Driving Route 66 Travel Guides | Grand Misadventures

Route 66 has long captured the imagination of American road trippers. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, the historic highway passes through small towns, quirky roadside attractions, classic diners, natural wonders, and some of the most iconic landscapes in the country.

Rather than rushing from one end to the other, our family is exploring Route 66 one stretch at a time. Each trip allows us to slow down, discover hidden gems, and experience the people, history, and places that make the Mother Road so memorable.

Driving Route 66 has long been a dream road trip for travelers looking to experience the history, scenery, and roadside attractions of the Mother Road. This series follows our journey across Historic Route 66 one state at a time.

Whether you’re planning to drive the entire route or simply looking for inspiration for a weekend road trip, this collection follows our journey mile by mile across America’s most famous highway.

{ Start Here: An Ode to the Mother Road-Driving Route 66 One Stretch at a Time}

Explore Route 66 by State

Explore Route 66 by State

Driving Route 66 today is part road trip, part treasure hunt. While much of the historic route remains drivable, some sections have been rerouted, bypassed, or absorbed into modern highways. These guides highlight the stops, attractions, and experiences we found along the way while helping travelers plan their own adventures.

Illinois | Where the Mother Road Begins

Route 66 begins in Illinois, where travelers can follow the Mother Road from the streets of Chicago through historic towns, classic diners, vintage signs, and some of the route’s most iconic roadside attractions.

Missouri | Bridges, Caves, & Roadside Americana

Missouri’s stretch of Route 66 blends urban history with small-town charm. Along the way, travelers will find historic bridges, quirky roadside stops, scenic countryside, and some of the highway’s longest-running attractions.

Kansas | Small Stretch, Big Personality

Though Route 66 only crosses a small corner of Kansas, this short stretch is packed with character. Historic towns, restored landmarks, and classic Americana make it one of the route’s most charming sections.

{read the guide: Driving Route 66 Through Kansas}

Oklahoma | The Heart of Route 66

Home to more drivable miles of Route 66 than any other state, Oklahoma preserves the spirit of the Mother Road through historic towns, vintage neon, roadside attractions, museums, and generations of road trip history.

{read the guide: Tulsa Icons of Route 66}

Texas | Big Skies & Open Roads

The Texas Panhandle offers wide-open landscapes, towering roadside attractions, classic diners, and some of the most memorable stretches of open road anywhere along Route 66.

New Mexico | Southwestern Culture & Desert Landscapes

Route 66 takes on a distinctly Southwestern character in New Mexico, where historic trading posts, adobe architecture, neon signs, and desert landscapes create one of the most unique sections of the journey.

Arizona | Classic Route 66 Experience

Arizona is home to some of the best-preserved stretches of Route 66. Historic towns, classic motels, desert scenery, and iconic roadside attractions make this one of the most beloved parts of the entire route.

California | The Road to the Pacific

The final miles of Route 66 carry travelers across deserts, mountains, and sprawling cities before reaching the Pacific Ocean. It is a fitting conclusion to one of America’s greatest road trips.

Planning Your Route 66 Adventure

Whether you’re driving the entire route or exploring a single state, Route 66 offers countless opportunities for discovery. From quirky roadside attractions and historic diners to national parks and small-town gems, every stretch of the Mother Road has its own story to tell. Use the guides above to plan your next Route 66 adventure one mile at a time.

Driving Route 66: Travel Guides