GET YOUR LINKS ON ROUTE 66
The road's greatest promises are best embodied by Route 66: freedom, serendipity, kitsch, living history, and a case study of the very specific ways in which Americans have traveled and multiplied. Although Route 66 can be used to travel eastward, there is no denying the symbolic significance of making at least one westward trip.
Getting to and from Route 66
Photo by Mick Haupt
When planning your Route 66 road trip, the first thing to consider is how you will travel to the Route's starting point and how you will get from the Route's ending point back home.
Driving
Driving might be the greatest choice if you live in the United States (or possibly Canada) and possess a vehicle, motorcycle, or RV. In contrast, flying there and renting a car can make more sense if you live far from the starting or ending point (for example, if you reside in Florida, Maine, or Nova Scotia). Remember that if you decide to drive your own vehicle, you will also need to travel more than 2,000 kilometers back.
Route 66 Car Rentals
Unless you have a method to drive it back, you should probably plan a one-way rental if you are renting a car, motorcycle, or RV. Look for a car or RV rental firm that permits you to rent a vehicle at one end of your trip (say, Chicago) and return it at the other if you're taking a Route 66 road trip (e.g., Los Angeles).
Buses
You may travel to or from Chicago and Los Angeles from almost everywhere in the country using Greyhound, which is the largest national bus carrier in the United States (as well as some parts of Canada and Mexico). It might take some time, though!
You can search, contrast, and reserve bus tickets on Busbud for a number of additional bus companies that operate portions of this route.
Trains
Amtrak offers a variety of trains to and from Chicago and Los Angeles from a number of locations across the nation if you want to start and end your Route 66 journey by train.
To plan or not to plan
The degree to which you wish to plan ahead is entirely up to you. Some people prefer to have entire freedom to take their time and choose lodging wherever they end up that night. Others prefer to make a thorough itinerary and reserve their lodging much in advance.
Both modes of transportation have benefits and drawbacks, and most travellers choose a combination of the two. When you arrive in a town, knowing that you have somewhere to stay each night might help to lessen the strain of the journey.
Route 66 attractions
Gateway Arch
Photo by Robert Linder
There is a lot more to Gateway Arch National Park than just the famous arch. If you're waiting for your ride to the top or if you're afraid of heights but still want to view the arch, there is also a free museum with exhibits describing America's westward development and the construction of the Gateway Arch. The largest arch in the world and the tallest man-made structure in the United States, the Eero Saarinen-designed monument, give spectacular vistas of both banks of the Mississippi from its summit.
The Gateway Arch honours St. Louis' contribution to the nineteenth-century Westward Expansion of the United States. The park serves as a tribute to Dred Scott, who filed a claim for freedom at the Old Courthouse, Thomas Jefferson, who played a key part in opening up the West, and the pioneers who shaped its history.
Blue Whale of Catoosa
Photo by Foodange
One of the most well-liked roadside sights along Route 66 is The Blue Whale of Catoosa. Hugh Davis constructed it as a surprise anniversary gift for his wife Zelta, who adored whales and gathered whale figurines, in the early 1970s. Spend some time exploring the ruins of this renowned roadside gem and enjoying a meal at one of the picnic tables.
This big blue whale has developed into a Route 66 side-of-the-road attraction. One of the most iconic landmarks along old Route 66 is the waterfront structure known as The Blue Whale of Catoosa, which is situated just east of the Oklahoman town of Catoosa. Locals and visitors on Route 66 alike began to frequent the Blue Whale and its pond for swimming.
Cadillac Ranch
Photo by Heidi Kaden
Ten Cadillacs are buried in the ground at the same angles as the Great Pyramids of Giza alongside Interstate 40. Visitors are invited to participate in this original work of roadside art by bringing a can of spray paint and adding their own imprint. For any real road tripper, spray painting the Cadillacs is a rite of passage. The installation has seen numerous changes throughout the years.
Santa Monica Pier
Photo by Matthew Lejune
The Santa Monica Pier is the ideal location to get some exercise or take pictures of the ocean before setting out on a 2,000-mile journey east, regardless of whether you refer to it as the beginning or ending point of the Mother Road. It's touristic, yes, but that shouldn't stop you from riding the carousel from 1922 or getting a treat from the soda machine. There is a tonne of fun to be had here, from the roller coaster and Ferris wheel to the arcade and the sign indicating that it is the official end of Route 66.
Every day of the year, the Santa Monica Pier is open. Free entry is offered. a hub for recreation and leisure with a theme park, shops, and restaurants. A historic 1922 Carousel, a vintage soda fountain, and an interactive aquarium are just a few of the entertainment, dining, and retail options available at the renowned Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy colourful street entertainers, including musicians and artists, as you wander the Pier. You'll also pass by fantastic vendor carts and some of the best sunsets along the California coast.