Drive America’s Most Iconic Road Trip Route
This Route 66 travel guide gives you a complete 2026 overview of the best stops, towns, motels, and tips for planning your trip.
If you love US road trips, check my post on the Top Food Cities in the US.
Route 66 is more than a road—it’s an American legend. Stretching from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, this iconic highway offers nostalgic towns, vintage motels, neon lights, quirky roadside attractions, and stunning landscapes across eight states.
If you’re planning a US road trip in 2026, Route 66 is one of the best travel experiences you can choose.
What Is Route 66?
Route 66 was one of America’s first major highways, established in 1926. Many travelers use this Route 66 travel guide to understand the history before planning their trip.
It originally connected Chicago → Missouri → Kansas → Oklahoma → Texas → New Mexico → Arizona → California, covering 2,448 miles.
Although it was officially removed from the US Highway System in 1985, the route still exists today as Historic Route 66, and millions of travelers drive it every year. For official historic details, visit the National Park Service page:
https://www.nps.gov
It’s famous for:
- Classic diners
- Neon-lit motels
- Retro gas stations
- Quirky roadside photo stops
- Desert scenery
- Small towns with old Americana charm
Route 66 is the perfect mix of nostalgia, adventure, and wide-open freedom.
Route 66 States (in Order)
This Route 66 travel guide will help you plan the perfect 2026 road trip with the best stops, towns, maps, and tips.
1. Illinois
Start at Chicago’s “Route 66 Begin” sign. Expect big-city landmarks, classic diners, and the first wave of vintage Route 66 nostalgia.
2. Missouri
St. Louis brings iconic views, historic bridges, and Midwest charm.
3. Kansas
The shortest stretch of Route 66—only 13 miles—but full of small-town character.
4. Oklahoma
Museums, roadside attractions, and peaceful farmland landscapes dominate this section.
5. Texas (Panhandle)
Wide skies, long straight roads, and the famous Cadillac Ranch art installation.
6. New Mexico
Adobe buildings, desert views, and some of the most scenic sunset drives.
7. Arizona
Seligman, Williams, and Flagstaff give a pure “classic Route 66” feel, along with incredible desert landscapes.
8. California
Desert heat, palm trees, and finally the Santa Monica Pier—a perfect ending point.
Use this Route 66 travel guide to understand the best towns, iconic stops, and driving segments.
Top Attractions Along Route 66
Chicago Route 66 Begin Sign (Illinois)
A must-take photo before you start your journey.
The Gateway Arch (Missouri)
St. Louis’s iconic monument and a major Route 66 landmark.
Galena Historic District (Kansas)
Old mining town with picture-perfect storefronts.
Route 66 Museum, Clinton (Oklahoma)
A complete history of the Mother Road.
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo (Texas)
Half-buried cars painted in bright graffiti—one of the most famous Route 66 photo stops.
Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari (New Mexico)
A vintage motel with neon lights and original Route 66 architecture.
Seligman (Arizona)
Birthplace of the Route 66 revival; colorful town full of souvenirs and retro shops.
Santa Monica Pier (California)
The official western end of Route 66—celebrate with ocean views.
Best Time to Travel Route 66 (2026)
January–March (Winter)
- Cold in Illinois and Missouri
- Mild in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona
- Very pleasant in California
Good for quieter travel and lower prices.
April–June (Spring)
The most popular season. Comfortable temperatures and blooming landscapes.
July–September (Summer)
Peak travel season—busy but full of life. Higher hotel prices.
October–November (Fall)
Ideal weather, colorful foliage in the Midwest, and fewer crowds. In this Route 66 travel guide, you’ll find weather tips to plan your trip month by month.
How Long Does Route 66 Take?
It depends on your pace:
- Fast trip: 7–10 days
- Balanced trip: 14 days
- Slow, full experience: 21 days
Most travelers choose 10–14 days to properly enjoy the major stops.
How Much Does a Route 66 Trip Cost?
Averages (per person):
- Fuel: Moderate to high depending on your car
- Hotels/motels: $70–$150 per night
- Food: $25–$50 per day
- Roadside attractions: Mostly free or $5–$20
Route 66 is much cheaper compared to major cities or luxury destinations.
Route 66 Travel Tips for 2026
1. Plan Your Driving Segments
Some towns are small—book accommodations early during popular months.
2. Mix Motels and Hotels
Vintage motels give you the real Route 66 charm.
3. Start Early Each Day
Stops take longer than you expect—photos, food, attractions.
4. Use Offline Maps
Some areas (especially in Arizona & New Mexico) have limited signal.
5. Pack Snacks & Water
Long desert stretches can feel empty—be prepared.
6. Take Breaks
Route 66 is about the journey, not the speed.
Is Route 66 Worth It?
Absolutely.
It’s one of the best US road trips for families, couples, solo travelers, RV drivers, and photography lovers.
You get history, culture, food, landscapes, and small-town America—all in one unforgettable journey. This Route 66 travel guide highlights the best towns, diners, motels, and scenic stops.
Traveling Route 66 by RV
Route 66 is one of the most iconic RV road trips in the United States, offering flexibility, scenic overnight stops, and easy access to campgrounds, RV parks, and small towns along the way.
👉 Find RV rentals, trip planners, and overnight RV stays for Route 66 here.
Conclusion
Route 66 is a timeless American adventure. Whether you want neon lights, desert sunsets, retro diners, or iconic photo stops, this road delivers it all. With the right planning, your Route 66 journey in 2026 will be smooth, memorable, and budget-friendly.