the Memories: Whether you keep a travel journal, take photos, or collect business cards from every stop, document your journey in a way that feels right to you.

Leave It Better: Respect the historic sites and natural areas you visit. These treasures belong to all of us, and we want them here for the next generation of road-trippers.

Pack Smart, Travel Happy

A few essentials will make your trip smoother:

- Comfortable clothes and good walking shoes

- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

- Navigation tools with offline capability

- Camera or smartphone

- Water and snacks for those long stretches

- Basic car emergency kit

- Cash (some small businesses are cash-only)

Best Time to Travel

Each season offers something different:

Spring and Fall: Gorgeous weather, smaller crowds, perfect temperatures.

Summer: Hot, especially in the Southwest, but alive with festivals and energy.

Winter: Can bring snow in the northern states—check conditions before you head out.

Keeping Route 66 Alive

Every time you visit a Route 66 museum, buy from a local business, or share your experiences, you’re helping preserve this incredible piece of American history. Organizations and volunteers work tirelessly to maintain and restore Route 66 landmarks. Support them by:

- Stopping at historic sites and museums

- Shopping local

- Sharing your journey on social media

- Respecting the environment and historic structures

Route 66 is more than asphalt and painted lines. It’s a story we all share—about movement, hope, connection, and the simple joy of the open road. It invites you to slow down, look around, and really see America in all its beautiful, quirky, authentic glory.

So what are you waiting for? Your Route 66 adventure is calling. Time to answer.

Capturing the Soul of Route 66: A Photographer’s Journey

Historic Route 66 stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, and as a

photographer, I can tell you—this iconic highway is pure magic through a viewfinder.

From neon signs that glow like memories to desert landscapes that go on forever, the

Mother Road offers scenes you just can’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re shooting

with a professional rig or your smartphone, Route 66 will fill your memory cards with

stories.

This guide shares some of my favorite photography spots along the route—places

where the light hits just right, where history practically jumps into your frame, and where

America shows you her best side.

Chicago, Illinois – Where Your Story Begins

Route 66 kicks off in Chicago, and what a way to start. This city gives you

everything—soaring architecture, urban energy, and those historic markers that say “this

is where the journey begins.”

Route 66 Begin Sign: On Adams Street, this is your first essential shot. Get there

early to avoid crowds, or embrace the chaos and capture fellow road-trippers starting

their own adventures.

Willis Tower and Chicago Skyline: Frame those iconic skyscrapers against the

Chicago River or Lake Michigan. Golden hour here is absolutely worth waking up early

for.

Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant: This classic diner has been feeding Route 66 travelers

since 1923. The vintage charm, the energy, the faces—it’s street photography gold and

captures that old-school Americana vibe perfectly.

Chicago sets the tone for everything that follows. Take your time here.

Pontiac, Illinois – Where Murals Tell Stories

Pontiac gets Route 66. They’ve embraced their heritage with vibrant murals that turn the

whole town into an outdoor gallery.

Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum: The building itself is photogenic, but step

inside and you’ll find memorabilia that tells the road’s story.

Classic Car Displays: Pontiac hosts vintage car shows throughout the year. Those

beautifully restored vehicles with their chrome and curves? They photograph like

dreams.

Murals: Large-scale paintings cover building walls throughout town, each one telling

a different story of the road and its travelers. Shoot them straight-on or get creative with

angles that include the street life around them.

The combination of automotive history and public art makes Pontiac a photographer’s

playground.

Tulsa, Oklahoma – Art Deco Dreams and Neon Nights

Tulsa’s downtown is an Art Deco lover’s paradise, and when those neon signs light up

at night? Magic.

Golden Driller Statue: This 75-foot oil worker towers over the fairgrounds. Use a

wide-angle lens to capture his full glory, or get creative with perspective shots that play

with scale.

Neon Lights on Route 66: Blue hour is your friend here. That time just after sunset

when the sky still has color but the neon signs are glowing? That’s when Tulsa really

shows off.

Cain’s Ballroom: This historic music venue has a distinctive facade that photographs

beautifully. The history here runs deep—Bob Wills made this place legendary.

Tulsa rewards photographers who stick around after dark.

Amarillo, Texas – Big Sky, Big Art

Amarillo is famous for Cadillac Ranch, but there’s more here than meets the eye.

Cadillac Ranch: Ten Cadillacs buried nose-down in the dirt, covered in layers of

spray paint. Shoot it at different times of day—harsh midday sun creates dramatic

shadows, while sunset gives you those warm Texas tones. And yes, bring spray paint

and add your mark. It’s what the artists intended.

Big Texan Steak Ranch: That massive neon cowboy? Pure Route 66 kitsch. Shoot it

from the road, shoot it up close, embrace the absurdity.

Palo Duro Canyon: Just outside Amarillo, this is Texas’s second-largest canyon.

Those red rock formations, especially in early morning or late afternoon light, will stop

you in your tracks.

Amarillo gives you quirky roadside art and genuine natural beauty in one package.

Tucumcari, New Mexico – Neon Heaven

If Route 66 has a neon capital, Tucumcari is it. This town embraced its motor court

heritage and never let go.

Blue Swallow Motel: That neon sign is iconic for a reason. Shoot it at dusk when the

sky still has color—blue hour makes that neon absolutely sing. The motel’s been

lovingly preserved, and every angle tells a story.

The Blue Swallow Motel neon sign glowing at night in Tucumcari, New Mexico

Tucumcari Murals: The town invested in murals that celebrate its history. They’re

colorful, they’re meaningful, and they photograph beautifully.

Desert Sunsets: The wide-open New Mexico sky puts on a show almost every

evening. Find a spot outside town where you can capture that enormous sky with a bit

of Route 66 in the foreground.

Tucumcari understands what photographers love about Route 66, and it delivers.

Albuquerque, New Mexico – Where Culture Meets Landscape

Albuquerque offers something different at every turn—historic adobe, neon nostalgia,

and mountains that frame it all.

Old Town Albuquerque: Those adobe buildings and shaded plazas have a

Southwest aesthetic that’s timeless. Morning light here is soft and beautiful.

Route 66 Neon Signs: Central Avenue is the original Route 66 alignment through

town. Cruise it at night and you’ll find classic neon still glowing.

Sandia Mountains: Use these mountains as your backdrop—they turn pink at

sunset, which locals call the “Sandia Glow.” Frame the cityscape with those peaks

behind it for shots that capture Albuquerque’s unique geography.

Albuquerque rewards photographers who explore both the historic heart and the natural

surroundings.

Holbrook, Arizona – Petrified Forest and Teepee Dreams

Holbrook sits at the gateway to ancient wonders and vintage roadside charm.

Petrified Forest National Park: Those fossilized trees are 225 million years old. The

colorful badlands, especially in the Painted Desert section, look otherworldly. Shoot in

the early morning or late afternoon when the light rakes across the landscape.

Wigwam Motel: Teepee-shaped rooms that have been welcoming travelers since

1950. They’re quirky, they’re photogenic, and they’re pure Route 66. Shoot them

individually or get them all in one frame.

Historic Diners: Holbrook’s maintained that retro roadside vibe. The chrome, the

vinyl, the vintage menus—it all photographs like you’ve stepped back in time.

Holbrook gives you prehistoric landscapes and mid-century nostalgia in the same

afternoon.

Seligman, Arizona – The Town That Saved Route 66

Seligman didn’t just preserve Route 66—they helped revive it. Angel Delgadillo, the

town barber, led the charge to keep the Mother Road alive.

Angel Delgadillo’s Barber Shop: Angel’s now in his 90s, and his shop is a pilgrimage

site for Route 66 lovers. The memorabilia, the history, the stories—photograph it all. If

Angel’s there, ask permission for a portrait. That face has seen Route 66’s entire

modern history.

Classic Route 66 Signs: Seligman is loaded with vintage signs and memorabilia.

The town feels like a living museum.

Colorful Shopfronts: Every business embraces the Route 66 aesthetic. Turquoise

walls, hand-painted signs, vintage cars parked out front—it’s a photographer’s dream.

Seligman’s dedication to preservation gives you authentic shots you can’t stage

anywhere else.

Kingman, Arizona – Where History Runs Deep

Kingman might not get the attention of some Route 66 towns, but it’s got substance.

Historic Route 66 Museum: The building itself, the exhibits inside—it’s all worth

documenting. The museum does a great job telling the highway’s story.

Railroad Tracks: Kingman’s railroad heritage is still visible. Capture trains rolling

through with desert mountains in the background.

Mohave Museum of History and Arts: The architecture and regional exhibits add

depth to your Route 66story. This is where the Southwest’s different histories intersect.

Kingman rewards photographers who dig a little deeper.

Santa Monica, California – The Journey’s End

After 2,400 miles, you arrive here—where Route 66 meets the Pacific Ocean.

Santa Monica Pier: That Ferris wheel, the arcade lights, the crowds, the ocean—it’s

all energy and celebration. Shoot it from the beach, shoot it from the pier, capture the

carnival atmosphere.

Route 66 End Sign: Your final symbolic shot. Get creative—show tired boots, your

travel-worn camera bag, whatever tells your journey’s story.

Pacific Ocean Views: Wide-angle sunset shots of the coastline. After all those miles

of desert and plains, that ocean feels like a reward.

The pier’s lively atmosphere gives you the perfect finale to your photographic journey.

Route 66 isn’t just a road—it’s a story told in light, color, and texture. Every neon sign,

every weathered building, every wide-open landscape is a chapter waiting for you to

photograph it. These spots I’ve shared are just the beginning. The real magic happens

when you find your own moments, your own angles, your own way of seeing this

legendary highway.

Pack your camera, trust your eye, and let Route 66 show you what it’s got. The Mother

Road has been inspiring photographers for nearly a century, and it’s not done yet.

Now get out there and capture something beautiful.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​