As Route 66 approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, Albuquerque, New Mexico — home to the longest urban stretch of the highway — is looking forward to celebrating with immersive art exhibitions, community festivals and a brand-new visitor center.
Of course, the city’s intrigue and charm extend beyond the famous stretch. Recent developments in hospitality, food and cultural experiences make Albuquerque an exciting destination for travelers any year.
We sat down with Madison Garay, a Route 66 researcher at Visit Albuquerque, and Brenna Moore, director of communications and public relations at Visit Albuquerque, to discuss the lasting cultural impact of Route 66 on the city, exciting new tourism developments and what visitors can look forward to.
How has Route 66 shaped the cultural history of Albuquerque?
Garay: Route 66 continues to shape Albuquerque's cultural history, development and identity. The highway runs along Albuquerque's main street, Central Avenue, making it the fourth-largest urban center on Route 66 (following Oklahoma City, Chicago and Los Angeles). Historically, the city served as a spot for auto tourists needing to refuel, eat or find a good place to lay their head.
Route 66’s influence also reached lowrider culture, which Albuquerque is now known for. During World War II, lots of Burquenos [natives or residents of Albuquerque] and New Mexicans in Los Angeles brought lowrider influences back home, blending them with the city’s local traditions. Situated at the crossroads of Native, Hispanic and Anglo cultures, Albuquerque became a cultural hub, evident today in its cuisine, architecture and historical sites.
What are some of the most iconic stops along the Route in Albuquerque that tourists should not miss?
Garay: If you come through Tijeras Canyon from the east, one of the first things you will see is a yucca sculpture made with repurposed military steel. This public art piece of the state’s plant is a cool embodiment of Route 66 ideals, mid-century aesthetics and New Mexican heritage.
A more classic must-see is the Jones Motor Company in Nob Hill. This huge art-deco building was formerly a service station and auto dealership. It has been around since the 1940s and has great neon and architectural details. 66 Diners is another repurposed service station that was bought in 1987 out of love for Route 66 and repurposed into a classic, kitschy Americana diner that is a neighborhood institution near the University of New Mexico.
The KiMo Theater is also a true Albuquerque landmark. It’s a Pueblo Deco palace with architecture that incorporates Navajo, Pueblo and Hispanic aesthetics. It continues to be a cultural hub, offering shows and live music every week.
Built in 1937, El Vado Motel is the oldest motor court on Route 66 in Albuquerque. This beautiful, refurbished motel is deeply New Mexican in aesthetic. It features white stucco, wooden beams and a walkable, repurposed layout with boutiques and a taproom. The neon sign is original and has been restored. This historic motel, located near the Rio Grande and some of Albuquerque’s best museums, is definitely a must see.
El Vado Motel is the oldest motor court on Route 66 in Albuquerque.
Credit: 2025 Visit AlbuquerqueA stop at Nine Mile Hill is also a must for a breathtaking panoramic view of Albuquerque and the Sandia Mountains. The landscape is steeped in Hollywood history — Elvis often visited Nine Mile Hill to take in the views of the city’s lights, while local kids gathered at a nearby filling station to watch him. Whether you’re coming from east or west, the view here is incredible and is one of the most iconic stops along the Route in Albuquerque.
With Route 66 turning 100 in 2026, how is Albuquerque celebrating?
Moore: To kick off the celebrations, we launched a website featuring narratives that highlight Route 66's cultural impact. The website includes a comprehensive events calendar so visitors can stay up to date on the centennial events throughout the year. The site has been in the works for about two years.
In collaboration with Albuquerque’s Arts and Culture Department, Visit Albuquerque has partnered with Meow Wolf, a New Mexico-based cart collective, to create large-scale murals and immersive art exhibits along the route. Meanwhile, Refract Studio, another New Mexico-based creative technology studio, will also install 20 augmented reality stops along the route. These exhibits will be available year-round for visitors to enjoy regardless of when they visit.
This summer, the Arts and Culture Department is also opening a Route 66 Visitor Center near Nine Mile Hill, offering beautiful views of Albuquerque. The center is set to be a tremendous asset to the city, featuring a gallery space, lowrider exhibits, a taproom, restaurant capabilities and an outdoor amphitheater that will host all types of programming — both Route 66-specific and otherwise.
One of the main events celebrating the centennial is Route 66 Summerfest, which will be held on July 19 in the Nob Hill neighborhood. Visitors can expect a vibrant festival with live music, local food trucks, lowriders and all sorts of neon. It will be an exciting tribute to the spirit and culture of Route 66 in Albuquerque.
Are there any other tourism developments in Albuquerque that travel advisors and travelers should know about?
Moore: Several new hotels are opening, including Arrive Albuquerque, which was formerly the Downtowner Motor Inn, an iconic Route 66 motel from the 1960s. The newly reopened hotel is a stunning reimagining of the original property. Other long-standing Route 66 motels like the El Don Motel are also currently being renovated.
Meanwhile, Albuquerque International Sunport is undergoing an $87 million renovation. The project will focus on preserving the beloved airport’s architecture, making it look and feel very Albuquerque. The airport is slated to bring in local restaurants like the Indian Pueblo Kitchen, which serves Native American cuisine at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center here in Albuquerque, and other local dining options like Laguna Burger and Teller Vodka. The airport will also add new direct flights including routes to Washington, D.C., Nashville and Minneapolis. The project should be wrapped up in early 2026, just ahead of Route 66 Centennial celebrations.
Visitors can look forward to a few new food tours in Albuquerque this year.
Credit: 2025 Visit AlbuquerqueIs there anything else that Albuquerque is promoting for visitors right now? What are some of the other highlights of a visit in 2025?
Visitors can look forward to a few new food tours in the city. The Taste of Albuquerque walking tour is opening in Old Town — the first of its kind with a focus on local food. In the spring, New Nuevo, a local small business, will also begin offering multi-day culinary tours called Nuevo Bites that will provide highly curated, often multi-day tours of Albuquerque's vibrant food scene.
