- States:
- New Mexico
Pack your suitcase and buckle up for a nostalgic journey through New Mexico.
Route 66 crosses over nearly 800 kilometers of the Land of Enchantment, offering plenty of chances to get immersed in the one-of-a-kind culture of the Southwestern USA. Americana charms abound in classic diners, quirky curio shops and historic hotels. Cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe lend themselves to urban exploration, while Indigenous cultural sites and fascinating museums preserve the histories that give this region its special flair. Put them all together and you’ve got a recipe for a Route 66 road trip you’ll never forget.
Historic Sites and Museums
Begin your New Mexico Route 66 exploration with a deep dive into the fascinating history of the state. Albuquerque is home to the longest continuous urban stretch of Route 66, and you’ll find plenty of preserved treasures from bygone eras in its diverse neighborhoods. Check out downtown to see a show and take a guided tour of the KiMo Theatre, a rare example of Pueblo Deco-style architecture from 1927. On the east side of the state in Tucumcari, explore a collection of Route 66-themed specialty shops and public art pieces. While in Tucumcari, pay a visit to the New Mexico Route 66 Museum to see an extensive collection of photographs, memorabilia and classic cars from the heyday of the Mother Road. Another can’t-miss city along the route is Santa Fe, the capital city of New Mexico. Admire a blend of Spanish, Indigenous and Latin American architecture in the Plaza, then tour the New Mexico History Museum in the over 400-year-old Palace of the Governors.
Cruising toward the KiMo Theatre in bustling downtown Albuquerque
Native American Culture
New Mexico’s history began long before it was populated by European settlers. Dozens of Indigenous societies have contributed art, architecture, food and culture to the rich tapestry of the Southwestern USA. At the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture in Santa Fe, see over 80,000 artifacts and art pieces from Pueblo, Navajo, Apache and other Indigenous cultures on display in five galleries and an outdoor sculpture garden. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque is a museum and community center dedicated to preserving the living heritage of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico through food, museum exhibits, traditional dance demonstrations and more. Be sure to grab a bite at Indian Pueblo Kitchen, where dishes feature fresh local produce and signature spins on Pueblo recipes. Head just an hour outside Albuquerque to visit the Sky City Cultural Center & Haak’u Museum in Pueblo of Acoma, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the USA. See authentic adobe architecture built by the Indigenous Acoma people on a tour of Sky City, then wander art and history displays in the Haak’u Museum.
The Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer sculpture at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture in Santa Fe
Can’t-Miss Cuisine
New Mexico is known for its bold flavors, from breakfast burritos laced with flavorful red and green chile to savory stuffed sopapillas. You’ll find plenty of spots to savor New Mexico’s unique cuisines all along your Route 66 journey. Try Tia Sophia’s in Santa Fe, an institution on historic San Francisco Street since 1975, or pop into Joseph’s Bar & Grill in Santa Rosa, where classic Southwestern dishes meet a full bar and Route 66-themed gift shop. Duran’s Central Pharmacy in Albuquerque is a fun and quirky all-in-one stop: The diner serves up scratch-made cuisine inside a working pharmacy where you can pick up some road trip essentials. Nostalgic diners are also plentiful along the route. Neon signs, fresh-grilled hamburgers and Americana decor mark classic Route 66 stops like 66 Diner in Albuquerque, Route 66 Railway Cafe in Gallup and more.
Enjoying classic diner fare and decor at the 66 Diner in Albuquerque
Unforgettable Overnight Stays
The Route 66 fun doesn’t have to stop when you tuck in for the night. Historic motels and motor courts along the Mother Road preserve a taste of those vintage road trip vibes. Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari is among the most recognizable of Route 66’s landmarks, even earning a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. This classic inn’s decor pays homage to its 1930s heritage with rotary phones, vintage lamps and classic cars. El Rey Court in Santa Fe and The Imperial in Albuquerque both offer a blend of modern conveniences and vintage touches with on-site cocktail bars and pools. Traditional hotel accommodations are also a great choice for travelers with a love for both history and luxury. Hotel El Rancho in Gallup was once a popular stay for movie production crews, and stars like Katharine Hepburn, John Wayne and more have graced its halls. In Santa Fe, spend the night in the elevated La Fonda on the Plaza, a century-old adobe hotel on the storied Santa Fe Plaza. Albuquerque has its fair share of hotels with heritage as well: Hotel Parq Central and Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque are historic high-rises right on Route 66. Both are near the 300-year-old Old Town neighborhood, putting you close to shopping, dining and historic sites.
Evening view of the iconic neon sign outside Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari
Getting There
If you’re starting your Route 66 journey in New Mexico, fly into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and rent a car. Explore New Mexico’s nearly 800 kilometers of Route 66, then continue your road trip west to the route’s terminus in Santa Monica, California (about a 10-hour drive west), or travel east toward the Mother Road’s starting point in Chicago, Illinois (about 18 hours away).
