The wind in your hair, tunes playing on the stereo, good company, and snacks galore—the quintessential summer road trip. For those of us who grew up in the United States, a road trip screams vacation, family, and fun. And there are no roads more famous than Route 66. Known as “America’s Main Street,” it was built in 1925 and took travelers through numerous states and cities, including Chicago, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Flagstaff, and Santa Monica, CA.
2026 is the centennial celebration of the highway, and for North Texans, there are a few destinations perfect for those who want to celebrate. Three cities, three road trips: two are easy weekend getaways, and the other is a far but perfect summer vacation destination.
Trip One: Tulsa, OK
At just over four hours away, Tulsa is a great weekend road trip. The city has big plans for Route 66’s birthday celebration, including the Capital Cruise on May 30, 2026, a classic car parade organizers are hoping will be the largest of all time and the AAA Route 66 Road Fest slated for June 27-28, 2026, which will feature all sorts of car-inspired fun like the Pinewood Derby, Hot Wheels races, interactive art, and more.
Soak up other memorabilia while in Tulsa, like wandering through Meadow Gold Mack Outpost, where 20-foot-tall Mack the Friendly Lumberjack reigns supreme, before you go on a treasure hunt to find more of the iconic fiberglass statues in town, including Buck and Stella Atom and Cowboy Bob the Muffler Man.
If you want to stay somewhere close to the parade route. Ambassador Hotel Tulsa, a historic building that’s been reimagined as a boutique hotel with just 55 rooms, a photo booth tucked away in the lobby, and a hidden library, is located right on the parade route. The hotel’s beloved restaurant, The Chalkboard Kitchen + Bar, will have drink specials and a limited-time menu in honor of its 50th “Golden” anniversary in July 2026.
Trip Two: Oklahoma City, OK
Make plans to be in town for the Route 66 ‘Kickin It’ Centennial Birthday Bash on May 30, where road enthusiasts, families, and music lovers alike can enjoy all sorts of pop-up events like the Oklahoma Kids Market, the Route 66 Travel Hub, the Centennial Concert, and the Neon Nights Drone Show.
Book a stay at one of the premier hotels within walking distance of the event, like the Colcord Hotel, a unique property housed in Oklahoma City’s first skyscraper, a 1910 landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is where you’ll find FLINT, a modern-American restaurant offering tempting menu items including a raw oyster bar, Cowboy Caviar, braised short ribs, chicken-fried steak, and a limited-time drink just for the celebration, the 100-Year Highway.
There’s also The National Autograph Collection Downtown OKC, which is probably one of the coolest hotels in Oklahoma City. Why? It’s in the iconic 1931 First National Bank building, where the past and the present blend seamlessly to create a one-of-a-kind lodging experience. Admire the original murals, see bank teller windows, and try one of the special cocktails created for the centennial event—the Mile Marker 1 or the Gateway Glow—in any of the dining establishments on the property, including a swanky bar inside the original bank vault.
Trip Three: Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff is 13 hours away from Fort Worth; it’s worth the drive for many reasons, and Route 66 is at the top of the list. Head there in early summer for the Route 66 Centennial celebration on June 6, a festival that includes fun like nostalgic reenactments, classic car show, sky writing, and streetscape art installations. Cruise along Route 66 to scout out original buildings, neon signs, and art, like the Western Hills Motel neon sign and the Phoenix Avenue Route 66 mural. Grabbing a locally-brewed pint in the family-friendly tap room at Mother Road Brewing Company is a must.
Want to feel like you’re reliving the glory days of the iconic highway? Stay at the Americana Motor Hotel, which sits directly on Route 66. The retro-futuristic property has tons of fun features, including 1970s skiwear-inspired headboards, firepits, bikes to ride around town, and even a “barkyard” for furry friends. It’s just 1.5 hours away from the Grand Canyon, so it’s also a great jumping-off point if you want to visit the park.
If you’re traveling with kids, Village Camp Flagstaff is the ultimate playground. They offer cabins and RV sites to guests, as well as amenities: a pool, a clubhouse, the Bistro & Bar, a mountain-view amphitheater, a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, host seasonal, family-friendly events, and much more.
Which trip feels right for you and your crew? Wherever you choose to go, may the wind always be at your back and may the number of Buc-ee’s along the way be plentiful.