Oklahoma Route 66 Named One of National Geographic’s Best Of The World: Where To Go In 2026
Road trippers driving along Route 66 will find museums filled with historic memorabilia, kitschy landmarks, throwback diners, and neon signs like this one from the classic Desert Hills Motel in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Charles Blackburn)
National Geographic today unveiled its annual list of the 25 most awe-inspiring, meaningful and immersive travel experiences for the upcoming year. From Rwandan safaris to Pittsburgh museums, this year’s edition of BEST OF THE WORLD encourages readers to rethink how they travel, embracing deeper connections with nature, culture and communities.
Following a robust nomination, researching and reporting process, Oklahoma’s section of Route 66 was selected as one of the BEST OF THE WORLD for 2026 by National Geographic’s team of travel experts and Nat Geo Traveller‘s international editorial teams, which serve millions of readers through their magazines and websites around the world.
Designed as a curated selection of options to inspire travelers, BEST OF THE WORLD 2026 includes something for everyone — families, foodies, animal lovers, adventurers and more. This year’s list stands apart by featuring destinations that celebrate distinctive cultural moments, one-of-a-kind events and experiences, awe-inspiring natural wonders and sustainable travel. Whether exploring the Badlands or touring the “snow monsters” of the Zao mountains in Japan, this year’s selections offer a diverse range of options that cater to both seasoned explorers and first-time adventurers.
“At Nat Geo, we know that travel has the power to inspire and transform us," said Nathan Lump, editor in chief of National Geographic. "In this year's BEST OF THE WORLD, we especially wanted to highlight unexpected destinations that the algorithms are probably not serving you — for instance, Uzbekistan's Khiva or Rwanda's Akagera National Park. Of course, we know that not every trip can be an off-the-beaten-path adventure, so we were mindful to include some surprisingly compelling places that are also more easily accessible. Whatever kind of traveler you are, our goal is to ensure we're sharing fresh ideas that help you connect with that feeling of discovery and joy that comes from a great travel experience."
“We’re lucky in Oklahoma to have more than 400 miles of the most famous road in the world,” said Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. “From the foothills of the Ozarks in the east to the rolling hills of Green Country to the wide-open skies of Western Oklahoma, our state is where the landscape really starts to change for folks that are cruising the Mother Road. It’s also a connector to many cultures, from our Native American tribes to Oklahoma City’s Asian District to the towns where Route 66 is still Main Street. We’re very proud that National Geographic has highlighted our stretch of Route 66 as something particularly special, especially when you see the esteemed company that we are in from around the world.”
BEST OF THE WORLD 2026 can be found online now at NatGeo.com/BestOfTheWorld, where readers can be transported to each destination through striking photography and immersive reporting. For a more detailed breakdown, check out this article.
