In the mid-20th century, Route 66 was the way to explore the American Southwest. Much has changed, but the “Mother Road” is still a cultural landmark and a beloved route through the storied history of Arizona and New Mexico. Hot air balloon rides, ancient Native American villages, and artisan markets all await along this iconic stretch of Americana.
Day 1: Flagstaff, AZ to Holbrook, AZ
Morning in Flagstaff
Fuel up at cozy Macy’s European Coffeehouse over a house-roasted Cafe Viennese with warming spices and whipped cream, along with home-baked treats and vegetarian-friendly eats.
Next, fall in love with Historic Downtown Flagstaff. Walk the pedestrian-friendly streets to spot historic murals and neon signs, quirky shops and Route 66 memorabilia, plus live music at Wheeler Park and art shows in Heritage Square.
Just outside the city, visit the world-famous Lowell Observatory. Send a recorded message into the cosmos, or watch a stunning film of cosmic imagery from NASA. Look for sunspots and solar flares through special telescopes!
After leaving Flagstaff, step back 700 years at Walnut Canyon National Monument, with 25 cliff dwellings that once housed a vibrant indigenous population. The stairs are worth it for canyon views!
Afternoon in Winslow
Next stop: Winslow, Arizona. Stop by The Turquoise Room inside the historic La Posada Hotel for slow-simmered lamb with red hominy posole under stained glass windows and colorful murals.
Before leaving Winslow, Eagles fans can’t miss Standin’ on the Corner Park, a tribute to the song Take It Easy (“I’m a-standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona…”). Snap photos with “the troubadour” statue and the replica Ford truck.
Evening in Holbrook
For dinner, visit offbeat favorite Mr. Maesta’s in Holbrook for Southwest eats like Navajo tacos on golden fry bread. Antiques and curiosities cover the walls, keeping you occupied while you dine.
Your home for the evening is the Wigwam Motel, a nostalgic Route 66 motel with a twist. Drive up to your own personal wigwam, each restored in 1950s style with hickory furniture and southwestern textiles.
Day 2: Holbrook, AZ to Gallup, NM
Morning in Holbrook
Say goodbye to Holbrook with some down-home comfort food at 1950s-style Tom and Suzie’s Diner. Hearty platters of country-fried steak and eggs or corned beef hash will stick to your ribs well into the afternoon.
Your first stop of the day is Petrified Forest National Park, where volcanic ash transformed Triassic-era logs into colorful stone. Visit the ruins of an ancient Native American village and spot hand-carved petroglyphs.
Before leaving the area, swing by the Pueblo Revival-style Painted Desert Inn, now a museum. Spot hand-painted skylights and murals, plus stunning views across the red hills and scrub of the Painted Desert.
Afternoon & Evening in Gallup
Spend your Saturday afternoon at the Gallup Flea Market, featuring goods from over 500 Native American vendors. Nibble hot fry bread while you browse handmade jewelry, Navajo rugs, traditional pottery, and much more.
If it’s not a market day, discover local art on the self-guided Downtown Mural Walking Tour. There are 24 colorful murals with themes from local natural beauty to Native American culture to Marilyn Monroe.
Next, head to laid-back diner Earl’s Family Restaurant, featuring half-pound burgers and enchiladas smothered in spicy green chile. Shop with certified Native artists while you eat, and save room for a slice of homemade pie!
Find some glamor in Gallup with a stay at the El Rancho Hotel. The grand lobby was designed to impress with its roaring fireplace, handsome dual staircase, and photos of famous guests like Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, and Gregory Peck.
Day 3: Gallup, NM to Albuquerque, NM
Morning in Gallup
Feeling sluggish? The fresh, healthy options at Camille’s Café will put the pep back in your step. Enjoy a light açai bowl or avocado toast, plus a fresh fruit smoothie for some extra vitamins.
Just outside Gallup, get a bird’s-eye view of the magnificent New Mexico landscape with X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures. Catch your hot air balloon at Red Rock Park and soar through the red sandstone canyons and gravity-defying rock spires.
Back on solid ground, take a short detour to Petroglyph National Monument, one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. Hike the Petroglyph Trail to spot over 300 ancient images, including birds, people, and ceremonial decorations carved into the rock.
Afternoon & Evening in Albuquerque
A classic American highway calls for a classic American diner. Get the full 1950s experience at 66 Diner with a genuine soda fountain, chrome bar stools, and servers in retro uniforms. Load up on frito pie, huevos rancheros, and creamy milkshakes.
Walk off lunch with a stroll through Old Town Albuquerque, founded in 1706. You’ll find a unique melting pot of Mexican, Native American, and American culture in over 150 boutiques offering candles, jewelry, salsas, art, clothing, and gifts.
Next, a visit to the Turquoise Museum is always a treat! This unique museum inside a modern “castle” showcases an expansive collection of beautiful handcrafted turquoise jewelry, belts, and art from around the world.
After dark, take a short drive down Central Ave. to see the neon glow of vintage Route 66 signs. From the lassoing cowboy at the El Don Motel to the tail-wagging wiener dog at The Dog House, these throwback signs still shine.
An Albuquerque icon, El Pinto is a must for out-of-town diners. Inside this pretty hacienda, you’ll find favorites like their famous Red Chile Ribs (ranked #3 in America by Food Network). A cool Cucumber Margarita will balance out the heat.
After a day of exploring Albuquerque, kick back at the beautifully restored 1939 Hotel Andaluz under Spanish-style arches, mosaic tiles, and wood beams. Sleep well…the beds feature luxurious goose-down bedding for a restful night.
Day 4: Albuquerque, NM to Santa Fe, NM
Morning in Albuquerque
Start your final day right with a sunny breakfast at The Grove Café & Market. Locally sourced and sustainable ingredients elevate dishes like pancakes with seasonal fresh fruit and local honey.
Does the atomic age capture your imagination? At the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History just outside Albuquerque, learn about early nuclear research, walk among fighter planes and missiles, and peek behind the curtain of the Manhattan Project.
Or visit El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living Spanish village near Santa Fe. Explore over 30 historic buildings, including a hacienda, village store, and schoolhouse, and watch historical interpreters showcase blacksmithing and weaving skills.
Afternoon & Evening in Santa Fe
Stop for lunch at Tomasita’s in Santa Fe, a favorite for New Mexican fare. Sit on the lively patio for pork tamales with red chile, and stay cool with a frozen margarita with a swirl of sangria.
Next on the agenda: step inside the fantastic at Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return. In this interactive art installation, washing machines and refrigerators contain portals to colorful dreamworlds, ready to explore.
Art lovers can visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to see works like her famous flowers and southwestern landscapes. Learn more about this 20th-century icon through her books, furniture, and artistic tools.
Or explore Santa Fe Plaza, the original city center. Wander classic adobo architecture, art galleries, and San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the United States. It’s all situated around a leafy central park.
Cap off your day with an elegant meal at Geronimo, a fine dining restaurant in an 18th-century adobo house. You’ll enjoy New American dishes like honey-grilled prawns and lobster-poblano bisque surrounded by pale draperies and wood beams. Spend your final night in a comfortable room at the Inn of the Governors, decorated with Native American wall hangings, Spanish art, and local tinwork. Enjoy complimentary sherry and biscochitos upon arrival and a complimentary hot breakfast before you leave.
