Route 66 is born in the Midwest, dipping down south from Chicago, Illinois, and through Missouri. But, once you hit Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, it’s pretty much a straight line to the Pacific coast. This journey west is arguably the most famous stretch of the Mother Road, motoring past desert landscapes and iconic waypoints, which popped up by virtue of the highway’s existence. And, if you’re looking to honor the 100th anniversary of America’s Main Street in 2026, it’s the perfect place to bring a group.
If starting your journey at Route 66’s westward bend in Oklahoma, you’ll find all the history your group could ever want in the Sooner State. There are in fact three major Route 66 museums in Oklahoma, including a museum dedicated to the entire eight-state length of the road, the National Route 66 & Transportation Museum in Elk City. Through historic vehicles and artifacts, interactive exhibits, and historic documents, visitors will gain an understanding of 100 years of Route 66. And—not that there’s much chance of missing it—be sure to take a group photo out front with the massive road sign.
In Clinton, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum offers a personal perspective on those who once traveled this famous road. Visitors see the sights, hear the sounds, and read the stories from Route 66’s heyday. They can even hop on a stool at a re-created ’50s diner.
Chandler, Oklahoma, is home to the Route 66 Interpretive Center, a different kind of museum that serves as an excellent complement to the exhibits in Elk City and Clinton. Tourgoers can go on a virtual drive down Route 66, seeing its growth and change over the decades. Other interactive exhibits present visuals and sounds that illustrate the still-living history of the highway.
Route 66 takes just a quick jaunt through the Texas panhandle, but the city of Amarillo developed as a major stop along the way. For a glimpse at the past, visit the Route 66-Sixth Street Historic District, featuring 13 blocks of preserved history. Other iconic destinations remain but in new locations alongside Interstate 40—Route 66’s modern successor in the Southwest.
Credit: Amarillo CVB/Jackie Phommahaxay
See one of the road’s most unique attractions in Cadillac Ranch, where 10 Cadillac cars are buried nose-first in a field. This unusual destination has been attracting visitors since 1974 and is open all day, every day, with no admission charge. (And, if your group is interested in cars, be sure to check out Bill’s Backyard Classics—a treasure-trove of classic cars much like what once rolled down Route 66). Also on I-40 is The Big Texan Steak Ranch, which proves with certainty that everything is bigger in Texas. This restaurant is best known for its 72-ounce steak dinner—free if you finish it all—but there’s a full menu as well for those with smaller appetites.
Like Amarillo, Flagstaff, Arizona, is another popular city along Route 66, full of attractions centered around the road itself as well as other group-friendly delights. Make a stop at the Visitor Center and get your Route 66 Passport so you can collect stamps at the many Mother Road attractions in the area. Your group also can explore at its own pace on the self-guided “Walk This Talk” audio tour.
Route 66 underwent many changes over the years, and your group can see a bit of its past alignment at Mother Road Brewing Co., located off the beaten path on the road’s original routing. You can also knock back a pint of its Route 66-themed beers like the Daily Driver. And, for a taste of Route 66 dining from its heyday, stop in to the Galaxy Diner for delicious bites straight out of the ’50s.
While in Arizona, your group can enjoy other highlights near Flagstaff such as the Lowell Observatory, offering stunning views of the cosmos in the world’s first International Dark Sky City. In nearby Winslow, gaze into the incredible Meteor Crater, formed by the impact of a 150-foot-wide meteorite more than 50,000 years ago. The property includes other space-themed attractions such as a 4D theater and a real capsule used to train Apollo astronauts.
Should you make it to the western terminus of Route 66, you get treated to the same sight that must have looked like paradise to all who endured the weekslong journey 100 years ago: the Southern California coast. While the road technically ends several blocks east, Santa Monica Pier has long been considered the ceremonial “end of the trail.” This iconic California attraction features fun for all ages, with rides, walking tours, unique shopping, and more. The pier is even older than Route 66, dating to 1909. Today, your group can celebrate its journey in the same way travelers have from the very beginning.
By Todd Kortemeier
Main Image: Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Clinton, Oklahoma; Credit: Oklahoma Tourism
