Are you and your significant other in need of a romantic getaway? Look no further than the iconic Route 66, stretching from Illinois to California. This classic American road trip offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for couples.

Start off in Chicago, Illinois and make your way west towards St. Louis, Missouri. In St. Louis, take a break from driving to visit the Gateway Arch and take a scenic riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River.

Continuing on, you’ll pass through the picturesque town of Springfield, Illinois. Here, you can visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and take a stroll through the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.

As you make your way into Missouri, be sure to stop at the Meramec Caverns, a geological wonder that offers guided tours and a chance to see the rare “soda straw” formations.

Next up is Oklahoma, where you’ll find the charming town of Tulsa. Take a break to visit the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Oral Roberts University. For a unique experience, stop by the Blue Whale of Catoosa, a giant blue whale sculpture that serves as a nostalgic reminder of the Route 66 era.

As you enter Texas, you’ll pass through the historic town of Amarillo. Here, you can visit the Cadillac Ranch, a public art installation featuring graffiti-covered Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground.

New Mexico offers some of the most picturesque landscapes of the trip, including the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest National Park. These natural wonders will take your breath away and make for the perfect photo opportunity for you and your significant other.

In Arizona, make sure to stop by the city of Flagstaff, home to the Lowell Observatory where the planet Pluto was discovered. Take a guided tour of the observatory for a chance to stargaze through the historic telescope.

Finally, you’ll reach California and the end of the historic Route 66. End your journey in style by visiting the Santa Monica Pier, where you can take a romantic walk along the beach, ride the Ferris wheel and indulge in some of the best fish tacos in California.

This romantic couples road trip along Route 66 is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. With so many things to see and do, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories with your significant other. So pack your bags, gas up the car, and hit the road for the ultimate American road trip experience.

Revisiting the Classic American Road Trip: A Couples’ Guide to Exploring Route 66 from Illinois to California”

Day 1: Chicago, Illinois

• Arrive in Chicago and check into your hotel.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the city, visiting iconic landmarks such as Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower) and Millennium Park.
• In the evening, take a romantic stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk and enjoy dinner at one of the city’s many world-renowned restaurants.
• Stay overnight in Chicago, and let the city’s energy set the tone for your romantic getaway.

Day 2: Springfield, Illinois

• Start the day by driving to Springfield, Illinois, home of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
• Take a guided tour of the museum and learn about Lincoln’s life and legacy, while enjoying a touch of history and culture.
• In the afternoon, visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and take a walk through the neighborhood where Lincoln lived with his family.
• Stay overnight in Springfield, and let the intimacy of the moment soak in.

Day 3: St. Louis, Missouri

• Drive to St. Louis, Missouri and check into your hotel.
• Visit the Gateway Arch and take a scenic riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River. The view is bound to get you a little excited.
• In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of St. Louis’ famous BBQ restaurants. And don’t forget to bring your stretchy pants, you’ll need them.
• Stay overnight in St. Louis, and let the city’s charm work its magic on you and your partner.

Day 4: Meramec Caverns, Missouri (Continued)

• Take a tour and see the rare “soda straw” formations and let the natural wonder of the caverns spark a sense of adventure and excitement.
• In the afternoon, drive to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• Stay overnight in Tulsa, and let the night bring new surprises and opportunities.

Day 5: Tulsa, Oklahoma

• Visit the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Oral Roberts University. And if you’re lucky, you might catch Oral Roberts himself giving a sermon, just make sure to bring your pocket change, he’s a bit of a beggar.
• Stop by the Blue Whale of Catoosa, a giant blue whale sculpture, and take a photo to remember. And don’t be surprised if it winks at you, it’s a friendly whale.
• In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants.
• Stay overnight in Tulsa and let the city’s energy keep the fire burning.

Day 6: Amarillo, Texas

• Drive to Amarillo, Texas, and visit the Cadillac Ranch, a public art installation featuring graffiti-covered Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground.
• In the afternoon, drive to Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Stay overnight in Albuquerque, and let the heat of the moment guide you.

Day 7: Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park, New Mexico

• Start the day by visiting the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park, natural wonders that will take your breath away.
• Take a guided tour and learn about the history and geology of the area.
• In the afternoon, drive to Flagstaff, Arizona.
• Stay overnight in Flagstaff, and let the night sky be your witness.

Day 8: Flagstaff, Arizona

• Visit the Lowell Observatory where the planet Pluto was discovered.
• Take a guided tour of the observatory for a chance to stargaze through the historic telescope.
• In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.
• Stay overnight in Flagstaff and let the stars align for you and your partner.

Day 9: Santa Monica, California

• Drive to Santa Monica, California and check into your hotel.
• Visit the Santa Monica Pier and take a romantic walk along the beach.
• In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the city’s many excellent seafood restaurants.
• Stay overnight in Santa Monica and let the sound of the waves lull you to sleep.

Day 10: Los Angeles, California

• Spend the day exploring Los Angeles, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Griffith Observatory.
• In the evening, take a romantic drive along the famous Mulholland Drive, and let the city lights set the mood.
• Stay overnight in Los Angeles and let the city’s energy keep the fire burning.

Day 11: Departure

• Take a leisurely breakfast before departing for home.
• Take one last look at the breathtaking views and make memories that will last a lifetime.

This itinerary will take you on a journey through some of the most iconic and beautiful places that Route 66 has to offer, while also providing opportunities to be suggestive and flirtatious without being explicit. I hope this itinerary will be helpful for you and your partner to have a romantic and exciting trip.