About this English self-guided 12h:57m driving tour in Rote 66
Welcome to Day 3 of our epic route 66 adventure., stretching from Amarillo, Texas, to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This route is packed with iconic landmarks, quirky roadside attractions, and historical sites that tell the story of the Mother Road. You'll experience the heart of Route 66, visiting must-see spots like the Midpoint Café, the eerie Ghost Town of Glenrio, and the vibrant Tucumcari Murals.
Discover the charm of the Blue Swallow Motel, delve into prehistoric history at the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum, and take a refreshing dip at the Santa Rosa Blue Hole. This tour offers a blend of nostalgia, history, and natural beauty, perfect for first-time Route 66 travelers and seasoned road trippers alike.
Explore historic downtown Albuquerque and experience the magic of El Rancho Hotel, a favorite of Hollywood stars. Prepare for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Americana.
Route 66 Day 1: Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO - Epic, Self-Guided Driving Tour.
Route 66 Day 2: Springfield MO to Amarillo, TX- Epic, Self-Guided Driving Tour.
Route 66 Day 3 (This Tour): Amarillo, TX to Albuquerque, NM - Epic, Self-Guided Driving Tour.
Route 66 Day 4: Albuquerque, NM to Flagstaff, AZ- Epic Self-Guided Driving Tour.
Route 66 Day 5: Flagstaff, AZ to San Bernardino, CA - Epic Self-Guided Driving Tour.
Route 66 Day 6: San Bernardino, CA to Santa Monica, CA - Epic Self-Guided Driving Tour.
Distance: 14.65mi
, Attraction : Museum (Recommended selfie spot).
201 Vega Blvd, Vega, TX 79092, USA
Vega, Texas – A Route 66 Time Capsule
Did you know the original Route 66 was established in 1926? Of course you did!
As we cruise along Route 66, take a moment to enjoy the charm of Vega, Texas, coming up ahead. This little town may be small, but it’s packed with classic Mother Road history and more than a few surprises.
Vega got its start in the early 1900s, its name borrowed from the Spanish word for “meadow” — fitting for a quiet town built on ranchland. But everything changed in 1926 when Route 66 rolled into town. Suddenly, Vega was a roadside hub for travelers heading west.
Look around and you’ll see signs of that golden era — starting with the beautifully restored Magnolia Gas Station, a vintage roadside stop that now doubles as a tiny museum and picnic spot. Keep an eye out for Dot’s Mini Museum too — it’s packed with quirky memorabilia and is a favorite stop for Route 66 photo ops.
Vega is also home to the historic Vega Motel, one of the last remaining motor courts from the 1940s, complete with drive-up garages and that unmistakable mid-century design. This place is such a gem, it’s even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
And here’s a fun fact: Vega is known as the “Solar Capital of Texas”, boasting more than 270 sunny days a year. Perfect for a roadside selfie with one of the many vintage murals or metal buffalo sculptures scattered around town.
So, if you’ve got a few extra minutes, pull over and stretch your legs. Whether it’s for a quick bite at the local diner, a museum stop, or just a stroll down memory lane, Vega is a perfect little detour off the interstate — and a true Route 66 classic.
Midpoint Café proudly proclaims itself as the 'Midpoint of Route 66,' marking the halfway point between Chicago and Los Angeles. This historic diner has been serving travelers since 1928, offering classic American comfort food in a nostalgic setting.
Stop in for a hearty meal, a slice of homemade pie, and a photo opportunity with the iconic 'Midpoint of Route 66' sign. The café is a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Mother Road. It's a must-stop for any Route 66 enthusiast. The cafe was the inspiration for Lou's cafe in the Pixar movie, Cars.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Vega, Texas – A Route 66 Time Capsule
Place 2Midpoint Cafe
Place 3Glenrio Ghost Town
Place 4Russell's Truck Stop & Museum
Place 5Welcome to Tucumcari
Place 6Blue Swallow Motel
Place 7Mesalands Dinosaur Museum
Place 8Route 66 Monument – Tucumcari, New Mexico
Place 9Route 66 Auto Museum
Place 10Santa Rosa Blue Hole
Place 11Cruising Through the Land of Enchantment
Place 12Welcome to Albuquerque, New Mexico
Place 13Historic Old Town Albuquerque
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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).