16 day itinerary for Usa

Itinerary

A 16-day road trip along Route 66 sounds like an incredible adventure! Buckle up, because we’re about to hit the open road and explore some of the most iconic sights and quirky stops along this historic highway. Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary for your journey:

## Day 1: Chicago, Illinois

• Morning: Arrive in Chicago. Grab a deep-dish pizza for breakfast at Lou Malnati's.
• Afternoon: Visit the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park to see the famous Cloud Gate (The Bean).
• Evening: Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk and enjoy dinner at a local steakhouse.

## Day 2: Chicago to Joliet (40 miles)

• Morning: Start your Route 66 journey! Stop by the [[Route 66 Museum](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Route%2066%20Museum&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround")](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Route%2066%20Museum&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround") in Joliet.
• Afternoon: Visit the historic Rialto Square Theatre and grab lunch at a local diner.
• Evening: Explore the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site before heading to your hotel.

## Day 3: Joliet to Bloomington (90 miles)

• Morning: Hit the road to Bloomington. Stop at the Gemini Giant in Wilmington for a photo op!
• Afternoon: Visit the McLean County Museum of History and grab lunch at a local café.
• Evening: Check out the historic Route 66 attractions in downtown Bloomington.

## Day 4: Bloomington to Springfield (50 miles)

• Morning: Drive to Springfield, the capital of Illinois. Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
• Afternoon: Explore Lincoln’s Home and grab a bite at a local BBQ joint.
• Evening: Take a stroll through the beautiful Washington Park.

## Day 5: Springfield to St. Louis, Missouri (100 miles)

• Morning: Head to St. Louis. Stop at the Route 66 Welcome Center in the city.
• Afternoon: Visit the iconic Gateway Arch and take a tram ride to the top for stunning views.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and check out the nightlife in the Soulard district.

## Day 6: St. Louis to Rolla (100 miles)

• Morning: Depart for Rolla. Stop at the Meramec Caverns for a tour.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Rolla and visit the [[Route 66 Museum](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Route%2066%20Museum&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround")](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Route%2066%20Museum&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround").
• Evening: Relax at a local diner and enjoy some classic American comfort food.

## Day 7: Rolla to Springfield, Missouri (70 miles)

• Morning: Drive to Springfield, MO. Visit the Fantastic Caverns for a unique underground tour.
• Afternoon: Explore the Route 66 Car Museum and grab lunch at a local café.
• Evening: Check out the local music scene or enjoy a quiet evening at your hotel.

## Day 8: Springfield to Joplin (70 miles)

• Morning: Head to Joplin. Stop at the historic Route 66 sign for a photo op.
• Afternoon: Visit the Joplin Museum Complex and grab lunch at a local diner.
• Evening: Explore the local shops and enjoy dinner at a Route 66-themed restaurant.

## Day 9: Joplin to Tulsa, Oklahoma (70 miles)

• Morning: Drive to Tulsa. Stop at the Route 66 Village.
• Afternoon: Visit the Philbrook Museum of Art and grab lunch at a trendy café.
• Evening: Explore the vibrant arts district and enjoy dinner at a local BBQ spot.

## Day 10: Tulsa to Oklahoma City (100 miles)

• Morning: Depart for Oklahoma City. Visit the Oklahoma [[Route 66 Museum](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Route%2066%20Museum&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround")](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Route%2066%20Museum&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround") in Elk City along the way.
• Afternoon: Explore the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Bricktown and take a stroll along the canal.

## Day 11: Oklahoma City to Amarillo, Texas (120 miles)

• Morning: Hit the road to Amarillo. Stop at the iconic Cadillac Ranch for some fun photos.
• Afternoon: Visit the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum.
• Evening: Enjoy a hearty steak dinner at The Big Texan Steak Ranch.

## Day 12: Amarillo to Santa Fe, New Mexico (200 miles)

• Morning: Depart for Santa Fe. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Texas Panhandle.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Santa Fe and explore the historic Plaza and local art galleries.
• Evening: Savor some New Mexican cuisine at a local restaurant.

## Day 13: Santa Fe to Albuquerque (60 miles)

• Morning: Drive to Albuquerque. Stop at the Sandia Peak Tramway for breathtaking views.
• Afternoon: Visit the Albuquerque Old Town and grab lunch at a local café.
• Evening: Explore the local nightlife or enjoy a quiet evening at your hotel.

## Day 14: Albuquerque to Gallup (140 miles)

• Morning: Head to Gallup. Stop at the [[Route 66 Museum](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Route%2066%20Museum&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround")](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Route%2066%20Museum&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround") in the city.
• Afternoon: Explore the local Native American culture and grab lunch at a local diner.
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening and perhaps catch a local performance.

## Day 15: Gallup to Flagstaff, Arizona (200 miles)

• Morning: Depart for Flagstaff. Stop at the Petrified Forest National Park along the way.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Flagstaff and explore the historic downtown area.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local brewery and relax under the stars.

## Day 16: Flagstaff to Los Angeles, California (400 miles)

• Morning: Start your final leg to Los Angeles. Stop at the iconic Route 66 sign in Barstow.
• Afternoon: Arrive in LA and visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• Evening: Celebrate the end of your journey with dinner at a trendy restaurant in West Hollywood.

Bonus Tips:

• Make sure to take plenty of photos at the quirky roadside attractions!
• Keep an eye out for local diners and cafes; they often have the best food and charm.
• Don’t forget to check the weather and road conditions, especially in the mountainous areas.

There you have it! A fun-filled 16-day itinerary along Route 66, packed with history, culture, and delicious food. Enjoy your road trip, and safe travels! 🚗✨