Southwest Route 66: Neon Signs and Skylines in Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico

Set off on an unforgettable journey through Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico, road tripping along historic Route 66. Established in 1926, this cross-country highway quickly became known as a route of possibilities, giving rise to unique roadside stops and a legendary culture. Live your own version of the songs, stories and movies associated with the “Mother Road” as you trace its 100-year history through vibrant cities, captivating landscapes and classic roadside attractions. Catch a connecting flight into Tulsa, Oklahoma (TUL), and rent a car. Your adventure begins in the Capital of Route 66®.

Culture-Rich Route 66 Districts in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Your journey begins in Tulsa, often called the Capital of Route 66®, where you’ll explore murals, historical markers and larger-than-life attractions along a 45-kilometer stretch of the Mother Road. Start in the storied Route 66 Main Street District at Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza. Park and cross the pedestrian bridge over Southwest Boulevard to discover bronze sculptures and kiosks honoring Tulsa’s own Cyrus Avery, the “Father of Route 66.” Also in this district are the Southwest Avery Plaza Route 66 Neon Sign Park, featuring reproductions of iconic neon signs; and the Route 66 Historical Village, an open-air museum with restored pieces of Tulsa’s transportation history.

Head to the Tulsa Market District for a meal at Mother Road Market. This award-winning food hall and gathering space is known for dining, shopping, Route 66-themed mini golf and spectacular city views. Watch the sunset from the spacious patio, then spend the night on Route 66 at the elegant Campbell Hotel. Take your pick of themed accommodations – including a Route 66 suite – in this Spanish Colonial Revival gem on the National Register of Historic Places.

Next, it’s on to the Meadow Gold District for classic roadside nostalgia. At Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66, you’ll be greeted by towering “Muffler Man” sculptures Buck and Stella Atom. Wander the artsy exterior, then step inside for souvenir shopping. Snap a photo of the district’s historic Meadow Gold neon sign before branching out to off-route landmarks across the city.

Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District is a hub of Black history and culture known as Black Wall Street. State-of-the-art exhibits at the Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History take visitors through complex local history. Nearby, you’ll find the Tulsa Arts District – a lively place to catch a concert and enjoy some local eats. Gathering Place is another open-air gem. A jaunt through its green spaces will leave you refreshed and ready for your drive to Oklahoma City.

Roadside Giants and Entertainment Landmarks in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Back on the road, depart Tulsa for Oklahoma City. Stop in small-town Arcadia to visit Pops 66 Soda Ranch. It’s a Route 66 standout boasting a giant illuminated soda bottle sign, a restaurant and an incredible selection of soft drinks. Choose your favorites from over 700 flavors, then roll on to Oklahoma City for a journey through highway history.

Shop, dine and see a show in the Uptown 23rd district. The Tower Theatre’s dazzling neon marquee will draw you in for music and special events. Blink and you might miss Milk Bottle Grocery on nearby North Classen Boulevard. The tiny brick building along the city’s first stretch of Route 66 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The metal milk bottle atop its flat roof has been promoting the dairy industry since 1948. Add a photo to your Route 66 album, and continue your travels to the Lake Overholser Bridge. Today, it’s used for local traffic, but the steel truss bridge – also listed on the National Register of Historic Places – once took Route 66 motorists out of Oklahoma City. From there, you can trace the Mother Road on to Amarillo, Texas, or loop back downtown for side trips.

Oklahoma City’s thriving Western culture is on full display at Stockyards City. A day there allows you to outfit yourself in cowboy attire, savor a steak at the 1910 Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, or, if you’re visiting on a Monday or Tuesday, watch an authentic cattle auction. The Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma is just to the north. Enjoy an evening of entertainment at Oklahoma’s official state theater, then stay at your choice of chic hotels downtown.

Big Adventures in Amarillo, Texas: Exhibits, Architecture and Epic Eats

As you head west toward Amarillo, Texas, stop to stretch your legs at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma. The spacious showroom features retro signage, photos, music and a replica diner. Past the state line in Shamrock, Texas, you’ll find the Conoco Tower Station & U-Drop Inn Café, an Art Deco landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A popular stop for food and fuel during the Route 66 heyday, it’s been revived as a café and visitor information center. Get some travel tips from friendly locals before driving the last 90 minutes to Amarillo.

If you’ve worked up an appetite on the road, the Big Texan Steak Ranch is the place to go. Almost half a million people dine here yearly, with the boldest taking on the 72-ounce steak challenge. Quench your thirst with a local beer from the Big Texan Brewery, and spend the night at the Big Texan Airbnb Motel. Fed and rested, you can focus on sightseeing in Amarillo’s official Route 66 Historic District. Check out galleries, shops and restaurants there, and continue south to the Jack Sisemore RV Museum. Its collection of vintage RVs from the 1930s to 1970s is free to explore.

Pick up a can of spray paint before pulling into your next stop, Cadillac Ranch. This iconic art installation consists of 10 half-buried Cadillac cars that visitors have decorated since 1974. You’re welcome – and encouraged – to leave your mark. Explore more of the city’s creative culture at the free Amarillo Museum of Art at Amarillo College. Another night’s rest will prepare you for adventures in the breathtaking Palo Duro Canyon. Hike to fascinating rock formations in this Texas state park, the second-largest canyon in the USA. After that, it’s on to New Mexico, where neon signs and unique detours await.

Nostalgia and Neon Signs in Tucumcari, New Mexico

Cruise out of Amarillo and stop for breakfast at the MidPoint Café and Gift Shop in Adrian, Texas. Billed as the geographical midpoint of Route 66, the 50s-style stop is known for hearty fare and house-made “ugly crust” pies. As you approach the Texas/New Mexico border, the Glenrio Historic District is just off course. Trace the old Route 66 roadbed through this 20th-century ghost town and photograph abandoned buildings, including a former gas station and diner.

Thirty minutes west, glowing neon signs welcome you to Tucumcari, New Mexico. One of Tucumcari’s most famous displays advertises the Blue Swallow Motel. The family-owned establishment has welcomed travelers since 1939. Check into one of the restored rooms and suites before stepping out to explore the city.

Browse classic cars and snapshots at the New Mexico Route 66 Museum, home to the world’s largest Route 66 photo exhibit. The museum is located on the south side of the Tucumcari Convention Center, where the tailfin-topped Route 66 Monument is a must-see. Citywide, nearly 100 murals tell the Tucumcari story. Look for Route 66-themed paintings along the road’s east and west alignments. When it’s time for a travel break, indulge in outdoor recreation at Conchas Lake or Ute Lake state parks. The last leg of your Route 66 road trip is on the horizon.

Old-Town Charms and Scenic Side Trips near Albuquerque, New Mexico

Your adventure concludes in Albuquerque, though a detour to artsy Santa Fe is worth the time if you can spare it. Route 66 ran north through New Mexico to Santa Fe before its east-west realignment in the late 1930s. You can find hints of this history in downtown Santa Fe, at the Route 66 historical marker and classic motor courts. Arrange a guided tour to visit can’t-miss spots across the city.

In Albuquerque, the “old alignment” is honored at the only place in the USA where Route 66 crosses itself: the intersection of 4th Street and Central Avenue. Snap a photo with the Route 66 Crossing sign, then explore more Mother Road attractions downtown. The KiMo Theatre is a landmark performance venue with Pueblo Deco-style architecture, murals and mosaics. See a show, then stop for refreshments at the 66 Diner, a former service station. End the evening with a cruise up Nine Mile Hill. Elvis Presley famously enjoyed this scenic view of the Rio Grande Valley.

Veer off Route 66 to stay in historic Old Town, Albuquerque’s first neighborhood, established in 1706. Spend the next morning exploring shops, galleries and restaurants in the Pueblo-Spanish-style buildings, then drive through the Route 66 arches in quirky Nob Hill. For one last great adventure, head northwest to hike and spot ancient drawings in Petroglyph National Monument or northeast to ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. Both are less than 30 minutes from downtown Albuquerque. As the sun sinks over the high-desert scenery, reflect on your Route 66 experience. Drive less than an hour to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to begin your journey home.