“Get Your Kicks on Route 66” in Santa Fe County
We’re Celebrating a Fabled Highway’s Centennial
Hop in and let’s go for a ride on Route 66, America’s most iconic highway. The neon-lit “Mother Road,” as novelist John Steinbeck famously coined Route 66, opened in 1926, winding nearly 2,500 miles through eight states, connecting Chicago to Santa Monica, California. In New Mexico, Route 66 spanned more than 400 miles, giving rise to a unique roadside culture of auto courts, mom-and-pop diners, curio shops and other attractions for tourists traveling by automobile.
As we gear up to celebrate the fabled highway’s centennial in 2026, we invite you to cruise with us and celebrate Route 66 in Santa Fe County. But first, let’s travel though the iconic highway’s history in New Mexico.
Two Roads Diverged
New Mexico lays claim to two Route 66 road alignments. When the highway opened in 1926, the original route took drivers on a curved alignment north then west from Santa Rosa and into Santa Fe. There it connected with Old Pecos Trail and Old Santa Fe Trail and led to the historic Santa Fe Plaza, which seems only fitting for a state capital. Along this original Route 66 road alignment, travelers experienced New Mexico’s rich Native American and Hispanic cultures as well as Santa Fe’s unique food, art and architecture. A road sign situated one block from Plaza at the corner of Water Street indicates the location of the original route.
But that alignment drastically changed after New Mexico Governor Arthur T. Hannett lost his re-election bid in 1927, and took revenge on his opponents, the Santa Fe Ring, which controlled state politics. Before leaving office, Hannet ordered the construction of a new highway, a more direct route from Santa Rosa to Albuquerque, completely bypassing Santa Fe. The state capital remained on the original Route 66 alignment, but only until the new alignment opened in 1938.
Vibes from the Route 66 heyday still flourish today in Santa Fe County, with historic motels and hotels, old-fashioned diners, and gift shops with souvenirs from the Mother Road. Our virtual cruise continues with a few stops where the past is vibrantly present and folks eagerly share their enthusiasm for the fabled highway that passed through Santa Fe County before politics forever re-aligned the revered route.
Roadside Attractions
For an authentic Route 66 experience, order a green chile burger and a milkshake at the Plaza Cafe . The classic diner, which opened in 1905 on the Santa Fe Plaza, was a Route 66 mainstay when the highway traveled by the Plaza, before the 1938 realignment. Seated on a stool at the authentic soda fountain, you’ll feel like you’re back in the ‛50s and savoring Route 66’s heyday.
Visit La Fonda on the Plaza, America’s oldest hotel and a former Harvey House, a famed hotel and dining chain that served passengers during the railroad era. Following the decline of the railroad and the opening of Route 66, La Fonda became a stopping point for highway travelers. Celebrated by locals as “Santa Fe’s living room” and visited by luminaries from near and far, La Fonda is a remarkable place to experience 100 years of history.
Browse the many aisles for vintage Route 66 signs and other Southwest souvenirs at The Five & Dime General Store on the Santa Fe Plaza, located in the building where Woolworth’s stood from 1935 until the chain shuttered its stores in 1997. Be sure to try the famous Frito Pie, still served at the snack bar at the back.
The original Route 66 ran down Cerrillos Road, where neon-lit motels and motor courts accommodated auto adventurers. El Rey Court (1862 Cerrillos Rd.), established in1936 as a 12-room motor inn, still sports its vintage look, though it’s been updated for the 21st century with stylish Southwestern-style rooms. It’s a popular place for travelers and locals with free live music every Wednesday and Sunday evening. A mile south on Cerrillos Road lies The Mystic Santa Fe, a renovated hip motor lodge in the former home of The Silver Saddle(2810 Cerrillos Rd.). Two of its retro rooms pay loving tribute to the Route 66 era, with cowboy-themed curtains and other kitsch. An outdoor venue in a garden area hosts concerts, dinners, and other events for locals as well as travelers.
The original Route 66 also passed by Pecos National Historical Park in Pecos, where New Mexico’s history runs deep. In addition to Ancestral Puebloan ruins and a Spanish mission church, the park traces the history of the Civil War’s Battle of Glorieta Pass. Take in the wagon wheel ruts and other remnants of travelers on the Santa Fe Trail, and then consider that countless other travelers passed this same way a few centuries later, driving shiny new automobiles on the original Route 66. Dude ranches built in this area served those tourists, including the Forked Lightning Ranch, now part of the park and open for tours.
For everything you need to know about the upcoming 2026 Route 66 Centennial in New Mexico, stay in touch with Santa Fe County (insert URL for web page) as well as Visit Albuquerque for updates about Route 66 celebrations, events and other happenings in the region.