BEAUTIFUL SANTA ROSA
Santa Rosa is located in Eastern New Mexico on the Pecos River. It was initially settled in 1865 as Agua Negra Chiquita, meaning “Little Black Water”. The name was changed in 1890 to Santa Rosa, honoring both a chapel built by Don Celso Baca for his mother and Saint Rose of Lima. The town’s growth accelerated with the arrival of the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railroad in 1901, which established a camp for building the railroad and a bridge over the Pecos River. This brought increased traffic and business opportunities. Today, Santa Rosa is the Guadalupe county seat at the intersection of I-40 and US Routes 54 and 84.
For our recommendations, see below or Click Here for a quick view of Santa Rosa.
WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO START?
During your visit to Santa Rosa, as you scout along Route 66, you can explore the Route 66 Auto Museum, enjoy the natural beauty of Santa Rosa Lake State Park, and swim or scuba dive in the unique Blue Hole. The town also offers a glimpse into its historic Route 66 past with cool attractions – more than old gas stations and diners.
SANTA ROSA RETRO MOTELS
These two small motels offer an authentic taste of the old Route 66 experience. There are 3-4 chain hotels in town too.
- La Loma Motel – Built and decorated in 1950. Very clean, budget lodging. Laundramat next door. Mr. Eddie “No Money” Shields, the friendly desk clerk, received screen credit in the Pixar movie, CARS. Good neon photo-ops!
- La Mesa Motel – This family-owned motel was built in 1940 right along historic Rt. 66. Budget friendly, very clean and quiet. It’s big beautiful neon sign is an Instagram destination!
Retro 66 Restaurants
- Silver Moon Cafe – Built 1959 and family owned, they serve Mexican food and American fare too. Busy, be patient.
- Joseph’s Restaurant and Cantina – For 60 years, Joseph Campos and family has served the best fajitas, burgers, beer & pizzas in town. Enjoy a cocktail, browse the Route 66 Gift Shop and road decor circa 1956. Adopted home of the “Fat Man.”
- Chico’s Tortas y Pinas Lokas – This place has grown from a lakeside food stand to a Route 66 destination. “Our tortillas are caseras; our guacamole, ceviche, aguas frescas, and salsa are made fresh every day. ” – Carlos Chico, Owner
- Comet II Cafe – closed recently, but a fabulous neon spectacle at night!
Museums
- Route 66 Auto Museum – Over 30 cars on display, some for sale. Great gift shop. This is a Showplace for world-class car restorer and customizer, James “Bozo” Cordova.
Attractions
- Blue Hole – An 80 ft deep artisan spring that is a a scuba diving and swimming destination. An inspiration for Radiator Springs in the movie CARS.
- Pecos Movie Theater – Built in 1919, the oldest existing theater along to entire Route 66. Recently remodeled and modernized. Showing contemporary movies.
- Park Lake – Recreational lake featuring boating and the popular water park attraction WIBIT, a floating playground.
- Rio Pecos Truck Terminal – Abandoned 1955 truck stop with one of the coolest neon signs on the Route.