10 Of The Best Stops That You Won't Want To Miss On A Route 66 Road Trip

Quick question: if someone were to say “iconic American destination,” what would you think of?  The Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon immediately come to mind but, more than likely, Route 66 is somewhere on that list. Route 66 is about as American as it gets, and to this day, it’s well worth the time and effort to enjoy a road trip across the United States via the “Mother Road” (with bits and pieces of Interstate 40 mixed in, for good measure). If you find yourself embarking on a Route 66 road trip, be sure to stop at these iconic spots along the way, from west to east.

Lonni Besancon/Flickr

The first stop we recommend is the iconic Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California. It's the westernmost point on Route 66, and the start of it all (as long as you're traveling from west to east!). The pier offers absolutely iconic photo opportunities, so make sure to bring your camera, especially if you plan to visit around sunrise or sunset. Also, pro-tip: visit the "secret" aquarium beneath the pier. You won't regret it.

Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California, 90401

Jaseperdo/Flickr

Drifting westward a bit, you'll find yourself in the historic ghost town of Oatman, Arizona, where old buildings still stand and wild burros roam the streets. No, seriously, watch out for them - they aren't afraid of people, or cars. This once booming little town is nestled in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona.

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Fred Moore/Flickr

On the eastern side of the Copper State is the unbelievable Painted Desert, formed over millions of years by natural processes like wind and water erosion. It's a true badlands desert in Arizona, and part of it even overlaps with the strange and beautiful Petrified National Forest, which is also worth a visit.

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Becky McRay/Flickr

Nestled within the New Mexico semi-arid landscape is a geological anomaly perfect for photographers and scuba divers alike (bonus points if you do both). It's a relatively small in diameter, circular, dark blue pool that extends downward to a healthy 79 feet deep. It's very popular with scuba divers thanks to its incredible clarity, and it's a pleasant 62 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. It's quite a popular destination, though, so planning your visit for early in the day during the week is probably your best bet.

Address: 1085 Blue Hole Road, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 88435

Tom Driggers/Flickr

Our next suggested stop is still rooted firmly in the Land of Enchantment, and we've chosen it for good reason: it's an artist's paradise. Sometimes called "the Heart of the Mother Road," Tucumcari gives off this groovy, living ghost town vibe. It's an area rich with galleries, shops, and plenty of fascinating natural history, to boot. It's also got one of many Route 66 museums, and the street art you can find 'round these parts are second to none.

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Louis Vest/Flickr

Just outside of Amarillo, Texas, along the I-40, is a strange and unique art installation that catches the attention of literally every person driving through the area: 10 Cadillac cars, sticking up out of the earth facing downward, covered in paint and stickers. It's a 1974 art piece in plain sight, and you're welcome to add your own layer of paint to the piece, so bring some along!

Address: 13651 I-40 Frontage Road, Amarillo, Texas, 79124

JymPoiranges/Flickr

Our next suggested stop is in the beautiful state of Oklahoma, where the Route 66 Museum in Clinton awaits your visit. It's the ultimate Route 66 spot for history buffs and people seeking the true Route 66 experience. It's super-immersive, and there are always different exhibitions going on at different times, so it's worth returning to year after year, if not more often.

Address: 2229 West Gary Boulevard, Clinton, Oklahoma, 73601

Route 66 Car Museum/Facebook

Our second-to-last (but also second to none!) suggestion is the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield, Missouri. It's open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is affordable at $15 for adults and $5 for children under 10. They're a car lover's dream, featuring mint-condition vehicles from the 1890s to 1915 or so, as well as old classics, awe-inspiring sports cars, and even some famous cars and trucks from T.V. and movies.

Address: 1634 West College Street, Springfield, Missouri, 65806

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Anthony/Flickr

The world-famous St. Louis Arch has been known as "the Gateway to the West" since just about forever, which hails back to a time during which it really was the last, most westward town on the journey to the west coast of the United States. It doubles as a National Park, so you can check that off your bucket list, too.

Address: 11 North 4th Street, Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, Missouri, 63102

Faniepop/TripAdvisor

Finally, we hope you're hungry because this stop is all about that all-American comfort food that tastes like it must have come from Heaven or something. This classic diner opened in 1923, three whole years before Route 66 would be built there in 1926. By the time the Mother Road was finished, Lou Mitchell's had already become a local classic, and it became a national classic shortly after that. Comfort food galore!

Address: 565 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois, 60661

So, what do you think? What are some of your very favorite stops on Route 66? Tell us your stories and make sure to send in your photos – we’d love to see them!