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Route 66: The Heart of Historic America

~ 3569 km , 16 days

The Start of the “Mother Road”: From Chicago to Lincoln’s Land

Your legendary journey begins in Chicago, the “Windy City.” After picking up your motorhome and stocking up on supplies, be sure to stop by the Sign for the Beginning of Route 66 in Illinois for your official starting photo. As you leave the big city behind, you'll gradually immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old Americana. Along the way, consider stopping in the small town of Wilmington to see one of the first classic roadside attractions — the Gemini Giant.

By evening, you’ll arrive in Springfield, the capital of Illinois and a city deeply connected with the life of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. Here, you can visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, where he is laid to rest. Overnight stay is planned at a campground near Springfield.

Points of interest

Route 66 Starting Point

The official starting point of your journey is located in downtown Chicago on Adams Street. The “Begin Historic Route 66” sign is a must-stop photo spot, symbolizing the beginning of the long road west. Nearby, you'll often find souvenir shops dedicated to the “Mother Road.”

Gemini Giant

One of the most famous “Muffler Men” — giant fiberglass advertising figures popular across the U.S. in the 1960s. This particular giant, located in the town of Wilmington, wears a spacesuit and holds a silver rocket, reflecting the space craze of that era. It’s a great example of quirky roadside Americana along Route 66.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

The only home ever owned by Abraham Lincoln. He lived here with his family for 17 years, before becoming the 16th president of the United States. The house is beautifully preserved and restored to its original appearance. Visitors can explore the living spaces and learn about daily life in the Lincoln household. The entire block around the home is also part of the historic site and maintains its 19th-century atmosphere.

Lincoln Tomb

A memorial complex where Abraham Lincoln is buried, along with his wife Mary and three of their four sons. This grand granite structure features a tall obelisk. At the entrance stands a bronze bust of Lincoln — tradition says rubbing the nose brings good luck. Inside, the memorial is decorated with marble and bronze statues depicting scenes from Lincoln’s life.

Crossing the Mississippi and Entering the Gateway to the West

After breakfast, you’ll leave Springfield and continue south along the historic Route 66. Today brings one of the most iconic moments of the journey — crossing the mighty Mississippi River. Instead of taking the modern highway, you’ll have the chance to drive across the legendary Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which once served as a major crossing point for travelers.

On the other side of the river, you’ll enter the state of Missouri and arrive in the major city of St. Louis. The skyline here is dominated by one of America’s most recognizable landmarks — the towering Gateway Arch. Be sure to spend some time exploring the national park at its base, and if possible, ride to the top for sweeping views of the city and the river. Overnight stay is planned at a campground on the outskirts of St. Louis.

Points of interest

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

This historic bridge is a true Route 66 icon. Its most famous feature is an unusual 22-degree bend in the middle — a design that allowed river traffic to safely navigate between rocky shallows and nearby water intake towers. Today, the bridge is closed to cars and has been transformed into one of the longest pedestrian and bike bridges in the world, offering a leisurely way to walk across the Mississippi River.

St. Louis

A major city and port on the western bank of the Mississippi River, St. Louis has historically been considered the gateway for pioneers heading west to explore the American frontier.

The Gateway Arch

The tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere — and the most iconic symbol of St. Louis. This giant stainless-steel arch rises 192 meters (630 feet) into the sky and was built to honor the pioneers and westward expansion of the United States. Its most unique feature is a tram system that carries visitors to an observation deck at the top — not a standard elevator, but a funicular-style ride in small capsule-shaped cars that travel inside the arch’s curved legs. From the top, you get sweeping views of the city, the Mississippi River, and the state of Illinois across the water.

Caves and Hills of the Ozarks

Today, you’ll leave St. Louis and head deeper into Missouri, traveling southwest. The landscape will gradually shift as the flat plains give way to the scenic hills of the Ozark Plateau. Your first major stop will be Meramec Caverns — a classic Route 66 attraction, famous for its vast underground chambers and unique formations.

After exploring the caves, you’ll continue your journey along the winding roads of the historic route, passing through small towns that once thrived thanks to the “Mother Road.” By evening, you’ll arrive at the second Springfield on your route — this time in Missouri. The city is considered the official “birthplace” of Route 66, as it was here in 1926 that the highway received its now-famous number designation. Overnight stay is planned at a campground near Springfield.

Points of interest

Meramec Caverns

This extensive limestone cave system is one of the oldest and most popular tourist attractions along Route 66. Billboards advertising the caverns can be seen for hundreds of miles. Inside, a well-developed tour route takes visitors through several impressive chambers, illuminated with colorful lighting. Highlights include a massive drapery formation known as “The Stage” and the underground “Mirror River” with its crystal-clear water. Legend has it that the infamous outlaw Jesse James once hid in these caves with his gang.

Springfield, Missouri

While Chicago is the official starting point and Los Angeles the end of Route 66, it’s Springfield, Missouri that proudly holds the title “The Birthplace of Route 66.” On April 30, 1926, officials met here to assign the number 66 to the highway linking Chicago and Los Angeles. The city features several monuments commemorating this event, as well as classic diners and motels that preserve the spirit of the Mother Road.

Kansas, a Whale, and the Oil Capital

After leaving Springfield, you’ll head toward the southwestern border of Missouri. Today’s route will take you through rapidly changing landscapes — and multiple states. You’ll briefly enter the state of Kansas, home to a short but iconic stretch of Route 66. Be sure to stop in the small town of Galena, where you can visit the restored Cars on the Route gas station, which inspired characters in the animated film Cars.

Crossing into Oklahoma — the “Sooner State” — you’ll continue west. Before reaching Tulsa, make a stop in the town of Catoosa to see one of the most famous and quirky landmarks on the route: the massive Blue Whale of Catoosa. By evening, you’ll arrive in Tulsa, a city once known as the “Oil Capital of the World,” home to many beautifully preserved Art Deco buildings. Overnight stay is planned at a campground near Tulsa.

Points of interest

"Cars on the Route"

This restored gas station in the small mining town of Galena, Kansas, has become a pilgrimage site for fans of the animated film Cars. Outside the station, you’ll find a vintage tow truck that inspired the character Mater. Today, the building houses a gift shop and a small café. It’s a great example of how local enthusiasts help preserve the history of the Mother Road.

Blue Whale of Catoosa

This giant, smiling whale made of concrete is a beloved symbol of classic roadside Americana. It was originally built in the early 1970s by Hugh Davis as an anniversary surprise for his wife, who collected whale figurines. Over time, the whale — set on a pond — became a popular swimming and picnic spot for locals and Route 66 travelers. It’s one of those charming and quirky landmarks that make the journey truly special.

Tulsa

A major city in Oklahoma that boomed in the early 20th century thanks to the oil industry. This era left Tulsa with a rich architectural legacy, particularly in the form of numerous Art Deco buildings — making it one of the top architectural destinations in the United States.

Immersed in the Wild West in Oklahoma’s Capital

In the morning, you’ll have a bit more time to explore Tulsa — perhaps by taking a stroll through its downtown to admire the unique Art Deco architecture. After that, it’s a short and comfortable drive to the state capital, Oklahoma City. This city is considered the heart of Western culture, and today you’ll have the chance to fully experience it.

The main highlight of the day is a visit to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum — one of the finest museums of its kind in the country. In the evening, you can relax in the lively Bricktown district, known for its restaurants and canal walkways. Overnight stay is planned at a campground near Oklahoma City.

Points of interest

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

This expansive museum is dedicated to preserving the history, art, and culture of the American West. Its galleries feature one of the most significant collections of Western-themed art, including works by renowned artists Frederic Remington and Charles Russell. Visitors can explore large exhibitions on cowboy life, Native American culture, the history of rodeo, and a collection of antique firearms. One of the museum’s highlights is Prosperity Junction — a full-scale recreation of a typical frontier town from the late 1800s to early 1900s.

Bricktown

Once an industrial and warehouse district in Oklahoma City, Bricktown has been fully revitalized into a lively entertainment area. Its name comes from the red brick buildings that dominate the district. The centerpiece of Bricktown is a navigable canal that runs through the neighborhood, where water taxis operate — offering a fun and unique way to explore the area from a different perspective.

Texas Plains and the Cadillac Ranch

Today’s route is one of the longest driving days of the trip, taking you across western Oklahoma into the wide-open spaces of the Texas Panhandle. After leaving Oklahoma City, you’ll make an important stop in the town of Clinton to visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, considered one of the best along the entire “Mother Road.”

Continuing west, you’ll cross the state border into Texas, where the landscapes become more arid and expansive. Your destination today is Amarillo, but before reaching the city, you’ll come across one of the most iconic and unusual roadside art installations in America — Cadillac Ranch. Overnight stay is planned at a campground near Amarillo.

Points of interest

Oklahoma Route 66 Museum

This museum offers an engaging journey through the history of the “Mother Road,” decade by decade. The exhibits are arranged chronologically, guiding visitors through galleries dedicated to specific eras — from the highway’s origins in the 1920s, through the Great Depression and Dust Bowl migration, to its heyday in the 1950s–60s and eventual decline. The museum features artifacts, classic cars, and interactive displays. An audio guide with music from each era adds to the immersive experience.

Cadillac Ranch

This iconic outdoor art installation was created in 1974 by the art collective Ant Farm. It consists of ten Cadillacs from various model years (1949 to 1963), half-buried nose-first into the ground at the same angle as the Great Pyramid of Giza. What makes it unique is its interactive nature — visitors are encouraged to leave their own graffiti on the cars, which means the installation is constantly evolving. It’s a living piece of art symbolizing the golden age of the American automobile.

Midpoint and the Neon Lights of Tucumcari

After yesterday’s long drive, today’s journey will be shorter and more relaxed. Leaving Amarillo, you’ll head to the small town of Adrian, home to the geographic Midpoint Café and Gift Shop of the legendary Route 66. It’s a must-stop spot for a photo at the official halfway point between Chicago and Los Angeles.

After snapping a picture, you’ll cross the state line into New Mexico — the “Land of Enchantment.” Your destination for the day is the town of Tucumcari, one of the best-preserved communities along the entire route. Thanks to your early arrival, you’ll have time to settle into your campground and, after sunset, take an evening drive through town to enjoy its most famous attraction — the glow of vintage neon signs.

Points of interest

Midpoint

This iconic stop in the small town of Adrian, Texas, marks the exact geographic halfway point of the original Route 66. From here, it’s exactly 1,139 miles (1,833 km) to both Chicago and Los Angeles. The site features the cozy Midpoint Café (famous for its “ugly crust pies”) and several signs and road markings that make for perfect photo backdrops. A stop here is the symbolic equator of your Route 66 journey.

Tucumcari

Tucumcari is a true time capsule. The town has gone to great lengths to preserve its Route 66-era heritage. Its main street is a treasure trove of classic motels, diners, and souvenir shops with vintage architecture. But the biggest draw for visitors is the neon — after sunset, the town lights up with dozens of glowing, restored neon signs. Don’t miss the iconic signs of Blue Swallow Motel and Motel Safari, and be sure to stop by TeePee Curios, a souvenir shop with a signature wigwam-shaped entrance.

The Charm of New Mexico: On the Road to Santa Fe

Saying goodbye to the neon glow of Tucumcari, you’ll continue west through New Mexico. Today’s drive will take you to Santa Fe, the oldest state capital in the U.S. and a city with a truly unique atmosphere. As you approach, the landscape gradually changes — flat plains give way to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Once in Santa Fe, you’ll immediately notice its distinctive Pueblo-style architecture. It’s worth directing your motorhome toward the city center to explore its historic heart — the Santa Fe Plaza. Here you can stroll, take in the local culture and arts, and see Native American artisans selling their handmade crafts. Overnight stay is planned at one of the campgrounds near Santa Fe, many of which are nestled in the scenic foothills.

Points of interest

Santa Fe

Founded by Spanish colonists in 1610, Santa Fe (meaning “Holy Faith”) is the oldest state capital in the United States. The city is known for its strict architectural code, which requires all new buildings to follow the traditional Pueblo style — with adobe walls and flat roofs. This creates a unique and harmonious cityscape. Santa Fe is also one of the largest art markets in the U.S., second only to New York and Los Angeles, and it attracts artists and collectors from around the world.

Santa Fe Plaza

This historic, cultural, and social heart of Santa Fe has been at the center of city life for over 400 years. The Plaza is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Palace of the Governors at the New Mexico History Museum — the oldest public building in the U.S., constructed in the early 17th century. One of the Plaza’s key features is the Native American Artisans Program, where Indigenous artisans sell authentic jewelry, pottery, and crafts under the long portal of the Palace.

The Turquoise Trail and Old Town Albuquerque

In the morning, you’ll have time to enjoy Santa Fe’s unique atmosphere once more — perhaps with a visit to one of the many art galleries on Canyon Road. Then, instead of taking the direct highway, you’ll follow the scenic Turquoise Trail to Albuquerque. This route takes you through historic mining towns like Madrid and Cerrillos.

Once in Albuquerque — the largest city in New Mexico — you’ll head to its historic core: Old Town. This district has preserved its Spanish colonial layout and adobe architecture. Wander the narrow streets, browse local shops, and soak up the spirit of the old Southwest. Overnight stay is planned at a campground in the Albuquerque area.

Points of interest

Turquoise Trail

This nationally designated scenic byway (Highway 14) connects Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The road winds through former mining towns where turquoise, gold, and coal were once extracted. The main stops along the way are Madrid, which has transformed from a ghost town into a quirky art community with galleries and cafés, and Cerrillos, which has preserved the look and feel of an Old West town — so much so that it has been used as a filming location for several Westerns.

Albuquerque

The most populous city in New Mexico. Unlike Santa Fe’s bohemian and historic vibe, Albuquerque is a more modern and dynamic metropolis. Still, the city retains a strong sense of its past. Historic Route 66 runs through town along Central Avenue, lined with classic neon signs.

Old Town Albuquerque

This is where the city was founded in 1706. The district is centered around a quiet plaza surrounded by historic adobe buildings. The oldest structure here is San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church, which has been in use since 1793. Today, Old Town is a popular tourist area filled with souvenir shops, restaurants specializing in New Mexican cuisine, and art galleries.

High Vistas and Pueblo Heritage

This day is entirely devoted to exploring Albuquerque and its rich cultural heritage. After breakfast, you might begin with one of the city’s top attractions — the Sandia Peak Tramway. The ride to the top of the Sandia Mountains offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding valley.

To deepen your understanding of the region’s history, a visit to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is highly recommended. This museum and cultural hub is owned and operated by New Mexico’s 19 Pueblo tribes and tells the story of their rich history and living traditions.

If you’re up for a longer excursion, consider an optional trip to Acoma Pueblo, also known as “Sky City” — one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America.
Overnight stay is again planned at a campground near Albuquerque.

Points of interest

Sandia Peak Tramway

One of the longest passenger aerial tramways in the world. The tram ascends to the 10,378-foot (3,163-meter) summit of Sandia Peak in about 15 minutes, offering stunning views of canyons and rugged cliffs along the way. At the top, you’ll find scenic overlooks, a restaurant, and numerous hiking trails — which turn into ski runs in winter.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

This unique center offers a chance to explore the culture and history of all 19 Pueblo tribes of New Mexico. Its museum features both historical artifacts and contemporary Native art. One of the center’s highlights is the regular schedule of traditional dance performances and craft demonstrations, held in the central courtyard.

Acoma Pueblo (“Sky City”)

Located about an hour west of Albuquerque, Acoma Pueblo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in North America (dating back to the 12th century). Built atop a 367-foot (112-meter) sandstone mesa, its setting is truly dramatic. Visits are only possible on guided tours led by Acoma residents, who share stories of their people’s history, culture, and daily life. A trip to Acoma requires most of the day, but leaves a lasting impression.

Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert

Today’s drive is long but rich in scenery and symbolism. Leaving Albuquerque, you’ll head west toward Arizona. A key moment along the way is crossing the Continental Divide — a milestone that marks the watershed boundary between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. From there, you’ll enter the state of Arizona and continue toward one of its most unique treasures: Petrified Forest National Park.

This is the only national park in the U.S. that is traversed by historic Route 66. You’ll drive through the park, stopping at scenic viewpoints to admire the colorful Painted Desert and explore fields of massive petrified trees — some millions of years old.
By evening, you’ll arrive in Holbrook, a classic Route 66 stop, where your overnight stay is planned at a local campground.

Points of interest

Continental Divide

An imaginary line running along the crest of the Rocky Mountains, the Continental Divide separates the watersheds of North America. All rivers to the east ultimately flow into the Atlantic Ocean, while those to the west drain into the Pacific. Crossing this divide marks not only a geographic milestone, but a symbolic one — signifying your entrance into the lands that once represented the true frontier of the American West. Look out for the sign — it’s a perfect spot for a memorable photo.

Petrified Forest National Park

This park is famous for its vast deposits of petrified wood. Millions of years ago, giant conifer trees fell and were buried under layers of volcanic ash and sediment. Over time, their organic material was replaced by minerals such as quartz, preserving the original cellular structure in stunning, crystalized form. Throughout the park, you can see entire tree trunks and fragments glistening with rainbow colors.

Painted Desert

Part of Petrified Forest National Park, the Painted Desert covers a vast expanse of badlands composed of layered sedimentary rock. Depending on the mineral content, the hills and plateaus take on a wide range of hues — from pale pink and lavender to deep red and orange. The colors are especially vibrant at sunrise and sunset, when the low-angle light highlights the texture and contours of the landscape.

Holbrook

A classic Route 66 town that serves as a convenient base for exploring Petrified Forest. Holbrook is best known for its iconic Wigwam Motel, where the rooms are shaped like concrete teepees. This motel is one of the few remaining examples of mid-century novelty roadside architecture — built to attract travelers during the golden era of American road trips.

Meteor Crater and the Gateway to the Grand Canyon

Leaving Holbrook, you’ll continue your journey west through Arizona. Today offers a rare opportunity to witness evidence of a cosmic collision. With a short detour from the main route, you can visit the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark — one of the best-preserved impact craters on Earth.

From there, the road leads through the mountain town of Flagstaff, a lively city surrounded by pine forests. By evening, you’ll arrive in Williams, one of the most charming and well-preserved towns along the entire Route 66. Your overnight stay is planned at a campground near Williams.

Optional Add-on: While in Williams, you’re just steps away from one of the greatest natural wonders on Earth. This is your chance to witness the vast, breathtaking panorama of the Grand Canyon. If your schedule allows, we highly recommend setting aside an extra 1–2 days to visit this unforgettable national park.

Points of interest

Meteor Crater (Barringer Crater)

This giant crater, about 1,200 meters wide and 170 meters deep, was formed roughly 50,000 years ago by the impact of an iron meteorite. Thanks to Arizona’s dry climate, the crater has remained almost perfectly preserved, making it a unique scientific site. Its landscape is so similar to the Moon’s that NASA used it to train Apollo astronauts before their lunar missions. Observation decks along the crater’s edge offer an awe-inspiring view of its scale.

Flagstaff

A major city located over 2,100 meters (7,000 feet) above sea level, Flagstaff is surrounded by the largest contiguous stand of ponderosa pine in the world. Unlike many small towns on Route 66, Flagstaff is a bustling university town and a key transportation hub. The city boasts a historic district filled with Victorian-era buildings and is home to the Lowell Observatory, where the planet Pluto was discovered.

Williams

Often called the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” Williams is the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by modern Interstate 40 — and that only happened in 1984. As a result, Williams has preserved much of its historic charm and atmosphere. Its downtown is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and vintage gas stations. In the evenings, visitors can enjoy staged Wild West shows with cowboys and shootouts. The historic Grand Canyon Railway departs from here and travels to Grand Canyon National Park.

The Spirit of Historic Route 66: Road to Kingman

Today, you’ll drive along one of the longest and best-preserved continuous stretches of Historic Route 66. After leaving Williams, you’ll turn off the modern I-40 highway and begin a journey through time. Your first iconic stop will be the town of Seligman, widely considered the birthplace of the Route 66 revival—thanks in large part to the efforts of local resident Angel Delgadillo.

The road then takes you through the desert landscapes of the Hualapai Indian Reservation, passing the village of Peach Springs. Be sure to stop at the historic Hackberry General Store, a true open-air museum. By evening, you’ll reach Kingman, often called the “Heart of Historic Route 66.” Overnight stay is planned at a campground in Kingman.

Optional add-on: Kingman isn’t just the heart of the Mother Road—it’s also a strategic crossroads that opens the way to a completely different world. If you’re looking to add a touch of dazzling lights and entertainment to your journey, a side trip to Las Vegas makes for the perfect contrast to the desert calm. This detour will take 1–2 extra days, but it will reward you with a chance to experience the iconic Strip, world-class shows, and the neon glow of the entertainment capital of the world.

Points of interest

Seligman

This small town is often called the “birthplace of Historic Route 66.” When the I-40 bypass was built in 1978, Seligman—like many other towns—was left on the verge of extinction. Local barber Angel Delgadillo led the movement to preserve the "Mother Road" and succeeded in having this stretch officially recognized as Historic Route 66. Today, Seligman is a lively open-air museum filled with quirky shops, diners, classic cars, and of course, Delgadillo’s barbershop—which has become one of the town’s main attractions.

Hackberry General Store

This isn’t just a store — it’s a true time capsule frozen somewhere in the 1950s. Located far from civilization, it draws travelers with its authentic roadside charm.
On the property, you’ll find old gas pumps, rusty cars, and a massive collection of road signs and Mother Road memorabilia. Inside, visitors can browse souvenirs and grab a cold drink.
It’s one of the most photographed stops along the entire route.

Kingman

A major town located at the junction of key highways—including Route 66—Kingman is a hub for travelers exploring the region.
The city is home to the Arizona Route 66 Museum, located in a former power station. Kingman is also the starting point for one of the most challenging and scenic sections of old Route 66: the Sitgreaves Pass heading into Oatman.

Wild West of Oatman and the Mojave Desert

Today you say goodbye to Arizona and head into the final state of your journey — California. Leaving Kingman, you can choose one of the most challenging yet unforgettable stretches of the old Route 66, which will take you over Sitgreaves Pass to the ghost town of Oatman. This mountain road is narrow and winding, but your reward will be breathtaking views and a chance to meet a living symbol of the Wild West.

After Oatman, you’ll cross the Colorado River and enter California. Your route will take you through the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert, a landscape familiar from countless movies. By evening, you’ll arrive in Barstow, a key transportation hub in the heart of the desert and a convenient spot for your final overnight stop before the last push to the ocean. Overnight stay is planned at a campground near Barstow.

Points of interest

Oatman

This former mining town miraculously survived after the gold rush came to an end. Today, Oatman is a tourist attraction that has preserved the look of a Wild West town, with wooden sidewalks and historic buildings. Its main feature is the wild burros — descendants of pack animals left behind by gold prospectors. They roam the streets freely, begging tourists for treats (special feed is sold in local stores). The town also regularly hosts staged cowboy shootouts.

Mojave Desert

(The link refers to the general desert area) One of the most famous deserts in North America, the Mojave spans a vast territory across several states. Traveling through it is an experience of immersion into a harsh yet uniquely beautiful world. The landscape ranges from rugged mountains and canyons to dry lakes and sand dunes. This is where the famous Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) grow. Driving through the Mojave in an RV offers a glimpse of the challenges that faced the first Route 66 travelers.

Barstow

A town that began as a railroad station in the desert, Barstow is now a major crossroads of highways and railroads. For Route 66 travelers, Barstow has always been a key stop to rest and stock up before or after the tough crossing of the Mojave Desert. The town features several museums dedicated to the history of the route and numerous murals depicting scenes from the past of the “Mother Road.”

End of the Road: from Desert to the Pacific Ocean

Today marks the final — and one of the most exciting — days of your journey! Leaving Barstow, you can take a short detour north to visit the restored ghost town of Calico. Returning to the "Mother Road," you'll stop by another quirky icon of the route — Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch.

From there, the road begins to descend from the high desert, and you’ll gradually enter the vast metropolis of Los Angeles. After crossing its suburbs, you'll finally reach the goal of your two-week adventure — the Santa Monica Pier. Here, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, stands the iconic "End of the Trail" Route 66 sign, where you’ll take your long-awaited final photo. Your overnight stay is planned at a campsite in the Los Angeles area.

Points of interest

Calico Ghost Town

In the 1880s, Calico was a thriving mining town where silver was extracted. When silver prices dropped, residents left, and the town became a ghost town. Later, Walter Knott (founder of the famous Knott’s Berry Farm theme park) bought the town and restored many of its buildings.
Today, Calico is more of a tourist park than an authentic ghost town, but it still offers a vivid glimpse into life during the "Silver Rush" in the Wild West.

Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch

This is a stunning example of folk art, created by Elmer Long. The ranch is a “forest” made of hundreds of “trees” welded from metal pipes, with thousands of colorful glass bottles perched on their “branches.”
When the wind blows, the bottles produce an eerie hum, and in the sunlight they create a dazzling play of colors. It's a unique and highly photogenic spot that reflects the creative, free-spirited vibe of Route 66.

Santa Monica Pier

This is the official western terminus of Route 66. Historically, the road ended in downtown Los Angeles, but in 2009, the iconic “End of the Trail” sign was installed on the pier, symbolically marking the end of the legendary highway.
The pier itself is a popular attraction with an amusement park, Ferris wheel, restaurants, and street performers. Reaching this spot — with the sound of the Pacific Ocean and the sunset views — is the perfect finale and a well-earned reward after thousands of miles.

The End of the Great Journey in the City of Angels

Today marks the final day of your epic Route 66 adventure. In the morning, you’ll have time to pack at a relaxed pace and prepare to return your motorhome — your trusted companion throughout the entire journey from Chicago to the Pacific Ocean.
The main task for today is to return the RV to the rental station. Once all formalities are complete, your journey along the “Mother Road” will officially come to an end. If you have any spare time before leaving Los Angeles, you can spend it exploring the countless attractions of the City of Angels, reflecting on the most vivid moments of the road behind you.

Points of interest

Los Angeles

The city that was a dream and final destination for millions of Route 66 travelers now welcomes you as the end point of your journey. Los Angeles is a vast metropolis — a global center of film, music, and entertainment. It offers an endless variety of experiences, from the glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills to the laid-back atmosphere of Venice Beach and Malibu.
Finishing your trip here gives you a chance to touch that very “California Dream” that once called to the pioneers of the Mother Road.

E-mail: info@greatrvtrip.com

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