With sprawling landscapes and a vast network of roads, the US makes up for a perfect weekend road trip. There are many highways in the US with uninterrupted stretches of scenery. Road trip warriors know well of the scenic drive that follows the path of Mississippi River across various states. They are also aware of the splendid scenery provided by the Pacific Coast Highway, a road stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles. However, no other road trips will compare to those driven across the famous US Route 66. Stretching from Illinois to California, Route 66 is a historic route that has been immortalized in the Pixar film, Cars. This route is surely a one-of-a-kind with larger-than-life attractions and dazzling landmarks along the way. Want to experience the trip on an RV? Scroll down for the best RV and campervan rentals for a Route 66 road trip.
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1. Chicago, Illinois
Route 66 begins in this city located in the state of Illinois. Chicago, one of the most notable cities in the US, has several attractions that set it apart from other American cities. The city’s distinguishing feature is Sears Tower, the third-tallest skyscraper in the country with 110 floors. The tower is a representative to the unique designs of the city’s skyscrapers as well as the bustling art scene. No one will forget the city’s iconic monuments and art installations that include Cloud Gate and The Picasso. While in the city, one can try the Chicago-style stuffed pizza or listen to Chicago blues and soul music. Visitors can also catch a theatrical production from the Chicago Theatre.
RVs to rent from Chicago
2. Springfield, Illinois
After Chicago, Route 66 traverses the capital of Illinois, Springfield. As the capital, the city plays an important role in the legislative, administrative, and judiciary functions of the state. Abraham Lincoln once resided in the city. This city is the best area to visit if you’re a bit of a history buff. Located in the heart of the city is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, which has a perfect replica of the famed president. Other notable attractions in the city include Old State Capitol, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum, and many more. If you come during summers, you may get the chance to participate in the History Comes Alive, a live enactment of the past.
RVs to rent from Springfield
3. St. Louis, Missouri
Gateway Arch is a picturesque monument dedicated to Lewis and Clark’s 19th-century explorations. It is also a monument to mark the entry to the western side of the US. This monument is located in St. Louis, Missouri. Aside from the Gateway Arch, attractions in the city include Missouri Botanical Gardens and Soulard neighbourhood. Bars and restaurants line the streets of Soulard, and there are many options to choose from should you go hungry on your Route 66 road trip. Want a serene environment after eating at one of the restaurants? Just head over to Forest Park, a sprawling 1,400-hectare (3,500-acre) urban park, and unwind.
RVs to rent from St. Louis
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4. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa, Oklahoma is formerly known as the \“Oil Capital of the World\”. It earned a reputation it carried for most of the 20th century. Since then, the city has reinvented itself. Now, the city is known for its Art Deco architectures owing to its lively arts and culture scene. Notable attractions that showcase this renewed reputation is the Philbrook Museum of Art and Gilcrease Museum. The city is also becoming a favourite place for music gatherings, and Tulsa Theater regularly attracts live performances from local and international artists. Meanwhile Utica Square is home to fashion retail stores where you can score great pieces at a bargain price. Tulsa is also the central point of Route 66, so do make a point to stop by this city.
RVs to rent from Tulsa
5. Amarillo, Texas
The next stop on your Route 66 road trip is Amarillo, Texas. Literally a Spanish word for \“yellow\”, Amarillo City is home to attractions like Cadillac and Big Texan Steak Ranch. Since ranches abound in nearby areas, the city also operates one of the largest meat-packing areas in the US. Buildings that feature elements of Spanish Revival and Art Deco dot the city. Just south of the city is Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second-largest canyon system in the US. Since this is a Route 66 road trip, complete your tour of Amarillo by visiting the Route 66 Historic District, a 1-mile (1.7-kilometre) worth of retail stores, pubs, dining spots, and art galleries.
RVs to rent from Amarillo
6. Albuquerque, New Mexico
If you visit this city by October, you’ll get the chance to see numerous, colourful hot-air balloons as they take to the skies to participate in the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival. However, if your road trip doesn’t exactly fall within that month, don’t worry as Albuquerque is still a place worth visiting. First among the list of attractions include New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Then, visit Old Town Albuquerque to see the rich, complex past of the city that was once a bastion of Spanish rule in Northern America. Roosevelt Park is also worth visiting while in the city.
RVs to rent from Albuquerque
7. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Another New Mexico city worth your time is Santa Fe. It is the oldest state capital in the US, going back as far as the 1700s when the Spanish Empire rules the area now occupied by New Mexico. Most of the structures in the city are old and well-preserved. These structures include Palace of the Governors, and San Miguel Chapel — the oldest standing church structure in the country, built around 1610. Those who wanted to immerse in the culture of Native American communities are welcomed to visit San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, and Ohkay Owingeh. You can even participate in a traditional dance if you want.
RVs to rent from Santa Fe
8. Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff, Arizona is known as the “City of Seven Wonders”. This designation is attributed to numerous national parks and monuments that you can visit within a few hours’ drive. These seven wonders include Grand Canyon National Park, Wupatki National Monument, Oak Green Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, San Francisco Peaks, Coconino National Forest Park, and Walnut Canyon. These attractions are enough to satisfy your fill of retreat with nature. After a long day of visiting these attractions, you can head downtown and eat from various dining spots in the area. Flagstaff is also the city you’ll want to drop by if you wanted to discover how the Apollo lunar missions came to be since the city played a vital role in the Apollo program.
RVs to rent from Flagstaff
9. Las Vegas, Nevada
This next stop in your Route 66 road trip goes by the world-renowned monicker \“Sin City\”. It’s not hard to see why: the city is chock-full of casinos and entertainment options where committing a \“sin\” is inevitable. Some of these casinos are located inside glamorous hotels with feature-packed amenities. While you’re on the city, don’t miss a chance to see the famous Las Vegas Strip. There are so many things to do on-site, and you can indulge in buffet breakfast, lunch, or dinner at one of the upscale dining options in the city. Las Vegas is also the preferred choice for entertainment shows and live performances, so be sure to include this in your road trip itinerary.
RVs to rent from Las Vegas
10. Los Angeles, California
Lights, camera, action! Los Angeles is undeniably known for one thing: Hollywood. The star-studded Hollywood neighbourhood is located in downtown Los Angeles. The famous Walk of Fame is located on-site, along with the TCL Chinese Theater. The theatre itself is a preferred choice for movie premieres, and some movies are shown there first before anywhere else on the planet. A trip to Los Angeles, however, doesn’t only revolve around Hollywood. After touring the neighbourhood, you can visit Griffith Observatory and see the city’s towering skyscrapers from a distance. Alternatively, you can visit two of the famous theme parks in the city: Disneyland and Universal Studios.
RVs to rent from Los Angeles
11. Santa Monica, California
Finally, your Route 66 road trip is now complete with a visit to the beachfront city of Santa Monica. Travellers and residents alike both enjoy going to the Santa Monica Beach or taking a leisure stroll along Santa Monica Pier. The pier itself houses the Pacific Park, an amusement park which will surely pump up your adrenaline. Alternatively, you can visit Palisades Park to admire the art installations and the sunset. Meanwhile, the centre of the city itself is home to numerous shopping outlets where you can find great bargains at an attractive price.
RVs to rent from Santa Monica
Route 66, the classic US road trip
Nothing beats the classic Route 66 when it comes to an amazing road trip in the US. Passing through various cities with innumerable attractions, the route has been admired for years by road trip warriors. So, for your next US trip, book an RV and embark on a road trip across Route 66.
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