Have you traveled Route 66?

Question

I am trying to plan a road trip through Route 66. I am starting in California. Does anyone know the complete mileage from Santa Monica to Chicago? How long would it take to complete the route - round trip?

Answer 1

Hi I have done this trip many times. I just love Route 66. The best way to do this is to drive the route. There is still 2,000 miles of the original route that can be driven however most are two lane back highways and streets that go through small towns. Route 66 is a great drive because you do get to see a lot of the country however it does take some research to drive it. You should drive it from East to West since that is how the original route was designed and that is how most of the directions that you will find are written. Route 66 is not highway 40 so I would not plan on just following that and getting off at the exits you miss so much cool roadside stuff! Be sure to take the drive to Oatman it is a great drive and the most photographed part of Route 66. Trust me this part of the route makes it all worth wild! The last time I drove it from start to finish I took a month. However with some good planning you can do it in 2-3 weeks. I would plan on just staying in the motels on the route. First of all they are all classics and have been there forever, second most are still family owned and third all of them that I stayed at were very cheap and very clean! There are a few must that you should stay at on your Journey. The Blue Swallow in Tucumcari, the Wigwams in Holbrook, The Munger Moss in MO, the El Rancho Motel in Gallup and Oatman Hotel. All of these are classic examples of the Route 66 motor court and hotel. I would plan on packing a cooler with snacks and drinks, this saves a ton of money and does come in handy, there are several nice parks and museums that you can have picnics at and that saves a ton of cash. I would plan on taking about $2,000 at least for your journey. Most of the roadside attractions are either free or cheap so that is nice. You will find a lot of museums along the way the just ask for donations. I would also start your research as soon as possible. This site has the BEST turn by turn directions for each state. I have used them several times and they are wonderful they will keep you on the original Route 66. It also breaks down the different alignments since Route 66 was changed over the years. This is nice because you can choose which way you would like to go. The directions also use the “new” street names for the route.

http://www.historic66.com/description/

I would also start researching the towns on 66 and contacting either their visitor’s center or chamber of commerce. Tell them that you are driving the route and you need help and info on Route 66 in their town. Trust me they will send you info for free and they are a great help when planning your trip! We found so many great places this way, these people are locals and they know of the sites and new sites that have open. I would also check out the Route 66 Pulse it is an online newspaper it has a ton of information, current events and great stories about Route 66. You can also email them and they will help you find places on your Route.

www.route66pulse.com

Another super tip is to chat it up with the locals. Don’t be afraid once they hear that you are driving Route 66 trust me they will want to share their stories with you and will also point out some great places to stop. Here are some additional websites that I use to plan my trips on 66.

http://www.oklahomaroute66.com/

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-Mainp...

http://www.national66.com/

http://www.rt66nm.org/

http://www.route66magazine.com/

http://www.missouri66.org/

http://www.route66university.com/

http://www.azrt66.com/

http://www.illinoisroute66.org/

If you need any help finding places to stay, eat, or see just shoot me an email. I have a ton of Route 66 stuff that I would be glad to email you. I think you will have a great trip it really is a wonderful time and there is so many cool things to see. The people of Route 66 are the best! Hope this helps you have a great trip!