7 Best Attractions Along Route 66

These best attractions along Route 66 cover some quirky, fun spots as well as popular landmarks; so you don’t miss a thing on your road trip.

Route 66 represents a nostalgic escape into the heart of America. Known as the “Mother Road,” it spans nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Travelers find themselves immersed in roadside charm, quirky landmarks, and historic sites.

This road trip is about stopping to explore what makes this route legendary. You’ll discover iconic diners, neon-lit motels, natural wonders, and oddball attractions that feel plucked from another time. To help plan your trip, here are the top places to include in your itinerary. Start with the romantic things to do in Chicago and end up ticking off those California bucket list items.

Best Attractions Along Route 66

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch, just outside Amarillo, Texas, is a one-of-a-kind roadside attraction and on many a USA bucketlist. This public art installation was introduced in 1974 and features ten Cadillacs buried nose-first into the ground, quickly becoming one of the best attractions along Route 66. Each car represents a model from 1949 to 1963, showcasing their iconic tailfins.

What makes it special is how visitors interact with it. You’re encouraged to bring spray paint and leave your mark on the cars. The artwork constantly evolves as new layers of paint are added daily.

Highlights of this stop include:

• It’s a unique blend of art and history you can touch
• A chance for hands-on creativity during your trip
• Unforgettable photo opportunities against vast Texan plains

You’re essentially walking into an open-air gallery where you’re both a visitor and an artist. Best of all, you don’t need tickets or reservations. Just pull over, grab some paint cans, and join this ever-changing masterpiece along Route 66.

If you park up at Cadillac Ranch, be aware that getting back onto the busy road used to access it is potentially dangerous, especially during peak periods. As explained in this truck accident guide, you need to plan for worst-case scenarios on any road trip, as well as take precautions to prevent catastrophes. Preparation will let you enjoy all of the attractions Route 66 has to offer with confidence.

The Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is a towering symbol of westward expansion and another one of the best attractions along Route 66 as well as one of the best things to do in St. Louis. While technically not on Route 66 itself, it’s an essential detour for history buffs traveling the Mother Road.

Standing at 630 feet tall, this stainless steel monument offers stunning views of the city and Mississippi River from its top observation deck. It ties into the spirit of exploration that embodies a Route 66 trip.

It’s worth stopping here because:

• A tram ride takes you up for unmatched panoramic views
• The adjacent museum explores America’s push westward
• It’s near historic sections of Route 66 in downtown St. Louis

Exploring this landmark complements your road trip by adding historical depth and architectural marvels. The Gateway Arch bridges past journeys with your adventure on one of America’s most iconic highways.

Blue Whale of Catoosa

One of our favorite best attractions along Route 66, is the Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma. This is a beloved roadside stop brimming with charm.

Built in the early 1970s as an anniversary gift, this massive blue sculpture now welcomes Route 66 travelers seeking quirky photo ops and nostalgia.

Set by a serene pond, it’s ideal for stretching your legs or enjoying a picnic. The whale once served as part of a swimming hole but today acts more like a cheerful monument to simpler times. When you’re planning your road trip itinerary, this is a stopping point worth prioritizing.

You should visit this spot because it offers:

• Iconic photo opportunities with one of Route 66’s quirkiest landmarks
• Shaded areas for picnics or just relaxing by the water
• A slice of Americana that’s free to enjoy

You’ll find yourself smiling at how delightfully offbeat this attraction feels. It embodies everything travelers love about Route 66: whimsy, history, and memories waiting to be made. Oklahoma is also home to some of the most unique hotels in the US!

Petrified Forest National Park

The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona offers a natural wonder along Route 66. Famous for its fossilized wood, the park also features colorful badlands and sweeping desert vistas that take your breath away.

You can follow trails that lead to ancient petrified logs, each displaying vibrant mineral patterns from centuries of preservation. It’s not just about the scenery either, as remnants of old Route 66 still cross through parts of the park.

This stop is memorable thanks to its:

• Stunning views across Painted Desert landscapes
• Fascinating geological formations you can explore up close
• Historical significance with traces of vintage road alignments

It’s an experience where nature and history come together beautifully and is one of the best attractions along Route 66 but also a gorgeous place to explore. It’s one of several destinations where you can find fossils and also be reminded of how time shapes everything around us, just like Route 66 itself.

Seligman, Arizona

Seligman holds a special place in Route 66 history and is another one of the more unique and best attractions along Route 66. This small town is credited with starting the movement to preserve and celebrate the highway after it was decommissioned in 1985. Today, it’s a lively stop filled with retro charm and nods to the golden age of road trips.

Walking down its main street feels like stepping back in time, thanks to vintage cars, diners, and quirky shops brimming with memorabilia.

Reasons Seligman stands out due to its:

• Rich historical significance as a hub for Route 66 enthusiasts
• Unique roadside attractions that capture mid-century Americana vibes
• Great food stops for refueling your body, not just your car

The town thrives on nostalgia while embracing visitors eager to relive those classic cross-country drives. Stopping here is a way of celebrating everything that makes traveling Route 66 timelessly iconic.

Meramec Caverns’ Underground Adventures

Located in Missouri, Meramec Caverns offers a unique underground stop along Route 66. These sprawling caves have drawn visitors since the 1930s, boasting rich geological formations and a fascinating history tied to tales of outlaws like Jesse James.

A guided tour takes you deep into the caverns, where you can marvel at stalactites, stalagmites, and breathtaking rock structures illuminated with vibrant lighting.

It’s unforgettable thanks to:

• Standing as a stunning natural wonder carved over millions of years
• Its intriguing legends that bring history to life during tours
• Being a family-friendly attraction with something for all ages

Exploring these caverns is like stepping into another world beneath the highway. It’s an experience filled with awe and wonder that adds depth, literally, to your journey on Route 66.

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier marks the symbolic finish line of Route 66. Located in California, this iconic spot offers ocean views and classic boardwalk fun, creating a memorable conclusion to your road trip adventure.

The historic “End of the Trail” sign stands proudly here, drawing travelers who want that perfect photo after completing their journey.

It’s a must-visit thanks to:

• Being a scenic coastal backdrop for celebrating your achievement
• It’s carnival-style attractions like Ferris wheels and arcade games
• The nearby Pacific Ocean provides opportunities for beach relaxation

Ideally, it will feel like a reward for miles well-traveled. Walking along this bustling pier is nostalgic and exhilarating, reminding you why road trips like this are so revered.

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Route 66 is an opportunity to plan an adventure filled with culture, history, and unforgettable landmarks. From quirky roadside attractions to natural wonders, each stop tells a unique story that enriches your journey.

These seven destinations capture the heart of what makes Route 66 legendary. Whether you’re seeking nostalgia or discovery, this iconic highway delivers moments you’ll treasure forever. So pack your bags and explore the places that define this slice of Americana.