So you wanna get your kicks on Route 66? Smart move. Forget the generic hype, this is the real deal for anyone craving old-school Americana, weird roadside wonders, and the pure freedom of the open road. This isn't just a highway; it's a time machine stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica. I've driven it twice, slept in questionable motels, eaten legendary pie, and got stranded near Tucumcari (more on that later). This guide cuts through the fluff and gives you everything – seriously, everything – you need to plan, drive, and absolutely love your Route 66 adventure. Want to truly get your kicks on Route 66? You've landed in the right spot.
Planning this trip can feel overwhelming. Eight states? Over 2,400 miles? What's worth stopping for? How much time? Where to stay? Don't sweat it. I've broken it down, mile by quirky mile, packed with the specifics you crave: exact addresses, current opening hours, realistic prices, navigation tips (GPS hates old alignments!), and those hidden gems most blogs miss. Plus, the hard-won lessons from my own flat tires and bad diner choices. Let's get you ready to get your kicks on Route 66 like a pro.
Why Route 66? More Than Just a Road
Honestly, why bother with old Route 66 when the interstates are faster? Speed isn't the point. This road drips with history. Born in 1926, it was the escape route for Dust Bowl refugees dreaming of California, the lifeline for small towns, the birthplace of the mom-and-pop motel and the neon-lit diner. Driving it now feels like flipping through a living scrapbook. You're not just passing through places; you're touching stories. Nat King Cole sang about it for a reason – the call to adventure, the romance of the road. That feeling of rolling into a tiny town with a giant fiberglass muffler man? That’s the magic. That’s the kick.
Key Tip: Route 66 isn't one continuous road anymore. Large sections are gone, replaced by Interstates (I-55, I-44, I-40, I-15). To truly get your kicks on Route 66, you need good maps (like the EZ66 Guide by Jerry McClanahan) or apps (Route 66 Navigation App) dedicated to finding the original alignments. Relying solely on Google Maps will land you on the boring interstate every time.
Planning Your Route 66 Road Trip: Time, Budget, Wheels
How long do you need?
This is the big one. Rushing Route 66 is like chugging fine wine. Minimum? Two weeks. That gives you time for the major sights without driving 10 hours daily. Honestly, three weeks is better. Four weeks? Bliss. You can linger at the Grand Canyon, explore Santa Fe, spend an extra day in a cool spot you discover. If you only have one week, choose a section – maybe Chicago to Tulsa, or Albuquerque to LA. Trying to cram the whole thing into less than 14 days means you'll spend more time driving than experiencing. Not the way to get your kicks on Route 66.
Budgeting realistically.
Forget those "See America for $20 a day!" fantasies. A comfortable mid-range budget for two people sharing a room:
| Item | Estimated Daily Cost (Per Person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $60 - $120 | Historic motels, mid-range chains. Book slightly ahead in summer! Last-minute "vintage charm" can mean "no AC" real quick. |
| Food & Drink | $40 - $75 | Mix of diners, cafes, groceries, occasional nicer meal. Diner breakfasts are your friend. Pie is practically mandatory. |
| Gas | $30 - $50 | Varies wildly with vehicle and gas prices. Mileage adds up! Fill up in towns, don't risk empty stretches. |
| Attractions/Souvenirs | $15 - $40 | Museums (often $5-$15), Cadillac Ranch spray paint ($5 can), kitschy souvenirs. Adds up faster than you think. |
| Vehicle Rental (if applicable) | $50 - $100 | Split between people. Factor in insurance and potential one-way drop fees (often hefty!). |
| Total Daily Estimate (Per Person) | $165 - $325 | Can be done cheaper camping/cooking, or much higher for luxury. Mid-range is realistic. |
My mistake on trip one? Underestimating gas and attraction costs. Thought I'd just drive and look. Wrong! You *will* want to stop at that weird museum and buy that vintage postcard. Budget for impulse stops. It's part of the fun when you get your kicks on Route 66.
Choosing Your Steed
A convertible? Classic muscle car? RV? Sedan? Honestly, reliability trumps romance. You'll be logging serious miles, often through remote areas. That gorgeous '57 Chevy might look perfect for Instagram, but if it breaks down in the Mojave desert, your kicks turn into kicks against the tire. A comfortable, modern, fuel-efficient car is ideal. Good AC is non-negotiable in the Southwest summer. An SUV offers more space if camping. RVs are great but harder to park in small-town main streets. Whatever you choose, get a thorough check-up before you leave. Trust me on this.
Must-See Stops & Hidden Gems: State by State Breakdown
Alright, let's hit the road! I'm breaking this down by state, focusing on the absolute highlights and those easily missed spots that make Route 66 special. I'll give you the practical stuff you need.
Illinois: Where the Mother Road Begins
Start strong at the "Begin" sign in Chicago (Adams St. & Michigan Ave.). Don't linger downtown too long – traffic is brutal.
- Gemini Giant (Wilmington): Huge spaceman holding a rocket. Address: 810 E Baltimore St, Wilmington, IL 60481. Always accessible (roadside). Free. Photo op essential! Nearby Launching Pad Drive-In is good for a snack.
- Pontiac Mural Town & Route 66 Hall of Fame: Incredible murals everywhere. Hall of Fame: 110 W Howard St, Pontiac, IL 61764. Hours: Vary seasonally (check website), usually 9 AM - 5 PM. Small admission fee (around $5). Worth it.
- Cozy Dog Drive In (Springfield): Birthplace of the corn dog! Address: 2935 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62703. Hours: Mon-Sat 8 AM - 8 PM. Closed Sun. Cheap eats, definite vibe. Get the cozy dog, obviously.
Missouri: Caves, Cars, and the Mule Bridge
Rolling hills and cool towns. Meramec Caverns is touristy but genuinely impressive.
- Meramec Caverns (Stanton): Huge cave system, Jesse James hideout legend. Address: 1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080. Hours: Summer 8:30 AM - 7 PM (tours leave approx. every 20 min), winter shorter hours. Ticket: Around $27 adult. Book online possible. Gets crowded.
- Cars on the Route (Galena): Inspiration for Tow Mater! Meet the real "Tow Tater" truck. Address: 119 N Main St, Galena, KS 66739 (Note: Technically KS, but right on MO border popular MO stop). Souvenirs, snacks, photo ops. Free to visit.
- Devil's Elbow & Mule Bridge: Scenic old alignment crossing the Big Piney River on a historic bridge. Address: Look for signs near Devils Elbow, MO. Accessible, free. Shady spot, great for a break.
Kansas: Short but Sweet
Only about 13 miles of Route 66, but packs a punch.
- Rainbow Bridge (Riverton): Beautiful Marsh Arch bridge, one of the last. Address: SE 50th St, Riverton, KS 66770 (gravel road access). Free. Picturesque, especially early/late light.
- Eisler Bros. Old Riverton Store (Riverton): Classic 1920s general store. Address: 7109 KS-66, Riverton, KS 66770. Hours: Typically Mon-Sat 8 AM - 6 PM, Sun 10 AM - 5 PM (call ahead!). Old-school soda fountain, souvenirs.
Oklahoma: The Heart of Route 66
More miles of drivable 66 than any other state. Oil history, giant things, great museums.
- Blue Whale (Catoosa): Iconic giant blue whale in a pond. Address: 2600 Route 66, Catoosa, OK 74015. Always accessible (park open dawn-dusk). Free. Walk through his mouth!
- Route 66 Interpretive Center (Chandler): Fantastic museum in a historic building. Address: 400 E 1st St, Chandler, OK 74834. Hours: Tue-Sat 9 AM - 4 PM. Admission: ~$7 adult. Highly recommended.
- POPS (Arcadia): Giant soda bottle, hundreds of soda flavors. Address: 660 OK-66, Arcadia, OK 73007. Open Daily 6 AM - 10 PM (restaurant hours vary). Fun stop, food is okay, soda selection insane. Lit up beautifully at night.
- Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (Clinton): The best state-specific museum? Maybe. Address: 2229 W Gary Blvd, Clinton, OK 73601. Hours: Mon-Sat 9 AM - 5 PM, Sun 1 PM - 5 PM. Admission: ~$7 adult. Very well done.
Texas: Panhandle Flats & Big Texan Dreams
The Texas Panhandle is long, straight, and windy. Amarillo is your oasis.
- Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo): 10 Caddies buried nose-down. Bring spray paint! Address: 13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124. Always accessible. Free. Gets muddy if recent rain. Paint cheap at nearby stores.
- Midpoint Cafe (Adrian): Official midpoint of Route 66! Famous for Ugly Crust Pie. Address: 305 W Historic Route 66, Adrian, TX 79001. Hours: Typically 8 AM - 4 PM daily (call ahead!). Pie is fantastic. Buy the bumper sticker.
- The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo): Home of the free 72oz steak... if you can eat it in an hour. Address: 7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118. Open daily 7 AM - 10:30 PM. Food is decent Texas fare, atmosphere is loud fun. Even if you don't attempt the steak.
New Mexico: Mountains, Pueblos, and Chile
Diverse landscapes and deep history. Santa Fe loop is a must (oldest capital).
- Santa Fe Plaza: Historic heart, end of the Santa Fe Loop. Shops, galleries, history. Parking tricky, use garages. Free to wander.
- Tucumcari Tonight!: Neon wonderland. See the Blue Swallow Motel (stay if you can!), TeePee Curios. Motel addresses visible along Route 66 Blvd. Best viewed at dusk/night. Free.
- Route 66 Auto Museum (Santa Rosa): Cool cars, memorabilia. Address: 2436 Historic Rte 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435. Hours: Summer 7:30 AM - 7 PM, winter 8 AM - 5 PM. Admission: ~$5. Worth the stop for car buffs.
- El Rancho Hotel (Gallup): "Home of the Movie Stars," old Hollywood stayed here. Address: 1000 E Hwy 66, Gallup, NM 87301. Lobby is free to explore, historic photos. Rooms dated but atmospheric.
Arizona: Canyons, Craters, and Classic Stops
Stunning scenery. Takes time, don't rush. Grand Canyon detour essential.
- Petrified Forest National Park: Amazing landscapes, giant logs turned to stone. Entrance on Route 66 near Holbrook. Address: Petrified Forest National Park, AZ. Hours: Park generally 7 AM - 7 PM summer, shorter winter. Visitor centers vary. Admission: $25 per vehicle (7-day pass). Allow 2-3 hours minimum. Don't steal the wood!
- Wigwam Motel (Holbrook): Sleep in a concrete teepee! Address: 811 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook, AZ 86025. Book MONTHS ahead! Iconic photo op even if not staying.
- Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim): Detour north approx. 60 miles from Williams. Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle. Allow a FULL DAY. Crowded, book lodging/campsites far ahead. Views are mind-blowing.
- Meteor Crater (Winslow): Giant hole in the ground from a meteor. Address: Interstate 40, Exit 233, Winslow, AZ 86047. Hours: 8 AM - 6 PM. Admission: ~$25 adult. Expensive but impressive. Nice museum.
- Standin' on the Corner (Winslow): Eagles song tribute. Address: Corner of Kinsley & 2nd St, Winslow, AZ. Always accessible. Free. Fun photo, usually a flatbed Ford parked there.
- Oatman (AZ): Wild burros roam the streets of this old mining town. Rugged mountain road to get there (Route 66 original alignment). Address: Oatman, AZ 86433. Burros always wandering. Shops open roughly 9 AM - 5 PM. Crowded on weekends. Drive carefully!
California: The Desert Run to the Pacific
The final stretch through desert and mountains to the ocean.
- Roy's Motel & Cafe (Amboyd): Iconic abandoned Googie sign. Address: 87520 National Trails Hwy, Amboy, CA 92304. Cafe often closed, sign always viewable. Free. Classic photo stop in the desert.
- Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch (Oro Grande): Forest of folk art made from bottles. Address: 24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368. Hours: Usually daylight hours, owner dependent (honor box donation). Free/$5 donation requested. Unique and photogenic.
- Wigwam Motel (San Bernardino): Sister to Holbrook's. Address: 2728 Foothill Blvd, San Bernardino, CA 92410. Also book ahead! California version.
- Santa Monica Pier: End of the Trail! Official "End of the Trail" sign is on the pier. Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Pier open 24/7, shops/rides have hours. Parking expensive/limited. Crowded. Walk to the end, touch the sign, dip your toes in the Pacific. You made it.
Where to Sleep: Motels, Motor Courts & More
Part of the charm of Route 66 is staying in historic motels. But it's not all neon perfection. Some are lovingly restored gems, others are... well, historic in the "needs work" sense. Here's the lowdown:
| Motel Name & Location | Vibe & Experience | Price Range (Per Night) | Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wigwam Motels (Holbrook, AZ & San Bernardino, CA) | Iconic concrete teepees. Small, basic, atmospheric. Clean. Shared bathrooms at Holbrook, private in CA. | $120 - $180 | BOOK MONTHS IN ADVANCE, especially Holbrook. Seriously. |
| Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcari, NM) | Neon masterpiece, individually decorated rooms, garages! Fantastic hosts. Super clean, cozy. | $150 - $250 | Book extremely far ahead (6+ months for summer). Worth every penny. |
| Munger Moss Motel (Lebanon, MO) | Classic 1940s motor court, huge neon sign. Rooms renovated but retain charm. Feels like stepping back. | $80 - $130 | Popular, book a few weeks/months ahead. Owners are Route 66 legends. |
| Boots Court Motel (Carthage, MO) | Beautifully restored Art Deco gem where Clark Gable stayed! Modern comforts within historic walls. | $100 - $170 | Book ahead, popular. Very well done. |
| Motel Safari (Tucumcari, NM) | Bright neon, fun vibe, clean rooms. Great value for Tucumcari neon strip. | $70 - $120 | Easier to book than Blue Swallow, still book ahead for peak season. |
| Chain Hotels (Various) | Comfort Inn, Best Western etc. Reliable, predictable, boring. Good AC, wifi, breakfast. | $80 - $160 | Often easier last-minute booking. Use apps like Booking.com. Okay when you just need reliable sleep. |
Lesson learned the hard way: I once gambled on a "vintage" motel in Shamrock, TX without checking recent reviews. The neon was cool. The smell and questionable stains? Less cool. Now I prioritize recent reviews mentioning CLEANLINESS over just "character." You can find both, but check!
Camping? Absolutely possible! State parks, RV parks, even some roadside spots (check regulations). Good budget option, especially west of Oklahoma. Bring water.
Eating Your Way Down 66: Diner Classics & Local Flavors
Route 66 is a diner lover's paradise. Expect burgers, fries, shakes, and PIE. Lots of pie. But there are surprises too. Here's what to eat and where:
- Breakfast: Diner breakfasts are king. Eggs, bacon, hash browns, pancakes. Cheap, filling, fast. Cozy Dog (Springfield, IL), Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger (Miami, OK) (opens early!), Melrose Diner (Tucumcari, NM).
- Burgers & Dogs: Classic roadside fare. Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger (Miami, OK) has the iconic sign. Delgadillo's Snow Cap (Seligman, AZ) is pure fun (closed Tues/Wed). Cozy Dog (Springfield, IL) for the original corn dog.
- Mexican & New Mexican Cuisine: Gets better as you head west. New Mexico is famous for Hatch green chile – order it on everything! El Rancho Hotel (Gallup, NM) has solid New Mexican. La Fonda (Santa Fe, NM) is historic and good (pricey). Taquerias in California are plentiful.
- Steaks: Texas panhandle, obviously. The Big Texan (Amarillo, TX) is the experience. Smaller steakhouses exist in towns like McLean.
- PIE: Non-negotiable. Look for homemade signs. Midpoint Cafe (Adrian, TX) Ugly Crust Pie is famous. Rock Cafe (Stroud, OK) has great pie (and history). Pie-O-Neer (Pie Town, NM) – yes, it's a detour, but PIE TOWN!
- Oddities: Fried pickles, rattlesnake sausage (Arizona), green chile ice cream (New Mexico – surprisingly good!). Be adventurous!
Essential Route 66 Road Trip Tips (From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way)
- Navigation is Key: GPS WILL fail you on old alignments. Get the EZ66 Guide by Jerry McClanahan (the bible) and/or the Route 66 Navigation App. Have physical maps as backup. Seriously, don't skip this.
- Patience is Fuel: It's not a race. Detours for photo ops, talking to locals, getting lost (planned or unplanned) are half the fun. Don't try to do 500 miles daily.
- Cash Still Talks: Especially at small town diners, mom-and-pop shops, entry fees for quirky attractions, and toll bridges (like the Chain of Rocks Bridge near St. Louis). Keep small bills.
- Weather Whiplash: Blazing desert heat, Midwestern thunderstorms, mountain chills. Pack layers – shorts AND a jacket, rain shell. Check forecasts daily. Southwest summer heat is no joke; hydrate like crazy.
- Car Preparedness: Spare tire (full size if possible), jack, jumper cables, basic tools, water, non-perishable snacks, flashlight. Cell service is spotty in many areas (Arizona desert, New Mexico mountains). Consider a satellite messenger if going remote.
- Talk to People: Motel owners, shopkeepers, fellow travelers. They have the best stories and tips. Ask "What shouldn't I miss around here?"
- Support the Local Spots: Skip the chain whenever possible. Eat at the diner, buy souvenirs from the independent shop, stay at the historic motel. These places keep the spirit alive.
- Leave No Trace: Especially important in the desert and national parks. Pack out your trash. Don't deface historic sites (looking at you, Cadillac Ranch – stick to the cars!).
- Flexibility Rules: That cool museum might be closed unexpectedly (Tuesday/Wednesday are common closure days for small attractions). Your planned lunch spot might have a 2-hour wait. Have backup options mentally filed.
Common Route 66 Questions Answered (The Stuff You Actually Wonder)
Is it safe to drive Route 66?
Generally, yes. It passes through rural areas and small towns. Standard road trip precautions apply: lock your car, don't leave valuables visible, be aware of surroundings, especially at night in isolated areas. Some larger cities have higher crime rates – research areas if planning to stay overnight in places like St. Louis or Albuquerque (stick to well-reviewed hotels/motels in decent areas). Driving-wise, some stretches of old alignment are narrow, winding, or unpaved – drive cautiously.
When is the best time to drive Route 66?
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) are ideal. Mild temperatures generally across the route, fewer crowds than summer, less risk of extreme weather. Summer (June-August) is peak season but HOT, especially in the Southwest deserts (Arizona, California). Can be brutally hot. Accommodations book up fast and prices peak. Winter (November-March) can be beautiful but risky. Snow and ice are common in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico mountains, and Arizona high country (like near Flagstaff/Grand Canyon). Many smaller attractions/motels have reduced hours or close seasonally. Check carefully.
Should I drive East to West or West to East?
Traditionally, it's Chicago to Santa Monica (West to East), following the historical migration path. This feels like "progress" towards the ocean. Sun is behind you more often driving West. However, driving East to West (Santa Monica to Chicago) is perfectly fine! You still see everything. Some argue starting at the beach is more relaxing. Choose based on your starting point or flight deals. The road is the same either way.
Can I drive Route 66 in an RV?
Yes, BUT with significant caveats. Many original Route 66 alignments are narrow, have low bridges or tight corners, or are unpaved. RVs (especially larger ones) will be restricted to the modern interstate highways for much of the journey, missing the historic charm. Smaller Class B/C RVs have more flexibility. Research RV-friendly alignments carefully (the EZ66 Guide marks them). Finding parking in small towns can be very difficult. RV parks are plentiful near the interstates, less so on the old road.
How difficult is it to find the old road?
It can be challenging, especially without the right tools. Large sections are gone. Others are dirt roads. Signage is inconsistent (sometimes good, often non-existent). This is why the EZ66 Guide or a dedicated Route 66 Navigation App is absolutely essential. They show you exactly where the drivable historic sections are and how to connect them. Don't rely on Google Maps alone – it defaults to the fastest interstate route.
Is Route 66 suitable for motorcycles?
Route 66 is a hugely popular motorcycle trip! The open road vibe is perfect. However, be extra cautious on unpaved sections (sand/gravel), which can be treacherous for bikes. Watch for potholes on older paved sections. Wind can be fierce, especially in Oklahoma/Texas/New Mexico/Arizona deserts. Gear up appropriately. Motels are generally bike-friendly.
Is Route 66 kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Giant dinosaurs, muffler men, funky motels, ice cream stops, Cadillac Ranch – kids love the quirky sights. Break up driving days with playground stops (many small towns have them). Pack plenty of car activities/snacks. Be mindful of the heat in summer. Choose motels with pools if possible. National Parks (Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest) are fantastic for kids.
What's the one thing most people regret not doing on Route 66?
Not allowing enough time. Seriously. Trying to cram it into 10 days means constant driving and missing the spontaneous stops – the chat with the old-timer at the gas station, the extra slice of pie at the local cafe, the detour down that beckoning side road. Give yourself the gift of time to truly soak it in. That's how you get authentic kicks on Route 66.
Final Thoughts Before You Hit the Road
Planning a Route 66 trip takes effort. Finding the old road, booking those iconic motels, figuring out the logistics – it's work. But oh man, is it worth it. There's nothing like cruising down a lonely stretch of original pavement, windows down, desert wind blowing, knowing you're driving the same path as generations of dreamers, drifters, and adventurers. You'll see beauty, weirdness, history, and kindness. You'll eat pie that deserves awards and maybe a burger that doesn't. You'll get lost, find your way, and make memories that stick.
It won't be perfect. Some attractions might be closed. That diner might be overhyped. Your vintage motel room might be smaller than expected. Embrace it. The imperfections are part of the story. Route 66 isn't Disneyland; it's real, sometimes faded, always resilient America.
So get your maps, check your tire pressure, pack your sense of adventure (and that EZ66 Guide!), and hit the road. The Mother Road is waiting. Go get your kicks.
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