Route 66 is turning 100 in 2026, and there’s never been a better time to plan a road trip along the most iconic highway in America. Known as the “Mother Road,” this historic route stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through eight states and featuring hundreds of quirky, nostalgic, and unforgettable Historic Route 66 attractions along the way. New Mexico boasts some of the most scenic and culturally rich segments of Route 66, and Albuquerque sits at the heart of it all.
From vintage neon signs to classic diners and vibrant murals, the Route 66 attractions in and around Albuquerque are a celebration of the road’s past and present. As you make your way west along Route 66, New Mexico serves up more than just roadside curiosities, though. You’ll find centuries-old pueblos, red rock landscapes, and a thriving arts scene. In Albuquerque, the spirit of Route 66 comes alive along Central Avenue, where travelers can explore preserved motels, funky shops, retro theaters, and local landmarks that have been welcoming visitors since the highway’s heyday.
Beyond the road trip nostalgia, Albuquerque offers a rich culture, world-class cuisine, and balloon-filled skies, as well as access to historic neighborhoods and museums that delve deep into the authentic story of the Southwest. It’s one of the most exciting and unique stops on Route 66. It only gets better when you stay at a place like Bottger Mansion, a top-rated Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast where Route 66 history and Albuquerque’s history collide in one fascinating stop.
Located just steps from Central Avenue and top Route 66 New Mexico attractions, our historic Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast blends vintage charm with modern comfort. Whether you’re wrapping up a Route 66 road trip or starting one from the heart of New Mexico, our inn gives you easy access to the best things to do in Albuquerque, all while providing a quiet, relaxing retreat in the city’s oldest neighborhood. With personalized hospitality, a gourmet breakfast, and unique accommodations full of character, including plenty of Route 66 nostalgia, Bottger Mansion is the perfect place to celebrate a century of the open road. Book your stay today!
The Top Route 66 Attractions in Albuquerque
Driving through Route 66 in New Mexico is like flipping through the pages of a well-worn travel journal. The journey is filled with neon signs, classic diners, unique landmarks, and plenty of Southwestern charm. This section of the Mother Road spans more than 380 miles from the Texas border to the Arizona line, and Albuquerque is right in the center of the action.
If you’re planning to get your “kicks on Route 66” in 2026 to celebrate the centennial of this iconic drive, we’re here to help you plan your Route 66 road trip. With a blend of vintage Americana and New Mexican culture, Route 66 attractions in Albuquerque offer a standout collection of stops that deserve a spot on your 2026 road trip itinerary. We’ve included a few of our favorite things to do in Albuquerque below, followed by some iconic Route 66 stops throughout New Mexico that you won’t want to miss!
Central Avenue (Historic Route 66 through Albuquerque)
Route 66 runs straight through Albuquerque along Central Avenue, offering one of the most vibrant and longest urban stretches of the entire highway. You’ll find a collection of retro neon signs, mid-century motels, classic eateries, and funky shops all along this corridor. A drive along the Central Avenue area captures the essence of what makes this historic route so memorable, offering culture, character, and history all in one walkable or driveable stretch.
KiMo Theatre
Located on Central Avenue, the KiMo Theatre is one of the most unique Route 66 landmarks in the country. Built in 1927, the theater features striking Pueblo Deco architecture, a blend of Art Deco and Native American motifs. Even if you’re not catching a show, it’s worth stepping inside to see the detailed murals, the colorful terra-cotta façade, and the historic lobby. It’s an iconic stop that connects the cultural vibrancy of Albuquerque with the nostalgia of early Route 66 stops.
Route 66 Diner
If you’re road-tripping Route 66 in New Mexico, you’ve got to eat like a local. The Route 66 Diner, located just east of the University of New Mexico campus, offers a retro experience complete with a jukebox, chrome accents, and a menu featuring burgers, milkshakes, and blue-plate specials. The vibe here is unapologetically classic, making it a great place to relive the golden age of American road travel.
66 Diner Neon Signs and Motels
Albuquerque is one of the best places to see surviving Route 66 neon. Keep an eye out for restored and original signage on classic motels, such as the El Vado Motel and Monterey Motel. The El Vado, in particular, has been beautifully reimagined as a boutique hotel and marketplace, featuring craft beer, artisanal goods, and food vendors in a charming courtyard space. It’s a perfect example of how Route 66 landmarks are being preserved and updated for the modern traveler.
Other neon Route 66 landmarks to see include Loyola’s family restaurant, De Anza Motor Lodge, El Don Motel, and The Dog House, which earned plenty of fame in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Don’t miss the Absolutely Neon Art Gallery & Studio. Beyond these signs, there’s plenty of fascinating architecture to explore and enjoy as you travel along Route 66 Albuquerque.
Albuquerque’s Old Town
Just a short walk from Central Avenue, Old Town Albuquerque offers a different kind of Route 66 stop, one that connects with the region’s deeper history. This area, dating back to 1706, is filled with adobe buildings, local shops, galleries, and the historic San Felipe de Neri Church. It’s a beautiful place to take a break from driving, stretch your legs, and explore the heart of Albuquerque. Conveniently, our Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast sits on the edge of Old Town, ensuring you’re well-positioned to experience both Route 66 roadside attractions and local culture.
Nob Hill Neighborhood
East of downtown, Nob Hill is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods along Route 66 in Albuquerque. With its eclectic mix of restaurants, vintage stores, local boutiques, and modern breweries, it’s a great place to spend a few hours. The area is also known for its beautifully restored neon signs, which light up the street at night and give off serious mid-century vibes. If you’re chasing Route 66 New Mexico attractions that combine classic flair with a modern twist, this is it.
More Things to See on Route 66, New Mexico
New Mexico is packed with memorable Route 66 stops, offering a mix of kitschy charm, historic landmarks, and jaw-dropping desert scenery. While Albuquerque is the heart of Route 66 in the state, the surrounding highways are full of can’t-miss roadside gems.
- Tucumcari is one of the most iconic Route 66 towns in the state, known for its vintage neon signs and the famous Blue Swallow Motel. Don’t miss the large hand-painted murals scattered around town, the Route 66 Monument, and the Tee Pee Curios shop.
- Santa Rosa combines quirky roadside attractions with natural wonders. The Route 66 Auto Museum is packed with classic cars and memorabilia, and just a few blocks away, the Blue Hole offers crystal-clear spring water for swimming and scuba diving.
- Located east of Albuquerque, Moriarty is home to the lesser-known but fascinating Lewis Antique Auto & Toy Museum. It features hundreds of vintage vehicles, toys, and Route 66 artifacts, the perfect offbeat Route 66 roadside attraction.
- On the western edge of New Mexico, Gallup is renowned for its rich Native American heritage. Visit the El Rancho Hotel, a historic Route 66 landmark, and visit Native art galleries, trading posts, and seasonal events that celebrate local heritage.
- Grants may be small, but it’s full of character. Check out the retro Grants Café neon sign and visit the New Mexico Mining Museum to learn about the area’s role in the atomic age.
- Laguna Pueblo is one of several Native American communities along Route 66. Visitors are welcome to stop and admire the San José Mission Church, built in 1699. While it’s not your typical roadside attraction, it offers an important glimpse into the Indigenous cultures that Route 66 passes through.
- Just west of Albuquerque, the drive through Mesita includes the unusual Owl Rock formation, a natural roadside landmark that feels like a classic Route 66 photo op. The open skies and striking sandstone formations around this part of the drive make it a scenic and memorable stretch of the highway.
- One of the lesser-known but classic Route 66 stops, the Continental Divide west of Grants, marks the point where water flows either to the Pacific or the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a vintage sign, a curio shop, and a good excuse to stretch your legs.
The Best Place to Stay Near Route 66 in New Mexico
After a day of exploring Route 66 attractions in Albuquerque, there’s no better place to relax and recharge than the Bottger Mansion of Old Town. Located just steps from Central Avenue, our historic Bed and Breakfast in Albuquerque offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends vintage charm with modern comforts. What makes the Bottger Mansion especially appealing for Route 66 travelers is our Route 66-themed guest room, designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the spirit of the open road without sacrificing comfort, style, or a good night’s sleep.
The Route 66 Suite at Bottger Mansion pays homage to the golden age of American road trips with thoughtful décor that captures the nostalgia of the Mother Road. From vintage signage to artwork that celebrates classic cars and iconic highway stops, this room gives travelers a true sense of place. It’s a favorite among road trippers who appreciate the little details, and comes with all the fabulous amenities of our Bed and Breakfast, like plush robes, a gourmet breakfast in the morning, and a quiet courtyard to unwind in after hitting all the best Route 66 New Mexico attractions.
Beyond the themed room, what really sets Bottger Mansion apart is the unbeatable location and personalized experience. Situated in the heart of Albuquerque’s historic Old Town, you’re within walking distance of the city’s best cultural attractions and locally owned shops and restaurants. From here, you’re an easy walk to the best of Old Town or a short drive to Albuquerque’s top things to do. Regardless of what brings you to town, we hope you’ll stay for a while and explore everything that makes this city an enduring destination. Book your stay at our Bed and Breakfast in Albuquerque today!
