A road trip through Route 66 is considered to be a rite of passage for those who love to travel. Every travel enthusiast you meet is rife with stories about their own trip down the mother road.
The hype is for good reason, since there are numerous attractions that you can experience as you make your way. A Route 66 trip will provide a snapshot of the country which you can remember for years to come.
In this article, we’ll cover five must-see destinations on Route 66 that you should try to cover.
Gateway Arch
Kicking off the trip at the Gateway Arch National Park carries a lot of symbolism since it memorializes the westward expansion of the United States.
The Gateway Arch is the tallest arch in the world and also the tallest man-made monument in the country. You can get a great view of both sides of the Mississippi River while you’re at the top of the arch.
There’s a lot to do here, even apart from checking out the Gateway Arch. You can visit the museum, which is home to numerous momentos from an exciting part of US history.
Blue Whale of Catoosa
Stopping by the Blue Whale of Catoosa is probably the best way to take a single photograph that captures the vibe for the entire trip.
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a larger-than-life figurine of a blue whale that was built in the 1970s. It was a gift from Hugh Davis to his wife Zelta, who was a particular fan of whales and collected blue whale figurines.
It’s a quirky attraction that tourists love, especially those with children. You can also find a great meal at the nearby diners or picnic beside the whale.
Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch is another fun and quirky entry on our list. Ten defunct Cadillacs have been half-buried on the sand beside the Interstate 40.
It’s an art installation that fascinates thousands of people to visit every year. Tourists are encouraged to spray paint their own mark on the cars as well, which makes the experience more personal.
The art installation has undergone several makeovers over the years, but its essence remains the same. A way to symbolize and celebrate the Great American Road Trip.
Oatman, Arizona
If you want to experience a ghost town, it doesn’t get better than Oatman. The town still feels as real as it once was, offering an experience of lived history. The town flourished during the gold rush, which attracted numerous people and businesses, which flourished for several years.
However, as the mines went empty and people found higher-paying jobs elsewhere, the town slowly became defunct. The town is nestled in the Black Hills and is home to numerous burros, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and monster lizards. They’re the actual residents of the town, the humans are just passing by.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is the perfect way to end (or start) your trip. It’s located at the edge of the country and is as storied as any of the other icons of the road trip.
While it can feel a lot more touristy than the other sites we’ve mentioned, it does have an exciting vibe. You can take a few rides and grab yourself something sweet from the soda fountain.
The Santa Monica Pier also has an official sign that it’s the end of the Route 66, so don’t forget to take a photograph of yourself with the sign. It will be a treasured memory for decades to come.
Getting Help With Your Trip
You don’t have to plan and execute your trip all on your own. Consider talking to the experts at Utah Luxury Tours, who specialise in offering customized trips for all kinds of travellers.
Utah Luxury Tours can help you plan your entire itinerary, suggest the best spots, make your bookings, handle all the logistics, and provide a tour guide who can elevate the entire trip experience.
The tour company can be as involved as you want. Our goal is to ensure that your trip is as fun and hassle-free as possible. We know that managing a long trip can be a headache, and we’d be glad to help.
Wrapping Up
The beauty of Route 66 is the feeling that you’re intruding into a time gone by.
A trip through Route 66 can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While many parts of the highway are now defunct, it remains a major attraction and is still buzzing with life at all times of the year.
The most popular time for a Route 66 trip is during the summer, but contrarians can have a great time during the winter as well, which has its own charm.
Reach out to us at Utah Luxury Tours so we can help you plan the ultimate road trip.
