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Dec 28, 2023

10 Stops You Can't Miss On A Route 66 Road Trip

Want to drive the most famous road in the US? Here are the best stops on Route

Want to drive the most famous road in the US? Here are the best stops on Route 66 for a road trip in America that's totally bucket list worthy.

Route 66 is one of the most famous highways in American history, spanning from Chicago to Santa Monica. Officially established in 1926, this iconic road served as the main route for travelers moving between America's Midwest and West Coast. From the road migrants who used to escape the devastating Dust Bowl in the 1930s to the inspiration for Pixar's Cars, Route 66 symbolizes a bygone era, embodying everything from loss to new beginnings.

Though Route 66 was decommissioned in the 1980s, much of its original route can still be traveled through America's current interstate system, allowing road trippers to get a taste of the nostalgic sights and sounds of the original route. Here are ten of the best stops on a Route 66 road trip for the ultimate exploration of the USA on wheels.

Considered the starting point for one of the most famous road trips in the United States, Chicago is a vibrant city that boasts world-class museums, theaters, and architecture. It also starts the trip out with a bang; it's easily one of the most famous Route 66 attractions in itself, given that it's among the best cities in the US to visit as a tourist.

Road trippers can visit the Historic Route 66 Begin Sign before spending the day exploring this city's top attractions like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the famous Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower). The city is known for its mouthwatering foods, including the classic Chicago deep-dish pizza, Chicago hotdogs, and Italian beef sandwiches.

Related: Chicago Unveiled: A Creative Tour of Its Iconic Architecture, Art, & Food Scene

The 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant is a remnant of a bygone era. Embodying the 1960s obsession with space, cars, and consumerism, this fiberglass statue of an astronaut is a Route 66 classic. Giant sculptures such as the Gemini Giant were known as muffler men and were used for advertising businesses and roadside attractions in the mid-20th century.

Wilmington's Gemini Giant was originally built to advertise the Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant. Very few of these sculptures remain today, so stopping to take a picture with the Gemini Giant is a great way to begin a Route 66 road trip.

Located in Illinois's capital, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a must-visit stop on Route 66 for history buffs. From his childhood and law career to his presidency and assassination, this museum traces the life of one of America's most beloved presidents, Abraham Lincoln.

Today, the museum is one of the top stops on Route 66 and showcases countless rare artifacts and personal belongings of Lincoln. But the true showstopper is its Ghosts of the Library exhibit that seamlessly blends holographic technology and archival preservation to bring history to life.

The Gateway Arch in Missouri is an iconic monument with an interesting history. It stands as a symbol of America's westward expansion.

A feat of engineering, this massive arch stands at 630 feet and offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis.

Related: Gateway Arch & More: The Ultimate Guide To St. Louis & Things To Do

When passing through Missouri, road trippers on Route 66 must stop at Meramec Caverns. This impressive series of underground caves is one of the most beautiful stops on Route 66, home to out-of-this-world rock formations and underground lakes.

Guided tours provide a fascinating glimpse into the area's geological formation and Native American history.

Oklahoma's Route 66 Museum is the perfect –– albeit meta –– way to learn about Route 66 while road-tripping through Route 66.

This museum provides a comprehensive look at the history and culture of Route 66, with exhibits ranging from vintage cars and road signs to Native American artifacts and memorabilia.

Travelers can enhance their road trips by learning about the history of Route 66 and visiting its numerous museums.

The Cadillac Ranch is a quirky public art installation absolutely worth visiting in Amarillo, Texas, that features 10 Cadillac cars half-buried in the ground and covered in graffiti. It's one of the quirkiest roadside attractions on Route 66 and draws in many road-trippers each year.

Along with serving as an incredible and unique photo opportunity, this is among the most famous stops on Route 66 and is a notable example of American pop art. In fact, to this day, it continues to be one of the most famous roadside attractions in the United States, not just on this iconic road trip route.

Designed in the 1970s by a group of artists known as the Ant Farm, visitors are encouraged to climb on top of the cars and even add their own graffiti.

Located in northeastern Arizona, the Petrified Forest National Park is home to a collection of petrified wood, fossils, and prehistoric rock formations. This is one of the best stops along Route 66 for nature lovers in particular. Beyond the petrified wood, this park also features stunning badlands, mesas, and buttes with a surreal array of colors.

Visitors can hike one of the park's trails and perhaps stumble upon antelope, coyotes, or even the endangered Mexican gray wolf. The park also has rock carvings made by the area's indigenous peoples and has museum exhibits that let guests learn more about the area's rich history.

One of the most famous natural wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon is among the best destinations on Route 66 and is an absolute must for any road trip itinerary along this road. Whether stopping by for a couple of hours or several days, visitors will be awe-struck by the immense size and beauty of the Grand Canyon.

Visitors can tour the park by helicopter, hike its numerous trails, and even spend the night stargazing after watching a spectacular sunset.

Related: 10 Of The Most Exciting Things You Can Do On The Santa Monica Pier

Not only is this one of the best stops for a Route 66 road trip; it's also the end of the line. Visiting the Santa Monica Pier is the perfect way for road trippers to celebrate completing their cross-country journey through Route 66.

The Santa Monica Pier is a historic landmark in California that features a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean, a vibrant amusement park, and numerous restaurants and hotels where travelers can unwind after their long journey.

All that driving is sure to have travelers hungry at the end of Route 66. When arriving in Santa Monica, road-trippers should be sure to check out the best food stops on Santa Monica Pier and cure those hunger pangs!