Where to eat, what to see, and where to stay on a perfect Route 66 road trip.

Route 66 doesn’t always surface on Google Maps, but it’s there.

Texas has one, complete with the recreation of a diner serving 20-cent pie.

Motorcycles riding along Route 66

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Read on for a state-by-state, Chicago-to-L.A. guide for theultimate American road trip.

Illinois

It’s day one: You’re going to need a good breakfast.

From there, it’s just one block to the Historic Route 66 Begin sign.

Route 66 Illinois Begin road sign at Chicago city

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Snap a selfie you’re officially on your way.

The 1930s gas station/lunch counter is now a Route 66 icon for its superlative fried chicken.

Look for the restored neon sign so retro you’ll half-expect to see chrome-stripped Bel Airs parked below it.

The old Chain of Rocks Bridge over Mississippi River near St Louis - aerial view from Illinois shore

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Set foot inside the 25-foot-high walls and explore the creepy grounds.

For heartier fare, head to theMaid-Rite Sandwich Shopin Springfield for beef sandwiches and shakes.

If you have it in you, drive on till you see the loomingGateway Archof St. Louis.

route 66 through Arcadia, Oklahoma, and you cant miss the neon, 66-foot-tall soda bottle in front of POPS

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Missouri

Welcome to St. Louis, the Gateway to the West.

Dip intoMeramec Caverns,a dramatic cave complex (and alleged Jesse James hideout) with guided tours.

Stay the night in a tidy stone-and-mortar cottage at the 1930s landmarkWagon Wheel Motel.

Exterior of the Devils Rope and Route 66 Museum in McLean Tx

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AtTotem Pole Park, gaze up at the world’s largest concrete totem pole.

Texas

The gloriously Art Deco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe give travelers an old-schoolTexas welcome.

If you missCadillac Ranchon your way out of town, did you even drive Route 66?

50’s style on historic Route 66, located on Central Avenue, close to Downtown

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Arizona

Route 66 cuts through the stunning red mesas and the eerie moonscape ofPetrified Forest National Park.

TheRainbow Forest Museumis a starting point for hiking trails to the famous petrified logs.

Drive to theBlue Mesa trailfor a one-mile loop through hilly badlands.

Meteor Crater in Arizona

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The kitsch flag soars atWigwam Motel, considered an essential stopover by many road-trippers.

Walk the rim atMeteor Crater Natural Landmarkand see the chilling prehistoric footprint of an asteroid that smashed into Earth.

The glass-bottle “forest"Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranchis a funky oasis in the dusty wilderness.

Santa Monica Pier Beach at Sunset

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