Ultimate Route 66 Itinerary: Your 13-Day Road Trip Guide 2023

Embarking on a quintessential American road trip along the historic Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica is a dream for many travelers. Before setting off on this 13-day adventure, be sure to purchase your Mother Road Route 66 Passport 2023 Edition online from SangamonWatches.com. This passport will not only serve as a unique keepsake, but also guide you to all the key tourist attractions along the way. With your Route 66 Passport in hand, you'll be ready to explore the Mother Road's hidden gems, vintage diners, and breathtaking landscapes, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Don't forget that Route 66 is dotted with countless smaller attractions, adding charm and character to your road trip. Be sure to consult a map before hitting the road, so you don't miss out on these hidden gems that make the Mother Road an unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL (202 miles)

  • Start at the Route 66 Begin Sign, Chicago
  • Visit the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) Skydeck
  • Visit the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac 
  • Overnight in Springfield, IL and Visit Sangamon Watches shop for a Rt 66 Passport

Day 2: Springfield, IL to St. Louis, MO (98 miles)

  • Visit Lincoln's Home and Tomb in Springfield
  • Drive to St. Louis, MO
  • Explore the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
  • Visit the Gateway Arch
  • Overnight in St. Louis, MO

Day 3: St. Louis, MO to Springfield, MO (215 miles)

  • Drive to Meramec Caverns in Stanton, MO
  • Drive to Springfield, MO
  • Visit the Route 66 Car Museum
  • Overnight in Springfield, MO

Day 4: Springfield, MO to Tulsa, OK (185 miles)

  • Drive to Joplin, MO
  • Stop at the Rainbow Arch Bridge in Riverton, KS
  • Drive to Tulsa, OK
  • Visit the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza
  • Overnight in Tulsa, OK

Day 5: Tulsa, OK to Oklahoma City, OK (107 miles)

  • Drive to Oklahoma City, OK
  • Visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton
  • Overnight in Oklahoma City, OK

Day 6: Oklahoma City, OK to Amarillo, TX (259 miles)

  • Drive to Amarillo, TX
  • Stop at the Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick, OK
  • Visit the Cadillac Ranch
  • Overnight in Amarillo, TX

Day 7: Amarillo, TX to Tucumcari, NM (115 miles)

  • Drive to Tucumcari, NM
  • Visit the Route 66 Monument
  • Overnight in Tucumcari, NM

Day 8: Tucumcari, NM to Santa Fe, NM (174 miles)

  • Drive to Santa Fe, NM
  • Stop at the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari
  • Explore the historic Santa Fe Plaza
  • Overnight in Santa Fe, NM

Day 9: Santa Fe, NM to Albuquerque, NM (63 miles)

  • Drive to Albuquerque, NM
  • Visit the Petroglyph National Monument
  • Overnight in Albuquerque, NM

Day 10: Albuquerque, NM to Holbrook, AZ (259 miles)

  • Drive to Holbrook, AZ
  • Visit the Painted Desert & Petrified Forest National Park
  • Overnight in Holbrook, AZ

Day 11: Holbrook, AZ to Williams, AZ (145 miles)

  • Drive to Williams, AZ
  • Visit the Meteor Crater
  • Overnight in Williams, AZ

Day 12: Williams, AZ to Kingman, AZ (145 miles)

  • Drive to the Grand Canyon (optional day trip)
  • Drive to Kingman, AZ
  • Visit the Route 66 Museum
  • Overnight in Kingman, AZ

Day 13: Kingman, AZ to Santa Monica, CA (315 miles)

  • Drive to Oatman, AZ and explore the old mining town
  • Drive to Santa Monica, CA
  • Stop at the Route 66 End Sign
  • Enjoy Santa Monica Pier and beach

Throughout your trip, don't forget to collect stamps for your Route 66 Passport at various attractions and landmarks. 

As you conclude your remarkable 13-day journey along Route 66, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you've created. From iconic landmarks to charming small towns, your adventure has been enriched by the rich history and diverse culture that define the Mother Road. The Route 66 Passport from SangamonWatches.com has guided you every step of the way, making it the perfect keepsake to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime trip. As you reminisce about your travels, remember that the spirit of Route 66 will live on in your heart, inspiring you to continue exploring the open road and discovering new horizons.