2-Day Route 66 Photo Op Road Trip in OKC
With its quirky attractions, retro diners and scenic backdrops, Route 66 is among the most photographed highways in America. Particularly photogenic around OKC, we’ve mapped out some top photo ops on the drive, along with how much time to spend at each stop.
Day 1
Diner Vibes at Scrambl’d
A modern diner with retro roots, Scrambl’d serves up unique comfort foods in a stylish space close to other points of interest, like the Oklahoma State Capitol. The food, like chicken & pancakes and deep-fried French toast, is just as photogenic. 45 minutes
Snap a Shot at Lake Overholser Bridge
For more architectural marvels, check out the historic Lake Overholser Bridge, constructed in 1924. Especially scenic right after sunrise or during golden hour, its steel trusses perfectly frame the sun shimmering on the water. 45 minutes
Spot the Mural in the Britton District
The Britton District offers one of the most photo-worthy stops on the route. Here, you’ll find the city’s only Route 66 mural, a bold, colorful take on the classic highway shield that’s become a must-see for travelers tracing the Mother Road. Located along Britton Road, it’s an easy and memorable stop to capture a piece of OKC’s growing Route 66 story. 20 minutes
Lunch at El Coyote
Break for lunch at El Coyote, where the menu highlights New Mexican cuisine. Order a few margaritas and enjoy them on the patio, where pueblo-style architecture and colorful décor create the perfect backdrop for photos.1.5 hours
See the Summer of 66 Mural
Stop in the 39th Street District, a historic stretch of Route 66 known today as the city’s hub for LGBTQ+ culture and nightlife, to photograph the expansive Summer of 66 mural, which spans a building façade with vivid depictions of Route 66 icons like the Milk Bottle Grocery and the Route 66 Robot. Its layered design makes it one of the most eye-catching photo backdrops in the city. 30 minutes
Dinner at Pizzeria Gusto
End the day at Pizzeria Gusto in the Uptown 23rd District. The brick façade, string-lit patio and wood-fired oven glowing behind the bar add visual charm for photos, while the menu spans Neapolitan-style pizzas, small plates, and house-made desserts alongside craft beers and cocktails. 2 hours
Day 2
Start with Coffee at Egg & CàPhê
Begin your Route 66 morning at Egg & CàPhê, a cozy Vietnamese café known for its iced coffee, matcha drinks, and light breakfast fare. It’s a great place to fuel up before setting off on your Route 66 mini-adventure. 20 minutes
Capture Two Route 66 Classics
Just a short stroll (or very quick drive) away, you’ll encounter two iconic landmarks of Oklahoma City’s Route 66 corridor: the Milk Bottle Building and the Gold Dome. The Milk Bottle Building, crowned with its signature oversized milk bottle, now houses a nail salon, so you can’t shop there, but it’s still one of the best photo ops on the route, its quirky charm standing out against the backdrop of the Asian District. A few blocks down, the Gold Dome, constructed in 1958 as a bank, still gleams in the Oklahoma sun as one of the few geodesic domes in the world. Together, these two Route 66 highlights make for an easy and photogenic stop. 30 minutes
Street Art Stop in the Plaza District
A vibrant detour close to Route 66, the Plaza District is basically one big gallery, renowned for its street art and Plaza Walls. The rotating alleyway murals make for amazing selfies and backdrops, while neighborhood galleries, like DNA Galleries, offer their own artistic wonders. 45 minutes
Snap the Neon at Tower Theatre
A local landmark, the restored 1930s Tower Theatre glows with its signature neon marquee. The vintage exterior and colorful lights make it one of the most photogenic spots in the city, especially in the golden hour. 30 minutes
Check out Robot on 23rd Street
Across from the historic Tower Theatre, you’ll find an 8-foot-tall metal robot, one of the quirkiest photo ops in the Uptown 23rd District. Look closely at its control board to spot a subtle Route 66 symbol. 30 minutes
End the Day at POPS 66 Soda Ranch
POPS Soda Ranch is a quintessential stop near OKC for its 66-foot soda bottle and its rainbow wall of vintage soda bottles, from classic grape to orange-hued butterscotch. The steel soda bottle is lit with LEDs at night, casting a colorful glow over Route 66, and it’s equally stunning against a backlit sunrise. Stay for dinner at the café, which serves burgers, fries and thick shakes, an easy way to refuel before heading off the Mother Road. 1.5 hours
