USA

The Ultimate 15-Day Route 66 Road Trip Guide

Route 66, also known as the “Main Street of America,” is the quintessential American road trip. Stretching over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, this historic route takes travelers through classic Americana scenery, vibrant cities, and iconic landmarks. Here’s a guide for a 15-day adventure down Route 66, with tips to make the most of each day.

Day 1: Arrival in Chicago

Kick off your journey in the Windy City! Chicago is full of must-sees to prepare you for the road ahead.

Tips:

  • Stay: Choose a hotel near Michigan Avenue or The Loop for easy access to attractions.
  • Explore: Walk along Navy Pier, visit Millennium Park, and get a panoramic view from the Willis Tower Skydeck.
  • Dine: Try deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s.

Day 2: Chicago – Pontiac – Springfield – St. Louis (2 Nights)

Leave early to make a few stops along the way. Pontiac is home to the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, and Springfield, Illinois, is Abraham Lincoln’s hometown.

Tips:

  • Pontiac: Explore the murals around town and visit the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame.
  • Springfield: Stop by the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
  • St. Louis Arrival: Check into a hotel downtown for easy access to attractions on Day 3.

Day 3: St. Louis Sightseeing

St. Louis is famous for its stunning Gateway Arch and lively neighborhoods.

Tips:

  • Gateway Arch: Take a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch for panoramic views.
  • Soulard District: Explore historic Soulard, especially the farmer’s market if open.
  • Dining: Try St. Louis-style barbecue at Pappy’s Smokehouse.

Day 4: St. Louis – Meramec Caverns – Branson

Head out early to visit the Meramec Caverns, an ancient cave system that was a rumored hideout for Jesse James. Continue to Branson, known for live entertainment and the Ozark Mountains.

Tips:

  • Meramec Caverns: Take a guided tour of the cave and enjoy the cool, atmospheric experience.
  • Branson: Book a show in advance—Branson is known for live country music and variety shows.
  • Stay: Choose a lodge with a view of the Ozark Mountains.

Day 5: Branson – Claremore – Oklahoma City (2 Nights)

Enjoy the scenic drive to Claremore, Oklahoma, and visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. Then head to Oklahoma City, where Route 66 history comes alive.

Tips:

  • Will Rogers Museum: Learn about the life and legacy of Oklahoma’s famous entertainer.
  • Oklahoma City: Choose a hotel near Bricktown, a district filled with dining, nightlife, and entertainment.

Day 6: Oklahoma City Sightseeing

Spend the day exploring Oklahoma City, known for its cowboy culture and Route 66 history.

Tips:

  • National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: Dive into the Old West with exhibits on cowboy life and Native American culture.
  • Bricktown: Take a canal boat ride and explore local shops and restaurants.
  • Oklahoma City National Memorial: Visit this powerful memorial to honor the lives affected by the 1995 bombing.

Day 7: Oklahoma City – Route 66 Museum – Amarillo

On your way to Texas, stop at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. Amarillo, Texas, offers a true taste of the Lone Star State.

Tips:

  • Route 66 Museum: Enjoy exhibits on the history of Route 66 in Oklahoma.
  • Amarillo Arrival: Stop by the Big Texan Steak Ranch for a Texas-sized meal.

Day 8: Amarillo – Albuquerque (2 Nights)

Take a scenic drive through the Texas Panhandle and into New Mexico. Albuquerque is known for its Southwest charm and cultural attractions.

Tips:

  • Cadillac Ranch: Spray-paint your own art onto these iconic, half-buried cars.
  • Albuquerque Stay: Find a hotel near the Old Town for easy access to cultural sights.

Day 9: Albuquerque Sightseeing

Explore Albuquerque’s vibrant blend of Native American and Spanish cultures.

Tips:

  • Old Town: Wander through shops selling Native American jewelry and Southwestern art.
  • Sandia Peak Tramway: Take a tram up Sandia Peak for breathtaking views of the desert landscape.
  • Local Dining: Try a green chile cheeseburger or enchiladas with New Mexico’s famous chile sauce.

Day 10: Albuquerque – Flagstaff

Head west towards Arizona. Flagstaff, located on the edge of the San Francisco Peaks, is a nature-lover’s paradise.

Tips:

  • Winslow: Stop and take a photo “Standing on the Corner” in Winslow, Arizona.
  • Meteor Crater: Visit this massive meteorite impact site on your way to Flagstaff.
  • Flagstaff Stay: Find a cozy lodge or hotel with views of the San Francisco Peaks.

Day 11: Flagstaff – Cameron Trading Post – Grand Canyon National Park

Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, stopping by the historic Cameron Trading Post on the way.

Tips:

  • Cameron Trading Post: Explore Native American crafts and enjoy a Navajo-inspired meal.
  • Grand Canyon: Drive along the South Rim and take in one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
  • Stay: Consider staying in one of the lodges within the Grand Canyon National Park for an early start the next day.

Day 12: Grand Canyon National Park – Seligman – Las Vegas (2 Nights)

After a morning at the Grand Canyon, head to Las Vegas. Make a pitstop in Seligman, a quirky Route 66 town full of memorabilia.

Tips:

  • Seligman: Stop by Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In for a classic diner experience.
  • Las Vegas Arrival: Book a hotel on the Las Vegas Strip for convenient access to attractions.

Day 13: Las Vegas

Las Vegas offers endless entertainment, from casinos to live shows to world-class dining.

Tips:

  • Sightseeing: Explore the Strip and take in the themed hotels, fountains, and lights.
  • Shows: Book a Cirque du Soleil or magic show for a true Vegas experience.
  • Dining: Treat yourself to a luxurious dinner at one of Las Vegas’s top restaurants.

Day 14: Las Vegas – Los Angeles

Set out for your final destination: Los Angeles. The drive takes you through the Mojave Desert, offering dramatic landscapes as you approach the Pacific Ocean.

Tips:

  • Calico Ghost Town: Stop at this Old West ghost town along the way.
  • Santa Monica Pier: Complete your Route 66 journey with a photo at the “End of the Trail” sign on the pier.
  • Los Angeles Stay: Book a hotel in Santa Monica or West Hollywood for easy beach access and sightseeing.

Day 15: Departure from Los Angeles

Spend your last day soaking up the California sunshine and exploring L.A. highlights before heading home.

Tips:

  • Hollywood: Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame or visit the TCL Chinese Theatre.
  • Beverly Hills: Stroll through Rodeo Drive for luxury shopping and iconic L.A. vibes.
  • Departure: Make time to relax at Santa Monica Beach before you wrap up your Route 66 adventure.

Additional Travel Tips:

  • Car Rental: Book a reliable vehicle with unlimited mileage, and consider a convertible to enjoy the scenery.
  • Packing Essentials: Bring a map or download a Route 66 app, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and sun protection.
  • Planning Ahead: Book hotels and tours in advance, especially for popular attractions like the Grand Canyon.
  • Local Snacks: Don’t miss out on local treats along the way, like Chicago deep-dish pizza, Oklahoma City barbecue, and Texan steaks.

Exploring Route 66 offers a once-in-a-lifetime road trip experience filled with classic Americana, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable memories from Chicago to Los Angeles. Enjoy the journey!

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