{"id":8495,"date":"2025-03-18T12:31:27","date_gmt":"2025-03-18T12:31:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usa-b2.com\/route-66-the-mother-road\/"},"modified":"2025-10-16T08:16:58","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T08:16:58","slug":"route-66-the-mother-road","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/usa-b2.com\/en\/route-66-the-mother-road\/","title":{"rendered":"Route 66 (The Mother Road): The legendary U.S. road trip"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Road trip on Route 66: what to see and where to stop?<\/h1>\n\n

Route 66<\/a>, nicknamed “The Mother Road”, is one of the most emblematic roads in the United States. Crossing eight states from Chicago<\/a> to Los Angeles<\/a>, it represents the ultimate journey through deepest America. With its varied landscapes, vintage motels and historic sites, it attracts thousands of adventure-seeking travellers every year. Here’s a detailed guide to planning your road trip along this legendary route. <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n

Unmissable landscapes and natural sites<\/h2>\n\n

National Parks and Natural Sites<\/h3>\n\n

Route 66 passes through several national parks and spectacular landscapes that are well worth a visit. Among them, Arizona’<\/a> s Grand Canyon National Park<\/a> is a must. Accessible from Williams, it offers breathtaking panoramas and numerous hikes suitable for all levels. Another major site is Petrified Forest National Park<\/a>, where you can admire fossilized tree trunks millions of years old. In California<\/a>, the Mojave National Preserve<\/a> plunges you into desert immensity, with its dunes and Joshua tree forests. <\/p>\n\n

Rest Areas and Landmarks<\/h3>\n\n

Route 66’s iconic stops are perfect for getting a feel for the road’s vintage ambience. Cadillac Ranch<\/a>, in Texas<\/a>, is a unique art installation where cars are planted in the ground and covered in graffiti. In Oklahoma<\/a>, the Blue Whale of Catoosa<\/a> is an unusual and colorful spot. Finally, in Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Pier<\/a> marks the end of the road with its mythical “End of the Trail” sign. <\/p>\n\n

Route 66 Detailed Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n

From Chicago to Oklahoma City<\/h3>\n\n

The journey begins in Chicago<\/a>, where the “Begin Route 66” sign marks the start. Heading southwest, a stop in St. Louis<\/g> allows you to admire theGateway Arch<\/g>, symbol of the city. Springfield<\/g>, Illinois, offers a glimpse into the life ofAbraham Lincoln<\/g>. Further afield, Tulsa<\/a> and Oklahoma City<\/a> are must-see stops, rich in history and culture. <\/p>\n\n

From Oklahoma City to Los Angeles<\/h3>\n\n

After Oklahoma City, we head for Amarillo, Texas, famous for the Cadillac Ranch. New Mexico<\/a> is full of surprises, including Albuquerque<\/a>, a city with Hispanic charm. In Arizona, Flagstaff<\/a> is a good base for exploring the Grand Canyon. Finally, the journey ends in Los Angeles, where the Santa Monica Pier marks the end of Route 66. <\/p>\n\n

Where to sleep along Route 66?<\/h2>\n\n

Historic Hotels<\/h3>\n\n

Route 66 is full of mythical accommodations. The Wigwam Motel<\/a> in Arizona lets you sleep in traditional teepees. The Blue Swallow Motel<\/a>, in New Mexico, is an institution with its retro neon lights and vintage atmosphere. For an immersion in the golden age of cinema, El Rancho Hotel<\/a>, also in New Mexico, has welcomed many Hollywood stars. <\/p>\n\n

The Best Cities for a Night<\/h3>\n\n

Some towns are ideal for taking a break. Flagstaff, Arizona, is a great place to visit the Grand Canyon and enjoy the mountain atmosphere. Santa Fe<\/g>, New Mexico, seduces with its art galleries and adobe architecture. Finally, Barstow<\/a>, California, is a stopover on the way to Los Angeles. <\/p>\n\n

Instagrammable Photo Spots<\/h2>\n\n
Spot Photo<\/strong><\/td>Location<\/strong><\/td>Interest<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Route 66 Sign<\/td>Chicago, IL<\/td>The iconic starting panel<\/td><\/tr>
Cadillac Ranch<\/td>Amarillo, TX<\/td>One of the world’s most photographed art installations<\/td><\/tr>
Standin’ on the Corner<\/a><\/td>Winslow, AZ<\/td>Made famous by the Eagles song<\/td><\/tr>
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch<\/a><\/td>Oro Grande, CA<\/td>A surreal and unique place<\/td><\/tr>
Santa Monica Pier<\/td>Los Angeles, CA<\/td>The end of the journey<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

Administrative formalities<\/h2>\n\n

Before you set off on the legendary Route 66, make sure you take care of all your travel formalities:<\/p>\n\n