Route 66 is the fabled pathway known as the Mother Road. Established in 1926, it connected Chicago and California and became a classic U.S. road trip.
Much of present-day Interstate 40 runs along Historic Route 66; however, where Route 66 turned northeast, Interstate 40 continues east, running through Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Connecting the East Coast and West Coast, I-40 takes travelers from Barstow, California, to Wilmington, North Carolina, passing through major cities such as Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Little Rock, Memphis, and Nashville.
Along the way, you'll find iconic Route 66 sites, cool towns, and picturesque parks. Check out our favorite things to do on I-40.
I-40 then rolls into Nashville, which is known for its Southern charm and country music scene. Hot chicken is a Nashville staple served up in classic locales like Prince's or Hattie B's. To take in the honky-tonk nightlight, head to Broadway Street. Enjoy live music at the iconic Grand Ole Opry or Bluebird Cafe.
Lynchburg, Tennessee, United States
Even if you aren't a country music fan, you may know the name of singer Loretta Lynn. She was a groundbreaking female artist who wrote and sang brutally honest songs. Located on Lynn's ranch, this museum tells her life story through her personal collection of memorabilia.
This detour will take you off the highway and into the middle of nowhere, but it's worth it to check out this folk art display. Known as Tennessee's largest outdoor sculpture, the MindField fills an acre and reaches an impressive height of 125 feet.
Get out of the car and breathe in the fresh air at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. You can get a taste of the landscape at the visitor center or by hiking or biking one of the trails. The views from the top of the mountain are utterly breathtaking.
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, which means that this fort was the backdrop for an interesting history involving outlaws, settlers, and Native Americans. Tour the old buildings and the visitor center, which houses a museum with artifacts.
Oklahoma City is the next major urban center along I-40. Home to 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 more, it's a rich city bursting with things to see and do. Hit up Ann's Chicken Fry House or Tucker's Onion Burgers for a classic OKC meal. If you are staying overnight, check out the Colcord luxury boutique hotel.
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 covers the history of air and space flight. There are 3,500 artifacts and objects on display, including a very impressive exhibit on the U.S.'s nuclear missiles, complete with a Titan II rocket.
Another major icon from the glory days of Route 66, the Tower Station Conoco and U-Drop Inn Cafe are probably recognizable to most because they inspired scenes in Disney's Cars. The classic Art Deco architecture has been thoroughly restored. Today, this is home to Shamrock's Chamber of Commerce and a visitor center.
Since I-40 only passes through a small portion of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is a great place to experience the Lone Star State. Home to the larger-than-life Big Texan Steak Ranch and authentic Tyler's BBQ, it has some good eats. You'll also find the vintage Wonderland Amusement Park and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. If you are staying overnight, the Courtyard in Downtown Amarillo is in a historic building with a great location.
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 1950s aesthetic. Inside, you'll find a collection of souvenirs that range from kitschy to authentic Native American art. Stay in Tucumcari until after to dark to snap pictures of the vintage neon signs around town.
4901 Cumbre Del Sur Ct NE, Albuquerque, NM, US
Eventually, I-40 will take you to Albuquerque. Famous for its balloon festival and association with the TV show Breaking Bad, this town has 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. As for hotels in Albuquerque, there are some cool options. Hotel Parq Central is an old hospital turned sleek hotel, and the Casas de Suenos rents private adobe casitas in Old Town.
Stepping into Hotel El Rancho is like stepping back in time to the 1930s, when Route 66 first started to gain popularity. The lobby features Southwestern motifs and native stone and wood. Even if you don't stay the night in one of the vintage rooms, grab enchiladas and a drink at the bar and soak up the history.
Surrounded by National Forests and U.S. Forest Service Wilderness Areas, Flagstaff is an oasis of natural beauty that also provides the pleasures of a big city. Check out the Museum of Northern Arizona during the day and the Lowell Observatory come nightfall. Grab lunch or dinner at Diablo Burger, which is known for its fresh, locally-grown ingredients. If you're in search of a place to stay in Flagstaff, the city provides unique options. The Little America Hotel features a gorgeous setting in a pine forest, and the Starlight Pines Bed and Breakfast will make you feel like royalty, thanks to the clawfoot tubs, private balconies, and delicious breakfasts.
Don't expect to top off your tank here—the gas pumps, while beautifully restored, don't actually work. However, a pit stop at Cool Springs Gas Station is worthwhile because it's an authentic Route 66 icon. This once-abandoned gem of the Mother Road now includes a museum and souvenir shop.
There's no bad time to road trip I-40. Since the route is pretty far south, snowy weather isn't too much of a concern. However, if it happens to snow, be prepared for slick roads. 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.