Route 66 is one of the most famous road trips and for good reason. This 2500 mile journey will take you from the high rise city of Chicago, located on the shores of Lake Michigan through the Mid West and to the many quirky towns that are found along Route 66. Continue across the country and into the South West where there is a Spanish feel as well as iconic sights such as the Grand Canyon before reaching it’s end at Santa Monica pier in California.
Day 1 – 2
Arrive in the vibrant city of Chicago and spend 2 days in the home of the Cubs, the Bulls, the Bears and deep pan pizza. Here you can take in views of the city from the John Hancock building, stroll along the shores of Lake Michigan, shop till you drop on Michigan Avenue, visit Navy Pier and experience the Blues in many of Chicago’s music venues.
Accommodation: Freehand Chicago – 2 nights
Day 3
Begin your trip along the Mother Road today, departing from Chicago to the city of Springfield around 200 miles away.
Springfield was home to Abraham Lincoln before he became President of the USA and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is well worth a visit whilst here.
Springfield is also home to the Cozy Dog Drive In, a Route 66 institution. Enjoy an iconic corn-dog amongst Route 66 memorabilia from years gone by.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Springfield – 1 night
Day 4
Today you will cross the border from Illinois into Missouri with an overnight stay in the city of St Louis. Crossing the Mississippi River you can see the Gateway Arch that the city is famous for.
Take a ride to the top of the arch for great views of the city. There’s plenty else on offer here to keep you entertained, maybe a ball game or a visit to one the many craft breweries that are here.
Accommodation: Hampton Inn Downtown – 1 night
Day 5
Continue your adventure along Route 66 today, travelling through rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri before reaching Springfield.
Don’t worry, you are not going backwards, this is Springfield in Missouri, another classic Route 66 town.
Accommodation: Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven – 1 night
Day 6 – 7
Today you leave the plains of the Midwest and begin your journey into the Southwest where the landscape changes to being more mountainous.
You head into the state of Oklahoma for a 2 day stay in Oklahoma City. Enjoy a day off from driving and spend time exploring this interesting city where you can take in the National Cowboy and Western Museum as well as the memorial to the Oklahoma City Bombing.
In the evening head to Bricktown, a former warehouse district that has been transformed into a lively area with restaurants, bars and shops.
Accommodation: Hampton Inn Bricktown – 2 nights
Day 8
Continue through cowboy country and into Texas with an overnight stay in the Route 66 town of Amarillo. A visit to the Big Texan Steakhouse is a must whilst here, dare you take on the challenge of the 72oz steak!
Don’t miss a visit to the Cadillac Ranch, whilst here. The iconic row of cars buried in the desert are located just outside Amarillo.
Accommodation: Embassy Suites Downtown – 1 night
Day 9
Today you leave Texas and head into New Mexico with an overnight stay in the city of Albuquerque. On the way, make a stop in the town of Tucumcari, it’s a place rich in cowboy history and Route 66 history with several roadside diners and saloons.
Once at Albuquerque you can see the historic neon signs that were put up by business attracting the trade of those travelling Route 66. A visit to the Old Town is worth a visit and provides a contrast to places so far on the itinerary with its Spanish heritage.
Accommodation: Best Western Rio Grande – 1 night
Day 10
On your way to Holbrook, as you travel across New Mexico be sure to visit the Petrified Forest before spending the night in the quirky town of Holbrook which is full of Route 66 themed places to enjoy.
Accommodation: Best Western Arizonian Inn – 1 night
Day 11
Continue your journey through Arizona, heading towards the town of Williams. It’s worth a detour from Route 66 to visit the Grand Canyon on the way, before spending the evening in the quaint town of Williams, with Route 66 running through Main Street with lots of themed diners and memorabilia on offer.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express – 1 night
Day 12
On your journey today be sure to make a stop in the towns of Seligman and Peach Springs, both of which offer lots for the Route 66 enthusiast. The latter is also the inspiration for the town of Radiator Springs in the Cars films.
Spend the night in another classic Route 66 town, Kingman or if you prefer you could detour to nearby Las Vegas for a night there instead.
Accommodation: Springhill Suites – 1 night
Day 13 – 14
It’s now time for the last leg of your Route 66 adventure travelling to it’s end at Santa Monica pier. Take the iconic picture of the sign marking the end of Route 66 and enjoy two days here, relaxing on the beach, visiting world famous Venice Beach and taking in the many attractions of nearby Los Angeles.
Accommodation: Best Western Gateway Hotel – 2 nights
