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.
Barstow is a small town that oozes kitschy Historic Route 66 vibes. Check out the town's Route 66 Mother Road Museum or the Western American Rail Road Museum. Stock up on snacks and souvenirs at Barstow Station, a massive rest stop.
Ghost towns are dotted all across the west, and Calico is one of the cutest. Though it's been well-preserved, it is now more of a tourist attraction than an authentic historic stop. You'll find museums, shops, restaurants, train rides, and restored buildings. There's even a campground, if you're looking for a place to stay the night.
For a taste of the desert landscape you've been driving through on I-40, stop at the Mojave National Preserve. Scrubby plants, multicolored rocks, and stark, stony earth provide a unique view. The Mojave is especially breathtaking at sunset and sunrise. If you plan on hiking here, remember to be careful of the heat and lack of shade.
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.
Winslow, Arizona, United States
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.
Just outside Flagstaff is one of the weirdest attractions in the west: Meteor Crater. This unbelievably massive impact crater formed from a meteor that hit Earth thousands of years ago. The mile-wide hole in the ground is topped with a visitor center that features a museum, videos, and an observation deck.
Like Historic Route 66, I-40 cuts right through Petrified Forest National Park, which features impressive hikes and scenic viewpoints. The park is named for its glittering petrified wood, made from fossilized redwood trees that lived over 225 million years ago. Tour the Rainbow Forest, the Crystal Forest, and the Agate House, or hike the Blue Mesa Trail for views of the Painted Desert.
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.
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.
If you're looking for a place to cool off while driving through the desert, then you won't find a better spot than the Blue Hole of Santa Rosa. The crystal-clear, deeply blue water is quite refreshing. Jump off the rocks into the pool, scuba dive to the bottom, or just dip your toes in and soak up the natural beauty of the setting.
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.