Also known as ‘Main Street of America’ and the ‘Mother Road’, Route 66 is an ethereal stretch that spans from Los Angeles to Chicago. A mindful road that offers each slice of American life, from desert to mountains; small towns to big cities, this list covers only the best Route 66 attractions to explore.
Photo Credit: Calico Ghost Town Facebook
Calico Ghost Town
Mojave Desert, California
An abandoned mining town in San Bernardino County, this iconic spot is the perfect place to witness the majesty of Southern California’s Mojave Desert colorized by the distant Calico Mountains.
Coconino National Forest
Flagstaff, Arizona
As if driving through Flagstaff isn’t gorgeous enough, the Coconino National Forest is a great place to stop and wonder for a bit longer – we recommend the shortest trails; Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge.
Jack Rabbit Trading Post
Joseph City, Arizona
A curiosity shop and convenience store right off Route 66, Jack Rabbit Trading Post is the go-to place for a souvenir and snack without getting side-tracked. Spot the giant jackrabbit outside – you can’t miss it!
Blue Hole
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
A popular destination for scuba training, Santa Rosa’s Blue Hole is nestled in a small isolated town at the heart of New Mexico. Stretching 80 feet wide and 80 feet deep, the strange geometry of this hole is enough to marvel at.
Acoma Pueblo
Cibola County, New Mexico
A scenic New Mexico village inhabited by four Native American tribes, the cliffside Acoma Pueblo offers a distinct Pueblo-Revival Architecture. It’s been around for over 2,000 years.
Cadillac Ranch
Amarillo, Texas
A highly recognizable art piece by Chip Lord, Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch is a line of 10 buried cars covered in graffiti paint. Free and open 24/7, it’s an idyllic spot to get a shot for the ‘gram.
Route 66 Midpoint
Adrian, Texas
Popular for being the exact midpoint of Route 66, the city of Adrian is a great place to stop and revel in a hard day’s driving – reward yourself at MidPoint Café for a ’50s-style bite.
Gateway Arch
St. Louis, Missouri
Assuming you’re moving northward, this iconic American landmark is a great way to usher in the second half of your trip – ride to the top of the archway in cool vintage cabs that fit four, seeing the city from the sky.
66 Drive-In Theatre
Carthage, Missouri
A historic Mid-Century Style drive-in, the 66 Drive-In Theatre is as easy as parking and changing the radio station to 106.5 FM. They are open 7 days a week.
Route 66 Historical Village
Tulsa, Oklahoma
This is one of many reasons God made Oklahoma. An open-air exhibit featuring Tulsa’s origins, this tranquil village offers an old 1920s gas station, an oasis coffee bar, and views of an old steam engine.
Mural City
Pontiac, Illinois
Also known as ‘Murals on Main Street’, Pontiac ‘Mural City’ Illinois is home to 23 outdoor murals made by local artists. Incorporating the town’s rich history and culture, the mural took hundreds of artists to complete, in just a few days.
Largest Ketchup Bottle in the World
Collinsville, Illinois
Self-explanatory, this is a quick roadside attraction that stands at a whopping 52 meters. What’s even cooler is that it serves as a water tower, bringing quirky function to the locals. It’s a great spot to park, eat a hotdog, and stare in awe.
