If you've driven along Old Route 66, then a lot of the driving you're doing will be along present-day Interstate 40. Connecting Barstow, CA to Wilmington, NC, much of the Western portion overlaps what was once the Mother Road. These days, it's part of a much larger highway that connects the western half of the country with the eastern half, via Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee. Passing through major cities like Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Oklahoma City Little Rock, Memphis, and Nashville, it's a great route to take when touring some of the interesting spots across the South as well. With that, here are some of the coolest, must-see stops along I-40!
Barstow is a small town that oozes kitschy Old Route 66 vibes! Spend some time exploring the town's Route 66 'Mother Road' Museum or the Western American Rail Road Museum, or stock up on snacks and souvenirs at Barstow Station, a massive rest stop.
Surrounded by National Forests and designated Wilderness areas, Flagstaff is an oasis of natural beauty that can give you the comforts of a big city. Check out the Museum of Northern Arizona during the day and the Lowell Observatory come nightfall. Grab dinner at Diablo Burger if you're craving fresh food as a respite from all the fast food you normally eat on road trips. And, if you're in search of hotels in Flagstaff, the city provides tons of options. The Little America Hotel in Flagstaff features a gorgeous setting in a pine forest, and the Starlight Pines Bed and Breakfast will make you feel like royalty with the clawfoot tubs, private balconies, delicious breakfasts and comfy beds.
Eventually, I-40 will take you to Albuquerque. Famous for its balloon festival and association with the cult TV show "Breaking Bad", this town has loads of artsy Southwestern charm. Visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, grab a bite to eat at Perea's New Mexican Restaurant, and tuck in for the night at the Nativo Lodge... or just drive past Walter White's house on your way through! As for hotels in Albuquerque, there are some cool options. Hotel Parq Central is an old hospital turned sleek hotel, Hotel Cascada has a waterpark onsite, and the Casas de Suenos let you rent your own private cottage right in Old Town!
The whole town of Tucumcari is pure retro bliss, but the crown jewel of the community might be Tee Pee Curios. The sign, decor, and building (with its concrete teepee out front) ooze an authentic 1950's aesthetic, and if you stop inside, you'll find a collection of souvenirs that range from kitschy to certified American Indian crafts. Take pictures of the vintage neon around town and support Tucumcari's comeback-- ever since Route 66 went defunct, the once-bustling town has begun to slip into obscurity.
Welcome to Amarillo, TX! This town in Texas's panhandle is a great place to experience the Lone Star State, since I-40 only passes through a small portion of it. Home to the kitschy Big Texan Steak Ranch and authentic Tyler's BBQ, it's got some good eats. You'll also find the vintage Wonderland Amusement Park, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum here! There are some great hotels in Amarillo, too. The Courtyard in Downtown Amarillo is in a historic building with a great location, and the Ashmore Inn and Suites is incredibly relaxing, with a nice pool and gazebos where you can watch the sun set!
From a recreation of the Wright Brothers glider to an F-4 Phantom to spacesuits that were worn by astronauts in flight, the Stafford Air and Space Museum does a great job of covering the history of air and space flight. They have 3,500 artifacts and objects on display, including a very impressive display on the US's nuclear missiles, complete with a Titan II rocket.
Oklahoma City is the next major urban center along I-40. Home to awesomely offbeat attractions like the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the Museum of Osteology, and the American Banjo Museum, along with an aquarium, a zoo, a science museum, an art museum, a history museum, and tons more, it's a rich city bursting with things to see and do. Hit up Ann's Chicken Fry House or Tucker's for an onion burger and tuck in for the night at OKC's boutique hotel, The Colcord.
As you continue along I-40, you'll make your way into Arkansas. Stop at the Fort Smith National Historic Site for a look into the state's past. The fort was established in 1817, right as the country began to move West, which means that this fort saw a lot: outlaws, clashes with Native Americans, the Trail of Tears, settlers struggling to tame the West, and more. Tour the old buildings and the visitor center, which houses a museum with artifacts that tell the story of Fort Smith.
Arkadelphia, Arkansas, United States
Get out of the car and breathe in the fresh air on a hike at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The views from the top of the mountain are utterly breathtaking, and the trail up is a fun hike. There are also some great swimming spots, and the park's visitor center is a great stop offering lovely views as well.
North Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
Home to historic sites like the Old State House Museum, Little Rock Central High School, and the Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock is a town rich with culture. If you can, stop for a bite at Doe's Eat Place or stretch your legs at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park!
There's no bad time to road trip I-40, and thankfully, snowy weather isn't too much of a concern, because the route is mostly pretty far south (although if it happens to snow, be prepared for the road to not be treated properly, as they're not used to dealing with snow and ice here.) Oklahoma sees its fair share of tornados, though, and never underestimate how hot it can get in the desert between Texas and California. Always bring plenty of water and make sure your car's AC is in good working condition!