Top 15 places on Route 66 to see (plus places to drive away to)

The Route 66 journey is more than just traversing miles. It’s about discovering the history, culture and unique places that make up the atmosphere of this legendary route. In today’s post, we have collected places to stop at least for a while while traveling the Mother Road.

Driving Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles was one of the best adventures of our lives. And it’s by no means about the most breathtaking views – those, in our opinion, are elsewhere in the US. It’s all about the journey, traversing the 8 states, learning the differences and similarities, stopping at the most atmospheric places where you can feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

We spent over a month on the road, traveling in an RV with our three children. We went in late April and early May, when the weather was perfect for exploring this legendary route (except maybe for small exceptions in Oklahoma ;)). Importantly, this was not our first time in the US, but this trip allowed us to experience a whole new face of the country.

It was a unique adventure, full of discovering history, culture and unforgettable places that give this route its legendary status. Each stop had its own unique atmosphere, and even though sometimes it was literally one pub, or one neon sign or mural, it was still worth the stop.

Places along Route 66

Below, we share our top spots along the route itself, as well as a few points to visit while straying a bit from Route 66.

First, 15 places that are on Route 66 or very close to it. We focused on those places that are thematically related to the Mother Road, where there are some references to its history.

The order is from Chicago to LA!

1. Chicago, Illinois

The beginning of Route 66! It’s worth spending at least a day here to see the Willis Tower, ride the city’s railroad, which has tracks above street level(Union Loop), visit Millennium Park with its iconic “beans” and eat deep-dish pizza. Don’t forget to take a photo at the Start of Route 66 sign.

2 Springfield, Illinois

A place full of history related to Abraham Lincoln. This is where his family home is located, and the building and its immediate neighborhood have National HistoricSite status. The city also has a memorial and Lincoln’s resting place at Oak Ridge Cemetary.

Walking around the city, you can feel the spirit of the time of Lincoln’s presidency and discover many places that shaped US history.

3. Joplin, Missouri

An atmospheric city with interesting architecture and murals. Of particular note is the mural located at the intersection of Route 66 and S Main Street.

4. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

This city delighted us with its museums, most notably the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and the moving City Memorial commemorating the 1995 terrorist attack.

5. Adrian, Texas

The midpoint of Route 66. There is a billboard and a symbolic line painted on the road. Next door is the Midpoint Café, where you can celebrate beating the “halfway point” between Chicago and Los Angeles.

6 Tucumcari, New Mexico

The city is known for its neon signs, retro motels and colorful murals (such as TeePee Curios and Blue Swallow Motel). It’s the perfect place to take souvenir photos and relax.

7. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

An unusual place where you can see fossilized trees from millions of years ago and the picturesque Painted Desert. It is the only national park through which Route 66 passes.

8 Holbrook, Arizona

The place is known for its Wigwam Motel, where you can stay overnight in tipi-shaped rooms with vintage cars in front of them.

9 Winslow, Arizona

An iconic town thanks to Standin’ on the Corner Park, commemorating an Eagles song. Here is also probably the largest Route 66 sign on the road. The perfect place to take a break for a while.

10 Flagstaff, Arizona

Brick buildings, street art and the atmosphere of a mountain town. Flagstaff is often the base for trips to the Grand Canyon, but it deserves attention in its own right.

11 Seligman, Arizona

A colorful town full of souvenir stores and authentic 1950s restaurants and motels (this is where Delgadillo’s famous Snow Cap is located). A must-stop for lovers of the Route 66 climate.

12 Kingman, Arizona

A historic town with a museum where you can learn much more about Route 66. Be sure to check out the unique Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner.

13 Oatman, Arizona

Western town where wild donkeys roam freely through the streets. You can feel the atmosphere of the old Wild West here, especially if you hit the gunsmith show. The city is ostensibly a ghost town, but it has permanent residents.

14 Amboy, California

Roy’s Motel & Café, a lonely gas station in the middle of nowhere, is a place beloved by photographers and lovers of classic Route 66 style.

15 Santa Monica Pier, California

The last stop of Route 66, where the route reaches the ocean. A walk on the pier, a photo at the End of Route 66 sign and a view of the sunset is the perfect end to the trip.

Places worth visiting near Route 66

You already know where to stay on Route 66, but what if you’re interested in other places that aren’t necessarily associated with the legendary road?

In this section we share our favorite places that, although not directly on the route, are worth visiting. From breathtaking natural wonders to extraordinary cities, these points will make your trip even more memorable.

1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

An American national park that needs no introduction to anyone. Although it is not directly on the route, the view from the edge of the canyon is breathtaking. You don’t have to go deep into the canyon right away – many viewpoints have been designated here, which can be reached by car.

2. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

A spectacular horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River that can be viewed from the edge of the canyon. Perfect for a short walk and memorable photos.

3. meteor crater, Arizona

The best preserved meteorite impact crater in the world. This place is not only a great lesson in geology, but also offers breathtaking views. The crater is close to Route 66 and could easily be in the section above, but there is no Route 66 vibe here.

4. Las Vegas, Nevada

A city of lights and entertainment that, while far from the Route 66 atmosphere, offers countless attractions and shows the contrast between wilderness and metropolis. It can be an ideal base for trips to nearby parks or the Hoover Dam.

5. Joshua Tree National Park, California

A magnificent national park known for its unique rock formations and distinctive Joshua trees. Perfect for hiking and enjoying the sunset.

6. Branson, Missouri

A city in Missouri, famous for its country music, entertaining shows and family attractions. A bit kitschy, to be sure, but at the same time very unique.

7 Roswell, New Mexico

A place known for its UFO stories, offering unique museums and attractions related to aliens. Highly recommended, especially for those who love the subject matter.

Our opinion

Route 66 is more than a route – it’s the adventure of a lifetime. Not only traversing the road, but also visiting places near it, you can experience America’s remarkable diversity. Whether you’re dreaming of neon lights, landscapes or a western vibe, this trip, in our opinion, will stay in your memory forever, just like ours :)