Day 2: Los Angeles
Today discover the most popular Los Angeles sites starting with a visit to Griffith Observatory that aside from a great overview of the city provides a close to look to the famous Hollywood sign. From there, drive to Hollywood Blvd. and Highland, locations of the Dolby Theatre, host to the Oscars and many of the world's top performers including Prince, Steven Tyler, Chris Rock, Alicia Keys and the Dixie Chicks. Close by is the Chinese Theater, which opened on May 18, 1927, arguably one of the most famous Hollywood cinematic icons. The Theatre hosted the Academy Awards from 1944-1946. This was the first time a theatre had ever been an Oscars venue - all other venues had been hotels. Just outside, in Sunset Boulevard, the ultimate road to fame or fortune (at least that’s the dream!) look for the handprint of Marilyn Monroe on the Walk of Fame, a world-famous attraction featuring more than 2,000 stars honoring celebrities in motion pictures, television, recording, radio and theatre. Continue to the no less famous Rodeo Drive, one of the world’s most exclusive luxury destinations, and an unparalleled hub at the intersection of luxury, fashion and entertainment. Discover and enjoy exceptional savoir-faire, craftsmanship, and new experiences in luxury art and culture. End the day at China Town, one of L.A.'s most popular tourist destinations and the first such neighborhood in the U.S. that was owned by Chinese residents, Chinatown is experiencing a modern-day renaissance, from the hottest new restaurants to art galleries and Bruce Lee's former studio. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy dinner! Look for the Far East Plaza food mall, renowned for its mix of old-school and new, creating a buzz among L.A.’s foodie crowd since local chef Roy Choi relocated his first brick-and-mortar there in 2013. Since then, this unassuming two-story space has become a culinary destination for people from near and far.
Day 3: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, CA (117 miles)
This morning drive to Santa Monica famous Pier and continue to pedestrian 3Rd. Street for a walk and maybe have lunch at one of the many and diverse restaurants. This busy street always has artists trying to make a buck by performing their acts In the afternoon, drive to Pasadena and visit Pasadena Rose Bowl Stadium. After the visit continue to San Bernardino (92 miles). Discover the historic mansions, neon signs, and historic landmarks and even the first freeway in the West.
Day 4: San Bernardino, Needles (237 miles)
Start going west towards Barstow a city 71 miles away. Twenty minutes further west is Newberry Springs a small town where is the famous Bagdad Café, from the 1987 movie of the same name set around town. Continue another 30 minutes to Ludlow where a motel, gas station and café have a Route 66 vibe from the outside. Near the small town of Amboy, sits a volcano known as the Amboy Crater that’s worth a stop. Notice the US 66 shields stenciled on the highway to Amboy, best known for the famous Roy's Motel and Café with its iconic sign and cafe of futuristic design. On the outskirts of Amboy, there is an old sign for Roadrunner’s marking a building that has long since stopped being a retreat. Just before Amboy, you will see a sign for a kiosk leading to a plaque with some information on Route 66 and an excellent viewpoint as well. The next stop is Goffs (57 miles), one of the best kept up areas on this entire stretch of Route 66. While it doesn’t have any food or gas, it does have a well-preserved schoolhouse museum. The schoolhouse was built in 1914, and it is in great shape with a docent that watches over it and lots of things to see and interact with. Before you reach Needles (29 miles) right across the border, on the Arizona side, there is a cool old tower with Route 66 on it. Check-in for your overnight stop.
Day 5: Needles, Flagstaff (199 miles)
In downtown Needles there is the El Garces Hotel (recently renovated), one of the only remaining historic buildings in this area from the time period when this road was driven. Driving down on I-40 on the way to Oatman, you’ll find a famous bridge that spans the Colorado River, known as the Old Trails Bridge, which was once part of Route 66 but, today, just support for an oil pipeline crossing. Continue to Oatman (31 miles) where the Drulin Hotel, built in 1902, renamed the Oatman Hotel in the 1960s, is the only historic two-story adobe building in Mohave County. Today, the popular small town located at 2,700 feet elevation on old Route 66 is an interesting stop, with numerous gift shops and small restaurants. Oatman's famous "Wild" Burros that wander the streets are the descendants of burros brought here by the miners, and turned loose when no longer needed. Seligman (92 miles), a railroad town called “Prescott Junction” until 1886, is a favorite stopping place on Rouge 66 Today, Seligman is truly a step back in time! Make sure you visit the Route 66 Motoporium ... A shopping paradise! A last stretch of 76 miles brings you to Flagstaff for overnight.
Day 6: Flagstaff [Grand Canyon, AZ] (158 miles)
If you leave the hotel by 6:30 am you can arrive at Mather Point in Grand Canyon’s south rim by 8:00 am and start your visit watching sunrise and first getting a glimpse of the Grand Canyon. Then, take the shuttle to South Kaibab Trailhead and hike to Ooh Aah Point and Cedar Ridge. It's best to do any hiking as early in the morning as possible before it gets too hot (round 3 hrs). At Cedar Ridge there is a picnic area and bathroom facilities and you can have lunch there or at the Visitor Center. If hiking is not your cup of tea, you may join a Ranger-led tour. When you return, explore the main Visitor Center and have lunch. In the afternoon do a small part of the Bright Angel Trail, walk the Trail of Time and visit Hopi House. (about 2 hrs.) Then, take the shuttle along Hermit Road and visit some of the best viewpoints. For a little rest, visit the National Geographic Visitor Center. watch the IMAX movie, and have dinner. If you still have some energy left and don’t mind driving at night, stay a little longer after dinner and return to the park for some stargazing. Drive back to Flagstaff for overnight.
Signature Option: helicopter ride {you can check availability and book it here - make sure to book it in advance!)
Day 7: Flagstaff [Walnut Canyon & Sunset Volcano] (52 miles)
Come gaze across curved canyon walls. Among the remarkable geological formations of the canyon itself, the former homes of ancient inhabitants are easily evident. Along the trails you can imagine life within Walnut Canyon, while visiting actual pueblos and walking in the steps of those who came before. Today, the Island Trail leads you back in time, and welcomes you into the world of the Native people archeologists call Sinagua. You'll experience 25 cliff dwelling rooms along the trail and gaze at others visible across the canyon. Continue to the Sunset Volcano. The cinder rim of the volcano's cone is the dusky red of sunset, but the crater is only part of the story. Around 1085 the ground began to shake, and lava and gases spewed high into the air creating what we now know as Sunset Crater Volcano. When the eruption finished, it had changed both the landscape and the people who lived there. Today, it teaches how nature and humankind affect each other, and how rebirth and renewal happen in the wake of disaster. Drive or hike through the park that officially became a national monument in 1930 or take a guided tour. Then, drive 20 miles to Flagstaff for overnight. [B]
Note: In winter the Island Trail may be closed as a result of snowy or icy conditions. The trail is strenuous, especially for those not acclimated to 7,000 ft. elevation. The trail descends 185 vertical feet into the canyon, and returns the same way.
Day 8: Flagstaff, Gallup (185 miles)
A one-hour drive to the railroad town, Winslow is located in Navajo County and is the site of the famous "Standin' on the Corner" park popularized by the song "Take It Easy" sung by the Eagles. The sculpture, and the mural, are a "must see" attraction and photo op! Other area attractions include Meteor Crater, the Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest National Park and a 9-11 Memorial made of two beams recovered from the World Trade Center Towers. Holbrook (34 miles) began as a town of railroaders and cattlemen, outlaws and rugged lawmen. The National Old Trails Road reached Holbrook in 1913 and Route 66 was aligned through town in 1926. 1 mile east of the town you’ll see the 66 Motel and Café. Today’s last stop, Gallup (94 miles), offers free Native American dances in summer nights, staged at the courthouse square in the historic center. Another place worth spending some time is Richardson’s Trading Co. (223 W. Route 66). Family-run since 1913, this busy but friendly space is crammed with arts, crafts, Navajo rugs and jewelry, ornate leather saddles, pearl-inlaid guitars that give a better sense of local lifestyles than any museum. Check-in for overnight.
Day 9: Gallup, Albuquerque (141 miles)
You may want to start your day at Plaza Café (1501 W. Route 66) that has huevos rancheros and burritos on its breakfast menu. Drive 1 hour to Grants and find the Route 66 neon drive-thru arch (off I-40's exits 81 and 85) shaped like a large Route 66 highway shield sign. Park under it to get a great photo of you with the neon arch. Located in downtown Grants is the Route 66 Vintage Museum & Double Six Gallery that features vintage Route 66 postcards and a 1923 Model T Ford. Continue 80 miles to Albuquerque and cross the town on I-40 until you see Rt-556 that will lead you to Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for a ride above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain to see nature’s dramatic beauty unfold before you. At sunset the desert skies produce a spectacular array of color from the observation deck atop 10,378-foot. After your tram ride, check-in at your hotel for overnight.
Day 10: Albuquerque, Hometown (12 miles)
This morning, visit the Petroglyph National Monument that encompasses five dormant volcanic cones and a seventeen-mile basalt escarpment showing how a series of eruptions over 100,000 years ago formed the West Mesa. The basalt boulders that tumbled down to the escarpment's edge later provided an ideal material for Native Americans and Spanish settlers, 400 to 700 years ago, to carve designs and symbols onto the volcanic rocks. Then continue southeast to visit Albuquerque’s BioPark, an environmental museum that offers a 64-acre zoo located next to the Rio Grande where you may experience close encounters with exotic and native animals since 1927. The aquarium provides a journey down the Rio Grande from Albuquerque to the Gulf of Mexico, visiting aquatic animals along the way and the botanic garden offers more than 1. 5 miles of paths through formal and whimsical gardens designed to delight your senses. Then drive to Albuquerque’s Sunport to drop-oof your car and board your flight back home.
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions some of the attractions in this itinerary may be closed. Check before planning your trip.
Note: Especially if you drive during the summer you should have plenty of water, sun protection and cool clothing.
