Historic Route 66

Many travelers begin their Historic Route 66 journey in Chicago, Illinois, the official starting point. Others opt to start in Santa Monica, California, the end of the line. The choice often depends on your overall travel plans and desired direction. +1

Driving the entire 2,448 miles of Historic Route 66 can take anywhere from 10 days to 3 weeks, depending on how many stops you make and how much time you spend exploring. Many people take longer to truly soak in the experience. +1

Historic Route 66 is a mix of original alignments, bypassed sections, and modern highways. You'll often find yourself on smaller, scenic roads that follow the original path, interspersed with stretches of interstates. Using a Route 66 guide or app is essential for finding the historic segments.

Each state offers unique charm! Arizona boasts the longest continuous stretch of original Route 66 and iconic stops like Oatman and Seligman. Illinois has the official start, while California offers the iconic end in Santa Monica and desert landscapes. +1

Absolutely! Many travelers focus on specific states or regions. For example, a popular short trip is the Arizona stretch, known for its well-preserved sections and classic roadside attractions. +1

No, you don't need tickets to drive Historic Route 66 itself, as it's a public highway. However, individual attractions, museums, and some parks along the route may have admission fees.

Generally, towns and the road itself are free to access. Fees typically apply to specific attractions like museums, historic sites, or unique roadside stops. It's wise to budget for these smaller expenses.

Hours vary greatly by attraction. Many roadside stops and diners operate on seasonal or limited hours, especially in smaller towns. It's best to check the specific hours for any must-visit spots in advance.

Yes, booking accommodation in advance is highly recommended, especially for unique places like the Wigwam Motels or popular historic hotels. These spots can fill up quickly, particularly during peak travel seasons.

While there isn't a single 'Route 66 Pass,' some states or regions might offer local tourism passes that include discounts for various attractions. Researching specific areas you'll be visiting is key.

Iconic photo spots include the 'Begin Historic Route 66' sign in Chicago, the Blue Swallow Motel in New Mexico, Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch in California, and the various classic diners and gas stations. Don't forget the unique signs! +2

Expect classic American diner fare: burgers, fries, milkshakes, and pie. You'll also find regional specialties and some surprisingly good BBQ and Mexican food. Many diners have a nostalgic, retro vibe.

Yes! Oatman, Arizona, with its roaming burros, is a hit with kids. Many towns have classic diners with kid-friendly menus, and roadside attractions like the Gemini Giant in Illinois or the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma are fun stops.

Comfort is key! Pack layers as temperatures can vary significantly across states and even throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring towns and attractions.

Using a dedicated Route 66 guidebook, a GPS app with offline maps, or a specialized Route 66 app is the best way to navigate the historic alignments, as they often differ from modern highways.

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and flattering light for photographing the iconic landscapes and vintage signs. Midday sun can be harsh.

A versatile camera, whether a DSLR or a good smartphone, is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto for capturing details on distant signs or architecture. A tripod can be useful for low-light shots.

Always be respectful of private property and business owners. Ask permission before taking close-up photos of people or inside private establishments. Be mindful of other travelers and don't block access.

Beyond the famous signs, look for vintage gas stations, classic cars, quirky roadside art, abandoned buildings, and the vast desert landscapes. The details in old diners and motels are also great subjects.

Focus on capturing the nostalgia, the sense of adventure, and the Americana. Include elements like vintage signage, classic vehicles, and the open road. Storytelling through your images is key.