Or you or someone nearby mentions historic Route 66, lovingly referred to as “The Mother Road,” odds are it conjures up images of driving freely through the wide-open expanses of the American West, wind in your hair, and nothing but joy on your face. Route 66 is a remarkable part of the American story, and today, you can see some of the best Route 66 attractions in Albuquerque. This historic road was an important artery in America, but it also symbolized freedom, optimism, and individualism.
Route 66 was established in 1926, the first highway connecting the major U.S. cities of Chicago and Los Angeles. It was a bustling route in its heyday and helped put many small towns on the map, including Albuquerque. Today, more than 250 historical remnants of this mobile age are on display, ranging from buildings and bridges to other notable and interesting artifacts from this period of time.
Though it is deeply rooted in the past, Route 66 still plays a role in the modern day, particularly in cities dedicated to preserving this piece of the American Legacy, like Albuquerque. While in town, carve out some time to enjoy some of the historic route 66 attractions in Albuquerque. Book your room at our historic Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast in Old Town.
See the Best Route 66 Attractions in Albuquerque
Apart from the freedom, this drive symbolized, one of the biggest draws to Route 66 was the draw people felt to the small towns and unique places they could visit and explore along the route. Some of these historic Route 66 attractions are still standing, including a few in Albuquerque.
Route 66 runs right through the heart of downtown Albuquerque on Central Avenue and is actually the longest stretch of Route 66 running through any city. You may have driven on it and not even known it – though it’s hard to miss, with many of the glowing Route 66 attractions highlighted for your enjoyment. Today, Route 66 passes through some of the most popular neighborhoods in Albuquerque – Historic Nob Hill, Downtown Albuquerque, and Old Town Albuquerque.
More importantly, today’s Route 66 still serves up access to various eclectic shops, interesting restaurants, and a few of that era’s signature, glowing neon signs and vintage artifacts for good measure. For enthusiastic fans of the Mother Road, we’ve included a few “must-see” Route 66 attractions in Albuquerque for you below. Happy travels!
- You’ll know you’re on Route 66 when you pass under the famous neon Route 66 sign, pictured above, hanging over Central Avenue.
- Just a few steps from our Old Town Bed and Breakfast, in the heart of Old Town itself, you’ll find one of the most interesting historic Route 66 attractions, the Cottonwood Madonna. The tree is located at the corner of the San Felipe de Neri Parish – and a worthwhile attraction to see in its own right – and in the tree is a carving of the Virgin de Guadalupe.
- Fans of unique (and maybe weird) attractions won’t’ want to miss the American International Rattlesnake Museum, located just off Central Avenue – home to the most extensive collection of live rattlesnake species.
- Speaking of oddities, another of the top-rated Route 66 attractions in Albuquerque is the Tinkertown Museum, a place full of trinkets, oddities, and miniatures.
- Speaking of rattlesnakes, keep your eyes peeled for the sculpture of a giant rattlesnake as you drive south on Route 66. It’s hard to miss, as it’s over 400 feet long.
- Though it’s not technically one of the Route 66 attractions, don’t miss seeing the Chevy on a Stick. You’ll find it on the corner of San Mateo Blvd SE and Gibson Blvd SE.
- One of our favorite Route 66 attractions is the spaceship house in the historic Nob Hill Neighborhood – it’s just one example of the interesting architecture that can be found in this part of town. There’s also plenty of mid-century modern architecture, reflective of the same period of time as Route 66’s heyday, in Albuquerque – and there are tours you can take to see it.
- The Dog House is a classic restaurant and one of the top-rated historic Route 66 attractions in Albuquerque. Of course, the hot dogs are good, but the highlight here might just be the animated neon dog wagging its tail.
- For more Route 66 dining nostalgia, head to the 66 Diner on Central Avenue, where you’ll still encounter authentic decor from the 50s.
- Don’t forget to stop and snap a picture at another one of the iconic Route 66 attractions in Albuquerque, the Tewa Motor Lodge. Straight out of Route 66’s golden age, this hotel was restored in 1946 and makes an excellent subject for an Instagram post.
The Best Place to Stay in Old Town Albuquerque
There are plenty of historic Route 66 attractions worth seeing in Albuquerque, not to mention all the other things to do in Albuquerque’s vibrant Nob Hill and Old Town neighborhoods. While in town, stay in one fantastic central location in the heart of Old Town at our Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast.
From here, you’ll easily be able to walk the streets of historic Old Town Albuquerque, enjoying some of the best shopping, restaurants, and more in Albuquerque. Our Historic Inn offers seven guest rooms, each uniquely decorated and outfitted with all the modern amenities you crave during getaways.
Beyond just offering guests a comfortable place to stay in Old Town Albuquerque, we also offer the perfect blend of welcoming hospitality and authentic New Mexican charm. Moreover, our Inn is conveniently located near some of the best things to do in Albuquerque, including exploring these Route 66 attractions.
Before starting your adventure for the day, top off your own tank with a delicious, homemade breakfast. We make it fresh for you every morning of your stay, and we promise this delightful meal will do everything but disappoint. Our daily breakfast service begins with specialty juices and a generous dish of fresh fruits with a house-made sorbet and continues with a regularly rotating main course. Popular favorites include our Blueberry French Toast Casserole or our Green Chile Quiche.
There is no better place to stay in Old Town Albuquerque than our historic Bed and Breakfast. Book your room today!
