US Route 66 Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide for Travel Lovers

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US Route 66 Road Trip

Have you ever dreamed of taking an iconic American road trip that will take you across the country and show you the best of its culture, history, and scenery? If so, then you should consider taking a Route 66 road trip.

Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, is one of the most famous and historic highways in the world. It stretches for more than 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through eight states and three time zones. Along the way, you will encounter countless attractions, landmarks, and people that will make your journey unforgettable.

In this blog post, we will show you why you should take a Route 66 road trip, how to plan for it, and where to stop and what to see on your way. Whether you are looking for adventure, nostalgia, or inspiration, you will find it on Route 66.

So buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life!

Why You Should Take a Route 66 Road Trip

There are many reasons why you should take a Route 66 road trip, but here are some of the most compelling ones:

You will experience the diversity and beauty of America

Route 66 will take you through big cities and small towns, mountains and deserts, forests and plains, and everything in between. You will see the stunning landscapes and wildlife of America, as well as the architectural and artistic wonders that reflect its history and culture.

You will discover the charm and character of Route 66

Route 66 is not just a road, it is a living museum. You will see the signs, buildings, cars, and memorabilia that have been preserved or restored to their original glory. Also, you will meet the friendly and quirky people who live and work along the route, and who will share their stories and tips with you.

You will have the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace

Route 66 is not a fixed itinerary, it is a personal adventure. You can choose when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, and where to stop. Also, you can customize your trip according to your interests, preferences, and budget. You can make detours, skip sections, or extend your stay as you wish.

To sum up, here are the main benefits and advantages of taking a Route 66 road trip:
  • Experience the diversity and beauty of America
  • Discover the charm and character of Route 66
  • Have the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace

How to Plan Your Route 66 Road Trip

Now that you know why you should take a Route 66 road trip, let’s see how you can plan it. Planning a Route 66 road trip is not difficult, but it does require some research and preparation. Here are some practical and useful tips and advice on how to plan a successful Route 66 road trip.

When to Go

The best time of the year to take a Route 66 road trip depends on several factors, such as weather, traffic, events, and prices. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide when to go:

Spring (March to May)

Is a good time to go, as the weather is mild and pleasant, the flowers are blooming, and the crowds are not too big. However, you may encounter some rain and snow in some areas, especially in the northern and mountainous parts of the route. You may also find some attractions closed or operating on reduced hours.

Summer (June to August)

Is the most popular time to go, as the weather is warm and sunny, the attractions are open and busy, and the events and festivals are plentiful. However, you may also face some challenges, such as high temperatures, humidity, thunderstorms, road construction, and higher prices.

Autumn (September to November)

Is another good time to go, as the weather is cool and comfortable, the foliage is colorful, and the crowds are smaller. However, you may also encounter some cold and windy days, especially in the southern and desert parts of the route. You may also find some attractions closed or operating on reduced hours.

Winter (December to February)

Is the least popular time to go, as the weather is cold and snowy, the attractions are closed or limited, and the events and festivals are scarce. However, you may also enjoy some advantages, such as lower prices, less traffic, and more solitude.

Our personal recommendation and opinion is to go in the spring or autumn, as these seasons offer the best balance between weather, traffic, events, and prices. However, you can also go in the summer or winter, as long as you are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of each season.

How Long to Stay

The length of your Route 66 road trip depends on how much time you have, how much you want to see, and how fast you want to drive. The average time it takes to drive the entire Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles is about two to three weeks, but you can also do it faster or slower, depending on your preferences.

Here are some possible itineraries and schedules for different types of travelers and budgets:

7-day Route 66 road trip:

This is the fastest and cheapest option, but also the most challenging and exhausting. You will have to drive about 350 miles per day, which means about 6 to 8 hours of driving, plus stops. You will only have time to see the main highlights and attractions of each state, and you will miss a lot of the charm and character of Route 66. This option is suitable for travelers who are short on time and money, and who are looking for a quick and intense road trip experience.

14-day Route 66 road trip:

This is the most common and recommended option, as it offers a good balance between time, money, and enjoyment. You will have to drive about 175 miles per day, which means about 3 to 4 hours of driving, plus stops. You will have enough time to see the major and minor highlights and attractions of each state, and you will also have some time to relax and explore. This option is suitable for travelers who have a moderate amount of time and money, and who are looking for a comprehensive and enjoyable road trip experience.

21-day Route 66 road trip:

This is the slowest and most expensive option, but also the most relaxing and rewarding. You will have to drive about 115 miles per day, which means about 2 to 3 hours of driving, plus stops. You will have plenty of time to see all the highlights and attractions of each state, and you will also have a lot of time to relax and explore. Also, you will have the opportunity to make detours and visit other places that are not on Route 66, such as national parks, big cities, or scenic routes. This option is suitable for travelers who have a lot of time and money, and who are looking for a leisurely and thorough road trip experience.

Our personal recommendation and opinion is to go for the 14-day Route 66 road trip, as this option gives you the best value for your time and money. However, you can also go for the 7-day or the 21-day option, as long as you are aware of the pros and cons of each option.

What to Pack

The items and essentials you need to pack for your Route 66 road trip depend on several factors, such as weather, activities, safety, and comfort. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide what to pack:

Pack light and smart

You don’t want to carry too much luggage and clutter your car, as this will reduce your space, fuel efficiency, and mobility. You also don’t want to pack too little and miss something important, as this will cause you inconvenience, stress, and extra costs. Pack only what you need and what you will use, and leave behind what you don’t.

Pack for the weather

You will encounter different weather conditions and climates along Route 66, so you need to pack accordingly. Pack layers of clothing that you can add or remove as needed, and that are suitable for the season and the region you are visiting. Also, pack a jacket, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a raincoat for protection from the sun, wind, and rain. Pack a swimsuit, a towel, and flip-flops for swimming and relaxing. Plus, pack warm clothes, gloves, a scarf, and boots for cold and snowy days.

Pack for the activities

You will have many opportunities to enjoy various activities and experiences on your Route 66 road trip, so you need to pack accordingly. Pack a camera, a phone, a charger, and a power bank for capturing and sharing your memories. And, pack a map, a guidebook, and a GPS for navigating and exploring. Pack a book, a music player, and a game for entertainment and relaxation. And pack a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a tool kit for safety and emergency.

Pack for the comfort

You will spend a lot of time in your car on your Route 66 road trip, so you need to pack for your comfort. Pack a pillow, a blanket, and a sleeping bag for resting and sleeping. Pack a cooler, a water bottle, and some snacks for eating and drinking. Also, pack some toiletries, a towel, and some personal items for hygiene and grooming.

Here is a checklist or a list of things to pack for your Route 66 road trip:
  • Clothing: jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, raincoat, swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, warm clothes, gloves, scarf, boots
  • Electronics: camera, phone, charger, power bank, map, guidebook, GPS, book, music player, game
  • Essentials: first-aid kit, flashlight, tool kit, pillow, blanket, sleeping bag, cooler, water bottle, snacks, toiletries, towel, personal items

Our personal recommendation and opinion is to pack light and smart, and to pack for the weather, the activities, and the comfort.

Where to Stop and What to See on Your Route 66 Road Trip

Now that you know how to plan your Route 66 road trip, let’s see where to stop and what to see on your way. There are hundreds of places to stop and things to see on your Route 66 road trip, but we will only mention some of the most popular and interesting ones. You can also find more information and suggestions on our website, Travel Mind, where we help people from all around the world discover opportunities related to travel, visa, immigration, scholarship, and others.

Chicago

Chicago is a great starting point for your Route 66 road trip, as it is the largest and most vibrant city on the route. It is known for its architecture, culture, and cuisine, and it has many attractions and landmarks that are related to Route 66 or that are worth visiting.

Here are some of the things you can do and see in Chicago:

Visit the official start of Route 66

At the intersection of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue. You will see a sign that says “Begin Historic Route 66” and a plaque that commemorates the road. You can also take a picture with the famous Buckingham Fountain, which is located nearby and which is featured in the opening credits of the TV show “Married with Children”.

Explore the Magnificent Mile

Which is a stretch of North Michigan Avenue that is lined with shops, restaurants, hotels, and museums. You can also see some of the most iconic buildings and skyscrapers in Chicago, such as the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), which is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and which offers a stunning view of the city from its observation deck.

Enjoy the delicious food that Chicago is famous for

such as the Chicago-style pizza, which is a deep-dish pizza with a thick crust and a lot of cheese and toppings, the Chicago-style hot dog, which is a beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt, and the Italian beef sandwich, which is a roast beef sandwich with peppers and gravy on a long roll.

Visit some of the cultural and historical attractions

that Chicago has to offer, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, which is one of the largest and oldest art museums in the country and which has a collection of more than 300,000 artworks, including the famous painting “American Gothic” by Grant Wood, the Field Museum of Natural History, which is one of the largest and most comprehensive natural history museums in the world and which has a collection of more than 40 million specimens and artifacts, including the skeleton of “Sue”, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever found, and the Museum of Science and Industry, which is one of the largest and most interactive science museums in the world and which has exhibits and displays on topics such as transportation, energy, space, and genetics.

Our personal recommendation and opinion is to spend at least two days in Chicago, as there is so much to do and see in this amazing city. However, you can also spend more or less time, depending on your interests and schedule.

Some of the places to stay, eat, and shop in Chicago that are related to Route 66 or that are popular among travelers are:

Stay:

The Congress Plaza Hotel, which is a historic and elegant hotel that is located on Michigan Avenue and that has hosted many famous guests, such as presidents, celebrities, and gangsters, The Carleton of Oak Park, which is a charming and cozy hotel that is located in the suburb of Oak Park and that is close to the home and studio of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, The Best Western Route 66, which is a modern and comfortable hotel that is located on Ogden Avenue and that has a Route 66 theme and decor.

Eat:

The Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant, which is a classic and authentic diner that is located on Jackson Boulevard and that has been serving breakfast and lunch since 1923, The Billy Goat Tavern, which is a legendary and quirky tavern that is located on Lower Michigan Avenue and that is famous for its cheeseburgers and its appearance on the TV show “Saturday Night Live”, The Superdawg Drive-In, which is a retro and fun drive-in that is located on Milwaukee Avenue and that is known for its hot dogs and its giant hot dog statues on the roof.

Shop:

The Route 66 Museum and Gift Shop, which is a small and interesting museum and gift shop that is located on Jackson Boulevard and that has exhibits and souvenirs related to Route 66, The Water Tower Place, which is a large and upscale shopping mall that is located on North Michigan Avenue and that has more than 100 stores and restaurants, The Navy Pier, which is a popular and lively attraction that is located on Lake Michigan and that has shops, restaurants, rides, and entertainment.

Springfield

Springfield is an important stop on your Route 66 road trip, as it is the capital of Illinois and the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. It is also a charming and historic city that has many attractions and landmarks that are related to Route 66 or that are worth visiting.

Here are some of the things you can do and see in Springfield:

Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

which is a state-of-the-art museum and library that showcases the life and legacy of Lincoln and his family. You will see exhibits and displays that feature original artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations that tell the story of Lincoln’s rise from a humble log cabin to the White House, his leadership during the Civil War, and his assassination and legacy.

Explore the Lincoln Home National Historic Site

which is the only home that Lincoln ever owned and where he lived with his wife and children from 1844 to 1861. You will see the restored and furnished house that reflects the lifestyle and tastes of the Lincoln family, as well as the surrounding neighborhood that features other historic buildings and gardens.

Enjoy the delicious food that Springfield is famous for

such as the horseshoe sandwich, which is an open-faced sandwich that consists of thick-sliced toasted bread, a hamburger patty, french fries, and cheese sauce, the chili, which is a spicy and hearty stew that is made with beef, beans, tomatoes, and chili powder, and the corn dog, which is a hot dog that is coated with a cornmeal batter and deep-fried on a stick.

Visit some of the cultural and historical attractions

that Springfield has to offer, such as the Illinois State Capitol, which is a majestic and ornate building that houses the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the state government and that has a dome that is taller than the one in Washington D.C., the Old State Capitol, which is a Greek Revival-style building that served as the seat of the state government from 1839 to 1876 and where Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech in 1858, and the Dana-Thomas House, which is a stunning and unique house that was designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and that features more than 100 pieces of original Wright-designed furniture, art glass, and sculptures.

Our personal recommendation and opinion is to spend at least one day in Springfield, as there is a lot to do and see in this historic and charming city. However, you can also spend more or less time, depending on your interests and schedule.

Some of the places to stay, eat, and shop in Springfield that are related to Route 66 or that are popular among travelers are:

Stay:

The Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center, which is a cozy and nostalgic hotel that is located on South Sixth Street and that has a Route 66 theme and decor, The Inn at 835, which is a elegant and romantic hotel that is located on South Second Street and that is housed in a historic building that dates back to 1909, The Mansion View Inn and Suites, which is a modern and affordable hotel that is located on North Fourth Street and that offers a view of the Governor’s Mansion and the State Capitol.

Eat:

The Cozy Dog Drive In, which is a classic and fun drive-in that is located on South Sixth Street and that claims to be the inventor of the corn dog, The Charlie Parker’s Diner, which is a retro and quirky diner that is located on North Dirksen Parkway and that is famous for its giant pancakes and its appearance on the TV show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”, The Maldaner’s Restaurant, which is a fine and elegant restaurant that is located on South Sixth Street and that is one of the oldest restaurants in Springfield and that serves traditional and contemporary cuisine.

Shop:

The Shea’s Route 66 Museum, which is a small and interesting museum and gift shop that is located on Peoria Road and that has exhibits and souvenirs related to Route 66, The White Oaks Mall, which is a large and modern shopping mall that is located on Veterans Parkway and that has more than 100 stores and restaurants, The Wild Birds Unlimited, which is a unique and nature-themed store that is located on West Wabash Avenue and that sells bird feeders, bird houses, bird baths, and bird-related gifts.

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City is a fun stop on your Route 66 road trip, as it is the largest and most lively city in Oklahoma. It is known for its cowboy culture, sports, and entertainment, and it has many attractions and landmarks that are related to Route 66 or that are worth visiting.

Here are some of the things you can do and see in Oklahoma City:

Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum

which is a moving and powerful memorial and museum that honors the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. You will see the outdoor symbolic memorial that features the reflecting pool, the field of empty chairs, the survivors’ wall, and the survivor tree, as well as the indoor interactive museum that tells the story of the tragedy and its aftermath.

Explore the Bricktown Entertainment District

which is a vibrant and trendy area that is located in the former warehouse district of downtown Oklahoma City. You will find many shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs that cater to different tastes and moods. You can also enjoy a ride on the Bricktown Water Taxi, which is a canal that runs through the district and that offers a scenic and informative tour of the area.

Visit some of the cultural and historical attractions

that Oklahoma City has to offer, such as the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which is a large and impressive museum that showcases the art, history, and culture of the American West, and that has exhibits and collections that feature paintings, sculptures, firearms, clothing, and artifacts, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, which is a modern and elegant museum that displays a variety of artworks, including a collection of glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly, and the Oklahoma History Center, which is a state-of-the-art museum and research center that chronicles the history and heritage of Oklahoma, and that has exhibits and displays that cover topics such as Native Americans, oil and gas, aviation, and sports.

Our personal recommendation and opinion is to spend at least one day in Oklahoma City, as there is a lot to do and see in this fun and lively city. However, you can also spend more or less time, depending on your interests and schedule.

Some of the places to stay, eat, and shop in Oklahoma City that are related to Route 66 or that are popular among travelers are:

Stay:

The Tower Hotel Oklahoma City, which is a stylish and comfortable hotel that is located on Northwest Expressway and that offers a view of the city skyline, The Hampton Inn and Suites Oklahoma City-Bricktown, which is a cozy and convenient hotel that is located in the heart of the Bricktown Entertainment District and that is close to many attractions and amenities, The Motel 6 Oklahoma City, which is a simple and affordable hotel that is located on West I-40 Service Road and that has a Route 66 theme and decor.

Eat:

The Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, which is a historic and authentic steakhouse that is located in the Stockyards City district and that has been serving quality steaks and other dishes since 1910, The Ann’s Chicken Fry House, which is a classic and cozy diner that is located on Northwest 39th Street and that is known for its chicken-fried steak and other comfort food, The Pops 66 Soda Ranch, which is a retro and fun restaurant and gas station that is located on Route 66 in Arcadia and that is famous for its giant soda bottle sign and its selection of more than 700 kinds of soda.

Shop:

The Western Avenue, which is a trendy and eclectic area that is located along Western Avenue and that has many boutiques, galleries, and cafes that sell unique and local products, The Penn Square Mall, which is a large and modern shopping mall that is located on Northwest Expressway and that has more than 140 stores and restaurants, The Antique Co-op, which is a charming and quirky store that is located on Northwest 10th Street and that sells vintage and antique items, such as furniture, jewelry, books, and toys.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a cultural stop on your Route 66 road trip, as it is the largest and most diverse city in New Mexico. It is known for its Native American, Hispanic, and Western heritage, as well as its arts, cuisine, and festivals. It has many attractions and landmarks that are related to Route 66 or that are worth visiting.

Here are some of the things you can do and see in Albuquerque:

Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

which is a museum and cultural center that showcases the history, culture, and art of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. You will see exhibits and displays that feature pottery, jewelry, textiles, and paintings, as well as live demonstrations and performances of traditional dances and ceremonies.

Explore the Old Town

which is the historic and charming area of downtown Albuquerque that dates back to 1706. You will find many shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums that sell and display local and regional products and artworks.

Visit some of the cultural and historical attractions

that Albuquerque has to offer, such as the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, which is a modern and comprehensive museum that displays a variety of artworks and artifacts that relate to the history and culture of Albuquerque and the Southwest, the Petroglyph National Monument, which is a natural and archaeological site that contains more than 20,000 rock carvings made by Native Americans and Spanish settlers, and the Turquoise Museum, which is a small and fascinating museum that showcases the history, science, and art of turquoise, the state gem of New Mexico.

Our personal recommendation and opinion is to spend at least one day in Albuquerque, as there is a lot to do and see in this cultural and diverse city. However, you can also spend more or less time, depending on your interests and schedule.

Some of the places to stay, eat, and shop in Albuquerque that are related to Route 66 or that are popular among travelers are:

Stay:

The El Vado Motel, which is a historic and renovated motel that is located on Central Avenue and that has a Route 66 theme and decor, The Hotel Andaluz, which is a luxurious and elegant hotel that is located on Second Street and that is one of the oldest hotels in Albuquerque and that has a Spanish and Moroccan style and design, The Monterey Non-Smokers Motel, which is a simple and clean motel that is located on Central Avenue and that is one of the few non-smoking motels in the city and that has a swimming pool and a garden.

Eat:

The Frontier Restaurant, which is a classic and popular restaurant that is located on Central Avenue and that has been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner since 1971, The El Pinto Restaurant, which is a spacious and scenic restaurant that is located on Fourth Street and that is famous for its authentic and award-winning New Mexican cuisine and its salsa, The 66 Diner, which is a retro and fun diner that is located on Central Avenue and that is known for its burgers, shakes, and pies.

Shop:

The Skip Maisel’s Indian Jewelry and Crafts, which is a large and colorful store that is located on Central Avenue and that sells a variety of Native American jewelry, pottery, rugs, and souvenirs, The Old Town Basket and Rug Shop, which is a charming and cozy store that is located in the Old Town and that sells a variety of baskets, rugs, and textiles from different cultures and regions, The The Candy Lady, which is a sweet and delightful store that is located in the Old Town and that sells a variety of candies, chocolates, and fudge, including some that are inspired by the TV show “Breaking Bad”, which was filmed in Albuquerque.

Grand Canyon NP

Grand Canyon NP is a natural wonder on your Route 66 road trip, as it is one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring sights in the world. It is a vast and deep gorge that was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, and that reveals the layers and colors of the earth’s history. It has many attractions and landmarks that are related to Route 66 or that are worth visiting.

Here are some of the things you can do and see in Grand Canyon NP:

Visit the South Rim

Which is the most popular and accessible part of the park, and which offers the best views and facilities. You will see the Grand Canyon Village, which is the main tourist area and which has shops, restaurants, hotels, and museums, such as the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, which is a historic and charming building that dates back to 1901 and that serves as the terminal for the Grand Canyon Railway, which is a scenic and nostalgic train that runs from Williams to the park, and the Kolb Studio, which is a historic and artistic building that was built in 1904 and that was the home and studio of the Kolb brothers, who were pioneer photographers and filmmakers of the Grand Canyon.

You will also see the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, which is a modern and informative center that has exhibits and displays that explain the geology, ecology, and history of the Grand Canyon, and the Mather Point, which is one of the most popular and panoramic viewpoints of the Grand Canyon, and which is located near the visitor center.

Explore the West Rim

which is the most adventurous and exciting part of the park, and which offers the most activities and thrills. You will see the Grand Canyon Skywalk, which is a glass bridge that extends over the edge of the Grand Canyon and that offers a breathtaking and vertigo-inducing view of the canyon floor, the Hualapai Ranch, which is a western-themed ranch and resort that offers horseback riding, wagon rides, cowboy shows, and overnight stays in cabins, and the Guano Point, which is a scenic and historic viewpoint that offers a 360-degree view of the Grand Canyon, and which is the site of a former bat guano mine that operated from 1958 to 1959.

Our personal recommendation and opinion is to spend at least two days in Grand Canyon NP, as there is so much to do and see in this natural wonder. However, you can also spend more or less time, depending on your interests and schedule.

Some of the places to stay, eat, and shop in Grand Canyon NP that are related to Route 66 or that are popular among travelers are:

Stay:

The El Tovar Hotel, which is a historic and elegant hotel that is located on the South Rim and that was built in 1905 and that has hosted many famous guests, such as presidents, celebrities, and royalty, The Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, which is a quirky and cozy hotel that is located on Route 66 near Peach Springs and that offers rooms and suites that are located inside a large and dry cavern, The Grand Canyon Lodge, which is a rustic and charming lodge that is located on the North Rim and that offers cabins and rooms that have a view of the Grand Canyon.

Eat:

The El Tovar Dining Room, which is a fine and elegant dining room that is located in the El Tovar Hotel and that serves traditional and contemporary cuisine, such as steaks, seafood, and pasta, The Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In, which is a retro and fun drive-in that is located on Route 66 in Seligman and that is known for its burgers, fries, and shakes, and its humorous and friendly service, The Arizona Room, which is a casual and scenic dining room that is located on the South Rim and that serves southwestern and American cuisine, such as Navajo tacos, elk chili, and barbecue ribs.

Shop:

The Hopi House, which is a historic and authentic building that was built in 1905 and that was designed by the renowned architect Mary Colter and that resembles a traditional Hopi dwelling, and that sells Native American arts and crafts, such as pottery, jewelry, rugs, and baskets, The Hackberry General Store, which is a classic and nostalgic store that is located on Route 66 in Hackberry and that sells Route 66 memorabilia and souvenirs, such as signs, magnets, stickers, and t-shirts, The Grand Canyon Association Park Store, which is a modern and informative store that is located in the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and that sells books, maps, guides, and educational materials related to the Grand Canyon.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a glamorous stop on your Route 66 road trip, as it is one of the most famous and exciting cities in the world. It’s is known for its casinos, shows, and nightlife, as well as its attractions and landmarks that are related to Route 66 or that are worth visiting.

Here are some of the things you can do and see in Las Vegas:

Explore the Downtown Las Vegas

which is the original and historic part of the city that dates back to 1905. You will find many shops, restaurants, bars, and museums that sell and display local and regional products and artworks. You can also see some of the oldest and most classic casinos and hotels in Las Vegas, such as the Golden Nugget, which is the largest and most luxurious casino and hotel in downtown and that has a shark tank and a gold nugget display, the Binion’s Gambling Hall, which is a legendary and historic casino and hotel that is the birthplace of the World Series of Poker and that has a million-dollar display, and the El Cortez, which is the oldest continuously operating casino and hotel in Las Vegas and that has a vintage and nostalgic style and design.

Enjoy the delicious food

that Las Vegas is famous for, such as the buffet, which is a large and varied spread of food that is offered at a fixed price and that is available at most hotels and casinos, the steak, which is a high-quality and tender cut of beef that is grilled or broiled and that is served with various sides and sauces, and the shrimp cocktail, which is a simple and refreshing dish that consists of cooked shrimp that are served with a cocktail sauce and a lemon wedge.

Our personal recommendation and opinion is to spend at least two days in Las Vegas, as there is so much to do and see in this glamorous and exciting city. However, you can also spend more or less time, depending on your interests and schedule.

Some of the places to stay, eat, and shop in Las Vegas that are related to Route 66 or that are popular among travelers are:

Stay:

The The D Las Vegas, which is a modern and stylish hotel and casino that is located on Fremont Street and that has a Route 66 theme and decor, The The Venetian Resort, which is a luxurious and romantic hotel and casino that is located on the Strip and that is inspired by Venice and that has a canal, a gondola ride, and a replica of the St. Mark’s Square, The Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, which is a fun and family-friendly hotel and casino that is located on the Strip and that has a circus theme and a variety of attractions, such as a theme park, a water park, and a circus show.

Eat:

The Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge, which is a classic and cozy restaurant and lounge that is located on the Strip and that has been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner since 1972, The Hash House A Go Go, which is a trendy and quirky restaurant that is located on Sahara Avenue and that is known for its huge and creative portions of comfort food, such as chicken and waffles, meatloaf, and pancakes, The In-N-Out Burger, which is a popular and delicious burger chain that is located on Tropicana Avenue and that is famous for its fresh and simple burgers, fries, and shakes.

Shop:

The Bonanza Gift Shop, which is a large and eclectic gift shop that is located on the Strip and that sells a variety of souvenirs and novelties, such as magnets, mugs, t-shirts, and dice, The Fashion Show Mall, which is a huge and modern shopping mall that is located on the Strip and that has more than 250 stores and restaurants, The Las Vegas North Premium Outlets, which is a premium and upscale outlet mall that is located on Grand Central Parkway and that has more than 180 stores and brands, such as Nike, Coach, and Michael Kors.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a perfect ending point for your Route 66 road trip, as it is one of the most famous and diverse cities in the world. It is known for its entertainment, culture, and lifestyle, as well as its attractions and landmarks that are related to Route 66 or that are worth visiting.

Here are some of the things you can do and see in Los Angeles:

Visit the Hollywood

which is the epicenter of the movie and television industry and which has many attractions and landmarks that are related to Route 66 or that are worth visiting. You will see the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which is a sidewalk that has more than 2,600 stars that honor celebrities from various fields of entertainment, the Hollywood Sign, which is a iconic and famous sign that spells out the name of the city on the hills, and the TCL Chinese Theatre, which is a historic and ornate theatre that has hosted many premieres and events and that has the handprints and footprints of many stars on its forecourt.

Explore the Santa Monica

which is a beautiful and lively beach city that is the official end of Route 66 and that has many attractions and landmarks that are related to Route 66 or that are worth visiting. You will see the Santa Monica Pier, which is a popular and fun attraction that has a ferris wheel, a roller coaster, an aquarium, and a sign that says “End of the Trail”, the Third Street Promenade, which is a pedestrian-only area that has many shops, restaurants, bars, and street performers, and the Santa Monica Beach, which is a long and sandy beach that has a bike path, a boardwalk, and a view of the Pacific Ocean.

Enjoy some of the delicious food

That Los Angeles is famous for, such as the sushi, which is a Japanese dish that consists of raw fish and rice and that is served with soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger.

The Mexican food, which is a fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and American influences and that is characterized by the use of tortillas, beans, cheese, meat, and salsa. Some of the dishes you can try are the tacos, which are corn or flour tortillas filled with various ingredients, such as beef, chicken, pork, fish, or vegetables.

Visit some of the cultural and historical attractions

Some examples are the Getty Center, a modern and stunning museum and cultural center that showcases paintings, sculptures, photographs, and manuscripts, and offers a panoramic view of the city and the ocean, the Griffith Observatory, a historic and impressive observatory and planetarium that lets you see the stars and the planets, as well as the Hollywood Sign and the city skyline, and the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, a natural and archaeological site and museum that holds more than 3 million fossils of animals and plants from the Ice Age, and features exhibits and displays of their skeletons, models, and dioramas.

Our personal recommendation and opinion is to spend at least two days in Los Angeles, as there is so much to do and see in this famous and diverse city. However, you can also spend more or less time, depending on your interests and schedule.

Some of the places to stay, eat, and shop in Los Angeles that are related to Route 66 or that are popular among travelers are:

Stay:

The Beverly Hills Hotel, which is a historic and luxurious hotel that is located on Sunset Boulevard and that has hosted many famous guests, such as presidents, celebrities, and royalty, The The Georgian Hotel, which is a charming and elegant hotel that is located on Ocean Avenue and that is one of the oldest hotels in Santa Monica and that has a view of the pier and the beach, The Saga Motor Hotel, which is a simple and affordable hotel that is located on Colorado Boulevard and that has a Route 66 theme and decor.

Eat:

The Musso and Frank Grill, which is a classic and authentic restaurant that is located on Hollywood Boulevard and that has been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner since 1919.

Shop:

The Hollywood and Highland Center, which is a large and modern shopping and entertainment complex that is located on Hollywood Boulevard and that has more than 75 stores and restaurants, The Santa Monica Place, which is a stylish and upscale shopping mall that is located on Broadway and that has more than 80 stores and restaurants, The The Original Farmers Market, which is a historic and lively market that is located on Fairfax Avenue and that has more than 100 vendors and stalls that sell fresh produce, prepared food, and specialty items.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this blog post and that it helped you plan your Route 66 road trip. Taking a Route 66 road trip is an unforgettable experience that will show you the best of America and its culture, history, and scenery. You will have the opportunity to see and do many things that you will not find anywhere else. And, you will have the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.

If you are ready to book your Route 66 road trip, you can contact us at Travel Mind. We help people from all around the world discover opportunities. Related to travel, visa, immigration, scholarship, and others. We will help you find the best deals and packages for your Route 66 road trip. And, we will also provide you with more information and suggestions on what to do and see on your way.

Thank you for reading this blog post and for choosing Travel Mind as your travel partner. We look forward to hearing from you and to sharing your thoughts and experiences on your Route 66 road trip. Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Happy travels!

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