Neon signs light up the desert nights and glow with nostalgia, and nowhere are they more numerous than on Route 66 in New Mexico! We're listing all the best neon signs to help you plan your own classic American road trip. Make sure you save these spots for when you're cruisin' the Mother Road!
Blue Swallow Motel
Even if you're not staying here, cruise on over to the Blue Swallow in Tucumcari for its iconic neon sign and vintage vibes! Listed on the National Register for Historic Places, this motor lodge still looks like it did in the "good old days." It maintains its 1940s and '50s charm with its pink stucco exterior walls and rooms decorated to match the era, complete with vintage lamps and a 1940s-era rotary phone. Fun fact: The Blue Swallow Motel helps inspire the Disney film, "Cars"!
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BookBuckaroo Motel
The Buckaroo Motel's vintage neon sign is worth getting your eyeballs on—you'll instantly feel like you've gone back to the '50s and '60s when it only cost six bucks to spend the night here!
See MorePalomino Motel
The Palomino Motel opened its doors in Tucumcari in 1953. Its iconic sign still dazzles with a mix of neon and incandescent lighting, showcasing the name "Palomino," outlined in glowing neon and filled with bright bulbs. There are roughly 1,000 incandescent bulbs illuminating the sign!
See MoreTeePee Curios
This place is the bee's knees! Check out its colorful neon TeePee Curios sign outside, then head on in to shop for some truly unusual gifts and oddities!
See MoreMotel Safari
Make sure you get on over to check out mid-century modern Motel Safari and its neon sign in Tucumcari. It's a swell place to stay, too—it was recently selected for Architectural Digest's list of undeniably cool retro hotels! Motel Safari has two super unique suites to stay in: The Rockabilly Suite, which honors "The Queen of Rockabilly" Wanda Jackson; and the Rawhide Suite, named after the classic Western TV show, "Rawhide."
See MoreLa Cita Restaurant
It's not hard to spot La Cita's striking 30-foot-tall sombrero above its entrance or its colorful neon sombrero out front. Generations of Route 66 travelers have been stopping here for the Southwestern atmosphere and the authentic Mexican cuisine!
See MoreEl Rey Court
Cool neon sign out front? Yes. But this is also one of the more hip stops you'll find if you take the old Route 66 through Santa Fe. The Adobe Roadside Motor Court was originally built in 1935 but has recently been renovated and re-imagined with a gorgeous interior and pure Southwestern vibes. It has been featured in everything from "The New York Times" and "Condé Nast Traveler" to "Vogue"!
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BookCountry Friends Antiques
Country Friends Antiques, formerly El Comedor, in Moriarty, features bright neon signage that stands out on Route 66. This is one of the last rotospheres on Route 66. Might as well stop in and check out its collection of vintage treasures and unique collectibles while you're there!
See More66 Diner
This classic family-owned eatery features vibrant neon signage and accents that capture the spirit of the open road. The retro diner, originally established in the late '80s, boasts chrome accents and a menu filled with hearty American and New Mexican comfort foods. Step inside for a blast from the past: a working jukebox, an old-fashioned soda fountain complete with swivel stools, and even more neon!
See MoreDog House Drive In
Fans of "Breaking Bad" may recognize this spot as it was featured prominently on the hit TV show. Even if you don't, you have to appreciate its eye-catching neon sign complete with a "wiener dog"!
Hungry? Try their spicy foot-long chili dog or their onion rings, a favorite of Dog House customers. 🌭
See MoreEl Don Motel
Another priceless neon sign at this spot on "Motel Row" in Albuquerque features this restored lit-up cowboy with a lasso. The iconic sign has been a local landmark since the 1950s!
See MoreRoute 66 Crossing Sign
The Route 66 Crossing Sign is a must-see for any road-tripper. Brightly lit and hard to miss, it features colorful neon lights that really pop at night. This iconic sign marks the legendary highway and serves as a popular photo spot for Route 66 memories.
See MoreRoute 66 Drive-Thru Neon Sign
Driving through Grants? Well, make sure you drive through this! It’s another popular photo spot that your car or truck will love!
See MoreHistoric El Rancho Hotel
Not only does this place have an iconic neon sign out front, it's a hotel to the stars! ⭐ During Hollywood's Golden Age when many Western films were shot in the Gallup area, everyone from Lucille Ball and Katherine Hepburn to Kirk Douglas and John Wayne checked in here. Make time to go inside. The lobby features incredible Southwestern decor and artwork, as well as photos of all the stars that have passed through.
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BookRichardson Trading Co.
One of the most popular stops on Route 66 in New Mexico, Richardson's Trading Post dates back to 1913. Of course, it has a big, beautiful neon sign out front! This trading post also has one of the largest collections of Navajo rugs in the region and is a major retail hub for Native American art.
See MoreJerry's Cafe
It's not difficult to spot Jerry's as it has one of the most iconic neon signs on Route 66 in Gallup. The cafe is also famous for its green chile and offers an American and Mexican menu with a homemade touch. Family-owned and operated since 1976!
See MoreGallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce
Make sure you drive by the visitor center in Gallup to see this cool sign at night. It lights up with a spectacular Route 66 scene!
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