Route 66, and its 2,500 miles, is known affectionately as "The Mother Road." It's the quintessential cross-country road trip experience. From Chicago through the beating heart of America, the route officially ends at the Santa Monica Pier. The road reached peak popularity in the late 1940s and early '50s before being officially removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985. After a few years, travelers from around the country and beyond started feeling tinges of nostalgia, and by the end of the 1980s it was once again becoming one of the most popular road trip routes.
Looking for more tips for your Route 66 trip? We've got you covered.
Santa Rosa is probably best known for being home to the 80-foot-deep Blue Hole, a lush oasis in the middle of the desert. With crystal clear water that remains at a perfect 62 degrees Fahrenheit all year round, it’s a popular place to dive, or for Route 66 travelers to cool off with a dip.
The iconic Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari has been open since 1939. As far as vintage neon signage goes, it doesn't get much better than the Blue Swallow's classic sign. If you can, stick around until dusk, it’s worth the wait. And there’s a reason for the classic “Tucumcari Tonite!” campaign—there’s no better place to stop for the night. Many rooms at the Blue Swallow come with their own garage, so you can stow your car, grab a lawn chair, and sit outside to bask in the glow of the iconic neon.
One of the last remaining curio shops in Tucumcari, Tee Pee Curios is not only awesome from the outside, but the inside is packed with all the Route 66 souvenirs, pottery, shirts, and jewelry you could ever want. Stop by after dark to check out the beautiful neon sign, one of only a few along this stretch that still lights up at night.
Once you reach Adrian, pat yourself on the back: You've made it to the midpoint of Route 66. You'll know you've arrived once you see the MidPoint Cafe, a vintage-style roadside diner with lots of photo ops to commemorate your journey down (half of) the Mother Road. The restaurant and gift shop claims to be located at the geographic midpoint between Los Angeles and Chicago.
Get your nature kicks on Route 66 at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This is the second largest canyon in the U.S. and admission is only $8. You can easily drive the length of the park and pull over for the scenic overlooks. There's a sizable campground in the park (perfect for stargazing), and several trails that traverse the bottom of the canyon offer a beautiful place to stretch your legs.
Another great little Texas town to visit is McLean. Here you can stop at Phillips 66 on the Route, a vintage 1928 gas service station that was designed to resemble a little country cottage.
McLean, Texas, United States
Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States
