Nicknamed the "Mother Road" and "America's Main Street," there isn't a more iconic strip of asphalt in U.S. history than Route 66. The historic highway connected Chicago to Los Angeles until it was largely replaced by the Interstate system in the 1960s.

But in some places—Albuquerque, for example—parts of Route 66 are still alive and well. Let our real estate agents be your guides to exploring this slice of history in Albuquerque, NM!

Finding Route 66

Albuquerque has embraced its history as part of this famous route. Countless people come here every year to drive the section of Route 66 that now forms Albuquerque's Central Avenue. This 18-mile stretch cuts right through Downtown from east to west, including parts of the Nob Hill and Old Town Neighborhoods.

An even older version of the highway, dating to the time before Route 66 was re-routed in 1937, is now 4th Street. This stretch runs through the Barelas-South Fourth Street Historic District, which includes several Route 66-related landmarks.  

Route 66 Landmarks

Albuquerque has so many historic buildings, signs, and landmarks that it's almost impossible to miss them. To experience an unforgettable piece of American history, visit these Route 66 sites in Albuquerque: 

• 66 Diner - 1405 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
  First opened in 1947 as a filling station called Sam's Sixty Six Service, the building that now operates as the 66 Diner is as classic as it gets. This place serves up diner standards like chicken-fried steak and meatloaf along with New Mexico specialties like huevos rancheros, all in a classic diner setting that includes counter seating with a view of the kitchen.
  
  
• Nob Hill Shopping Center - 113 Carlisle Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
  The idea of a modern shopping center, with a row of storefronts and an integrated parking lot, was a novel concept when the Nob Hill Shopping Center first opened in 1946. With more Americans driving than ever before, they quickly became the norm. But the Nob Hill Shopping Center, which looks very much like it did 70 years ago, remains one of the very first of its kind.
  
  
• Dog House Drive In - 1216 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
  There's a good chance you spotted the Dog House Drive In on Breaking Bad, but this iconic Albuquerque eatery has been on the map for much longer than that. The no-frills Dog House Drive In is still slinging hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries, and milkshakes just as it has for decades, and its famous neon dachshund still beckons from the highway. 
  
  
• Kimo Theatre - 423 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
  The Kimo Theatre is truly a treasured landmark. First opened in 1927, it's the oldest Pueblo Deco-style theater in America, and although it has closed, re-opened, and changed hands multiple times, it remains a fixture of the city. It's also still open as a functioning theater, hosting concerts, plays, ballet, and movie screenings in its majestic space.

Contact us today to learn more about life in New Mexico!