Planning a Route 66 adventure can be as exciting as the journey itself! Back in 2007, the idea of driving Route 66 captivated my wife and me. As Brits new to the US, we dove headfirst into research – forums, websites, maps, and, most importantly, guidebooks. There’s something special about holding a physical book, highlighting key sections, and jotting down your own notes. So, What Is The Best Route 66 Guide Book to help you plan your trip?
While online resources are great, a well-chosen guidebook is invaluable. To save you time and effort, I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 most frequently recommended guidebooks by experienced Route 66 travelers.
1. Route 66: EZ66 GUIDE For Travellers – Jerry McClanahan
Ask any seasoned Route 66 traveler for a recommendation, and the EZ66 Guide is almost always at the top of the list. Many consider it an essential purchase. This book provides a detailed, turn-by-turn breakdown of the entire route. It sticks as closely as possible to the original alignments, offering variations for segments that have changed over the years. Jerry McClanahan is an internationally recognized Route 66 authority, making this a reliable resource.
This book was invaluable during my trip. I used it to mark our daily mileage and browse for the next day’s adventure while waiting for dinner at roadside diners.
The EZ66 Guide can be used to follow the route in either direction (east to west or west to east) and highlights must-see sights and attractions. It’s not a typical guidebook with motel and attraction listings but rather a series of maps with text explanations for each stage of the journey. Packed with useful advice and precise directions, the EZ66 Guide is a must-have for any Route 66 road trip.
2. Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide – National Historic Route 66 Federation
The Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide, now in its 17th edition, is highly recommended by Route 66 veterans. While I didn’t have it for my 2007 trip, its popularity speaks volumes. However, since the series has been discontinued, this book comes with a pretty hefty price tag due to rarity!
It features recommendations from members of the National Historic Route 66 Federation and has helped countless travelers find the best places to stay and eat along the route. It lists over 500 dining and lodging establishments, focusing on the vintage properties that made Route 66 famous.
While various editions are available, the latest edition (the 17th) is recommended for newer listings and updated details, if you can find it and afford it. The book breaks the road into sections, listing lodging followed by dining recommendations.
Like the EZ66 Guide, this guidebook is spiral-bound, perfect for road trips. The Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide is an excellent companion to the EZ66 Guide. While the EZ66 Guide focuses on the route itself, this one highlights recommended accommodations and restaurants – definitely worth considering.
3. Route 66 Traveler’s Guide and Roadside Companion – Tom Snyder
This book holds a special place in my heart. The Route 66 Traveler’s Guide and Roadside Companion inspired my own Route 66 adventure. A friend gave it to me after describing their amazing road trip. It provided historical and contextual information, which was new to me and incredibly inspiring.
Tom Snyder paints a vivid picture of Route 66 life and its inhabitants, including colorful characters and everyday travelers.
Smaller sections include trip-planning tips, roadside photography advice, and mini-tours. The bulk of the book is organized by state, guiding you through the route and highlighting roadside attractions and iconic sights. I’ve often used this book to fact-check information for this website and for inspiration. Any book endorsed by the esteemed Michael Wallis is worth reading!
4. Route 66 Adventure Handbook – Drew Knowles
Now in its ‘High Octane’ fifth edition, the Route 66 Adventure Handbook sets itself apart by focusing on the wonders you’ll encounter on your journey – from vintage motels to kitschy roadside art. The book navigates Route 66 with clear passion and provides valuable tips and suggestions for planning your itinerary.
Drew Knowles provides information on locating unmarked portions of the Mother Road, contact information for Route 66 associations and visitor bureaus, an index of Route 66 towns, anecdotes, trivia, attractions, and suggested side trips.
The author’s engaging voice makes for entertaining reading. This book excels at taking readers off the beaten path, introducing both newbies and veterans to hidden gems and forgotten diversions. It also includes numerous maps.
5. Lonely Planet Route 66 Road Trips (Travel Guide)
While the smallest guidebook on this list, the Lonely Planet Route 66 Road Trips warrants a mention due to its unique content.
It shares some features with other guidebooks, but its “box-outs” are the standout feature. These provide interesting and useful information such as:
- Tips on driving Route 66 with kids
- Best radio stations along the route
- Best views along the route
- Memorable meals
- Best souvenir stores
This is just a glimpse of the great information included in this book.
Honorable Mention: The Route 66 Encyclopedia by Jim Hinckley
While not a guidebook or a map, The Route 66 Encyclopedia by Jim Hinckley is a phenomenal resource. This large, hardback, glossy-paged, full-color book is a celebration of Route 66. It’s an A-to-Z encyclopedia of the road and its many features, showcasing Hinckley’s passion and perseverance. This book didn’t quite fit the criteria for this list, but it would be a mistake to overlook it!
Choosing what is the best Route 66 guide book depends on your priorities. For detailed navigation, the EZ66 Guide is essential. For lodging and dining, the National Historic Route 66 Federation guide is invaluable (if you can find a copy). Tom Snyder’s book provides historical context, while Drew Knowles focuses on unique attractions. And Lonely Planet offers helpful tips and insights. Happy travels!
