Paved across two-thirds of the entire U.S. is a road that holds lots of history in American culture. Often referred to as “America’s Main Street”, Route 66 is a famous road that was established in 1926 by the Bureau of Public Roads as the first road to be part of the Interstate Highway System. The road starts in Chicago, Illinois and runs all the way to Santa Monica, California. At 2,448 miles long, there are an endless amount of places to discover and spots to park your RV for the night. 

With its old motels, roadside diners, and amazing landscapes, there is so much to see on this iconic road. To help you plan your trip, here are some of the best things to do on Route 66.

1. Gateway Arch - St. Louis, Missouri 

St. Louis is home to Gateway Arch National Park, the smallest national park in the U.S. With five miles of walking and biking paths and nice views of the Mississippi River, this park is a great place to stop and stretch your legs while heading across Route 66. This park was nicknamed, “Gateway to the west” during the westward expansion, which is how it got its name. If you are done driving for the day, there are plenty of RV-friendly campgrounds you can stay at nearby, such as Cahokia RV Parque, St. Louis West KOA, or Covered Bridge RV Park.

2. Pops 66 Soda Ranch - Arcadia, OK

As you make your way through Arcadia, Oklahoma, it will be hard to miss the 66-foot-tall, neon-colored soda bottle standing next to Pops 66 Soda Ranch. You may find yourself drawn to stop at this ranch-styled diner due to its old-fashioned architecture and eye-catching soda sculpture. With over 700 sodas on the menu and classic dining foods, such as burgers and desserts, Pops is the perfect place to stop for a quick bite to eat and classic photo in front of the big bottle.  You’ll find full hookup sites at Arcadia Lake Campground nearby.

3. Cadillac Ranch - Amarillo, TX

Built in the 1970’s by a group of art hippies, Cadillac Ranch is a classic art structure that locals stop at while driving along Route 66. Just west of Amarillo, Texas, this art piece was developed as a tribute to the Cadillac tail fin. The artists brought ten caddies into this field and buried them halfway into the  ground with the nose down. Covered in vibrant paint, Cadillac Ranch is a funky, unforgettable sight along Route 66. If you want to stay in the area overnight, then check out Cadillac Ranch RV Park.

4. Blue Hole - Santa Rosa, NM

If you’re driving along Route 66 through the hot desert, then you can stop to take a dip at Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, which is a famous diving and swim spot. This natural pool is made of refreshing spring water, making it both a clean and clear body of water. What’s more, this water sits at a comfortable temperature year round. Although a permit is required to dive, swimming is open to the public. Those who desire more adventure can even jump off the cliffs into the water. Afterward, you can park your RV at Santa Rosa Campground & RV Park for one or more nights.

5. World’s Tallest Thermometer - Baker, CA

Along the west side of Route 66 and south of Las Vegas is this tiny town called Baker in California. Located in the Mojave Desert, this area is known for its summer days that rise above 100 degrees fahrenheit. Located just a few miles off the highway, you can see the World’s Tallest Thermometer, an iconic landmark on Route 66 that those traveling between Las Vegas and Los Angeles can see. While visiting, you’ll get to read the temperature of the thermometer, explore a gift shop, and check out a small exhibit. Not too far is the Tecopa Hot Springs Campground & Pools where you can stay overnight.

6. Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

As the only national park containing a part of Route 66, stopping at Petrified Forest National Park as you make your way through Arizona is a must. This high-desert landscape is home to hundreds of petroglyphs and the iconic Painted Desert, where vibrant rocks spread across the land. If you want to move your legs a bit, hike the Blue Mesa Trail for incredible views of badlands and red rock formations. Park your RV for the night at the family-friendly KOA Petrified Forest campground.

7. Different Locations From the Movie, Cars

There are many iconic spots along Route 66 that were a part of Disney Pixar’s movie, Cars. If you and your family are a fan of this animated movie, then stop at several of its movie destinations along the way. Some noteworthy spots are Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon, which was the desert waterfall that Lightning McQueen and Sally drove by while leaving Radiator Springs. As you get near the Arizona-Utah border,  you can stop at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which is where Sally tells Lightning  McQueen what life was like in Radiator Springs. Other spots you will recognize from the movie are Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Wigwam Motel!

From historical structures to scenic landscapes, Route 66 is a highway that includes some of the best places in the U.S. If you are planning a long trip across the country, then it’s worth making an itinerary for different places along this old highway system. After driving along Route 66 for hours, here are some stretches to do after driving all day.

See you on the road!