For a Century, Drivers Have Gotten Their Kicks on Route 66

Upfront/GO

100 Years of Route 66

Hit these six stops for an epic road trip

Collage celebrating America’s 100th anniversary of the original highway, Route 66. The collage involves several signs that show off Route 66 in various states. It also includes signs of several iconic stops along the way.

America’s original highway to the West celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Some notable sites:

CHICAGO

Begin your adventure at the new starting point for Route 66: Chicago’s Navy Pier.

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

In 1926, state highway officials met here and proposed the name “U.S. Route 66.” Stroll historic Commercial Street for boutique shopping.

Photograph of the beautiful greenery of Myrid Botanical garden

OKLAHOMA CITY

This stop is in the middle section of the route. Walk the Myriad Botanical Gardens, with 15 acres of grounds and the stunning Crystal Bridge

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

This city boasts the longest urban stretch of the original Route 66 still in existence: 18 miles of glowing neon signs, vintage artifacts, retro motels and honky-tonk dives.

Image of the majestic canyons of Arizona

FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA

Known as the Gateway City for road-trippers heading west, this town is 7,000 feet above sea level. Explore Arizona’s majestic canyons and pristine pine forests.

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA

Visit the Santa Monica Pier and take a selfie by the historic End of the Trail sign. —Deborah Gaines

A version of this story originally appeared in The Girlfriend From AARP, a newsletter and website for Gen X women. Visit thegirlfriend.com to learn more.

From top: Alamy, Shutterstock, Getty Images. Collage: AARP (Getty Images, 2; Alamy, 3; Shutterstock, 2)

Unlock Access to AARP Members Edition

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member? Login