Planning a retro road trip on Route 66? You'll hit the mother lode (or should we say Mother Road?) in New Mexico. We've put together all the hippest vintage diners, classic motels, and quirky roadside attractions for you. Save 'em all for your Route 66 road trip and have an absolute blast! 🏜️🚗✨
Historic El Rancho Hotel
A Route 66 icon! 🎬 This historic hotel opened in Gallup in 1937 and became a favorite among Hollywood stars during the Golden Age of Cinema, including John Wayne, Katherine Hepburn, and Lucille Ball. It still hosts stars today. With its famous neon signage, it remains a landmark.
Stop by to stay or to dine at its restaurant, where you can order things like "Duke's" Loaded Nachos or the Ronald Reagan Burger (it comes with a side of jelly beans!). While you're here, walk around the lobby to see all the different stars that have stayed here, relax at the lounge, and soak up the historic Southwestern decor, which includes exquisite hand-painted murals and authentic Native American textiles.
Checking in for the night? Choose from the Marx Bros. Suite, the Roy Rogers Suite, or the John Wayne Suite!
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BookJohn’s Used Cars
An ode to another era, stop here to see the towering fiberglass cowboy (aka the Muffler Man) standing on top of John's Used Cars! Even without his muffler, he remains a recognizable landmark and a symbol of Gallup's character and history.
See MoreJunkyard on 66 Brewery
Headed east on Route 66, this is an absolute must-stop in Grants! It was an actual junkyard for over three decades, and then some crazy (genius?) guy added a brewery into an active junkyard. Beer, cars, fun, food, and nostalgia all rolled into one place. Turns out the bites and brews are good, too. If you have time for a beer, the Rack and Píñon is a guest favorite. 🍻
See MoreRuins Of Whiting Brothers Gas Station
The Whiting Brothers started building gas stations in 1926 and at one time operated over 100 "filling stations" plus motels in the Southwest. Their recognizable red-on-yellow signs were a familiar sight along the "Mother Road." The chain declined in the 1970s due to fuel shortages and traffic shifts to interstate highways, leading to many stations being abandoned by the 1980s. The station ruins in San Fidel are the last remaining Whiting Brothers structure—see what is left of this New Mexico landmark before it's gone.
See MoreEnchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post
Hook up your trailer or RV at this spot in Albuquerque and enjoy its modern amenities, or just stop by for some retro fun. Ask to tour Vintage Court, which has seven old-school campers to tour, including a 1969 Airstream, a '63 Winnebago for one, a '74 Silver Streak, and an adorable '56 teardrop trailer with a matching 1947 Hudson Super Six. Inside the clubhouse, step back in time as you browse the vintage memorabilia and shop at the trading post.
Staying? The RV park has 135 spacious spaces, and all but eight are pull-through sites. There are 30/50 amp hookups that accommodate larger RVs, wireless internet, propane, and supplies.
See MoreEl Vado Motel
Looking to stay somewhere with vintage vibes and modern amenities along Route 66? This fully renovated, retro hotel in a charming 1937 building is also conveniently located—just a short walk from the ABQ Biopark and San Felipe de Neri Church. Rooms have exposed wood beam ceilings and vintage decor, with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. They’ve also got a nice outdoor pool and on-site restaurant with tasty local dishes, live music, and "fancy" craft beers. They offer spa treatments, as well!
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Book66 Diner
You'll be transported to another era as soon as you step inside this classic diner with striking neon trim, a jukebox, a soda fountain, chrome accents, checkerboard floors, and cozy booth seating. They offer classic diner food up and down the menu, along with New Mexico favorites—people love the Green Chile Cheeseburger, and their thick malts and shakes. 🍔🥤
See MoreFrontier
Inside and out, this is one of the more unique and colorful retro restaurants you’ll find along Route 66. Customers love their breakfast burritos, sweet rolls, and fresh-squeezed OJ. Peep the many portraits of "The Duke" inside!
See MoreThe Mystic Santa Fe
If you opt to head up the historic Route 66 and get your kicks along Highway 25 through Santa Fe, The Mystic is a very cool stay with historic roots. The property, which was originally built in 1948 and was called the Silver Saddle Motel, serves as a vibrant hub for both travelers and locals. Today, it's been modernized. The interior art from Oaxaca, Morocco, and local Native American artists has created what they call a “desert modern” vibe. It works! The on-site High Desert Café offers regional cuisine with a twist, as well as live music and unique gathering spots throughout the property, indoors and out.
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BookClassical Gas Museum
Up for a little detour? Classical Gas Museum in Embudo, about an hour north of Santa Fe, is the passion project of Johnnie Meier, a former Los Alamos scientist. For decades, he's collected an impressive array of travel and gas station memorabilia, including neon signs, vintage cars, and old gas pumps. Living on-site, Johnnie keeps the museum open for visitors, though it's best to call ahead. If he's there, he'll drop the chain for you. No sweat! Entrance is free, with donations welcomed. A very worthwhile stop with loads of character and great photo ops.
See MoreSunset Motel
If you're driving through Moriarty on Route 66, here's another classic, mid-century stay with loads of character for weary roadtrippers. The Sunset Motel is the only remaining original Route 66 motel in New Mexico that is still owned by the original family! The history of the motel dates to 1959 when Elaine and Bill Pogue started it to welcome travelers off of Old 66.
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BookRoute 66 Auto Museum
While many Route 66 museums dot the historic highway, the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa stands out for its passion. This haven for car enthusiasts allows visitors to experience a significant era in automotive history. Originally a car restoration business, the museum has been operating for over 40 years, showcasing its dedication to classic cars. 🚘
Step onto the black-and-white checkered floor and back in time as you walk between one of the best-preserved vintage car collections in the world—there are 30 like-new cars to see, from Corvettes and Mustangs to Woodys and Roadsters!
See MoreLa Cita Restaurant
Before Interstate 40 rerouted traffic, downtown Tucumcari was an oasis for travelers, famously known for La Cita restaurant, which showcased a giant sombrero above its entrance. Built in 1961, the hat has seen various colors and styles over the years. After briefly closing in 2004, La Cita reopened in 2006 and again in 2022, now featuring an art gallery to accompany their classic Mexican food menu.
See MoreBlue Swallow Motel
An iconic neon sign, friendly service, and unique rooms with authentic 1940s and 1950s decor define the Blue Swallow Motel, a Route 66 gem for over 80 years. (When's the last time you saw a rotary phone?!) Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, it inspired the Disney film "Cars". The current owners, who dreamed of owning the motel after a past road trip, now maintain its charm, cherish its legacy, and welcome guests from around the world. You could say this place is the cat's pajamas! ✨
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BookMotel Safari
A true mid-century marvel, Motel Safari in New Mexico is well worth a look (or stay). With its vibrant neon signage lighting up the night, the motel captures the essence of classic roadside charm. The recent retro renovations bring a fresh twist to its vintage vibe, making each room a cozy throwback.
See MoreTeePee Curios
The term "one of a kind" can be thrown around lightly, but this curios shop—one of the few remaining in New Mexico—is just that. This quirky roadside attraction in Tucumcari is a must-stop. Pop in to explore oddities and gifts that you won't find anywhere else. You can't miss its famous neon sign!
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