Love the Journey
The Mother Road is the wide open spaces, wide smiles from the local people and hearts wide open to adventure and to understanding this unique part of America’s history. Get inspired here, pique your curiosity, dream about taking the trip and start planning! Experience these revitalized hotels and motels, the art galleries, the dinners, the cocktails. All new memories await
Roadside Attractions
Explore a few beloved Route 66 places in of New Mexico
Some places are hundreds of years old, while others are newly revitalized. Classics are forever cool.
Ghost town at Glenrio
This railroad settlement grew quickly, then Rt. 66 improved traffic. When the interstate system came through, Glenrio residents began their exodus.
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Palace of the Governors
Named a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The palace of the people of New Mexico since 1610.
TeePee Curios
This is one of the oldest shops found along Route 66 in Tucumcari. It’s perfect in every way – an Instagram moment PLUS shopping.
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La Fonda
In the heart of Santa Fe Plaza, “hotel within a hotel” is the Terrace Inn, La Plazuela restaurant, La Fiesta Lounge, and Bell Tower Rooftop Bar.
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Route 66 Monument
Tucumcari, the New Mexico Highway Department, and the New Mexico Arts Commission commissioned Artist Tom Coffin for the monument. It’s whimsically topped with a chrome 66, 1950s tail fin and lights …
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El Rey
Built in 1936, reimagined and renovated, the El Rey Court provides an inspiring 86-room oasis for the modern traveler. Their Highroad Music Festival is epic.
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The Blue Hole
Dive, Swim. Snorkel. Jump. This refreshing geological phenomenon is the gem of Santa Rosa. It’s 61 degree, blue waters are an oasis waiting for you to jump in and splash around.
Singing Highway
A little east of Albuquerque, if you drive on the rumble strip at 45 mph, you will hear, “America the Beautiful!”
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Whiting Brothers
Established in 1926, the brothers used lumber from their father’s mill and soon, there were forty locations on Route 66 in the Southwest, including fifteen motels and various truck stops.
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Dog House Drive-in
Known for its spicy chili dogs, tater tots, green chile cheeseburgers, and Frito pie. Yes, a car-hop comes out to your car! Delicious deals way before Breaking Bad.
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Nob Hill District
One of Albuquerque’s most vibrant shopping & dining destinations. Starting along Central Avenue at the University of New Mexico (UNM).
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El Vado Motel
Opened in 1937, El Vado was one of New Mexico’s first motels to greet Route 66 travelers. Revitalized for modern guests, a blend of historic charm and updated comfort.
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Crossroads Pre/Post 1937
This Albuquerque intersection is significant because Central Avenue was a major part of Route 66 until it was decommissioned in 1985.
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Enchanted Trails
On old Route 66, near the Rt 66 Casino, with pull-through sites and 50 or 30amp, full hook-ups, and a fun Trading Post. Check out the display of vintage travel trailers and Hudson’s for a great IG moment.
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66 Diner
This family-owned, whimsical, retro diner transports you right back to the golden age 1950s, featuring a delicious, traditional diner menu.
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Rio Puerco Bridge
A truss bridge built on Route 66 in 1933, it is listed on the NM Register of Cultural Properties and the National Register of Historic Place. Its 250′ length is one of the longest in New Mexico. It was replaced in 1999.
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Budville Trading Post
About 50 miles north of Albuquerque, Budville offered gas, groceries, motel rooms, and more. Today, Budville is a ghost town – possibly haunted by the men who met a violent end under the neon lights of the trading post sign.
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Rt. 66 Grants Drive-Thru
One of Albuquerque’s most vibrant shopping & dining destinations. Starting along Central Avenue at the University of New Mexico (UNM).
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Continental Divide
The Continental Divide in New Mexico is a notable point on Route 66, marking the place where the water flows either to the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. It’s located at an elevation of over 7,200 feet, specifically at exit 47 of Interstate 40
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El Rancho Hotel
Still hosting film actors, this hotel famously hosted Robert Mitchum, Elia Kazan, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Melvyn Douglas, William Holden, Billy Wilder, Kirk Douglas, Gregory Peck, Ward Bond, Lon Chaney, Jr., Jose Ferrer, Kim Hunter, Troy Donahue, Suzanna Pleshette and more.
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Richardson Trading
Dating back to 1913, this trading post has one of the largest collections of Navajo rugs in the region. Its art exhibits date back to before the trading post began business. The selection is incredible, and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. The post is a major retail hub of Native American arts.
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Discovering unique places and making lifetime memories
Explore our unique tri-culture history and diverse landscapes. Experience a bygone era of road trips, with iconic roadside attractions, historic towns, and the spirit of the open road. While the original route is not continuous, the remaining sections provide a nostalgic and engaging experience for all.
Share your New Mexico Route 66 pics & stories
Show and Tell us about your trip on Route 66 in New Mexico. Share your highlight pics and let us know what your favorite stops were along the way. With your contributions, The National Trust for Historic Preservation will ensure that all the stories of Route 66 are preserved for future generations. Help us gather stories in time for Route 66’s Centennial in 2026.
We’d love to hear from you!