The post Road Trip on Route 66, USA This Summer appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Spanning over 2,400 miles, Route 66 winds its way from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, offering a tapestry of the American experience. Each stretch of the road tells a different story, passing through small towns, bustling cities, and scenic landscapes that showcase the heart and soul of the United States.
Your journey on Route 66 will be a delightful mix of the past and the present. You’ll encounter classic diners, vintage gas stations, and quirky roadside attractions that hark back to the golden age of American road travel. Don’t miss the opportunity to stop at landmarks like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the historic city of Santa Fe, and the Grand Canyon—a breathtaking detour that’s well worth the time.
The beauty of a Route 66 road trip lies in its flexibility. Whether you’re an avid historian, a nature lover, or just seeking a new adventure, the route offers something for everyone. As you drive, you’ll not only witness the evolving landscape but also the diverse cultures that make up the fabric of America.
Summer 2024 could be the year you embark on this unforgettable journey. Route 66 is not just a road; it’s an experience, a symbol of freedom and discovery. Pack your bags, grab a map, and hit the open road—adventure awaits on Route 66!
The post Road Trip on Route 66, USA This Summer appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Hit the Road: Exploring Some of Rt 66’s Best Stops appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Chicago, Illinois
Start your midwest leg of the tour where Rt 66 begins. The “Windy City” has many known tourist attractions and is a popular destination for a reason! Explore Millennium Park and bask in the city’s rich architectural heritage before taking off! Stop for some deep dish pizza to get you fueled up for the next leg of your journey.
Travel | Hotels | Food | Tips (@chicago.explore)Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Delve into the iconic and rich history of the midwest and cowboy culture at the National Cowboy and Western Herritage Museum. Then head to the Bricktown district, for life entertainment and fine dining experiences. This is a great city to explore if you’re chasing the allure of the midwestern culture.
Cadillac Ranch, Texas
This stop is perfect for admirers of retro cars and the deep south. Check out the imaginative art installation of buried Cadillacs just west of Amarillo. This is an intriguing and memorable roadside attraction that will make the perfect stop along the way. Be sure to stop for some famous Texas BBQ if you get hungry, and ride a mechanical bull in some of the many famous joints that Texas is known for.
Petrified Forrest National Park, Arizona
Stop in Arizona and revel in some of the amazing views that will make you feel like you’re on Mars. This park is a marvel and offers picturesque views of petrified wood and vibrant badlands. This park is a breathtaking geological paradise, and the perfect addition for fans of nature, hiking, and, views.
The post Hit the Road: Exploring Some of Rt 66’s Best Stops appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Fancy a Road Trip? Here’s Where to Head appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Thankfully, the guys at Auto Trader in the UK have analyzed the data and compiled a list of the top places around the world to hit the road.
Route 66 — United States
It’s hardly surprising that Route 66 ranked as the most popular road trip destination. After all, the highway that travels cross-country, from Chicago to Santa Monica, was the inspiration behind Jack Kerouac’s On the Road. With dozens of quirky motels and peculiar sites, you definitely won’t be bored.
Big Sur — United States
The coastal region of California is a sight to behold. Known for its rugged mountains, redwood forests, and beaches, Big Sur has been deemed “an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation.” Be sure to heck out the Bixby Creek Bridge and Point Sur Lightstation.
Wild Atlantic Way — Ireland
Stepping away from the States, and stretching from Cork to Donegal, the Wild Atlantic Way is the longest road trip in Ireland. The 1,500-mile journey includes cliffs, beaches, hiking spots, and a dark sky reserve!
The post Fancy a Road Trip? Here’s Where to Head appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Everything You Need to Know About America’s Route 66 Road Trip appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Fast Facts
Length: 2,448 miles
Duration: 30 hours of driving
States on the route: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois
How much time it takes: About 2 weeks
Starting point: Chicago, Illinois
Ending point: Los Angeles, California
A Little History
Route 66 was established in 1926 as the first transcontinental highway. Running diagonally across America, it became a popular way to migrate west during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. Since then, it’s become a popular “road of dreams” full of the drive-ins and neon signs that many people think of when they imagine America.
(@_travelwithbeth)Places to See on the Way
There are lots of places to stop along Route 66, but some that come highly recommended include the Meramec Caverns, the Totem Pole Trading Post, the iconic Blue Whale, the Route 66 Museum, Cadillac Ranch, Painted Desert, and Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch.
The post Everything You Need to Know About America’s Route 66 Road Trip appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post America’s Coolest Long-Distance Drives appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>California’s Pacific Coast Highway
Perhaps the most stunningly beautiful road in the country is California’s Pacific Coast Highway. On this winding stretch of road that goes from Orange County to just south of the Oregon border, you will see the beaches and landscape bordering the Pacific Ocean in their maximum beauty.
Ela Rodriguez 
(@elatravelshots)Route 66
The most famous road in the U.S. is probably Route 66, once the primary link between the Midwest and the West Coast. Though now not as frequently traveled, you can still follow its original route from Chicago to Los Angeles and see what the many Americans who traveled West in the first half of the 20th century saw.
U.S. Route 20
If a long route and seeing as much of the United States as you can is your aim, take U.S. Route 20! This is the longest road in the country, stretching from Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon. You’ll get to experience New England, the Great Lakes, and the interior west as you make your way from coast to coast.
The post America’s Coolest Long-Distance Drives appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Route 66: Amazing Facts You Didn’t Know About the Iconic Highway appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>First McDonald’s
McDonald’s restaurants can now be found all over the world, but the first one was opened in San Bernardino, California, making Route 66 the birthplace of the fast-food chain.
The Mother Road
Route 66 is often referred to as “the mother road”, but did you know this term originates from John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath, where this highway stood as a symbol of escape and loss.
Popular Culture
Route 66 served as inspiration for several songs, movies and TV shows, including Pixar’s animated classic Cars.
Driving Today
Many people couldn’t imagine a day without taking a drive on Route 66 while it was still active, but only certain parts of this iconic highway are still drivable today.
𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍Picking a Name
It’s hard to imagine Route 66 being called anything else, but entrepreneur Cyrus Avery who’s been called “the father of Route 66” originally proposed number 60 to identify it. He eventually settled on 66, because this number was unassigned at the time.
(@themimki)The post Route 66: Amazing Facts You Didn’t Know About the Iconic Highway appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 5 Unusual Things To Do In New Mexico appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>House of Eternal Return
This unique attraction is part haunted house, part choose-your-own-adventure and part jungle gym. Piece together clues and stumble through secret passages to access strange and exciting “other worlds.”
The World’s Largest Pistachio
The world’s largest pistachio stands at 30ft tall and is a perfect photo opp. It’s nuts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRcse0FlqHu/
Musical Highway
There’s a strip on Route 66 which will play “America the Beautiful” if you drive along it at the right speed. That speed is exactly 45 mph.
Roswell McDonalds
This McDonalds is the only space themed McDonalds in the entire world. The theme fits rumors of the UFO incident that occurred in the town.
Dawn Light Sanctuary
The sanctuary uses prisms to transform light into rainbows. It is a peaceful, beautiful room perfect for taking a break from the world to reflect.
The post 5 Unusual Things To Do In New Mexico appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Take a Great American Road Trip appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Route 66
Probably the most famous road in American, Route 66 connects Chicago with Santa Monica. Take in the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Then visit the Meramec Caverns for a guided cave tour.
Don’t miss the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, or the Cadillac Ranch in Texas. The Meteor Crater in Arizona is breathtaking, and a visit to Los Angeles is mandatory.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh8KUSZHsgl/?tagged=route66
Pacific Coast Highway
A trip on California’s Pacific Coast Highway will provide you with gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and access to many beachside towns.
From Hearst Castle, the former residence of newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst, to Pfeiffer Beach with its purple sands, this route offers hiking, shopping, wine tasting, the Golden Gate Bridge, and much more.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh8JxtYh0Aj/?tagged=pacificcoasthighway
The Overseas Highway
This scenic stretch linking Miami with Key West, all along the Florida Keys, promises a picturesque trip. Snorkeling, SCUBA diving in coral reefs, cold brews, the Seven Mile Bridge, and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West are all unmissable.
The post Take a Great American Road Trip appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: New Mexico appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Glenrio, NM
Right as you cross over the state line, you’ll drive past Glenrio, which is half in Texas and half in New Mexico. But that’s not the only interesting thing about it.
At Russell’s Truck & Travel Center (I-49, exit 369) you’ll find a hidden gem: a free, unofficial auto museum. It is a rather impressive private collection of cars and memorabilia that’ll make you feeling nostalgic. There’s a donation box at the entrance for you to show your appreciation, with 100% of the money going to help feed the poor.
Santa Rosa, NM
If you can’t make it to Russell’s, there’s a Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa as well. Not only can you check out a bunch of gorgeous classic cars, you can also hang out with Mater from the movie Cars!
Need to cool off from the hot New Mexico weather? Take a dive into the Santa Rosa Blue Hole.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiSswFTgtkn/?tagged=santarosabluehole
Tucumcari, NM
Tucumcari has really embraced its Route 66 heritage and has quite a few things to offer, including a rather cool monument in front of the Tucumcari Convention Center.
The city is also home to a Route 66 Museum, which focuses on the Mother Road’s history in the state of New Mexico.
The Blue Swallow Motel is one of the most photographed spots on Route 66. With its neon sign and groovy design, you can certainly see why!
Tee Pee Curios used to be a gas station back in the hayday of Route 66. Now it’s mostly selling Route 66 keepsakes. It’s also a great photo op spot!
Who doesn’t like dinosaurs? At the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum you can find 10,000 square foot of dinosaur skeletons alongside many other exhibits!
Albuquerque, NM
No trip to New Mexico is complete without a visit to the ABQ. If you spend the night in the city, make sure you take a tour History & Ghost Tours of Old Town, a story-telling 90 minute walk around the main square and dark alleys of Old Town.
If you’re too much of a scaredy cat, there are other ways to spend your evening in Albuquerque. You can catch a show at the old KiMo theater, which was built in 1927 and to this day offers some of the best entertainment in town, from theater shows to film screenings, concerts and even backstage tours. Though we must warn you, there have been reported ghost hauntings in the building, though those have been “disproven” so far.
Feeling hungry? Visit the 66 Diner, a classic diner with good ol’ American food.
If you’ve enjoyed all of the neon signs on the Route 66 businesses in the city, go straight to the source: Absolutely Neon.
Gallup, NM
Shortly before leaving New Mexico, you’ll be driving through Gallup. The shopaholics among you can go rummaging for treasure at Richardson’s Trading Post. It has been operating as a trader with the nearby reservation since 1913, offering a massive selection of Native American gems, including some gorgeous rugs and jewelry.
NATUREIf you’re looking for a place to stay the night, look no further than the El Rancho Hotel. Other than the Wild West hunting lodge feel it has going on, the hotel, built in 1937, played host to Hollywood elite – including Ronald Reagan, Katharine Hepburn, and John Wayne – as they were filming in the area.
As we bid farewell to the Land of Enchantment, we prepare to cross over to Arizona, where more adventure awaits!
The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: New Mexico appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: Texas appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>https://www.instagram.com/p/BamnPZLF6ES/?tagged=route66texas
Amarillo, TX
Are you hungry like the wolf? The Big Texan Ranch has got you covered! You can get a 72oz steak there!!… But can you finish it?
Right outside Amarillo, you’ll find the Cadillac Ranch. What’s not to like about an art installation in the middle of the desert of a bunch of cadillacs sprouting front-up out of the ground? To top it off, the cars are covered in graffiti done by all of the previous visitors to the site, and you too can bring a can of spray and get creative!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiVR41BHns7/?tagged=route66texas
Conway, TX
The Bug Ranch, much like the Cadillac Ranch, includes cars coming out of the earth, this time with their back ends up in the sky.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl6VPNglFC-/?taken-at=241493521
(@ozark_gal)Shamrock, TX
If you’re a fan of the movie Cars, you can check out the U-Drop Inn service station in Shamrock, which inspired Ramone’s garage.
McLean, TX
If you somehow missed the Route 66 Museum in Oklahoma, you have a chance for a do-over in McLean, TX. In the same building, you’ll also find the Devil’s Rope, which will tell you everything you need to know about barbed-wire.
Groom, TX
From a Giant Cross to a leaning water tower… Groom has something for everyone!
Adrian, TX
Congratulations, you’ve halfway through Route 66! Celebrate it with the Ugly Crust Pie at the Midpoint Cafe!
Our road trip is almost over, with only three more states to go! Join us next week as we drive into New Mexico.
The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: Texas appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>