A Route 66 road trip is the quintessential American adventure, taking travelers along one of the most iconic highways in the U.S. Known as the "Mother Road," Route 66 spans 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, passing through eight states. Along the way, you'll encounter quirky roadside attractions, vintage diners, small towns, and historic landmarks that reflect the spirit of classic Americana. Here's a guide to planning an epic Route 66 RV road trip:
Route Overview- Starting Point: Chicago, Illinois
- Ending Point: Santa Monica, California
- States Covered: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California
- Distance: Approximately 2,448 miles
- What to Do: Begin your trip at the historic Route 66 sign on Adams Street in downtown Chicago. Explore iconic sites like Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, and grab a deep-dish pizza.
- Must-See: Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) for stunning views of the city.
- What to Do: Visit the Route 66 Welcome Center inside the historic Rialto Square Theatre and snap a photo at the Old Joliet Prison.
- Must-See: The Route 66 Raceway for a bit of local motorsport action.
- What to Do: As the hometown of Abraham Lincoln, Springfield offers the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
- Must-See: Cozy Dog Drive In, home of the original corn dog.
- What to Do: Cross the Chain of Rocks Bridge, an old Route 66 bridge across the Mississippi River. Visit the famous Gateway Arch and stop by the National Museum of Transportation.
- Must-See: Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a classic Route 66 treat.
- What to Do: Explore Fantastic Caverns, a drive-through cave, and visit the Route 66 Car Museum.
- Must-See: Gillioz Theatre, a restored 1920s movie theater.
- What to Do: Though short, the Kansas stretch features historic spots like Baxter Springs and Galena. Check out Cars on the Route, a restored Kan-O-Tex service station with vintage vehicles that inspired Disney's Cars.
- Must-See: The iconic Rainbow Bridge, a historic Route 66 bridge.
- What to Do: Tulsa boasts a rich music and oil history. Visit the Golden Driller statue and Cain's Ballroom, a historic music venue.
- Must-See: Blue Dome District for art, dining, and nightlife.
- What to Do: Tour the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial.
- Must-See: The Milk Bottle Grocery, a quirky Route 66 icon featuring a giant milk bottle on its roof.
- What to Do: Visit the legendary Cadillac Ranch, where you can spray-paint colorful Cadillacs half-buried in the sand. Don't miss The Big Texan Steak Ranch, famous for its 72 oz. steak challenge.
- Must-See: Route 66 Historic District, filled with antique shops and diners.
- What to Do: Famous for its neon signs, Tucumcari features the Blue Swallow Motel, a vintage Route 66 landmark. Stroll down Route 66 Boulevard to admire restored murals and old gas stations.
- Must-See: Tee Pee Curios, a quirky souvenir shop.
- What to Do: Explore Old Town Albuquerque for its historic adobe buildings, shops, and restaurants. For a unique view of the landscape, take the Sandia Peak Tramway.
- Must-See: 66 Diner, a retro-themed diner serving classic comfort food.
- What to Do: Known for Native American culture, Gallup offers trading posts and the El Rancho Hotel, once a haven for Hollywood stars filming Westerns.
- Must-See: Red Rock Park for hiking and stunning desert views.
- What to Do: Visit nearby Walnut Canyon National Monument, home to ancient cliff dwellings. Flagstaff is also the gateway to the Grand Canyon, just an hour and a half away.
- Must-See: The historic Flagstaff Train Depot.
- What to Do: Seligman is known as the "Birthplace of Historic Route 66" and is home to plenty of nostalgic roadside attractions. Visit Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In, a quirky diner filled with humor.
- Must-See: The many Route 66-themed souvenir shops.
- What to Do: Visit the Route 66 Museum and Powerhouse Visitors Center. The nearby town of Oatman, an old mining town, features wild burros roaming the streets.
- Must-See: Hackberry General Store, a restored 1930s gas station.
- What to Do: Explore the Route 66 Mother Road Museum and visit the Western America Railroad Museum. Take a side trip to Calico Ghost Town, a restored silver mining town.
- Must-See: The quirky Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch on the way to Barstow.
- What to Do: Conclude your Route 66 road trip at the Santa Monica Pier, where you'll find the "End of the Trail" sign and enjoy the famous boardwalk.
- Must-See: Take a walk along the beach and reflect on your epic journey along the Mother Road.
- Jellystone Park Camp-Resort (Chicago, Illinois): Family-friendly campground near the starting point.
- Rolla Lions Club Park (Rolla, Missouri): A quiet stop halfway between St. Louis and Springfield, MO.
- Twin Fountains RV Park (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma): Close to downtown Oklahoma City with full amenities.
- Amarillo KOA (Amarillo, Texas): Convenient for visiting Cadillac Ranch and The Big Texan.
- Enchanted Trails RV Park (Albuquerque, New Mexico): Historic RV park with Route 66 charm.
- Flagstaff KOA (Flagstaff, Arizona): A great basecamp for visiting the Grand Canyon and surrounding sites.
- Dockweiler RV Park (Santa Monica, California): Beachfront RV park near the end of Route 66.
- Plan for Flexibility: Route 66 is full of unexpected stops and quirky attractions, so leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous adventures.
- Bring a Route 66 Guidebook: A detailed guidebook will help you find all the hidden gems along the route.
- Stay at Historic Motels: Even if you're traveling by RV, consider staying at a vintage Route 66 motel for a night or two for the full experience.
- Respect the Weather: Depending on the season, you'll encounter different climates along the way—from Midwest storms to the desert heat—so pack accordingly.
- Capture Memories: Document your trip with plenty of photos and videos, especially at the many Route 66 landmarks and neon signs.
A Route 66 RV road trip offers the chance to experience a nostalgic slice of American history while exploring diverse landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, and local cultures. Whether you're chasing the thrill of wide-open roads or stopping to enjoy small-town charm, Route 66 promises a memorable adventure from start to finish.