Cadillac Ranch: A must-see! This iconic art installation features spray-painted, buried Cadillacs. It’s free to visit and offers a great chance for a fun, artistic pit stop. Bring your own spray paint for a personal touch.
Big Texan Steak Ranch: While the big steak challenge may be tempting, even if you’re not up for the challenge, you can still visit and soak in the atmosphere of this Route 66 landmark. They have a more affordable menu for backpackers.
Route 66 Historic District: Spend some time exploring the historic Route 66 buildings in downtown Amarillo, where you can enjoy the vibe of the old road and check out the murals, vintage signs, and quirky shops.

Glenrio Ghost Town: This town, straddling the Texas/New Mexico border, has an eerie and fascinating vibe, filled with decaying buildings and remnants of the past. It’s a free, off-the-beaten-path stop that captures the spirit of Route 66’s history.

Vega Motel: This historic Route 66 stop offers budget-friendly rooms and is a great place to get a feel for the old-school motels along the highway.
Oldham County Courthouse: Explore the historic courthouse and the small-town charm of Vega. This area is great for stretching your legs and taking in the local history without spending much.

Blue Swallow Motel: Though just across the Texas border, Tucumcari offers some of the most iconic Route 66 motels. The Blue Swallow Motel is one of the most photographed and affordable vintage motels on the route.
Route 66 Murals: Walk around downtown to see beautiful, free-to-view murals celebrating the history of Route 66 and Tucumcari’s role in it. They’re a perfect way to experience the Route 66 vibe on a budget.

Adrian – The Midpoint of Route 66: Stop at the Midpoint Café in Adrian, the exact halfway point of Route 66. It’s a popular place for travelers, and they offer budget-friendly diner meals. The sign marking the midpoint is also an iconic photo spot!

The Devil's Rope Museum: Learn about barbed wire history for a small donation. It’s a quirky, unique stop that celebrates rural life and its connections to the railroad, cattle ranching, and the history of Route 66.
Route 66 Museum: In McLean, you’ll find this museum dedicated to the history of the route and its impact on the town. It’s inexpensive to visit and packed with artifacts from the road's heyday.

Shamrock’s U-Drop Inn: One of the most iconic Art Deco buildings along Route 66, this beautifully restored building now houses a visitor center and offers a free, self-guided tour of its unique architecture and history.
Shamrock’s Historic Gas Stations: There are still some vintage gas stations along this stretch of Route 66, including the old Texaco and Conoco stations, where you can snap some photos.

The Leaning Water Tower of Groom: Stop in Groom to see the Leaning Water Tower, a quirky stop for travelers. It’s free to visit and a perfect example of the weird roadside attractions that Route 66 is known for.
Route 66 Trail of Tears: The Panhandle Plains Historical Museum in Canyon offers free exhibits about the Native American history that intersects with Route 66.

Budget Motels: Many of the motels along Route 66 in Texas still retain their classic Route 66 charm but at affordable rates. Try motels like the Golden Circle Motel in Amarillo or the Kiva Motel in Shamrock for a cheap, retro experience.
Camping: If you’re more of a camping type, check out places like Lake Tanglewood near Amarillo, which offers affordable camping options. Another budget-friendly choice is Caprock Canyons State Park for a bit of nature and relaxation without the high cost.

Local Diners & Roadside Eateries: Route 66 is filled with classic diners where you can get hearty meals at low prices. Places like The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo and The Midpoint Café in Adrian offer affordable meals with a side of Route 66 nostalgia. Many small towns also have budget-friendly family-owned restaurants that serve up home-cooked meals.

Pack Snacks: Route 66 can be sparse in some stretches, so packing snacks and water is a great way to avoid unnecessary stops.
Use Gas Apps: Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas along the route, helping you keep costs down.
Avoid Tourist Traps: Stick to the small, local attractions where you can enjoy Route 66’s charm without paying high fees.

Wandering Souls