Once known as the Main Street of America and The Mother Road, Route 66 was once the principal thoroughfare for travelers and truckers going from Chicago to Santa Monica. The road stretched for 2,448 miles, and it never failed to satisfy people’s wanderlust. Route 66 had it all thanks to breathtaking views, roadside diners, neon signs, gas stations, motels, and unique attractions along the way.
Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985 after nearly 60 years of capturing the imaginations of travelers. The interstate highway system ensured Route 66’s demise as a functional transitway.
However, traveling historic Route 66 is still possible. It’s one of the greatest road trips you will experience.
So, hop on board. We’re in for a one-of-a-kind adventure as we cruise in style in a group road trip luxury bus from Santa Monica to Chicago via Old Route 66. Your luxury group travel itinerary will hit every stop along the way. An executive coach makes your road trip easier to handle and more fun.
The Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip from Los Angeles to Chicago for Luxury Group Travel
Many people start in Chicago and head to Santa Monica Pier to follow the route many people took to head out west. Since CoachWest is based in SoCal, our tour follows the opposite direction in your executive coach.
Los Angeles, California
Our journey begins at the Santa Monica Pier that serves as the western terminus of Route 66. It is home to one of the most famous beaches in the world. You’ll also see the Official Route 66 End of the Trail marker. Visit the famous ferris wheel, ride the 1921 carousel, and admire the view from Pacific Park.
Victorville, California
Our first notable stop for this luxury group travel excursion happens in Victorville, also called “the gateway to the high desert.” This city is also home to the California Route 66 Museum. This museum displays the history of the highway from its inception to its decommissioning.
Barstow, California
Known as the “Crossroads of Opportunity,” visit the Route 66 Mother Road Museum to learn about the evolution of the road in a small town that has celebrated Route 66 for more than a century. Check out Barstow’s restored Harvey House Railroad Depot, right in front of a working railyard.
Needles, California
We’re just going to pass through Needles where the famous song “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” was composed. Fun fact: The Nat King Cole Trio performed this song originally.
Amboy, California
Our next stop in the executive coach is the ghost town of Amboy. This former mining and railroad community gained notoriety for its funky roadside attractions. See Roy’s Motel and Cafe, famous from the movies, and the Amboy Shoe Tree. We’ll stop at the Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark. It’s a 27-square-mile lava field in the middle of a dormant cinder cone volcano.
Seligman, Arizona
Soak up some Route 66 nostalgia in Seligman. This town partially inspired Radiator Springs in the Pixar movie, Cars. Visit several retro shops and diners, including the Rusty Bolt, the Snow Cap Drive-In, and the Angel and Vilma Delgadillo’s Route 66 Gift Shop. Are you having fun in your group travel luxury bus yet?
Flagstaff, Arizona
Home to the Lowell Observatory, where astronomers first observed Pluto, we’ll stop in historic downtown Flagstaff. It’s filled with quaint cafes, shops, and galleries.
Winslow, Arizona
Picture time! Gather your group to pose with the “Standing on the Corner” statue overlooking the iconic Route 66 mural in downtown Winslow. You might remember Winslow from the The Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.” Across the street from the mural is La Posada, a restored 1930s hotel with a museum, gallery, and restaurant. Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum is an absolute must-visit and an awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Holbrook, Arizona
See the gateway to the Petrified Forest National Park from the comfort of your executive coach. Step back in time and explore the prehistoric petrified wood and colorful painted desert. You can see petrified wood, dinosaur fossils, and Route 66 memorabilia at the Rainbow Forest Museum and the Wigwam Motel.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Home to numerous Route 66 icons such as the El Rey Motor Court, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, and Old Town Plaza, Albuquerque is known for its international hot-air balloon fiesta every fall.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Our next stop in our group road trip luxury bus is the capital of New Mexico. Gaze the treasure trove of colonial and adobe architecture, Native American art, and scenic landscapes. You can visit the Palace of the Governors, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis, and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
Time for a pit stop to see the Route 66 Auto Museum and take a dip in the Blue Hole, a natural, deep-water lake that’s popular for scuba diving and swimming.
Tucumcari, New Mexico
Another Route 66 hotspot, Tucumcari brims with vintage neon signs, motels, diners, and murals. You can browse through the Mesaland Community College Dinosaur Museum or snap photos of the Tee Pee Curio Shop and the Blue Swallow Motel.
Glenrio, Texas
Glenrio straddles the Texas-New Mexico state line and was once a thriving service town for travelers. You can see the iconic First Motel in Texas, the Route 66 Texas-New Mexico Welcome Center, and the remains of the Spencer Theatre.
Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo will amaze you with its funny and quirky culture. You can take a selfie with the giant Cadillac Ranch, visit the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, or savor a juicy steak at the Big Texan Steak Ranch.
Shamrock, Texas
We’ll make a brief stop at Shamrock, a town that boasts the Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe, a famous Art Deco building that was featured in Cars.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Our first stop in Oklahoma is home to Bricktown, a bustling entertainment district with a riverwalk, a canal, and a range of restaurants, bars, and boutiques. We’ll check out the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and the Myriad Botanical Gardens if time allows with our luxury group travel itinerary.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Picture time! Gather around the iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa. We’ll check out the Philbrook Museum of Arty, the Woody Guthrie Center, and take a selfie in front of the Golden Driller statue.
Joplin, Missouri
Driving east, our group road trip luxury bus will pass through Joplin’s Route 66 Mural Park. Unfortunately, the famed Route 66 Carousel Park, a classic amusement park, closed in 2014.
Springfield, Missouri
The official Birthplace of Route 66, where the road was named by telegram on April 30, 1926, is the Queen City of the Ozarks. Springfield celebrates with an annual festival every August and a variety of other attractions, including the Route 66 Roadside Park. You could also visit Fantastic Caverns, a ride-through cave, or the original (and massive) Bass Pro Shops with Wonders of Wildlife Museum. Check out the Route 66 Car Museum and the quaint diner next door.
St. Louis, Missouri
A city that speaks to the frontier spirit and the American dream, visit the Gateway Arch, the world’s largest cantilever arch, along the banks of the Mississippi River. Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden, Grant’s Farm, or tour the Anheuser Busch brewery. No visit to St. Louis would be complete without eating a cold treat at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, located alongside Old Route 66 itself and still in operation since 1929.
Litchfield, Illinois
As we enter the final state of our road trip, we visit the Route 66 Welcome Center and eat at the Ariston Cafe. This eatery is the longest-running restaurant on Route 66 still in operation today, so it’s a must-visit. Ariston Cafe began in 1924.
Springfield, Illinois
Picture time from our group road trip luxury bux! We’ll grab a selfie with the Lauterbach Giant in the home of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Old State Capitol, and Cozy Dog Drive-In, we’ll grab a bite at Motorheads Bar Grill & Museum for the custom cars and vintage signs.
Pontiac, Illinois
Discover the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum or visit the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum. Both venues showcase the beauty and innovation of classic cars.
Chicago, Illinois
From Santa Monica Pier to Navy Pier, our luxury road trip comes to a close in the Windy City where Lake Shore Drive meets Lake Michigan. We’ll stop by Millenium Park nearby for a selfie with the Cloud Gate sculpture (the giant shiny metal jellybean). Otherwise, we’ll find plenty to do in one of the world’s most famous cities, with stops at the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Maybe we’ll catch a ballgame at iconic Wrigley Field before turning back toward Santa Monica.
Find the Perfect Executive Coach for Your Luxury Route 66 Road Trip
The team at CoachWest Luxury & Professional Motorcars in southern California works with manufacturers to make sure you find the perfect executive coach for your travel group or business. Call or contact us today for more information.
