Historic Route 66
America’s Main Street: from big-city skyscrapers to desert horizons. Expect detours—modern interstates replaced many segments—so take your time and enjoy the neon, diners, and roadside art.
Route Map
Key Details
| Distance | ~2,400 miles (varies by chosen segments) |
|---|---|
| Recommended Time | 7–14 days (relaxed pace) |
| Speed Limits | State and segment dependent; slower on historic alignments |
| Best Season | Spring & fall for milder temps; summer heat in the Southwest |
| Fuel & Service | Regular in towns; plan ahead in remote desert stretches |
Recommended Stops
- Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum (Pontiac, IL) — 40.8806° N, 88.6266° W
- Chain of Rocks Bridge (St. Louis) — 38.7613° N, 90.1766° W
- Blue Whale of Catoosa (OK) — 36.2192° N, 95.7462° W
- POPS 66 Soda Ranch (Arcadia, OK) — 35.6619° N, 97.3267° W
- Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, TX) — 35.1870° N, 101.9877° W
- Tucumcari Neon (NM) — 35.1717° N, 103.7240° W
- Petrified Forest / Painted Desert VC (AZ) — 35.0659° N, 109.7878° W
- Wigwam Motel (Holbrook, AZ) — 34.9023° N, 110.1583° W
- Roy’s Motel & Café (Amboy, CA) — 34.5585° N, 115.7445° W
- Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch (CA) — 34.6362° N, 117.3238° W
Restrooms & Break Areas
- Joliet Area Historical Museum Visitor Center (IL) — 41.5253° N, 88.0810° W
- Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (Clinton, OK) — 35.4973° N, 98.9651° W
- Petrified Forest Visitor Center (AZ) — 35.0659° N, 109.7878° W
- Seligman Visitor Center (AZ) — 35.3255° N, 112.8541° W
- Santa Monica Pier (public restrooms) — 34.0090° N, 118.4973° W
Some attractions are seasonal; hours vary—plan fuel/restroom stops accordingly.