If you are planning on travelling through the USA, you should definitely ensure that at least part of your time in the country sees you take in Route 66.
This iconic road stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles and going along it can provide an amazing insight into American culture.
Immortalised in countless films and songs, Route 66 – or the Mother Road as it is also known – is perhaps the king of all American road trips and as you pass through the eight states that it encompasses, you’ll be able to see a fantastic variety of sights.
You could travel this legendary route independently, possibly renting a car, hitchhiking or travelling by bus. We recommend searching USA tours though, local and international operators offer lots of trips including Route 66 and taking other destinations.
We have put together a guide to top things to see and do along Route 66, including tips for where to start and finish and more advice so you can enjoy an epic American roadtrip.
Start: Chicago, Illinois
We recommend your starting point being Chicago. Here there is the chance to take in a wide array of attractions – such as the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) and the Museum of Science and Industry – however, it won’t be until you head out on the open road that your Route 66 adventure will begin in earnest.
Springfield, Illinois
As it has become symbolic of the freedom of the open road and is associated with discovery and adventure, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that there is plenty to see and do along the highway; however, one place you should definitely stop by is Springfield.
Located about 200 miles from Chicago, this is the capital of the state of Illinois and is perhaps most famous for being the home of Abraham Lincoln, who lived here for more than 20 years before becoming the US president in 1861. You’ll find a number of attractions dedicated to the politician here, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the location of the house he shared with his wife, Mary.
The city is also the birthplace of the corn dog, a hot dog that is coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter and deep fried before being placed on a stick, so this could be the perfect place to try some classic American cuisine.
St Louis, Missouri
From here, you can travel to St Louis, Missouri – which hosted the Olympics in 1904. It is in this city that you will come across one of the most iconic sights of your travels along Route 66 – the Gateway Arch. At 630 ft high, this is the country’s tallest monument and was built in commemoration of the settlement of the American west. You can enter the attraction and travel up to the peak to take in stunning views of the city.
Cadillac Ranch, Texas
There is much more to North America than just stopping by some of the USA’s biggest cities. While much of the highway is no longer used by the majority of road users – due to the presence of much larger interstate roads – as you cruise along there will be the chance to see a range of natural landmarks, quirky attractions and small towns.
Perhaps one of the most unusual sights is Cadillac Ranch. Situated in the Texan desert just outside the city of Amarillo, this consists of ten graffiti-covered classic cars buried nose-down in the sand. You’re encouraged to paint over them yourself, so why not leave a message for someone else travelling though the USA on a gap year to read?
Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico
From here, you can get back on the road and travel to the state of New Mexico. Here you’ll come across Acoma Pueblo – which is also known as Sky City – and as one of the oldest continuously habituated communities in the United States, this is a great place to learn more about the country’s history.
Here, you’ll get the chance to meet a community of Native Americans who have been living in the area for around 1,000 years.
Grand Canyon
Although it is not actually on Route 66, you may want to take in the Grand Canyon during your trip. As one of the most astounding natural landmarks in the world, this is certainly worth the detour and as it is a mile deep and 277 miles long, it can hardly be missed. While you can observe the numerous rock formations from either the North or South Rim, to get a true idea of the canyon’s immense size why not take a helicopter ride over it?
Finish: Los Angeles, California
Eventually, you’ll come to Los Angeles, which is where Route 66 ends. However, just because the road has stopped doesn’t mean your adventures are quite over. Here you’ll be able to see sights such as the iconic Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Boulevard.
How Long Does It Take To Drive Route 66?
When looking to drive Route 66 the most popular question people usually ask is how long does it take? We recommend 10 days to 3 weeks, this gives you enough time to not rush and also take in some of the best sights along the way. Rushing and trying to fit everything into a week isn’t recommended, unless you just want to drive a portion of the route.
Is Driving Route 66 Difficult?
Driving Route 66 can be exhausting if you plan long days of just driving. Having someone to share the driving experience is highly recommended. But if you give yourself a leisurely schedule, don’t rush, and break the trip up with lots of breaks and sightseeing you can enjoy a really enjoyable trip.
Cost
Wondering how much it costs to do Route 66? This really depends how long you want to travel for and also how you get around. On Average we would recommend budgeting for around $100-$200 per day. Rental cars vary depending on the model of the car you choose, whilst accommodation prices along Route 66 varies but there are lots of cheap motels to stay. You also need to factor in other things like getting to Route 66, food and drink and car insurance.
USA road trips can be life changing and the above itinerary is just a small selection of the sights that you’ll be able to take in during your trip, so if you are looking to travel to USA as part of a gap year, you should consider getting your kicks on Route 66.