Where to get an Instagram picture on Route 66? Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America, stretches across over 2,400 miles and covers 8 states, offering a wide array of breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns, and iconic roadside attractions, making it the perfect destination for capturing Instagram-worthy photos.
With its nostalgic charm and diverse landscapes, it’s no wonder that it has inspired countless photographers and Instagram users over the years. From quirky roadside attractions to breathtaking natural wonders, Route 66 is full of unforgettable sights that are perfect for capturing on camera. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most Instagram-worthy places along Route 66, so you can plan your road trip and snap some unforgettable shots.
To take good Instagram photos on Route 66, focus on good composition, lighting, and creativity. Here are 14 of the best photo spots along Route 66:
1. Historic Route 66 Begin Sign
ROUTE 66 : 0 MI / 0 KM chicago, ILLINOIS
GPS: 41.879604, -87.624611
ADDRESS: 78-98 E Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603
The historic “Begin Route 66” sign, located in Chicago, Illinois, marks the starting point of the famous highway and makes for a great photo opportunity. The sign is a must-see for anyone embarking on a road trip along Route 66, and it serves as a symbol of the adventure and excitement that lies ahead. Taking a photo with the “Begin Route 66” sign is a great way to commemorate your journey and capture the spirit of this iconic American road trip. So, be sure to snap a shot and share your adventure with your friends and followers on Instagram.
You can also check my blog post about Chicago and Route 66 here: Route 66 – Where to BEGIN a Road Trip? CHICAGO or LOS ANGELES?
2. Gemini Giant
ROUTE 66 : 60 MI / 97 KM Wilmington, ILLINOIS
GPS: 41.310388, -88.13874
ADDRESS: 810 E Baltimore St, Wilmington, IL 60481
The Gemini Giant, located in Wilmington, Illinois, is a classic Route 66 attraction that is a popular spot for Instagram photos. The towering statue of a space-suited man holding a rocket is an eye-catching sight that captures the spirit of the 1960s, when Route 66 was at the height of its popularity.
Whether you’re posing for a selfie in front of the giant or capturing the statue in its full glory, the Gemini Giant is a great place to take memorable photos along Route 66. So, be sure to stop by and snap a shot for your Instagram feed, and add a piece of Americana to your collection of travel memories.
3. Soulsby Service Station
ROUTE 66 : 253 MI / 407 KM Mount Olive, ILLINOIS
GPS: 39.071119, -89.735412
ADDRESS: 710 West 1st South Street, Mt Olive, IL 62069
The Soulsby Service Station, located in Mount Olive, Illinois, is a beautifully restored vintage gas station that offers a unique and photogenic backdrop for Instagram photos. With its classic 1930s design and nostalgic charm, the Soulsby Service Station is a popular stop for Route 66 travelers, and it provides a perfect opportunity to capture a piece of American history. Whether you’re snapping a photo of the vintage gas pumps, the classic signage, or the restored building, the Soulsby Service Station is a great place to take photos that are both historic and stylish. So, be sure to make a stop at this iconic Route 66 landmark and add some classic Americana to your Instagram feed.
4. Blue Whale of Catoosa
ROUTE 66 : 686 MI / 1104 KM CATOOSA, OKLAHOMA
GPS: 36.193846, -95.732933
ADDRESS: 2600 U.S. Rte 66, Catoosa, OK 74015
The Blue Whale of Catoosa, located in Catoosa, Oklahoma, is a unique and photogenic attraction that is perfect for capturing on Instagram. This giant blue whale statue, set amidst a tranquil pond, offers a fun and quirky backdrop for photos, and it’s a popular spot for both Route 66 travelers and local residents. Whether you’re snapping a selfie in front of the whale, getting a group shot, or just capturing the beauty of this one-of-a-kind landmark, the Blue Whale of Catoosa is a great place to take memorable photos along Route 66. So, be sure to add this quirky attraction to your road trip itinerary, and don’t forget to snap a shot for your Instagram feed.
5. Pops 66 Soda Ranch
ROUTE 66 : 788 MI / 1268 KM ARCADIA, OKLAHOMA
GPS: 35.658185, -97.335526
ADDRESS: 660 U.S. Rte 66, Arcadia, OK 73007
Pops 66 Soda Ranch, located in Arcadia, Oklahoma, is a unique and colorful attraction that is perfect for capturing on Instagram. With its eye-catching sign, featuring a giant neon pop bottle, and its expansive collection of more than 700 different types of soda, Pops 66 is a fun and quirky spot that offers a memorable backdrop for photos. Whether you’re posing with a soda in hand, capturing the colorful signage, or just taking in the colorful and playful atmosphere, Pops 66 is a great place to take instagram photos along Route 66.
6. Lucille’s Historic Highway Gas Station
ROUTE 66 : 862 MI / 1387 KM HYDRO, OKLAHOMA
GPS: 35.537, -98.588763
ADDRESS: U.S. Rte 66, Hydro, OK 73048
Lucille’s Gas Station provides an excellent stop to get out, stretch your legs and snap a few instagram photos. This is a beautifully restored vintage gas station that offers a unique and photogenic backdrop for Instagram photos. With its classic design and nostalgic charm, Lucille’s is a popular stop for Route 66 travelers, and it provides a perfect opportunity to capture a piece of American history.
Whether you’re posing in front of the vintage gas pumps, capturing the classic signage, or just taking in the beauty of this historic landmark, Lucille’s is a great place to take photos along Route 66. So, be sure to stop by and add some classic Americana to your Instagram feed.
7. Tower Station & U-Drop Inn Cafe
ROUTE 66 : 961 MI / 1547 KM SHAMROCK, TEXAS
GPS: 35.226681, -100.248871
ADDRESS: 111 U.S. Rte 66, Shamrock, TX 79079
The Tower Station & U-Drop Inn Cafe, located in Shamrock, Texas, is a classic Route 66 attraction that offers a unique and photogenic backdrop for Instagram photos. With its art deco design and iconic tower, the Tower Station & U-Drop Inn Cafe is a popular spot for Route 66 travelers, and it provides a perfect opportunity to capture a piece of American history.
Whether you’re snapping a photo of the classic signage, the iconic tower, or the restored building, the Tower Station & U-Drop Inn Cafe is a great place to take photos along Route 66. So, be sure to stop by and add some classic Americana to your Instagram feed, and capture the spirit of this iconic American road trip.
8. Cadillac Ranch
ROUTE 66 : 1063 MI / 1711 KM AMARILLO, TEXAS
GPS: 35.187229, -101.98707
ADDRESS: 13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124
The Cadillac Ranch, located in Amarillo, Texas, is a unique and photogenic attraction that is perfect for capturing on Instagram. With its collection of vintage Cadillacs buried nose-down in the ground, the Cadillac Ranch is a fun and quirky spot that offers a memorable backdrop for photos.
Whether you’re posing in front of the cars, capturing the unique design, or just taking in the unusual and playful atmosphere, the Cadillac Ranch is a great place to take photos along Route 66. So, be sure to stop by and snap a shot for your Instagram feed, and add some quirky Americana to your collection of travel memories.
9. Blue Swallow Motel
ROUTE 66 : 1167 MI / 1878 KM TUCUMCARI, NEW MEXICO
GPS: 35.172016, -103.716409
ADDRESS: 815 E Rte 66 Blvd, Tucumcari, NM 88401
The Blue Swallow Motel, located in Tucumcari, New Mexico, is a beautifully restored vintage motel that offers a unique and photogenic backdrop for Instagram photos. With its classic design, retro signage, and nostalgic charm, the Blue Swallow Motel is a popular stop for Route 66 travelers, and it provides a perfect opportunity to capture a piece of American history.
Whether you’re posing in front of the classic neon sign, snapping a photo of the vintage cars parked out front, or just taking in the beauty of this historic landmark, the Blue Swallow Motel is a great place to take instagram friendly photos along Route 66. So, be sure to stop by and add some classic Americana to your Instagram feed.
10. Wigwam Motel
ROUTE 66 : 1575 MI / 2535 KM HOLBROOK, ARIZONA
GPS: 34.902577, -110.168858
ADDRESS: 811 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook, AZ 86025
The Wigwam Motel is a unique and photogenic attraction that is perfect for capturing on Instagram. With its quirky and playful teepee-style rooms, the Wigwam Motel offers a memorable backdrop for photos.
Whether you’re posing in front of one of the distinctive rooms, capturing the whimsical design, or just taking in the fun and playful atmosphere, the Wigwam Motel is a great place to take photos along Route 66. So, be sure to stop by and snap a shot for your Instagram feed, and add some quirky Americana to your collection of travel memories.
11. Hackberry General Store
ROUTE 66 : 1787 MI / 2876 KM Hackberry, ARIZONA
GPS: 35.374878, -113.722698
ADDRESS: 11255 E Hwy 66, Hackberry, AZ 86411
The Hackberry General Store, located in Hackberry, Arizona, is a vintage general store that offers a unique and photogenic backdrop for Instagram photos. With its classic design, vintage signage, and nostalgic charm, the Hackberry General Store is a popular stop for Route 66 travelers, and it provides a perfect opportunity to capture a piece of American history. The Hackberry General Store is a great place to take instagram photos along Route 66.
12. Oatman Hotel Restaurant & Saloon
ROUTE 66 : 1837 MI / 2956 KM OATMAN, ARIZONA
GPS: 35.026394, -114.383217
ADDRESS: 181 Main St, Oatman, AZ 86433
The Oatman Hotel Restaurant & Saloon, located in the charming town of Oatman, Arizona, is a must-visit spot for those looking to add some historical charm to their Instagram feed. With its vintage architecture and Wild West atmosphere, the Oatman Hotel provides a unique and photo-worthy backdrop for your Route 66 journey.
Whether you snap a shot in front of the classic hotel facade or strike a pose at the vintage saloon bar, this landmark is sure to add some timeless appeal to your travel memories. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to capture the spirit of the Old West and add some classic Americana to your Instagram profile.
13. Roy’s Motel & Cafe
ROUTE 66 : 1943 MI / 3127 KM AMBOY, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 34.558812, -115.743576
ADDRESS: 87520 National Trails Hwy, Amboy, CA 92304
Roy’s Motel & Cafe, located along the iconic Route 66 in Amboy, California, is a must-visit destination for those looking to capture the essence of classic Americana. With its vintage design and classic signage, Roy’s Motel & Cafe offers a unique and visually stunning backdrop for your Instagram photos.
Its iconic aesthetic has made it a popular location for film and TV shoots, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit. Whether you’re posing in front of the classic neon sign, taking in the vintage cars, or just enjoying the atmosphere of this historic landmark, Roy’s Motel & Cafe is sure to add some timeless charm to your travel memories. Now snap few great instagram pictures!
14. Santa Monica Pier
ROUTE 66 : 2278 MI / 3666 KM SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 34.008896, -118.497402
ADDRESS: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
The Santa Monica Pier, located in Santa Monica, California, is a popular destination for those looking to capture stunning Route 66 Instagram photos. With its iconic Ferris wheel, amusement park rides, and breathtaking ocean views, the Santa Monica Pier offers a fun and photogenic backdrop for your social media content. Whether you’re posing in front of the historic carousel, capturing the scenic views from the end of the pier, or just taking in the vibrant atmosphere of this beloved landmark, the Santa Monica Pier is a great place to take photos.
So, be sure to stop by and add some classic Californian Route 66 charm to your Instagram feed. Hope you enjoy my list of the TOP 14 BEST Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots Along Mother Road.
👍 Find out more:
Discover the best stops along the Mother Road in my travel guide, “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places”, which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the nostalgia and wonder of America’s Route 66! MUST-HAVE for all Route 66 travelers. Visit 202 places on Route 66 with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.
Author:
Mark Watson is a California-based member of a Los Angeles Motorcycle Club and a keen traveler. He’s traveled the entirety of U. S. Route 66 seven times on his Harley-Davidson. He strives to interest others in the historic drive to keep the legendary Route 66 alive. He also traveled through the Alaska Highway. He is an author of bestseller books on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places” and “Alaska Highway – 202 Best Stops”.