12 day itinerary
Route 66
Itinerary
Route 66 is a classic American road trip filled with quirky attractions, delicious diners, and beautiful camping spots. Let’s dive into a fun-filled 12-day itinerary that starts in Barstow, CA, and ends in Springfield, IL, while highlighting unusual sites, great eateries, and camping locations. Buckle up!
Day 1: Barstow, CA to Needles, CA
- Morning: Start your journey at the in Barstow. It’s a great introduction to the history of the Mother Road.
- Lunch: Stop at for a classic American meal. Their burgers are a hit!
- Afternoon: Head to for some old-west charm and a peek into mining history.
- Camping: Set up camp at . It’s a cozy spot with amenities and a friendly atmosphere.
Day 2: Needles, CA to Kingman, AZ
- Morning: Drive along the Colorado River and stop at the in Needles.
- Lunch: Grab a bite at in Kingman. Their milkshakes are legendary!
- Afternoon: Explore the and check out the quirky .
- Camping: Camp at for a scenic view and some hiking trails.
Day 3: Kingman, AZ to Seligman, AZ
- Morning: Visit the in Kingman before heading out.
- Lunch: Stop at in Seligman for a unique dining experience. Their burgers and shakes are a must-try!
- Afternoon: Explore the quirky shops and murals in Seligman, known as the birthplace of Route 66.
- Camping: Pitch your tent at for a fun camping experience.
Day 4: Seligman, AZ to Williams, AZ
- Morning: Take a scenic drive to Williams, stopping at the for a tour.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at in Williams, known for its retro vibe and hearty meals.
- Afternoon: Visit the for a drive-through wildlife experience.
- Camping: Camp at for a peaceful night under the stars.
Day 5: Williams, AZ to Flagstaff, AZ
- Morning: Head to Flagstaff, stopping at the .
- Lunch: Dine at , famous for its locally sourced ingredients.
- Afternoon: Explore the or take a hike in the nearby Coconino National Forest.
- Camping: Set up at , which has great facilities and beautiful surroundings.
Day 6: Flagstaff, AZ to Albuquerque, NM
- Morning: Drive to Albuquerque, stopping at the along the way.
- Lunch: Try in Albuquerque for a retro dining experience.
- Afternoon: Visit the to learn about Native American history.
- Camping: Camp at for a serene experience in nature.
Day 7: Albuquerque, NM to Santa Rosa, NM
- Morning: Explore the before heading out.
- Lunch: Stop at for some local New Mexican cuisine.
- Afternoon: Visit the in Santa Rosa.
- Camping: Camp at for a lakeside experience.
Day 8: Santa Rosa, NM to Amarillo, TX
- Morning: Drive to Amarillo, stopping at the in Santa Rosa for a quick swim.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at , famous for its 72 oz steak challenge!
- Afternoon: Visit the quirky and leave your mark with spray paint.
- Camping: Camp at for a comfortable night.
Day 9: Amarillo, TX to Oklahoma City, OK
- Morning: Head to Oklahoma City, stopping at the in Amarillo.
- Lunch: Dine at in the Stockyards for a true cowboy experience.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Camping: Camp at for a lovely lakeside experience.
Day 10: Oklahoma City, OK to Tulsa, OK
- Morning: Drive to Tulsa, stopping at the .
- Lunch: Try for some comfort food.
- Afternoon: Explore the and its beautiful gardens.
- Camping: Camp at for a convenient and comfortable stay.
Day 11: Tulsa, OK to Joplin, MO
- Morning: Head to Joplin, stopping at the in Tulsa.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at in Joplin.
- Afternoon: Visit the to learn about the city’s history.
- Camping: Camp at for a relaxing night by the water.
Day 12: Joplin, MO to Springfield, IL
- Morning: Drive to Springfield, stopping at the in Joplin.
- Lunch: Stop at in Springfield, famous for its corn dogs!
- Afternoon: Explore the and the .
- Evening: Celebrate the end of your journey with a nice dinner at , known for its farm-to-table dishes.
And there you have it! A delightful 12-day adventure along Route 66 filled with unusual sites, tasty diners, and beautiful camping spots. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! Safe travels! 🚗✨
