Claim to Fame
Known as the "Main Street of America," Route 66 is the most legendary road in U.S. history — a nostalgic journey through classic Americana, from Chicago to Santa Monica.
📌 Navigating Route 66 : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Hours of Operation: Hours of operation vary by attraction and season, so it is best to check specific sites for current hours.
- Important Information: Important information includes planning your trip ahead of time, checking the condition of specific segments, and being prepared for varying weather conditions.
- Admission Fee: Admission fees are not typically required for driving the route itself, but some attractions may charge for entry.
- How Long to Visit: A visit to Route 66 can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on how many attractions you wish to explore.
- Washrooms: Washrooms are commonly found at rest stops, parks, and attractions along Route 66, though availability may vary.
- How Long to Visit: A visit to Route 66 can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on how many attractions you wish to explore.
- Washrooms: Washrooms are commonly found at rest stops, parks, and attractions along Route 66, though availability may vary.
- Hours of Operation: Hours of operation vary by attraction and season, so it is best to check specific sites for current hours.
- Important Information: Important information includes planning your trip ahead of time, checking the condition of specific segments, and being prepared for varying weather conditions.
- Admission Fee: Admission fees are not typically required for driving the route itself, but some attractions may charge for entry.
- Handicap Accessible: Many attractions and stops along Route 66 are handicap accessible, but it is advisable to check specific locations in advance.
- Pets: Pets are generally welcome at many outdoor attractions along Route 66, but some indoor sites may have restrictions.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available in several towns along Route 66, often focusing on local history, culture, and iconic landmarks.
- Restaurant or Cafe: There are numerous restaurants and cafes along Route 66, ranging from classic diners to specialty eateries reflecting local cuisine.
- Gift Shop: Many towns along Route 66 feature gift shops selling souvenirs, local crafts, and memorabilia related to the historic route.
- Parking: Parking is available along various segments of Route 66, especially in towns and attractions, but may vary in size and accessibility.
- Family Friendly: Route 66 is family friendly, offering a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, including museums, parks, and quirky roadside stops.
- Photography: Route 66 offers numerous picturesque spots for photography, including vintage signs, classic diners, and scenic landscapes.
- WIFI: WiFi availability varies, with some cafes and attractions offering free access, while others may not have connectivity.
- Picnic Area: Picnic areas can be found in various parks and roadside stops, providing a nice place to relax and enjoy a meal.
- Parking: Parking is available along various segments of Route 66, especially in towns and attractions, but may vary in size and accessibility.
- Family Friendly: Route 66 is family friendly, offering a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, including museums, parks, and quirky roadside stops.
- Photography: Route 66 offers numerous picturesque spots for photography, including vintage signs, classic diners, and scenic landscapes.
- WIFI: WiFi availability varies, with some cafes and attractions offering free access, while others may not have connectivity.
- Picnic Area: Picnic areas can be found in various parks and roadside stops, providing a nice place to relax and enjoy a meal.
- Handicap Accessible: Many attractions and stops along Route 66 are handicap accessible, but it is advisable to check specific locations in advance.
- Pets: Pets are generally welcome at many outdoor attractions along Route 66, but some indoor sites may have restrictions.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available in several towns along Route 66, often focusing on local history, culture, and iconic landmarks.
- Restaurant or Cafe: There are numerous restaurants and cafes along Route 66, ranging from classic diners to specialty eateries reflecting local cuisine.
- Gift Shop: Many towns along Route 66 feature gift shops selling souvenirs, local crafts, and memorabilia related to the historic route.
Photos of Route 66
Stretching nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, Route 66 is a pilgrimage for road trip enthusiasts and cultural history buffs alike. Once a key artery for westward migration and trade, it has transformed into a retro-infused adventure filled with neon signs, vintage diners, roadside attractions, and wide-open skies.
While the highway was officially decommissioned in 1985, much of its original route remains drivable, with lovingly restored landmarks and quirky towns preserving its charm.
What to Expect
Driving Route 66 is more about the journey than the destination. You’ll pass through 8 states — Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California — each offering its own slice of history and culture.
Expect stretches of two-lane highway, historic motels with kitschy signs, classic diners, desert landscapes, cornfields, Native American trading posts, and famous pit stops like the Cadillac Ranch, Blue Whale of Catoosa, and the Wigwam Motel. Some sections have been rerouted, but well-marked "Historic Route 66" signs guide modern travelers along the original path.
Background and Cultural Context
Commissioned in 1926, Route 66 became a symbol of freedom and opportunity during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, when families headed west in search of work. It later gained fame in the postwar era as vacationing Americans hit the road for leisure, giving rise to a boom in diners, drive-ins, and mom-and-pop motels.
Immortalized in song, TV, and literature — including John Steinbeck’s *The Grapes of Wrath* — the route is now a nostalgic symbol of the American dream and the golden age of car travel.
Best Time to Drive
The ideal time for a full Route 66 journey is May through October. Spring and fall offer milder weather and lighter crowds. Summer has the advantage of open attractions and festivals, but expect heat — especially in the Southwest.
How to Get There
Start your journey in Chicago or Santa Monica, depending on your direction. Most travelers go east to west, echoing the migration path of early American road trippers. Rental cars or campervans are widely available in both cities, and there are Route 66-specific maps and guidebooks to help plan stops.
Photo Opportunities
- Route 66 Begin Sign in downtown Chicago
- Chain of Rocks Bridge in Missouri
- Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas
- Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona
- Santa Monica Pier — the symbolic end of the road
Travel Tips
- Bring physical maps — some stretches have limited cell service.
- Stay in original Route 66 motels when possible — they’re part of the charm.
- Leave time for detours — the best finds often aren’t on the map.
- Many attractions close midweek or off-season — check in advance.
FAQs
How long does it take to drive Route 66?
Most travelers spend 2 to 3 weeks, but it can be done in 7–10 days with limited stops.
Is all of Route 66 still drivable?
No — some segments have been replaced by interstates, but roughly 85% remains accessible, often marked as "Historic Route 66."
Is Route 66 safe to drive?
Yes — it’s generally safe, but stay alert in remote areas and watch for outdated signage or detours.
Final Thoughts
Driving Route 66 is a true American road trip icon — a rolling museum of pop culture, history, and enduring roadside kitsch. From the heartland to the Pacific, it’s a timeless ride across open highways and into the soul of the U.S.