1. Why Drive Route 66

Historic Route 66, known as the Mother Road, is one of the most iconic road trips in the world. Stretching 2,448 miles (3,940 km) from Chicago to Santa Monica, it takes you through small towns, desert landscapes, old diners, neon motels, classic Americana, and legends of U.S. road culture.

Route 66 is perfect for:

• Road trip lovers

• History and nostalgia travelers

• Couples & families

• Motorcycle riders

• Photography & adventure fans

From classic gas stations to quirky roadside attractions and vast open highways — Route 66 is a bucket-list journey.

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2. Best Time to Drive Route 66

The best months for a full Route 66 trip are May–October.

Tip: Summer heat in Arizona & California can reach 40°C+, so plan early morning driving.

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3. Where Route 66 Begins & Ends

• Start: Chicago, Illinois (Adams St. & Michigan Ave.)

• End: Santa Monica Pier, California

The full route crosses 8 states:

Illinois → Missouri → Kansas → Oklahoma → Texas → New Mexico → Arizona → California

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4. Best Things to See Along Route 66 (Top Stops by State)

Illinois

• Chicago Route 66 Start Sign — iconic photo spot

• Lou Mitchell’s Diner — classic breakfast

• Route 66 Museum (Pontiac)

• Cozy Dog Drive-In — birthplace of the corn dog

Missouri

• Gateway Arch (St. Louis)

• Meramec Caverns — outlaw Jesse James hideout

• Route 66 Car Museum (Springfield)

Kansas (short but historic section)

• Galena — “Tow Tater”, inspiration for Mater from Cars

• Baxter Springs Heritage Center

Oklahoma

• Blue Whale of Catoosa

• Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (Clinton)

• Round Barn of Arcadia

Texas

• Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo) — spray-paint art cars

• The Big Texan Steak Ranch — giant portions & 72-oz challenge

New Mexico

• Santa Fe — adobe architecture, art galleries

• Albuquerque neon signs

• Route 66 Diner

Arizona

• Petrified Forest National Park

• Winslow (“Standin’ on a Corner” Park)

• Meteor Crater

• Seligman — birthplace of Route 66 revival

• Oatman — wild donkeys on the streets

California

• Roy’s Motel & Café (Amboy)

• Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch

• Santa Monica Pier — official end of Route 66

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5. Road Trip Tips: Car, Speed Limits & Navigation

• Any car works, but a SUV or mid-size is most comfortable.

• Gas stations may be far apart in desert regions — fill up often.

• Speed limits vary 55–75 mph depending on the state.

• Use a mix of GPS + Route 66 maps/app to stay on the historic route.

• Avoid night driving in rural areas (animals on roads).

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6. Where to Stay: Best Towns & Motels

Iconic Motels to Try:

• Blue Swallow Motel (New Mexico)

• Wigwam Motel (“sleep in a teepee”) — Arizona & California

• Boots Court Motel (Missouri)

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7. Best Food & Classic Diners

Route 66 is famous for retro diners, burgers, pies, and milkshakes.

Must-Try Stops:

• Del Rhea’s Chicken Basket (Illinois)

• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (St. Louis)

• Rock Café (Oklahoma)

• MidPoint Café (Texas) — halfway point

• Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner (Arizona)

Try regional foods like BBQ (Texas), green chile dishes (New Mexico), and roadside pies.

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8. Budget & Costs

Typical Costs:

• Gas (full route): $350–$550

• Motel: $60–$120

• Restaurant meal: $12–$25

• Entrance fees/museums: $5–$20

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9. Suggested 7-Day Route 66 Itinerary

Day 1: Chicago → Springfield, IL
Start sign → Route 66 Museum → Cozy Dog Drive-In

Day 2: Springfield → St. Louis → Springfield, MO
Gateway Arch → Meramec Caverns

Day 3: Springfield, MO → Oklahoma City
Blue Whale → Route 66 Museums

Day 4: Oklahoma City → Amarillo
Round Barn → Cadillac Ranch → Big Texan

Day 5: Amarillo → Albuquerque
MidPoint Café → Santa Fe option → Historic Route 66 neon

Day 6: Albuquerque → Flagstaff
Petrified Forest → Winslow → Meteor Crater

Day 7: Flagstaff → Santa Monica
Seligman → Oatman → Bottle Tree Ranch → Santa Monica Pier

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10. Safety Tips

• Carry water & snacks — long desert stretches

• Watch for sudden weather changes (storms, heat)

• Keep speed limits to avoid rural-area tickets

• Maintain your car before the trip

• Avoid remote dirt roads unless prepared

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11. FAQ

How long is Route 66?
2,448 miles (3,940 km).

How many days do you need?
Ideal: 7–14 days.
Minimum: 5 days.
Relaxed version: 2–3 weeks.

Is Route 66 fully driveable today?
Yes — most sections are preserved or have alternatives.

What is the best section of Route 66?
Many travelers love Arizona & New Mexico for scenery and nostalgia.

Where does Route 66 end?
At Santa Monica Pier, California.