Quick Navigation<\/h2>\n\n- Why Rent a Charter Bus on Route 66?<\/a><\/li>\n
- What to Know Before You Embark<\/a>\n
\n- Bring the Essentials<\/a><\/li>\n
- Book Lodging Before You Leave<\/a><\/li>\n
- Passing the Time<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
- Which Direction Should We Go?<\/a>\n
\n- East to West<\/a><\/li>\n
- West to East<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
- Top Route 66 Attractions by State<\/a>\n
\n- Illinois<\/a><\/li>\n
- Missouri<\/a><\/li>\n
- Oklahoma<\/a><\/li>\n
- Texas<\/a><\/li>\n
- New Mexico<\/a><\/li>\n
- Arizona<\/a><\/li>\n
- California<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Why Rent a Charter Bus on Route 66?<\/h2>\n
Riding in a car can be very cramped\u2014even when you\u2019re not<\/em> on a 2,448-mile road trip\u2014and fitting two weeks\u2019 worth of luggage into a sedan is no easy feat. So rather than cramming into your friend\u2019s minivan and making your group members take shifts behind the wheel, reserve a minibus<\/a> or charter bus rental service and let a professional take the wheel! That way, everyone can focus on taking in the sights of Route 66 without stressing the navigation or transportation logistics.<\/p>\nIn a way, full-size charter buses<\/a> are like airplanes: they offer enough storage space for each passenger to bring along one average-sized piece of luggage as well as a backpack-sized carry-on.<\/p>\nBut unlike on an airplane, you have total control over what amenities are onboard! Some features like air-conditioning and AM\/FM radios (both necessities for a summer road trip, let\u2019s be honest) come standard on most minibus and charter bus rentals. And if your group needs something extra\u2014whether that be a built-in entertainment system or ADA-compliant amenities<\/a>\u2014you can trust GOGO Charters to make it happen.<\/p>\nUpon your request, your passengers can scroll through their social feeds with onboard WiFi, marathon their favorite road trip movies on flatscreen TVs, freshen up in the onboard restroom, and so much more! Our 24\/7 reservation team can service nearly any transportation request. Just call 1-855-826-6770<\/strong> with a list of what you need in mind, and we\u2019ll handle the rest!<\/p>\n![\"four](\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/charter-bus-passengers-celebrate.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
What to Know Before You Embark<\/h2>\nBring the Essentials<\/h3>\n
When it comes to packing, comfort is key. We know you\u2019ll be taking a lot of photos along the way and understand you\u2019ll want to look nice for the photo ops, but keep in mind that a great deal of your road trip along Route 66 will be spent sitting in a motorcoach, stretching your legs in a sunbaked desert landscape, or otherwise walking around the hundreds of sightseeing opportunities along the way.<\/p>\n
Pack clothes that are comfortable and breathable in the heat, and if you\u2019re still worried about your appearance, wrinkle-resistant clothes are a must. Even if you\u2019re planning to travel in cooler months, consider packing plenty of sunscreen\u2014again, you\u2019ll be in the desert for at least half of your journey.<\/p>\n
Book Lodging Before You Leave<\/h3>\n
Because no one wants to scramble to find 20 rooms at the nearest motel at the last minute. Not only will reserving your lodging before the trip save you time and stress on the road, but you may also receive discounted rates for booking your room blocks early.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re traveling by motorcoach on a multi-day trip, remember that you also need to reserve room and board for your driver<\/a> every night along the way. Professional bus drivers are required to take an 8-hour break for every 10 consecutive hours spent on the road. To make the loading and unloading process easier for everyone, we recommend reserving lodging for everyone\u2014all passengers and the driver\u2014at a hotel or motel that accommodates oversized vehicles in the parking lot. That way, everything and everyone is all in the same place when it\u2019s time to roll on to your next destination!<\/p>\nPassing the Time<\/h3>\n
If you want to see the entirety of Route 66, it\u2019ll take at least 14 days to get from one end to the other and see all the important sites in-between. And even if you fill your itinerary to the brim with pit stops and sightseeing, you\u2019re going to have a lot of downtime spent on the road with not a lot to do. For long bus rides<\/a>, we recommend bringing along plenty of movies to pop into your bus\u2019s DVD player to keep everyone in the road-tripping spirit\u2014Thelma and Louise, National Lampoon\u2019s Vacation, Little Miss Sunshine, <\/em>and A Goofy Movie <\/em>tend to be crowd favorites.<\/p>\nIs your group not really the movie-marathoning type? Consider setting up a small community library in one of the overhead storage bins, and fill it with easy reads of all genres<\/a> that people can take and read as they please.<\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/reading-bus-passenger.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Which Direction Should We Go?<\/h2>\n
With so much ground to cover along the Mother Road, it can be difficult to know where to start\u2014quite literally. So where should your group embark? Well, it depends:<\/p>\n
East to West<\/h3>\n
Most visitors who travel the entire length of Route 66 go from Chicago to California, east to west, because of historical reasons. For one thing, that\u2019s the direction the route was originally built\u2014with the older roads in the east and relatively newly-constructed stretches of highway out west.<\/p>\n
Also, going from east to west along Route 66 pays homage to the reason the interstate was built in the first place. Back in the late 1920s, throughout the 30s, and onwards, Americans used these streets to migrate away from the hardships and Dust Bowls of the Great Depression and from overcrowded Eastern cities toward opportunities in the Southwest and California.<\/p>\n
Besides, is there anything more romantic than riding into the setting sun on a cross-country road trip?<\/p>\n
West to East<\/h3>\n
That being said, starting your journey in California is still an option, and may even be more desirable depending on your circumstances. If your group is based on the West Coast, or if it\u2019d be easier to fly into LAX for the start of your journey, kicking off your Route 66 trip in sunny Santa Monica is a great idea.<\/p>\n
Also, the time of year may determine where you start. The United States\u2019 Southwestern states get very, very hot\u2014we\u2019re talking +100\u00b0F on average\u2014so your group may want to start there if you\u2019re embarking as the weather gets warmer. Even if you opt for a completely climate-controlled charter bus rental, you can only soak in that sweet AC for so long before it\u2019s time to venture out and sightsee. If you\u2019re planning to travel in late spring or early summer and want to be in cooler climates by the time the heat waves roll around, start in California.<\/p>\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/woman-posing-route-sign.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Top Route 66 Attractions By State<\/h2>\n
Need help narrowing down your Route 66 itinerary? Here are some of the best attractions your group will find along and just off the Route, organized by state.<\/p>\n
![\"the](\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/route-begins-chicago.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Illinois Attractions<\/h2>\nChicago<\/h3>\n
If you start your Route 66 trip from the east, that means Chicago<\/a> is your starting point! There\u2019s enough to see and do in this major city to fill a few days\u2019 worth of itinerary space. But since there\u2019s a lot of ground to cover between here and California, here are just a few Chicago highlights for first-timers if you\u2019ve got time to kill before everyone rolls out:<\/p>\n\n- Millennium Park<\/strong><\/a>\u2014the gorgeous greenspace along the lake. Plan your visit right and you may catch a glimpse of a festival or concert<\/li>\n
- Cloud Gate<\/strong>\u2014also lovingly referenced to as \u201cThe Bean,\u201d a large reflective sculpture in Millennium Park that distorts the surrounding skyline, waterfront, and visitors into trippy shapes<\/li>\n
- Navy Pier<\/strong><\/a>\u2014a century-old, 50-acre pier jutting out into Lake Michigan that houses dining, shopping, thrill rides, and sightseeing ops<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Gemini Giant<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> S East St, Wilmington, IL 60481<\/p>\nIf you need a rest around Wilmington, stop for a group photo at the feet of the Gemini Giant\u2014the 30-foot tall fiberglass sculpture of an astronaut holding a rocket. This guy has been patiently posing for tourists\u2019 pictures since the 1960s, so he won\u2019t mind waiting a few minutes for you to figure out your camera\u2019s white balance.<\/p>\n
Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> 110 W Howard St, Pontiac, IL 61764<\/p>\nHoused in a historic fire station, this museum offers large maps where your group can trace your route in the coming days and see some previews of attractions you\u2019ll find as well as nostalgic photos and postcards from the mid-20th century. The museum is free to tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in summer. Once you\u2019re done inside, take some time to poke around and take in the 20 murals scattered across downtown\u2014the most famous of which is the big Route 66 shield outside the museum.<\/p>\n
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>212 N 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701<\/p>\nSpringfield is the hometown of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, and this attraction is dedicated to preserving his place in history. Here, your group can view artifacts and hear stories about his presidency and legacies. Your Springfield bus rental<\/a> can drop everyone off near the entrance and park at the nearby motorcoach lot for a flat fee of $5.<\/p>\n![\"the](\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/st-louis-arch.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Missouri Attractions<\/h2>\nThe Gateway Arch<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> 200 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102<\/p>\nThis towering stainless steel archway has been a road trip destination for groups big and small since the 1960s and stands as the tallest man-made monument in this hemisphere. Once your group has walked around the national park where the monument resides, brave the ride 630 feet up to the top of the arch (yes, you can do that!) and take in the expansive views of the St. Louis<\/a> skyline and riverfront.<\/p>\nMeramec Caverns<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080<\/p>\nThis system of limestone caves is one of Route 66\u2019s most ancient roadside attractions. The caverns once served as emergency shelter for local Osage tribes, as well as a hiding place for the western outlaw Jesse James. Nowadays, tour groups can take a 45-minute trek down into the caverns and observe the 7-story rock formations within.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/catoosa-whale.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Oklahoma Attractions<\/h2>\nThe Blue Whale of Catoosa<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>2600 U.S. Rte 66, Catoosa, OK 74015<\/p>\nYou won\u2019t find much in terms of sea life in a landlocked state such as Oklahoma\u2014except this roadside attraction, of course. Just as the name suggests, it\u2019s a huge whale sculpture painted bright blue, placed in the middle of a small pond. It was originally constructed in the 1970s by Hugh Davis as an anniversary gift to his wife, but it soon turned the surrounding pond into a local-favored swimming hole and a refreshing pit stop for Route 66 travelers. Swimming in the pond is now prohibited, but you can still walk around inside the whale and have a picnic along the bank.<\/p>\n
John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> 321 N Detroit Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103<\/p>\nThis Tulsa<\/a> park marks the site of the Tulsa Race Massacre\u2014where hundreds of Black business owners were murdered, looted from, and de-homed by white supremacists in a 1921 riot. In recent years, the city of Tulsa has made efforts to make comprehensive histories and accounts of racial injustice more accessible to the general public\u2014thus the creation of this city park. Be sure to check out the Tower of Reconciliation at the greenspace\u2019s center, which depicts African Americans\u2019 role in building Oklahoma and the United States as a whole.<\/p>\nPOPS Diner and Gas Station<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>660 OK-66, Arcadia, OK 73007<\/p>\nA relative newcomer to the Route 66 attraction list, this diner\/gas station\/soda oasis has delighted visitors and snack enthusiasts since 2007. After you\u2019ve gandered at the 66-foot-tall soda bottle statue outside, \u201cpop\u201d in and peruse the convenience store\u2019s selection of over 700 carbonated beverage brands.<\/p>\n
National Route 66 and Transportation Museum<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> 320 W 3rd St, Elk City, OK 73644<\/p>\nAbout two hours west of Oklahoma City<\/a>, your group will come across this series of exhibits celebrating the Mother Road. Similar to the Route 66-centric museum in Pontiac, IL, this place offers visitors an overview of all the attractions you\u2019ll find along the highway and also showcases vintage signage. Here your group can view vignettes depicting eras of roadside culture and listen to audio accounts of interstate travelers throughout the decades.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/cadillac-ranch-1.jpg\")
Image Credit: Steve Wrzeszczynski<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTexas Attractions<\/h2>\nThe Cadillac Ranch<\/h3>\n
As one of the most popular roadside novelties along Route 66, your group would be remiss to bypass this outdoor art installation 6 miles west of Amarillo<\/a>. Take a bunch of artistic selfies next to this rusted out lineup of 10 classic Caddies buried nose-down in the dirt, or spray paint your own masterpiece on one of their upended tail fins\u2014leaving your mark is not only allowed, but encouraged!<\/p>\nMidpoint Cafe<\/h3>\n
Once you\u2019ve made it to Adrian, Texas, you\u2019re halfway there! This quaint little cafe and souvenir shop marks the exact middle of Route 66. Back in Route 66\u2019s heyday, this establishment served weary travelers 24 hours a day. Now, it\u2019s the oldest still-running cafe in the area, and serves as inspiration for \u201cFlo\u2019s V8 Diner\u201d in the Pixar movie Cars<\/em>. Snap a quick photo with the milage sign across the street, grab a slice of the diner\u2019s famous Ugly Crust Pie, and take in the retro atmosphere.<\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/raptor-dino-fossils.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
New Mexico Attractions<\/h2>\nMesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> 222 E Laughlin Ave, Tucumcari, NM 88401<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re traveling with aspiring paleontologists\u2014or just want to escape the heat\u2014pop into the air-conditioned Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum in Tucumcari. Check out the fossils, bones, and artifacts found in the surrounding desert landscape. Be sure to call (575) 461-3466 ahead of time and let the staff know a big crowd is on the way, so they can best accommodate your group\u2019s tour.<\/p>\n
The Musical Highway<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> U.S. Rte 66, Albuquerque, NM 87123<\/p>\nAbout 20 minutes east of Albuquerque<\/a>, keep an eye out for speed limit signs with musical notes on them, and for this 1,300-foot stretch of highway, make sure your driver hits the rumble strips on the right side of the road. When a vehicle drives over them at exactly 45 miles per hour (the speed limit around these parts), the sound of the rumble strips under the wheels will sound exactly like the song “America the Beautiful!”<\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/grand-canyon-view.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Arizona Attractions<\/h2>\nThe Grand Canyon<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023<\/p>\nA short detour from Route 66, this natural wonder is such a sight to behold, your group would be missing out if you passed it up. There are two main viewing areas to the canyon, North Rim and South Rim. The South Rim is closest to the Route and offers all the majestic photo ops you see on all the postcards. The North Rim entrance is a few hours\u2019 drive away from the highway, but if your group prefers sparser crowds, this side of the canyon is a great option that still offers beautiful views.<\/p>\n
Meteor Crater<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> Interstate 40, Exit, 233, Winslow, AZ 86047<\/p>\nConsidered one of the best day-trips you can take from Phoenix<\/a>, this meteor impact site is one of the best-preserved in the world. It\u2019s huge<\/em>\u2014literally a mile wide\u2014and is believed to have formed 50,000 years ago when a meteor struck Earth with more force than 20 million tons of TNT exploding at once. Make a stop at the visitor center on the rim to coordinate your group\u2019s tour. And good news: if you\u2019re visiting with a group of 15 or more, your driver receives a complimentary ticket!<\/p>\n![\"aerial](\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/santa-monica-pier.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
California Attractions<\/h2>\nElmer\u2019s Bottle Tree Ranch<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368<\/p>\nA grove of tree-shaped sculptures made from glass bottles may be an odd sight in the middle of the SoCal desert, but that\u2019s definitely part of the charm. All the sculptures you see in this faux forest were constructed by one man\u2014Elmer Long\u2014after he inherited a massive bottle collection from his father. If you feel a breeze picking up, have everyone in your group take a moment of silence\u2014if you listen closely, you can hear a chorus of gentle whirring as the wind blows over the empty bottles. Parking is plentiful (even for oversized vehicles like motorcoaches), though entry to the sculpture garden is prohibited until further notice.<\/p>\n
The Original McDonald\u2019s Museum<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>1398 N E St, San Bernardino, CA 92405<\/p>\nBecause what\u2019s more \u201cAll-American\u201d than a museum dedicated to the country\u2019s biggest fast-food chain? This building opened in 1940 as the first-ever McDonald\u2019s\u2014the \u201cOriginal McDonalds\u201d you\u2019ll find in Des Plaines, Illinois, is actually just the first store opened after the chain became a big corporation\u2014and now houses a series of exhibits that showcase the history of the business. Wander through shelves stacked high with kid\u2019s meal toys, vintage uniforms, retired playground structures, and other memorabilia.<\/p>\n
Santa Monica Pier<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401<\/p>\nHere lies the westernmost point of Route 66. In fact, the very end of the Santa Monica Pier has been designated as the official stopping point of Route 66\u2014suggesting that the highway only ends because the ocean is in the way. In any case, this pleasure pier is considered the crown jewel of Santa Monica<\/a> and a popular Los Angeles<\/a> destination, with boardwalk thrill rides and cheesy concession stands galore. Sunbathe on the beach and soak in that ocean breeze. After 14 days on the road, your group deserves it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Get Your Kicks with a Route 66 Bus Rental<\/h2>\n
Ready to go? Once you\u2019ve decided where your group is going, who\u2019s coming with, and what amenities will make the ride more enjoyable, give GOGO Charters a call at 1-855-826-6770<\/strong>. Our team is available around the close to take your call, hash out any transportation needs you may have, and offer a free, no-obligation quote personalized to your group travel needs. Get in touch today and see for yourself how easy your Route 66 group trip can be with a charter bus rental!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Does anything capture \u201cClassic Americana\u201d quite like a road trip along Route 66? This cross-country highway\u2014often referred to as the Mother Road\u2014has served as both a means to see the country and a destination within itself for nearly a century. Rich with history and quirky…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":4201,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[455],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[3558,3556,40,4,3555,3550,213,3553,3561,49,3554,3549,3548,3551,2649,2647,3557,3559,3552,3560],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4190"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4190"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4190\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6203,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4190\/revisions\/6203"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4201"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4190"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4190"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4190"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=4190"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- \n
- Bring the Essentials<\/a><\/li>\n
- Book Lodging Before You Leave<\/a><\/li>\n
- Passing the Time<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
- Which Direction Should We Go?<\/a>\n
- \n
- East to West<\/a><\/li>\n
- West to East<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
- Top Route 66 Attractions by State<\/a>\n
- \n
- Illinois<\/a><\/li>\n
- Missouri<\/a><\/li>\n
- Oklahoma<\/a><\/li>\n
- Texas<\/a><\/li>\n
- New Mexico<\/a><\/li>\n
- Arizona<\/a><\/li>\n
- California<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Why Rent a Charter Bus on Route 66?<\/h2>\n
Riding in a car can be very cramped\u2014even when you\u2019re not<\/em> on a 2,448-mile road trip\u2014and fitting two weeks\u2019 worth of luggage into a sedan is no easy feat. So rather than cramming into your friend\u2019s minivan and making your group members take shifts behind the wheel, reserve a minibus<\/a> or charter bus rental service and let a professional take the wheel! That way, everyone can focus on taking in the sights of Route 66 without stressing the navigation or transportation logistics.<\/p>\n
In a way, full-size charter buses<\/a> are like airplanes: they offer enough storage space for each passenger to bring along one average-sized piece of luggage as well as a backpack-sized carry-on.<\/p>\n
But unlike on an airplane, you have total control over what amenities are onboard! Some features like air-conditioning and AM\/FM radios (both necessities for a summer road trip, let\u2019s be honest) come standard on most minibus and charter bus rentals. And if your group needs something extra\u2014whether that be a built-in entertainment system or ADA-compliant amenities<\/a>\u2014you can trust GOGO Charters to make it happen.<\/p>\n
Upon your request, your passengers can scroll through their social feeds with onboard WiFi, marathon their favorite road trip movies on flatscreen TVs, freshen up in the onboard restroom, and so much more! Our 24\/7 reservation team can service nearly any transportation request. Just call 1-855-826-6770<\/strong> with a list of what you need in mind, and we\u2019ll handle the rest!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nWhat to Know Before You Embark<\/h2>\n
Bring the Essentials<\/h3>\n
When it comes to packing, comfort is key. We know you\u2019ll be taking a lot of photos along the way and understand you\u2019ll want to look nice for the photo ops, but keep in mind that a great deal of your road trip along Route 66 will be spent sitting in a motorcoach, stretching your legs in a sunbaked desert landscape, or otherwise walking around the hundreds of sightseeing opportunities along the way.<\/p>\n
Pack clothes that are comfortable and breathable in the heat, and if you\u2019re still worried about your appearance, wrinkle-resistant clothes are a must. Even if you\u2019re planning to travel in cooler months, consider packing plenty of sunscreen\u2014again, you\u2019ll be in the desert for at least half of your journey.<\/p>\n
Book Lodging Before You Leave<\/h3>\n
Because no one wants to scramble to find 20 rooms at the nearest motel at the last minute. Not only will reserving your lodging before the trip save you time and stress on the road, but you may also receive discounted rates for booking your room blocks early.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re traveling by motorcoach on a multi-day trip, remember that you also need to reserve room and board for your driver<\/a> every night along the way. Professional bus drivers are required to take an 8-hour break for every 10 consecutive hours spent on the road. To make the loading and unloading process easier for everyone, we recommend reserving lodging for everyone\u2014all passengers and the driver\u2014at a hotel or motel that accommodates oversized vehicles in the parking lot. That way, everything and everyone is all in the same place when it\u2019s time to roll on to your next destination!<\/p>\n
Passing the Time<\/h3>\n
If you want to see the entirety of Route 66, it\u2019ll take at least 14 days to get from one end to the other and see all the important sites in-between. And even if you fill your itinerary to the brim with pit stops and sightseeing, you\u2019re going to have a lot of downtime spent on the road with not a lot to do. For long bus rides<\/a>, we recommend bringing along plenty of movies to pop into your bus\u2019s DVD player to keep everyone in the road-tripping spirit\u2014Thelma and Louise, National Lampoon\u2019s Vacation, Little Miss Sunshine, <\/em>and A Goofy Movie <\/em>tend to be crowd favorites.<\/p>\n
Is your group not really the movie-marathoning type? Consider setting up a small community library in one of the overhead storage bins, and fill it with easy reads of all genres<\/a> that people can take and read as they please.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nWhich Direction Should We Go?<\/h2>\n
With so much ground to cover along the Mother Road, it can be difficult to know where to start\u2014quite literally. So where should your group embark? Well, it depends:<\/p>\n
East to West<\/h3>\n
Most visitors who travel the entire length of Route 66 go from Chicago to California, east to west, because of historical reasons. For one thing, that\u2019s the direction the route was originally built\u2014with the older roads in the east and relatively newly-constructed stretches of highway out west.<\/p>\n
Also, going from east to west along Route 66 pays homage to the reason the interstate was built in the first place. Back in the late 1920s, throughout the 30s, and onwards, Americans used these streets to migrate away from the hardships and Dust Bowls of the Great Depression and from overcrowded Eastern cities toward opportunities in the Southwest and California.<\/p>\n
Besides, is there anything more romantic than riding into the setting sun on a cross-country road trip?<\/p>\n
West to East<\/h3>\n
That being said, starting your journey in California is still an option, and may even be more desirable depending on your circumstances. If your group is based on the West Coast, or if it\u2019d be easier to fly into LAX for the start of your journey, kicking off your Route 66 trip in sunny Santa Monica is a great idea.<\/p>\n
Also, the time of year may determine where you start. The United States\u2019 Southwestern states get very, very hot\u2014we\u2019re talking +100\u00b0F on average\u2014so your group may want to start there if you\u2019re embarking as the weather gets warmer. Even if you opt for a completely climate-controlled charter bus rental, you can only soak in that sweet AC for so long before it\u2019s time to venture out and sightsee. If you\u2019re planning to travel in late spring or early summer and want to be in cooler climates by the time the heat waves roll around, start in California.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nTop Route 66 Attractions By State<\/h2>\n
Need help narrowing down your Route 66 itinerary? Here are some of the best attractions your group will find along and just off the Route, organized by state.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nIllinois Attractions<\/h2>\n
Chicago<\/h3>\n
If you start your Route 66 trip from the east, that means Chicago<\/a> is your starting point! There\u2019s enough to see and do in this major city to fill a few days\u2019 worth of itinerary space. But since there\u2019s a lot of ground to cover between here and California, here are just a few Chicago highlights for first-timers if you\u2019ve got time to kill before everyone rolls out:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Millennium Park<\/strong><\/a>\u2014the gorgeous greenspace along the lake. Plan your visit right and you may catch a glimpse of a festival or concert<\/li>\n
- Cloud Gate<\/strong>\u2014also lovingly referenced to as \u201cThe Bean,\u201d a large reflective sculpture in Millennium Park that distorts the surrounding skyline, waterfront, and visitors into trippy shapes<\/li>\n
- Navy Pier<\/strong><\/a>\u2014a century-old, 50-acre pier jutting out into Lake Michigan that houses dining, shopping, thrill rides, and sightseeing ops<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Gemini Giant<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> S East St, Wilmington, IL 60481<\/p>\n
If you need a rest around Wilmington, stop for a group photo at the feet of the Gemini Giant\u2014the 30-foot tall fiberglass sculpture of an astronaut holding a rocket. This guy has been patiently posing for tourists\u2019 pictures since the 1960s, so he won\u2019t mind waiting a few minutes for you to figure out your camera\u2019s white balance.<\/p>\n
Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> 110 W Howard St, Pontiac, IL 61764<\/p>\n
Housed in a historic fire station, this museum offers large maps where your group can trace your route in the coming days and see some previews of attractions you\u2019ll find as well as nostalgic photos and postcards from the mid-20th century. The museum is free to tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in summer. Once you\u2019re done inside, take some time to poke around and take in the 20 murals scattered across downtown\u2014the most famous of which is the big Route 66 shield outside the museum.<\/p>\n
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>212 N 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701<\/p>\n
Springfield is the hometown of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, and this attraction is dedicated to preserving his place in history. Here, your group can view artifacts and hear stories about his presidency and legacies. Your Springfield bus rental<\/a> can drop everyone off near the entrance and park at the nearby motorcoach lot for a flat fee of $5.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMissouri Attractions<\/h2>\n
The Gateway Arch<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> 200 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102<\/p>\n
This towering stainless steel archway has been a road trip destination for groups big and small since the 1960s and stands as the tallest man-made monument in this hemisphere. Once your group has walked around the national park where the monument resides, brave the ride 630 feet up to the top of the arch (yes, you can do that!) and take in the expansive views of the St. Louis<\/a> skyline and riverfront.<\/p>\n
Meramec Caverns<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080<\/p>\n
This system of limestone caves is one of Route 66\u2019s most ancient roadside attractions. The caverns once served as emergency shelter for local Osage tribes, as well as a hiding place for the western outlaw Jesse James. Nowadays, tour groups can take a 45-minute trek down into the caverns and observe the 7-story rock formations within.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nOklahoma Attractions<\/h2>\n
The Blue Whale of Catoosa<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>2600 U.S. Rte 66, Catoosa, OK 74015<\/p>\n
You won\u2019t find much in terms of sea life in a landlocked state such as Oklahoma\u2014except this roadside attraction, of course. Just as the name suggests, it\u2019s a huge whale sculpture painted bright blue, placed in the middle of a small pond. It was originally constructed in the 1970s by Hugh Davis as an anniversary gift to his wife, but it soon turned the surrounding pond into a local-favored swimming hole and a refreshing pit stop for Route 66 travelers. Swimming in the pond is now prohibited, but you can still walk around inside the whale and have a picnic along the bank.<\/p>\n
John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> 321 N Detroit Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103<\/p>\n
This Tulsa<\/a> park marks the site of the Tulsa Race Massacre\u2014where hundreds of Black business owners were murdered, looted from, and de-homed by white supremacists in a 1921 riot. In recent years, the city of Tulsa has made efforts to make comprehensive histories and accounts of racial injustice more accessible to the general public\u2014thus the creation of this city park. Be sure to check out the Tower of Reconciliation at the greenspace\u2019s center, which depicts African Americans\u2019 role in building Oklahoma and the United States as a whole.<\/p>\n
POPS Diner and Gas Station<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>660 OK-66, Arcadia, OK 73007<\/p>\n
A relative newcomer to the Route 66 attraction list, this diner\/gas station\/soda oasis has delighted visitors and snack enthusiasts since 2007. After you\u2019ve gandered at the 66-foot-tall soda bottle statue outside, \u201cpop\u201d in and peruse the convenience store\u2019s selection of over 700 carbonated beverage brands.<\/p>\n
National Route 66 and Transportation Museum<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> 320 W 3rd St, Elk City, OK 73644<\/p>\n
About two hours west of Oklahoma City<\/a>, your group will come across this series of exhibits celebrating the Mother Road. Similar to the Route 66-centric museum in Pontiac, IL, this place offers visitors an overview of all the attractions you\u2019ll find along the highway and also showcases vintage signage. Here your group can view vignettes depicting eras of roadside culture and listen to audio accounts of interstate travelers throughout the decades.<\/p>\n
Image Credit: Steve Wrzeszczynski<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Texas Attractions<\/h2>\n
The Cadillac Ranch<\/h3>\n
As one of the most popular roadside novelties along Route 66, your group would be remiss to bypass this outdoor art installation 6 miles west of Amarillo<\/a>. Take a bunch of artistic selfies next to this rusted out lineup of 10 classic Caddies buried nose-down in the dirt, or spray paint your own masterpiece on one of their upended tail fins\u2014leaving your mark is not only allowed, but encouraged!<\/p>\n
Midpoint Cafe<\/h3>\n
Once you\u2019ve made it to Adrian, Texas, you\u2019re halfway there! This quaint little cafe and souvenir shop marks the exact middle of Route 66. Back in Route 66\u2019s heyday, this establishment served weary travelers 24 hours a day. Now, it\u2019s the oldest still-running cafe in the area, and serves as inspiration for \u201cFlo\u2019s V8 Diner\u201d in the Pixar movie Cars<\/em>. Snap a quick photo with the milage sign across the street, grab a slice of the diner\u2019s famous Ugly Crust Pie, and take in the retro atmosphere.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nNew Mexico Attractions<\/h2>\n
Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> 222 E Laughlin Ave, Tucumcari, NM 88401<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re traveling with aspiring paleontologists\u2014or just want to escape the heat\u2014pop into the air-conditioned Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum in Tucumcari. Check out the fossils, bones, and artifacts found in the surrounding desert landscape. Be sure to call (575) 461-3466 ahead of time and let the staff know a big crowd is on the way, so they can best accommodate your group\u2019s tour.<\/p>\n
The Musical Highway<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> U.S. Rte 66, Albuquerque, NM 87123<\/p>\n
About 20 minutes east of Albuquerque<\/a>, keep an eye out for speed limit signs with musical notes on them, and for this 1,300-foot stretch of highway, make sure your driver hits the rumble strips on the right side of the road. When a vehicle drives over them at exactly 45 miles per hour (the speed limit around these parts), the sound of the rumble strips under the wheels will sound exactly like the song “America the Beautiful!”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nArizona Attractions<\/h2>\n
The Grand Canyon<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023<\/p>\n
A short detour from Route 66, this natural wonder is such a sight to behold, your group would be missing out if you passed it up. There are two main viewing areas to the canyon, North Rim and South Rim. The South Rim is closest to the Route and offers all the majestic photo ops you see on all the postcards. The North Rim entrance is a few hours\u2019 drive away from the highway, but if your group prefers sparser crowds, this side of the canyon is a great option that still offers beautiful views.<\/p>\n
Meteor Crater<\/h3>\n
Address:<\/strong> Interstate 40, Exit, 233, Winslow, AZ 86047<\/p>\n
Considered one of the best day-trips you can take from Phoenix<\/a>, this meteor impact site is one of the best-preserved in the world. It\u2019s huge<\/em>\u2014literally a mile wide\u2014and is believed to have formed 50,000 years ago when a meteor struck Earth with more force than 20 million tons of TNT exploding at once. Make a stop at the visitor center on the rim to coordinate your group\u2019s tour. And good news: if you\u2019re visiting with a group of 15 or more, your driver receives a complimentary ticket!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nCalifornia Attractions<\/h2>\n
Elmer\u2019s Bottle Tree Ranch<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368<\/p>\n
A grove of tree-shaped sculptures made from glass bottles may be an odd sight in the middle of the SoCal desert, but that\u2019s definitely part of the charm. All the sculptures you see in this faux forest were constructed by one man\u2014Elmer Long\u2014after he inherited a massive bottle collection from his father. If you feel a breeze picking up, have everyone in your group take a moment of silence\u2014if you listen closely, you can hear a chorus of gentle whirring as the wind blows over the empty bottles. Parking is plentiful (even for oversized vehicles like motorcoaches), though entry to the sculpture garden is prohibited until further notice.<\/p>\n
The Original McDonald\u2019s Museum<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>1398 N E St, San Bernardino, CA 92405<\/p>\n
Because what\u2019s more \u201cAll-American\u201d than a museum dedicated to the country\u2019s biggest fast-food chain? This building opened in 1940 as the first-ever McDonald\u2019s\u2014the \u201cOriginal McDonalds\u201d you\u2019ll find in Des Plaines, Illinois, is actually just the first store opened after the chain became a big corporation\u2014and now houses a series of exhibits that showcase the history of the business. Wander through shelves stacked high with kid\u2019s meal toys, vintage uniforms, retired playground structures, and other memorabilia.<\/p>\n
Santa Monica Pier<\/h3>\n
Address: <\/strong>200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401<\/p>\n
Here lies the westernmost point of Route 66. In fact, the very end of the Santa Monica Pier has been designated as the official stopping point of Route 66\u2014suggesting that the highway only ends because the ocean is in the way. In any case, this pleasure pier is considered the crown jewel of Santa Monica<\/a> and a popular Los Angeles<\/a> destination, with boardwalk thrill rides and cheesy concession stands galore. Sunbathe on the beach and soak in that ocean breeze. After 14 days on the road, your group deserves it.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Get Your Kicks with a Route 66 Bus Rental<\/h2>\n
Ready to go? Once you\u2019ve decided where your group is going, who\u2019s coming with, and what amenities will make the ride more enjoyable, give GOGO Charters a call at 1-855-826-6770<\/strong>. Our team is available around the close to take your call, hash out any transportation needs you may have, and offer a free, no-obligation quote personalized to your group travel needs. Get in touch today and see for yourself how easy your Route 66 group trip can be with a charter bus rental!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Does anything capture \u201cClassic Americana\u201d quite like a road trip along Route 66? This cross-country highway\u2014often referred to as the Mother Road\u2014has served as both a means to see the country and a destination within itself for nearly a century. Rich with history and quirky…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":4201,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[455],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[3558,3556,40,4,3555,3550,213,3553,3561,49,3554,3549,3548,3551,2649,2647,3557,3559,3552,3560],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4190"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4190"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4190\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6203,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4190\/revisions\/6203"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4201"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4190"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4190"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4190"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=4190"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Cloud Gate<\/strong>\u2014also lovingly referenced to as \u201cThe Bean,\u201d a large reflective sculpture in Millennium Park that distorts the surrounding skyline, waterfront, and visitors into trippy shapes<\/li>\n
- Missouri<\/a><\/li>\n
- West to East<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
- Book Lodging Before You Leave<\/a><\/li>\n