{"id":9953,"date":"2024-10-25T10:55:34","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T10:55:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/?p=9953"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:55:34","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T10:55:34","slug":"the-ultimate-15-day-route-66-road-trip-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/the-ultimate-15-day-route-66-road-trip-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate 15-Day Route 66 Road Trip Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Route 66, also known as the &ldquo;Main Street of America,&rdquo; is the quintessential American road trip. Stretching over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, this historic route takes travelers through classic Americana scenery, vibrant cities, and iconic landmarks. Here\u2019s a guide for a 15-day adventure down Route 66, with tips to make the most of each day.\n\n\n\n</p><h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 1: Arrival in Chicago\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Kick off your journey in the Windy City! Chicago is full of must-sees to prepare you for the road ahead.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Stay: Choose a hotel near Michigan Avenue or The Loop for easy access to attractions.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Explore: Walk along Navy Pier, visit Millennium Park, and get a panoramic view from the Willis Tower Skydeck.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dine: Try deep-dish pizza at Giordano&rsquo;s or Lou Malnati&rsquo;s.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 2: Chicago &ndash; Pontiac &ndash; Springfield &ndash; St. Louis (2 Nights)\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Leave early to make a few stops along the way. Pontiac is home to the Route 66 Hall of Fame &amp; Museum, and Springfield, Illinois, is Abraham Lincoln\u2019s hometown.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Pontiac: Explore the murals around town and visit the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Springfield: Stop by the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>St. Louis Arrival: Check into a hotel downtown for easy access to attractions on Day 3.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 3: St. Louis Sightseeing\n\n\n\n</h3><p>St. Louis is famous for its stunning Gateway Arch and lively neighborhoods.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Gateway Arch: Take a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch for panoramic views.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soulard District: Explore historic Soulard, especially the farmer&rsquo;s market if open.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dining: Try St. Louis-style barbecue at Pappy&rsquo;s Smokehouse.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 4: St. Louis &ndash; Meramec Caverns &ndash; Branson\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Head out early to visit the Meramec Caverns, an ancient cave system that was a rumored hideout for Jesse James. Continue to Branson, known for live entertainment and the Ozark Mountains.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Meramec Caverns: Take a guided tour of the cave and enjoy the cool, atmospheric experience.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Branson: Book a show in advance\u2014Branson is known for live country music and variety shows.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stay: Choose a lodge with a view of the Ozark Mountains.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 5: Branson &ndash; Claremore &ndash; Oklahoma City (2 Nights)\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Enjoy the scenic drive to Claremore, Oklahoma, and visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. Then head to Oklahoma City, where Route 66 history comes alive.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Will Rogers Museum: Learn about the life and legacy of Oklahoma&rsquo;s famous entertainer.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Oklahoma City: Choose a hotel near Bricktown, a district filled with dining, nightlife, and entertainment.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 6: Oklahoma City Sightseeing\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Spend the day exploring Oklahoma City, known for its cowboy culture and Route 66 history.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>National Cowboy &amp; Western Heritage Museum: Dive into the Old West with exhibits on cowboy life and Native American culture.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bricktown: Take a canal boat ride and explore local shops and restaurants.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Oklahoma City National Memorial: Visit this powerful memorial to honor the lives affected by the 1995 bombing.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 7: Oklahoma City &ndash; Route 66 Museum &ndash; Amarillo\n\n\n\n</h3><p>On your way to Texas, stop at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. Amarillo, Texas, offers a true taste of the Lone Star State.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Route 66 Museum: Enjoy exhibits on the history of Route 66 in Oklahoma.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Amarillo Arrival: Stop by the Big Texan Steak Ranch for a Texas-sized meal.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 8: Amarillo &ndash; Albuquerque (2 Nights)\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Take a scenic drive through the Texas Panhandle and into New Mexico. Albuquerque is known for its Southwest charm and cultural attractions.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Cadillac Ranch: Spray-paint your own art onto these iconic, half-buried cars.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Albuquerque Stay: Find a hotel near the Old Town for easy access to cultural sights.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 9: Albuquerque Sightseeing\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Explore Albuquerque\u2019s vibrant blend of Native American and Spanish cultures.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Old Town: Wander through shops selling Native American jewelry and Southwestern art.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sandia Peak Tramway: Take a tram up Sandia Peak for breathtaking views of the desert landscape.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local Dining: Try a green chile cheeseburger or enchiladas with New Mexico\u2019s famous chile sauce.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 10: Albuquerque &ndash; Flagstaff\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Head west towards Arizona. Flagstaff, located on the edge of the San Francisco Peaks, is a nature-lover\u2019s paradise.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Winslow: Stop and take a photo \u201cStanding on the Corner\u201d in Winslow, Arizona.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Meteor Crater: Visit this massive meteorite impact site on your way to Flagstaff.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flagstaff Stay: Find a cozy lodge or hotel with views of the San Francisco Peaks.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 11: Flagstaff &ndash; Cameron Trading Post &ndash; Grand Canyon National Park\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, stopping by the historic Cameron Trading Post on the way.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Cameron Trading Post: Explore Native American crafts and enjoy a Navajo-inspired meal.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Grand Canyon: Drive along the South Rim and take in one of the world&rsquo;s greatest natural wonders.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stay: Consider staying in one of the lodges within the Grand Canyon National Park for an early start the next day.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 12: Grand Canyon National Park &ndash; Seligman &ndash; Las Vegas (2 Nights)\n\n\n\n</h3><p>After a morning at the Grand Canyon, head to Las Vegas. Make a pitstop in Seligman, a quirky Route 66 town full of memorabilia.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Seligman: Stop by Delgadillo&rsquo;s Snow Cap Drive-In for a classic diner experience.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Las Vegas Arrival: Book a hotel on the Las Vegas Strip for convenient access to attractions.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 13: Las Vegas\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Las Vegas offers endless entertainment, from casinos to live shows to world-class dining.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Sightseeing: Explore the Strip and take in the themed hotels, fountains, and lights.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shows: Book a Cirque du Soleil or magic show for a true Vegas experience.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dining: Treat yourself to a luxurious dinner at one of Las Vegas\u2019s top restaurants.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 14: Las Vegas &ndash; Los Angeles\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Set out for your final destination: Los Angeles. The drive takes you through the Mojave Desert, offering dramatic landscapes as you approach the Pacific Ocean.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Calico Ghost Town: Stop at this Old West ghost town along the way.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Santa Monica Pier: Complete your Route 66 journey with a photo at the \u201cEnd of the Trail\u201d sign on the pier.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Los Angeles Stay: Book a hotel in Santa Monica or West Hollywood for easy beach access and sightseeing.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Day 15: Departure from Los Angeles\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Spend your last day soaking up the California sunshine and exploring L.A. highlights before heading home.\n\n\n\n</p><p><strong>Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Hollywood: Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame or visit the TCL Chinese Theatre.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Beverly Hills: Stroll through Rodeo Drive for luxury shopping and iconic L.A. vibes.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Departure: Make time to relax at Santa Monica Beach before you wrap up your Route 66 adventure.\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Additional Travel Tips:\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>Car Rental: Book a reliable vehicle with unlimited mileage, and consider a convertible to enjoy the scenery.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Packing Essentials: Bring a map or download a Route 66 app, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and sun protection.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Planning Ahead: Book hotels and tours in advance, especially for popular attractions like the Grand Canyon.\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local Snacks: Don\u2019t miss out on local treats along the way, like Chicago deep-dish pizza, Oklahoma City barbecue, and Texan steaks.\n\n\n\n\n<p>Exploring Route 66 offers a once-in-a-lifetime road trip experience filled with classic Americana, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable memories from Chicago to Los Angeles. Enjoy the journey!\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>Route 66, also known as the &ldquo;Main Street of America,&rdquo; is the quintessential American road trip. Stretching over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, this historic route takes travelers through classic Americana scenery, vibrant cities, and iconic landmarks. Here\u2019s a guide for a 15-day adventure down Route 66, with tips to make the most [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9955,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"The Ultimate 15-Day Route 66 Road Trip Guide \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8","_seopress_titles_desc":"Discover the ultimate 15-day Route 66 road trip guide! From Chicago to Los Angeles, explore historic sites, iconic landmarks, and scenic stops across America\u2019s famous highway. Perfect itinerary for a memorable adventure down Route 66.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[7285,7278,7283,7279,7280,7281,7274,7275,7277,7276,7284,7282,7273,7272],"class_list":["post-9953","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-usa","tag-best-route-66-stops","tag-chicago-to-los-angeles-road-trip","tag-historic-route-66","tag-route-66-adventure","tag-route-66-attractions","tag-route-66-itinerary","tag-route-66-landmarks","tag-route-66-road-trip","tag-route-66-road-trip-planning","tag-route-66-tips","tag-route-66-travel-guide","tag-route-66-usa","tag-travel-route-66","tag-ultimate-route-66-guide"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9953","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9953"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9953\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9956,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9953\/revisions\/9956"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9955"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9953"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9953"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9953"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></h3></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ul></strong></p>