Experience the highlights of Route 66 in just one week. This 7‑day essentials itinerary blends iconic landmarks, quirky roadside stops, and authentic small‑town charm, complete with mileage, suggested times, and overnight stays to keep your journey smooth and memorable.
This itinerary is perfect for:
- Road trippers seeking a structured yet flexible plan
- Travelers wanting photo‑worthy stops and authentic Route 66 experiences
- Riders and families who appreciate both retro motels and modern comforts
7‑Day Route 66 Essentials Itinerary with Times
Day 1: Chicago → St. Louis (~300 miles, ~5–6 hrs driving)
- 08:00 AM – Breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s, Chicago
- 09:00 AM – Depart Chicago, stop in Pontiac (~11:00 AM)
- 01:00 PM – Lunch en route, continue toward St. Louis
- 04:00 PM – Chain of Rocks Bridge photo stop
- 05:00 PM – Arrive St. Louis, visit Gateway Arch
- Overnight: St. Louis
- Holiday Inn St Louis SW – Route 66 (modern comfort, Route 66 branding)
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham St Louis Route 66 (budget‑friendly, pool + breakfast)
- Wayside Motel (retro roadside vibe)
Day 2: St. Louis → Tulsa (~350 miles, ~6–7 hrs driving)
- 08:00 AM – Depart St. Louis, stop at Meramec Caverns (~09:30 AM)
- 12:00 PM – Lunch in Cuba, MO (murals + Wagon Wheel Motel)
- 03:00 PM – Springfield Route 66 Car Museum
- 05:00 PM – Blue Whale of Catoosa
- 06:00 PM – Arrive Tulsa, check into vintage motel
- Overnight: Tulsa
- Campbell Hotel, Tulsa (historic Route 66 boutique hotel)
- Route 66 Vintage Motel options (quirky roadside stays)
Day 3: Tulsa → Oklahoma City (~120 miles, ~2–3 hrs driving)
- 09:00 AM – Depart Tulsa, stop at Route 66 Historical Village
- 11:00 AM – Lunch at Rock Café, Stroud
- 01:00 PM – Round Barn, Arcadia
- 02:00 PM – Pops Soda Ranch (try unique sodas)
- 03:00 PM – Arrive Oklahoma City, explore Cowboy Museum
- Overnight: Oklahoma City
- Skirvin Hilton, OKC (historic downtown hotel)
- Route 66 themed motels near Arcadia (budget + authentic vibe)
Day 4: Oklahoma City → Amarillo (~260 miles, ~4–5 hrs driving)
- 08:00 AM – Depart OKC, stop at Lucille’s Gas Station (~09:30 AM)
- 11:00 AM – Clinton Route 66 Museum
- 01:00 PM – Lunch en route
- 04:00 PM – Cadillac Ranch (bring spray paint!)
- 05:00 PM – Arrive Amarillo
- Overnight: Amarillo
- Big Texan Motel (western‑themed, next to Big Texan Steak Ranch)
- Courtyard by Marriott Amarillo (modern comfort)
Day 5: Amarillo → Albuquerque (~290 miles, ~5 hrs driving)
- 08:00 AM – Depart Amarillo, stop at Midpoint Café (~09:30 AM)
- 12:00 PM – Lunch in Tucumcari, visit Blue Swallow Motel + Tee Pee Curios
- 03:00 PM – Continue to Albuquerque, enjoy neon signs
- 05:00 PM – Arrive Albuquerque
- Overnight: Albuquerque
- Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari (iconic Route 66 neon motel)
- Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town (stylish, cultural hub)
Day 6: Albuquerque → Flagstaff (~320 miles, ~5–6 hrs driving)
- 08:00 AM – Breakfast at Route 66 Diner, Albuquerque
- 10:00 AM – Gallup murals stop
- 12:00 PM – Drive through Petrified Forest National Park
- 02:00 PM – Wigwam Motel, Holbrook
- 05:00 PM – Arrive Flagstaff
- Overnight: Flagstaff
- Wigwam Motel, Holbrook (sleep in a teepee!)
- Little America Hotel, Flagstaff (classic lodge style)
Day 7: Flagstaff → Santa Monica (~460 miles, ~7–8 hrs driving)
- 07:00 AM – Depart Flagstaff, stop at Meteor Crater (~08:00 AM)
- 10:00 AM – Seligman (burger + Route 66 revival town)
- 12:00 PM – Hackberry General Store
- 02:00 PM – Oatman burros
- 06:00 PM – Arrive Santa Monica Pier, Route 66 End Sign
- Overnight: Santa Monica
- Fairmont Miramar Hotel, Santa Monica (luxury near the pier)
- Sea Shore Motel, Santa Monica (budget, walking distance to Route 66 End Sign)
Notes
- Times are approximate and assume moderate driving pace with short sightseeing stops.
- Adjust based on your group’s style (fast riders vs. slow explorers).
- Always factor in seasonal daylight hours and traffic.
Overnight Stay Tips
- Mix retro motels (Blue Swallow, Wigwam, Wayside) with modern hotels for comfort.
- Book iconic spots (Blue Swallow, Wigwam) well in advance—they sell out quickly.
- Use overnight stays as part of the experience, not just a stopover.
Ready to hit the Mother Road?
Pick your itinerary, fuel up, and start your Route 66 adventure today.