7 Scenic Road Trip Stops Along Route 66

Despite no longer being an official highway, there is no American road more iconic than Route 66. Built in response to the 20th century’s emerging car culture, the U.S 66 Highway Association promoted it as “the shortest, best, and most scenic route from Chicago through St. Louis to Los Angeles.” In time, the drive became a symbol of movement, freedom, and adventure. With it, attention-grabbing roadside attractions and small-town rest stops rose in popularity, revolutionizing the American road trip as we know it today.

Even after being formally decommissioned in 1985, Route 66 lives on, evoking waves of nostalgia for all who pass through. While it is no longer a continuous stretch of road, significant portions can still be driven, bordered by quirky small towns, remarkable roadside attractions, and breathtaking natural scenes. These seven scenic road trip stops along Route 66 carry on its legacy, immortalizing its spirit and message: that the journey is just as sweet as the destination.

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Preserving the longest stretch of Route 66, Arizona is a hotspot for remarkable roadside attractions. Petrified Forest National Park stands apart from the rest as the only National Park located right along the historic route. It features Triassic-age fossils dating back over 200 million years, including its colorful quartz petrified wood. The Black Forest Bed area is a prominent place to see these Triassic-age petrified trees, located within the park’s other kaleidoscope landscape: the Painted Desert.

Driving west on former Route 66 will bring you to the heart of this surreal and spellbinding landscape. Much of the Painted Desert’s southeastern section is located within the park, visible on hiking paths like the Painted Desert Rim Trail. This desert of badlands truly feels like a painting, named for its brightly colored mesas and buttes. Layered with bands of pink, purple, orange, and red, the Painted Desert is one of Mother Nature’s best works of art.

Meramec Caverns, Missouri

For beauty below ground, Route 66 leads to the mesmerizing Meramec Caverns in Missouri. Stretching 4.6 miles under the Ozarks region, the cave system predates Arizona’s ancient Petrified Forest, dating back 400 million years. Water from the expansive Meramec River first seeped through crusts of bedrock, dissolving the limestone over millions of years. Eventually, the waterway carved the Meramec Caverns and formed their hypnotizing speleothems.

Now a fascinating tourist attraction, the Meramec Caverns can be visited year-round. It remains one of Route 66’s most popular stops, attracting 150,000 visitors every year. Guided walking tours last around half an hour, while the longer Cavern Tour usually takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. The latter showcases Meramec’s coolest features, including stalactites, stalagmites, and the “Wine Table,” a rare and unusual aragonite formation. Other highlights include the Ball Room, a massive cave, and the Mirror Room, named for its underground stream that reflects onto the cavern’s ceiling.

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Missouri & Illinois

Ending Missouri’s stretch of Route 66, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is another must-see attraction. Linking St. Louis, Missouri, to Madison, Illinois, the historic structure towers more than 60 feet above the Mississippi River. Built in 1929, then added to Route 66 in 1936, the bridge quickly became a symbol of connection and adventure. Although it has been closed to cars since 1970 (replaced with the New Chain of Rocks Bridge), pedestrians and cyclists can still use it to cross states and access its breathtaking views.

Scenic scenes also extend to both bridge entrances. On the Missouri end, Chain of Rocks Park is a cute place to picnic or stroll its walking paths, while the Illinois side features a thick cover of elm trees. As for the bridge itself, while only 1 mile long, the landmark stands out for its unique 30-degree bend halfway through. Back when the bridge was drivable, this angle was famously bad for traffic, but today it is a quirky and charming addition.

The Blue Hole, New Mexico

In New Mexico’s portion of Route 66, the Blue Hole has been a magical road trip stop since the highway’s earliest days. Located right along Route 66 in the deserts of Santa Rosa, the small lake is crystal clear and strikingly blue. Known as an artesian well, its constant flow of water is supplied from deep beneath the earth, with temperatures at a constant 62°F. Accordingly, summer is the best time to jump into its cool waters, whether swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving. Below the sapphire waters, casual explorers can marvel at the resident koi and goldfish, while experienced divers can delve deeper to its mysterious caves.

Meteor Crater, Arizona

Back in Arizona, just a short way from the Mother Road, travelers can find another “Must-See Natural Wonder.” Located near the city of Winslow, the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark is a spectacular remnant of the fireball that crashed here over 50,000 years ago. The bowl-shaped cavity is a colossal crown jewel of the Arizona High Desert, stretching 4,000 feet in diameter and 600 feet deep.

The Meteor Crater Visitor Center, perched along the crater’s rim, features an indoor crater viewing area, informative artifacts, and access to the Crater Trail. Expert-led trail tours usually take around 30 to 40 minutes, showcasing the dramatic collision from various angles. Alternatively, for views without the trek, the Discovery Center also offers an outdoor Observation Deck with two telescopes.

Amboy Crater, California

An epic crater with desert surroundings can also be explored in California’s Mojave Desert. Over 100 miles of Route 66 pass the Mojave Trails National Monument, which boasts an array of bewitching landscapes. Amidst mountains, lava flows, and sweeping sand dunes, the Amboy Crater is by far one of its coolest stops. The massive volcanic cinder cone is as jaw-dropping as it is huge. 250 feet high with a 1,500-foot diameter, the dormant volcano will leave you in awe.

The Amboy Crater Trail is the best way to take in views of the natural wonder. The 4-mile hike spans parts of the desert, an ancient lava field, then leads up the side of the cone itself. Views from the rim are absolutely extraordinary, with rest stations posted along the route and a shaded overlook to take a break from the sun. For a more laid-back road trip stop, the site also offers picnic tables for lunch with a view.

Santa Monica Pier, California

Although not an official endpoint, the Santa Monica Pier is widely recognized as the grand finale to historic Route 66. Jutting 1,650 feet into the Pacific, the legendary landmark is one of the prettiest piers in the world. Notably, it also marks the symbolic point where Route 66 ends and the ocean begins. Flanked by 2 miles of sand at Santa Monica State Beach, the pier provides striking views and sensory bliss. Guests can listen to the sound of crashing waves, breathe in the salty sea air, and embrace the hug of a cool ocean breeze. Afterward, make sure to snap a photo of the pier’s most iconic feature: a tall Route 66 sign reading "End of the Trail.”

Road Trip Stops Too Incredible To Skip

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to prioritize the fastest route to a destination. On the other hand, Route 66 reminds us to slow down, embrace curiosity, and discover the joys of making stops along the way. These 7 scenic road trip stops keep the spirit of Route 66 alive, encouraging us to welcome adventure and spontaneity. Whether exploring Missouri’s Meramec Caverns or snapping a pic at the Santa Monica Pier, these all-American attractions are well worth the stop.