Route 66 winds through eight states from Illinois to California. Here’s a list of some of the top attractions for the rest of the states.
Missouri
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, St. Louis — A Mother Road staple since served upside down since 1929.
Route 66 State Park, Eureka — The public recreation area located on the Meramec River at the site of the former, vanished town of Times Beach.
Meramec Caverns, Stanton — A road-trip classic since the 1930s. Billboards and barn roof signs for this cavern once lined the entire Mother Road, and the attraction still feels like pure Americana.
Bourbon Water Tower, Bourbon —Arguably the best selfie stop on Route 66, the town’s water tower is one of the most photographed and shared sites on the road.
Route 66 Mural City, Cuba — Viva Cuba maintains 14 murals and Cuba is known as “Route 66 Mural City.”
Route 66 Rocker, Fanning — Formerly the world’s largest rocking chair, it measures 42 feet, 4 inches and sits on rockers weighing a ton each.
Neon Sign Park, St. Robert —This outdoor, open-air museum features restored, vintage neon signs that originated along Historic Route 66.
Munger Moss Motel and Route 66 Museum, Lebanon — A glimpse into the famous road with an emphasis on local history, including the famed motor court.
Fred & Red’s Chili, Joplin — Home of the original spaghetti red, served since 1923.
Gary’s Gay Parita, Ash Grove — A lovingly recreated 1930s Sinclair station loaded with memorabilia.
Kansas
Cars on the Route, Galena — Kansas has only 13 miles of Route 66, but this restored Kan-O-Tex gas station — home to the truck that inspired “Mater” in Cars — is its standout.
Rainbow Bridge, Riverton — The last remaining Marsh Arch bridge on Route 66.
Baxter Springs Independent Oil & Gas Station, Baxter Springs — Beautifully restored early gas station with great history.
Oklahoma
Blue Whale, Catoosa — This giant, smiling blue whale beside a pond is one of Route 66’s most beloved and quirky landmarks.
Arcadia Round Barn, Arcadia — Rare round barn built in 1898, lovingly restored.
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Clinton — The best museum for understanding the Mother Road’s full story.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City —
The premier destination for western history, art and culture.
POPS 66, Arcadia — Giant soda bottle and 700-plus sodas to choose from.
Rock Café, Stroud — Diner famous for its spaetzle and burgers.
Texas
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo — Ten Cadillacs nose-down in the desert, covered in spray paint and you’re encouraged to add your own. Irreplaceable Route 66 kitsch.
Midpoint Café, Adrian — Exactly halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica. Great pie.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo — Over-the-top Texas fun; home of the 72-ounce steak challenge.
U-Drop Inn, Shamrock — Sit where Elvis did in this classic diner.
Phillips 66 Station, McLean — Beautiful Art Deco restoration.
Devil’s Rope Museum, McLean — Learn how barb wire tamed the west.
Leaning Water Tower and Two-Headed Rattlesnake, Groom —Two of the best roadside attractions.
New Mexico
Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari — The best neon on the entire route. Family-run, beautifully preserved rooms, and a true 1940s motor court experience. Even if you don’t stay, stop for photos.
Albuquerque Central Avenue Neon Corridor, Albuquerque — Vintage motels, diners, and neon signs for miles.
El Rancho Hotel, Gallup — Hollywood’s western movie stars stayed here; gorgeous lobby.
Blue Hole, Santa Rosa — Take in the Route 66 Auto Museum, then swim at a spring-fed swimming and diving spot.
Roto-Sphere Sign, Moriarity — Space Age neon remnant of a classic diner.
Santa Fe Loop, Santa Fe — Drive this original stretch of the highway through beautiful historic Santa Fe.
Arizona
Petrified Forest and Painted Desert, Holbrook — The only national park the Mother Road drives straight through. Classic roadside nostalgia meets staggering natural beauty.
Wigwam Motel, Holbrook — “Sleep in a Wigwam!” An unforgettable overnight.
Oatman Ghost Town, Oatman — Wild burros, gunfighter shows, and a mountain drive you’ll never forget.
Standin’ on the Corner Park, Winslow — Eagles tribute made real.
Meteor Crater National Landmark, Winslow — Enormous, well-preserved impact site.
Birthplace of Route 66 Revival, Seligman — Angel Delgadillo’s barbershop and tons of classic Americana.
Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Joseph City — Here it is! Get your own yellow sign showing the distance to your home here.
General Store, Hackberry — Stop here to see a massive collection of Mother Road memorabilia.
California
Roy’s Motel and Café, Amboy — A surreal desert time capsule with a legendary Googie-style neon sign. Nothing captures the lonely, romantic end stretch of Route 66 like Roy’s.
Bottle Tree Ranch, Oro Grande — Elmer Long’s mesmerizing forest of metal and glass sculptures.
Bagdad Café, Newberry Springs — Filming location with cult status.
Wigwam Motel, San Bernardino — Another iconic “wigwam village.”
Santa Monica Pier (Route 66 End Sign), Santa Monica — The symbolic finish line — get the photo at the end-of-the-trail sign.
