There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the open road, especially when that road happens to be the legendary Route 66 and you’re behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang Convertible. Known as the ‘Main Street of America’, this historic highway stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, crossing eight states and offering a rich tapestry of Americana history, vibrant music scenes, mouth-watering cuisine, stunning landscapes, and quirky small towns. Ready to hit the road? Here's your guide to an unforgettable 16-night Route 66 road trip adventure.
Start your adventure in the Windy City. Chicago is a bustling metropolis brimming with iconic architecture, delicious deep-dish pizza, and an electrifying music scene. While you're here, be sure to visit Millennium Park and snap a selfie with ‘The Bean’, take a stroll along Navy Pier for scenic views of Lake Michigan, and if you time your trip just right, catch a Chicago Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field.
Next, head to St. Louis, the ‘Gateway to the West’. This city is famed for its iconic arch and rich jazz heritage, so make sure you catch a live performance at one of the local clubs such as BB’s Jazz, Blues, & Soups. If you love rollercoasters, head to Six Flags, one of the most thrilling amusement parks in the US, or if you want something a little more chilled, Forest Park is a great alternative – did you know it’s around 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York?
After St. Louis, make your way to Springfield. During your days here, it would be rude not to visit the Route 66 Car Museum to see classic cars and vehicles from some of your favourite films. Missouri is considered the ‘Gateway to the Great Outdoors’, so there are plenty of parks to explore, but a must-see is the Lake of the Ozarks, a huge manmade reservoir which has beautiful beaches, great fishing, and water sports activities for all ages.
Oklahoma City blends cowboy culture with modern attractions. Highlights here include The National Cowboy Western Heritage Museum, the Bricktown Entertainment District for dining and entertainment, and the Myriad Botanical Gardens for a peaceful stroll. It’s also the perfect place to buy a genuine cowboy hat or to find your perfect pair of cowboy boots.
In Texas, everything is bigger, including the fun. While in Amarillo, don’t miss the Cadillac Ranch, an iconic Route 66 art installation, Big Texan Steak Ranch (try their famous 72oz steak challenge if you dare), and the Palo Duro Canyon State Park for hiking and walks through stunning landscapes. There are also plenty of Old West experiences here so if you love a good Western, head to one of the many ranches and go horse riding through the canyon.
Albuquerque offers a mix of Native American heritage and modern flair, making it one of the more unique stops on this journey. You can go kayaking down the legendary Rio Grande, enjoy some retail therapy in Old Town Albuquerque, or take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for panoramic views over the city.
You’ll first stay in Holbrook where you can explore the geological wonder of the Petrified Forest National Park. Next is the iconic Grand Canyon and no American road trip is complete without a visit. Here, you’ll enjoy a unique glamping experience overnight, so you’ll have plenty of time to hike around the national park, taking in the otherworldly views and striking vistas.
From the natural wonders of Arizona to the neon lights of Las Vegas, the next stop on your road trip offers non-stop entertainment. Kick things up a gear by heading to the vibrant and buzzing Las Vegas Strip for casinos, shows, and nightlife like nowhere else. During the day, why not make the drive to the nearby Hoover Dam to see this incredible engineering marvel up close?
After two unforgettable weeks, your epic road trip culminates at the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica. Before you return home, make sure you take a walk along the Santa Monica Pier and ride the famous Ferris wheel before soaking up the sun on Santa Monica Beach. Palisades Park is a must-see too, as is the Farmers’ Market at the weekend.
To organise your Route 66 road trip, contact your Travel Counsellor today.
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