Being cooped up in a car on a road trip can make even the best travelers a little antsy. So it’s always a good idea to plan some time out of the car and in the great outdoors. Luckily there are plenty of Route 66 outdoor activities to add to your road trip itinerary.
Route 66 is filled with beautiful natural wonders: there are National Parks, National monuments, state parks, roadside parks, animal farms, and more. Whether you want to stretch your legs at a scenic outlook, feed an alpaca, ride a zip line, or take a multi-day hike, there are plenty of options to fit your wants and needs. You can even take a short detour to The Grand Canyon in Arizona.
Looking for the best Route 66 outdoor activities to add to your road trip itinerary? Use the filters below to search our outdoor directory by location, type, or keyword to fill your travel plan. Whether you’re visiting just one of the eight states on The Mother Road (Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, or California) or driving the entire journey from Chicago to Los Angeles (or vice versa), there are plenty of opportunities to park your car and explore the brilliant nature of Route 66.
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Heritage Square in Flagstaff, Arizona
Nestled in the heart of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, Heritage Square is where history, community, and culture come together in a charming open-air plaza. For Route 66 road trippers, it’s the perfect pit stop to stretch your legs, soak up some local flavor, and experience the lively spirit of this mountain town.
Walnut Canyon National Monument in Flagstaff, Arizona
A short drive from Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon National Monument offers a glimpse into the past and the rugged beauty of the Southwest. Known for its stunning canyon views and ancient cliff dwellings, Walnut Canyon tells the story of the Sinagua people who lived here between 600 and 1400 CE.
Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California
If you’ve made it to Santa Monica, California, you’ve reached the symbolic end of Route 66. While it may no longer be an official U.S. Highway, its spirit lives on, and there’s no better place to celebrate your cross-country adventure than at the Santa Monica Pier.
Historic Route 66 California Gateway in Needles, California
Just west of the Colorado River, the Historic Route 66 California Gateway marks the point where the Mother Road enters the state. Located about two miles west of the river off Interstate 40 at the 5-Mile exit, this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site serves as both a day-use and picnic area, as well as an interpretive stop along the Historic Route 66 National Scenic Byway.
Must SeeGold Mining Ghost Town in Oatman, Arizona
Nestled within the rugged terrains of the Black Mountains in Arizona, the Gold Mining Ghost Town of Oatman boasts a rich history steeped in the allure of the Wild West. Oatman flourished in the early 1900s, fueled by the discovery of gold in the surrounding mines.
Must SeePetrified Forest National Park in Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, is a wonderland of petrified wood, vibrant badlands, and ancient history. The park's namesake, petrified wood, is the result of millions of years of fossilization, transforming once-majestic trees into stunning mineral landscapes. But beyond the petrified wood, the park boasts a rich tapestry of history, dating back over 200 million years.
Route 66 Brick Paved Broadway Street in Davenport, Oklahoma
Davenport, Oklahoma is located on the old Ozark Trail as well as the 1926-85 alignment of Route 66. Several blocks of Broadway Street in the downtown area are still paved with original 1925/1926 bricks from Davenport Brick & Tile Company. This historic red Brick Paved Broadway Street was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
Route 66 Park in Joliet, Illinois
Joliet kicks on Route 66! Route 66 Park in Joliet, Illinois is the perfect stop for stretching your legs, grabbing some ice cream, snapping a few pics with a fun Route 66 sign, and soaking in a bit of history. This little roadside park has big connections to the Mother Road.
Must SeeRoute 66 Memory Lane in Lexington, Illinois
Take a trip down memory lane—literally—in Lexington, Illinois! Route 66 Memory Lane brings a restored, one-mile stretch of the original Mother Road back to life. This piece of history, dedicated in 1926, still sports its vintage charm with original pavement, old-school Burma Shave signs, and retro billboards for Nehi and the Oasis Drive-In.
Arizona Sidewinder in Oatman, Arizona
While most of Route 66 provides a relaxing and lazy scenic drive, the infamous Arizona Sidewinder lives up to its dangerous reputation. The Sidewinder is an eight-mile stretch of Route 66 that winds through the Black Mountains, connecting Cool Springs Station in Golden Valley to Oatman, the former mining town that now teems with wild roaming burros.
