National Geographic names Route 66 through New Mexico as a top travel experience for 2024

Route 66 once ran through Sandoval County, including what is now Camino del Pueblo through Bernalillo. (Herron photo)

National Geographic unveiled its selections for Best of the World 2024 Tuesday, Jan. 30, which included a road trip along Route 66 through New Mexico as one of the top 20 travel experiences in the world for 2024.

National Geographic identifies a variety of accommodations, experiences and points of interest in destinations throughout New Mexico, such as historic hotels in Tucumcari, Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque and Native and Indigenous performances in Gallup.

Each year, National Geographic releases its “Best of the World” list to celebrate enlightening travel experiences that illuminate the diversity of communities across the globe. The annual list is selected and written by National Geographic travel editors, experts and expedition leaders.

“Exploring Route 66 in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico offers travelers a truly great opportunity to tap the past, present and future of the Great American West,” said Acting Tourism Secretary Lancing Adams. “Celebrating the history and heritage of Route 66 will allow for us to strengthen our bond among communities and boost New Mexico’s profile as a premier destination to people around the world.”

New Mexico is one of four U.S. destinations selected to National Geographic’s list of top 20 travel experiences for 2024. The road trip on Route 66 was listed as the No. 7 travel experience.

“We are beyond thrilled that Albuquerque has been included in National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World’ list as part of the No. 7 travel experience for 2024, and the timing is perfect as the city gears up to celebrate the centennial of the Mother Road in 2026,” said Tania Armenta, president and CEO of Visit Albuquerque. “The Route 66 experience in Albuquerque is a unique blend of old and new. The historic highway runs through the heart of the city along Central Avenue, leading travelers through some of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods. Albuquerque is a one-of-a-kind destination that serves as a great home base for exploring the rest of New Mexico, and we look forward to welcoming travelers to experience the best of Albuquerque and New Mexico in 2024 and beyond.”

To prepare for the Route 66 centennial, a stand-alone $2.5 million special appropriation for the Route 66 Centennial was included in the FY25 Executive Budget Request. Through this special request, the state will be better suited to support the promotions, projects and events that the Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group may propose. Currently, the FY25 Legislative Finance Committee Budget Recommendation does not include a stand-alone special appropriations for the Route 66 centennial.

Here’s what National Geographic said about Route 66:

“For nearly a century, Route 66 has beckoned to travelers. A trip along the Mother Road through New Mexico hits timeless landmarks, such as quirky motels and curio shops in and around Tucumcari and symbolic etchings in Petroglyph National Monument. In Gallup — mentioned as one of the places to ‘get your kicks’ in Nat King Cole’s 1946 hit song ‘Route 66’ — you can take in performances featuring Zuni, Lakota and Diné (Navajo) dancers.

“Some 18 miles of the highway traverse Albuquerque, the longest urban interlude of the route in the United States. And it’s getting a half-million-dollar glow-up with the ongoing restoration of vintage neon signs along Central Avenue.

“While cruising down the brightened strip, stop at the new West Central Route 66 Visitor Center, with its museum and outdoor amphitheater. The center will host events like lowrider car shows, drive-in movies and artisan markets.”