Route 66: Best Stops between Oklahoma City and Tulsa
Route 66 in Oklahoma is full of roadside classics, like diners, museums, neon signs, small towns, pecan orchards, and long stretches of quiet backroads. We drove the entire section of Route 66 between Tulsa and Oklahoma City right after Thanksgiving, and it was the perfect introduction to the “Mother Road”.
This post includes everything we personally experienced, including what we loved, what we learned, and a funny detour that added an extra hour to our day. Pro tip: Keep your GPS going even when it feels unnecessary!
1. Route 66 Park at Lake Overholser
After spending Thanksgiving at The National Hotel in Oklahoma City, we packed up, enjoyed breakfast and coffee from Tellers downstairs, and headed toward Tulsa, but not following the interstate.
Instead, we decided to drive Route 66 from Oklahoma City to Tulsa, taking the long way through small towns and back roads so quiet we genuinely wondered if we were still on the scenic route. (Spoiler: At one point, we were definitely not.)
If you want a proper sendoff, consider starting at Route 66 Park at Lake Overholser. You’ll find:
Route 66 murals
Historic signage
Lakeside views
A peaceful walking path
It’s an easy photo stop before heading east, but by no means do you have to start here. Route 66 weaves through Oklahoma City, so you can hop on wherever it makes sense for your trip.
2. Pops 66 Soda Ranch (Arcadia)
This is one of the most iconic Route 66 stops in Oklahoma! You’ll find over 700 sodas, retro gas pumps, diner-style food, and a giant neon soda bottle that’s 66 feet tall.
It was one of our favorite stops along Route 66, simply for the fun of picking out a soda from dozens and dozens of shelves filled with all kinds of unique and traditional flavors.
3. Harrah’s + Ioway Casino Area
Next, you’ll pass Harrah’s and Ioway Casino. Harrah’s is a casino that was developed in partnership with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. It’s opening to the public later this year (April 2026) and will be the first Caesars-managed gaming venue in Oklahoma.
“Are We Still on Route 66?”
The next part of the drive opens up into wide stretches of farmland and quiet roads. Somewhere on our way toward Stroud, things got a little too quiet, as we drove through stretch after stretch that felt increasingly not Route 66.
Once service came back, we realized we had missed a turn near Chandler. So, here’s our Route 66 pro tip: Just keep your GPS on the entire time.
You won’t think you need it since you’re following roadside signs, but when you’re keeping your eyes peeled for attractions and fun stops, you might miss the casual left-handed turn you’re supposed to take by an old gas station. (Said from personal experience.)
We ended up adding almost an hour of detour to our drive, but didn’t actually miss any Route 66 highlights. We officially picked up the route again in Chandler when we recognized the salt dome and saw a Phillips 66 sign. Whoops, that’s where we should have turned! Second pro tip: If you’re no longer seeing Route 66 signs, you’ve missed a turn.
4. Chandler
Chandler definitely feels like a Route 66 town. You’ll find a Route 66 Interpretive Center, a vintage Route 66 bowl sign outside of the Route 66 bowling alley, and neat murals. When we drove through the weekend after Thanksgiving, many of the buildings were decorated for Christmas.
5. Rock Café (Stroud)
Stroud’s Rock Café is one of the most famous diners on Route 66. Opened in 1939, it inspired the character Sally in Cars. The town itself has a charming old Main Street, and during our drive, several storefronts were decorated for the holidays. It’s a great lunch stop.
6. Davenport, Bristow & Small-Town Main Streets Along Route 66
One of our favorite parts of driving Route 66 from Oklahoma City to Tulsa wasn’t a single landmark, but the string of small towns in between. Towns like Davenport and Bristow felt straight out of a Hallmark movie in December, with classic brick main streets and storefronts trimmed in Christmas lights.
In Davenport, we passed the Round-Up Café and rows of vintage brick buildings. In Bristow, we noticed a neat-looking old-school Sonic, trolley museum, “Cowboy Christmas” signage, and more storefronts dressed up for the holidays.
Driving this stretch in early winter turned out to be one of the best times to experience it. Many towns were decorated, traffic was light, and the whole drive felt relaxing.
7. Mother Road Market + the Gathering Place (Tulsa)
As you approach Tulsa, the Route 66 energy ramps up again. We drove past giant roadside statues, route 66 signage everywhere, and neon accents in lots of places.
We ended our drive at Mother Road Market in Tulsa, and it was the perfect finish. The road leading into Mother Road Market is lined with Route 66 signs and oversized statues, which makes the arrival feel celebratory. We browsed every vendor before settling on Metropolis Cheesesteaks and ice cream in waffle cones for dessert.
While not directly on Route 66, The Gathering Place is another stop worth considering if you’re staying in Tulsa. It’s a massive park with lakes, walking trails, art installations, and a huge kid adventure playground with climbing gyms and obstacle areas. If you’re traveling with kids, this alone makes it worth the stop.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this section are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we genuinely love or have personally experienced ourselves.
FAQ: Route 66 from OKC to Tulsa
How long does it take to drive from OKC to Tulsa on Route 66?
If you drive it straight through without stopping, it’s about 1.5 to 2 hours, similar to taking the interstate. If you stop, plan on at least 4-6 hours.
What’s the best time of year to drive Route 66 in Oklahoma?
From our experience, fall and early winter were ideal. We drove it around Thanksgiving week, and loved the cool temperatures, light traffic, and small towns decorated for Christmas. Spring would also be beautiful with green fields and mild weather. Summer is doable, but it can get hot, and many stops are outdoors.
Is Route 66 a good road trip for kids?
Yes, this stretch is very family-friendly. Mother Road Market (Tulsa) is an easy win. Multiple food vendors mean everyone can order what they want, and there’s space to move around without feeling confined.
Pops 66 Soda Ranch (Arcadia) is another highlight, with its wall of 700+ sodas. Plus, the giant neon soda bottle outside makes it feel like a roadside attraction, not just a meal stop. (Though it can be both!)
66 Bowl in Chandler is a great energy break. The vintage bowling alley adds something active between cafés and scenic driving, which is helpful if kids need to move.
Rock Café (Stroud) adds a fun storytelling element. The 1939 diner inspired the character Sally in Cars, which makes it fun for kids who know the movie. Even if they don’t, the classic Route 66 diner vibe feels different from a standard chain restaurant.
Finally, the Gathering Place (Tulsa) may be one of the best urban parks in the country for families. There are massive playgrounds, climbing structures, slides, obstacle-style adventure areas, and wide-open green space. It truly feels like a “kids wonderland” built into a city park.
Where should you stay when driving Route 66 between Oklahoma City and Tulsa?
If you’re turning this drive into a weekend trip, we recommend spending at least one night in each city so you can explore more than just the roadside stops.
In Oklahoma City, we loved staying at The National. This historic bank building has soaring ceilings, dramatic architecture, and a beautiful lobby that feels especially magical during the holidays. It’s also within walking distance of Scissortail Park, Bricktown, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and several great restaurants, so you can park the car and explore downtown on foot. This a hotel I would return to again and again and highly recommend!
In Tulsa, we stayed at Residence Inn Tulsa Midtown. It was a comfortable, practical home base with easy parking and spacious rooms. If you’re staying multiple nights or want extra space, this is a solid option.
Another hotel we strongly considered in Tulsa is the Ambassador Hotel Tulsa. Located in a historic Art Deco building closer to downtown, it has a more boutique, romantic feel that pairs nicely with Tulsa’s historic architecture and Route 66 history.
If you prefer to stay within one hotel loyalty program like we do, both cities have several good options, but these three stood out to us for location, atmosphere, price, and convenience.
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