Never before has it been easier to share your journeys with family and friends. While historic travelers of Route 66 would have to wait till they got home to share slides of photos with their pals, Instagram and other social media platforms make it possible for those at home to feel like they’re right by your side from Point A to Point B! From its start in Chicago to its end in Santa Monica, there are plenty of opportunities to snap that perfect pic along the way and give your followers a serious case of FOMO.
The storied streets of Chicago are the beginning of your 2,448 mile journey across the country. Kick off your epic road trip with a classic Windy City photo at the Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as “the bean”) at Millennium Park or the Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park.
The breathtaking Meramec Caverns, known as Missouri’s buried treasure and a landmark Mother Road stop since 1933, make for a one-of-a-kind and fascinating snap amongst the limestone. In addition to natural wonders, Route 66 was also well-known for its oversized roadside attractions. When driving through Fanning, take a quick pic at the World’s Largest Rocking Chair.
Oklahoma offers a number of quirky and classic Route 66 photo-friendly moments. POPS, the “soda ranch” in Arcadia, boasts a massive soda pop bottle in front of its doors, stretching a total height of 66 feet. Don’t miss a shot with the Blue Whale of Catoosa, either. This beloved landmark is sure to bring out the kid in you!
What trip along the Mother Road would be complete without pictures at two of the most famous sights along Route 66: Cadillac Ranch and the U-Drop Inn? The Lone Star State features the second-shortest section of Route 66, with just 189 miles to its name, so make time to stop at both landmark destinations for some amazing photos.
Connoisseurs of classic Mother Road neon will have to stop at the Blue Swallow Motel. Since 1939, its gorgeous neon sign has been beckoning motorists to its doors, and today, it makes the perfect Route 66 photo op at night. If you happen to travel through the Land of Enchantment in October, carve out extra time to witness the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It’ll take your camera roll to new heights!
Though not as well-known as the Grand Canyon, Meteor Crater makes for a group photo that’s out of this world. Approximately 50,000 years ago, an asteroid collision formed what is now the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth, minutes from Route 66. Just 18 miles away from Meteor Crater is Winslow, Arizona, made famous by the Eagles and home to Standin’ on the Corner Park. The town itself is also a great place to find Route 66 memorabilia and was the second-to-last town bypassed (Williams, further north, holds the title as the last town bypassed by the interstate).
As you make your way along the final miles of the Mother Road, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande offers a unique and quintessential Route 66 backdrop to your photos. This forest of bottle trees is both wacky and beautiful. Finally, when you’ve arrived at Santa Monica Pier, wrap up the photolog of your journey by taking a few quick snaps of dipping your toes in the ocean with the dazzling lights of the Ferris wheel behind you.
Documenting your journey along historic Route 66 can be as fun as the trip itself. When planning your trip, be sure to scout out some must-gram spots along the way, and your stops for the night. With so many Best Western Hotels & Resorts along the way, it’s easy! Start planning your Route 66 road trip by visiting bestwesternroute66.com and book today! Hit the road and we’ll see you soon.
