The year 2026 marks 100 years of Route 66, the most legendary road in America. Driving Route 66 during its centennial isn’t just a road trip — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey through American history, culture, diners, neon signs, and unforgettable landscapes.
This Route 66 100th anniversary road trip itinerary is designed to be easy, flexible, and realistic, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family.
🚗 Route 66 Road Trip at a Glance
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Total distance: ~2,448 miles
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States covered: 8
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Best time to go: May–June or September–October 2026
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Trip length: 14–21 days (ideal for centennial events)
Day 1–2: Chicago → St. Louis
Highlights:
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Route 66 Begin sign (Chicago)
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Classic diners and early Route 66 architecture
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Gateway Arch in St. Louis
Why it matters:
Chicago is the official starting point of Route 66 — perfect for centennial photos.
Day 3: St. Louis → Springfield
Highlights:
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Meramec Caverns
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Vintage gas stations
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Birthplace of Route 66 (Springfield, MO)
Missouri has one of the best preserved stretches of the Mother Road.
Day 4–5: Oklahoma (Tulsa & Oklahoma City)
Highlights:
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Tulsa Route 66 neon district
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Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (Clinton)
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Centennial car shows & parades (2026 special)
Oklahoma has the longest drivable stretch of Route 66 — and the biggest 2026 celebrations.
Day 6–7: Texas (Amarillo & Shamrock)
Must-see stops:
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Cadillac Ranch
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Big Texan Steak Ranch
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U-Drop Inn (Shamrock)
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Leaning Tower of Britten
Texas delivers the quirkiest roadside attractions on the route.
Day 8–9: New Mexico
Highlights:
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Tucumcari neon motels
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Santa Rosa Blue Hole
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Albuquerque Old Town
This stretch blends Route 66 nostalgia with Southwest culture.
Day 10–11: Arizona
Iconic stops:
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Petrified Forest National Park (Route 66 section)
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Winslow “Standin’ on the Corner”
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Seligman (birthplace of Route 66 revival)
Arizona is one of the most scenic Route 66 states.
Day 12–13: California (Desert Stretch)
Highlights:
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Oatman wild burros
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Mojave Desert drive
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Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
Expect long desert roads and classic road-trip vibes.
Day 14: Santa Monica (The End of the Road)
Final stop:
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Santa Monica Pier
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Route 66 End sign
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Pacific Ocean sunset
Reaching the end of Route 66 during its 100th anniversary is a powerful moment.
🗓️ Best Way to Plan for 2026 Centennial Events
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Build extra days in Oklahoma, Texas, and California
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Many towns will host:
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Classic car parades
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Neon lightings
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Live music & festivals
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Book hotels early — 2026 will be busy
🧠 Practical Tips for a Route 66 Centennial Trip
✔ Drive smaller segments each day
✔ Avoid interstate highways when possible
✔ Start early mornings for photos
✔ Pack offline maps
✔ Talk to locals — they are Route 66
⛽ What to Pack
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Comfortable driving shoes
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Refillable water bottles
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Sunscreen & hats
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Phone mounts & chargers
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Camera or action cam
Why 2026 Is the Best Year to Drive Route 66
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Once-in-100-years milestone
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Towns fully restored & celebrating
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More events, more stories, more energy
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You’re not just visiting Route 66 — you’re part of its history
Final Thoughts
The Route 66 100th anniversary road trip is not about rushing — it’s about slowing down, taking photos, eating pie at roadside diners, and feeling the spirit of America.
If you’ve ever dreamed of driving Route 66 — 2026 is the year to do it.
