Saed News: One of the most legendary roads in the world is America’s Route 66; a road built in 1926 that earned the nickname “Mother Road” from John Steinbeck’s famous novel *The Grapes of Wrath* due to its crucial role in migrations, travels, and America’s economic growth after World War II.
According to Saed News Tourism Service, Route 66 is one of the most famous historic and tourist routes in the United States; a route that, by passing through old towns, acquaints you with stories from the past, American culture, and music. This road, with buildings and landmarks left from the last century, has a nostalgic atmosphere.
Although it is no longer used as a main route, Route 66—also known by names such as "Will Rogers Highway," "Mother Road," and "The Main Street of America"—remains one of the most popular travel destinations for lovers of memorable journeys. Old shops with inexpensive goods, colorful neon signs, and roadside camps evoke the vibe of classic American movies. In this article, we will embark on a 3,800-kilometer journey along this legendary road.
Evan Godt, the well-known editor at Lonely Planet publications, says about this route:
“What draws people to this road is the desire to experience its nostalgic atmosphere, see iconic neon signs, shop in souvenir stores with reasonable prices, and stay at camps, each with its own story to tell.”
Trip Plan
The route of this road starts from Chicago and ends in Los Angeles, passing through cities such as Tulsa and Amarillo.
MONEY magazine has attempted to estimate the travel costs on this road based on the travel plan outlined in the new Lonely Planet book titled Epic Drives of the World. According to this plan, to fully enjoy all the attractions of this historic American road, you should arrange your schedule to spend two weeks traveling along this legendary route. The book also recommends late spring, early summer, or autumn for the timing of the trip to avoid the very high temperatures experienced in the summer season on this road.
Costs:
Fuel cost from Chicago to Los Angeles: $225 (about 900,000 Tomans)
Accommodation costs: $1,678 (about 6,700,000 Tomans)
Food expenses: $543 (about 2,200,000 Tomans)
Entertainment: $182 (around 750,000 Tomans)
Average price for a plane ticket from Washington to Los Angeles: $267 (about 1,000,000 Tomans)
Average car rental cost for city-to-city trips: $731 (about 3,000,000 Tomans)
The total estimated cost for this trip is approximately $3,626, which is roughly 14,500,000 Tomans based on the current exchange rate.
Below are the details of the proposed itinerary and travel plan:
Route: Arrival in Chicago
On the first day, head to one of Chicago’s airports, either O’Hare or Midway. After arriving, you can spend some time exploring this lively city. If you enjoy American entertainment, watching a baseball game at the famous Wrigley Field stadium can be an exciting option. This old stadium is known for its manual scoreboards and neon entrances, giving it a nostalgic and unique atmosphere.
Route: In Chicago
Spend the day visiting the city’s major attractions. The Field Museum of Natural History is one of these, housing over 30 million diverse artifacts and open from 9 am to 5 pm. Adult admission starts at $22. Don’t miss the Route 66 symbol displayed at the museum. Nearby, on Jackson Boulevard, you can visit Mitchell’s diner for a tasty coffee; this diner is part of Chicago’s legendary Route 66 culture.
Distance: 483 km
Route: Chicago to St. Louis
Drivers, start your engines for a roughly 300-kilometer trip south to St. Louis. Along the way, stop in Pontiac to visit the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, which houses hundreds of historical items. If you want to stop outside St. Louis, Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri, is a good choice.
Route: In St. Louis
Dedicate the day to exploring St. Louis and enjoying its music and nightlife. Visit the historic Gateway Arch (admission $13) and go up to the top. Also, during the day, don’t miss the National Blues Museum (entry $15), which showcases the history and evolution of native blues music, promising memorable experiences. End the night with delicious drinks and ice cream at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.
Distance: 644 km
Route: St. Louis to Tulsa
Head southwest off the main road to visit the famous Meramec Caves, once a hideout for Jesse James in the 1800s. Before ending your drive, make a short stop at the Blue Whale of Catoosa, an 80-foot sculpture from the 1970s that is a popular local attraction. In Tulsa, enjoy a movie at the Admiral Twin Drive-in Theater, where you can watch films from your car (tickets $7). Rest overnight at the boutique Campbell Hotel located right next to Route 66.
Distance: 177 km
Route: Tulsa to Oklahoma City
On your way to Oklahoma City, stop in Arcadia and visit the iconic Pops diner with its 66-foot soda bottle and diverse drink menu. In Oklahoma City, explore Stockyards City, a place showcasing American Western culture and offering food and traditional shopping. Also, don’t miss the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum (admission $15) commemorating the 1995 bombing, located in the southern part of the city.
Distance: 450 km
Route: Oklahoma City to Amarillo, Texas
Today, the goal is to cross Texas and the city of Panhandle. First, visit McLean, Texas, to see the free Devil’s Rope Museum, which explains the history of barbed wire. Then head to Amarillo for an overnight stay. Outside the city, visit Cadillac Ranch, where ten classic Cadillacs are half-buried in the ground and painted with colorful graffiti. You can also check out the Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum, which houses a collection of vintage caravans.
Distance: 450 km
Route: Amarillo to Albuquerque
Before leaving Texas, make a short stop in Adrian, located halfway between Chicago and Los Angeles. Then head to Albuquerque, New Mexico. This section resembles the original Route 66 due to the many shops and campgrounds.
Route: In Albuquerque
Spend the day exploring Albuquerque, a key American tourist destination. Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (admission $8). Enjoy a stunning view of the desert from the Sandia Peak Tramway (admission $25). Also, explore the Petroglyph National Monument, which features 17 miles of stone carvings by Native Americans and Spaniards. For dinner, Kelly’s Brew Pub is recommended.
Distance: 547 km
Route: Albuquerque to Flagstaff, Arizona
About an hour after leaving Albuquerque, reach Acoma Pueblo, the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S. Then continue to Flagstaff and enjoy a walk downtown and its friendly atmosphere. Diablo Burger serves special sandwiches priced between $11 and $13. Spend the evening at Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered in the 1930s.
Route: Around Flagstaff
Use Flagstaff as a base for a day trip. According to Godt, visiting natural wonders like Red Rock State Park in Sedona (admission $7), known for its beautiful red sandstone formations, is a unique experience. Also accessible are Coconino National Forest and Canyon National Monument with Sinagua cliff dwellings (admission $8).
Distance: 821 km
Route: Flagstaff to Barstow, California
Leave Flagstaff heading west. Have lunch at the classic Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In in Seligman, Arizona, a restaurant famous for its jokes and laughter. For adventure lovers, visit the Mojave National Preserve Visitors Center in Kelso, California, which features restored trains. Spend the evening in the Providence Mountains and enjoy seeing the famous Joshua trees. Overnight in Barstow, a desert traveler’s stop.
Distance: 210 km
Route: Barstow to Los Angeles
The final section of Route 66 to Los Angeles is about 140 miles. Your historic journey ends at the Santa Monica Pier, where you will experience the satisfaction of completing the route. In this section, you can visit the Loof Carousel amusement park (entry $2) or stroll along Venice Beach.
If you haven’t yet been to Los Angeles, be sure to visit Hollywood Boulevard and see the Hollywood Walk of Fame. If you have time, you can watch a movie at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. After that, get ready to head to Los Angeles airport and start your journey home.
