0
0
Tucumcari, New Mexico, is a small town rich in Route 66 history. Once a bustling stop for road trippers, it remains a living time capsule of neon-lit motels, classic diners, and retro Americana. With its well-preserved historic charm and ongoing renovation, Tucumcari stands as one of the best places to capture the essence of mid-century American road culture.
A Brief History of Tucumcari
Originally a railroad town established in 1901, Tucumcari grew into a major stop along Route 66 when the highway was commissioned in 1926. During the golden era of American road travel, the town flourished with motels, gas stations, and restaurants catering to weary travelers. Though Interstate 40 bypassed much of Route 66, Tucumcari remains a nostalgic tribute to the past, preserving many of its vintage attractions and signage. Today, the town continues to draw visitors seeking a glimpse of the iconic Route 66 experience.
Iconic Photos to Capture
Tucumcari is home to many remnants of its Route 66 heyday, making it a fantastic weekend trip for photographers. Here are some shots to look for:
- Blue Swallow Motel – The most famous landmark in town, this historic motel is known for its beautifully restored neon sign, vintage cars, and classic motor court design. Day or night, the entrance to this hotel is amazing to capture!
- Tepee Curios – A quirky and colorful Route 66 souvenir shop with a distinctive teepee-shaped entrance and vibrant signage. This is in full light in the morning, but is also great to photograph around sunset.
- Americana Motel – A classic roadside motel with vintage neon signage and mid-century architecture. If you want to photograph the car facing forward, you’ll need to get a morning shot. You can get the reverse side of the sign in the evening.
- Motel Safari – Another classic roadside motel with a fun sign and mid-century colorful architecture. I loved shooting this one in the morning, but agan
- Vintage Gas Stations – Tucumcari is dotted with historic gas stations — some abandoned and others repurposed — featuring faded signage and retro architecture.
- Rusty Classic Cars – Scattered throughout Tucumcari, you’ll find vintage cars, rusting relics of the past, parked in front of motels, gas stations, and along the roadside.
- Route 66 Murals – Tucumcari is home to numerous hand-painted murals that celebrate the town’s history and Route 66 heritage. The image of the Visitor Center, below, was captured in the evening. Many of the murals on side streets are brighter in the morning.
- La Cita Restaurant — This Mexican restaurant in Tucumcari has a prominent sombrero and brightly colored walls. Established in 1940, La Cita has been a notable landmark along Route 66, especially after adding a 30-foot-tall sombrero above its entrance in 1961. I definitely love the golden glow of evening light on the colors, but it’s a difficult location to photograph because it’s so busy!
- Old Signs — Old signs are another of my favorite subjects. They’re scattered throughout town and their timeless appeal adds character and authenticity to Route 66 photography. You’ll be able to photograph these any time of the day, depending on the side of the street and the direction you’re photographing.
- Explore Side Streets — While Route 66 is the main attraction, wandering through Tucumcari’s backstreets reveals abandoned buildings, vintage cars, and lesser-known murals that add depth to your photo collection. There is a great theater in the “downtown” area, as well as an old train station. I found the morning light particularly appealing in this part of town.
- Route 66 Monument — Located at the western edge of town, along historic Route 66, this sculpture was created in 1997 by artist Thomas Coffin. The monument features a red stone base carved to resemble tires, symbolizing the journey along the Mother Road. Atop the base, a chrome structure evokes the tail fin of a classic 1950s automobile. This is best photographed in the morning, but I caught the photo below on my way out of town at nearly 1:00 p.m.
Best Season for Photography
The best time to photograph Tucumcari is during spring and fall. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists, and dynamic skies. The summer can be extremely hot, but I visited in early June and found it very quiet in terms of tourists and the temperature was perfect.
Where to Stay for an Authentic Route 66 Experience
For photographers looking to fully immerse themselves in Tucumcari’s Route 66 charm, staying in a historic motel is a must. Many people recommend the Blue Swallow Motel because it’s one of the most famous stops along Route 66. Meticulously restored, this 1939 motor court offers vintage decor, classic neon light, and period appropriate touches. Staying at the Blue Swallow also gives you access to photograph the motor court area, which is closed to anyone other than guests.
I chose to stay at the Roadrunner Lodge, which is also a retro-inspired motel. The front of the lodge and the vintage-styled rooms make fantastic photography subjects. Every bit of the hotel has been fashioned to give you a true Route 66 experience, including the check-in area and it was super fun to walk into my room and have it playing an old time radio show! I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed my stay at the Roadrunner Lodge. It also has a great location, near the end of the strip that you’ll be photographing.
Where to Eat
Del’s Restaurant, established in 1956, is a popular dining spot located in Tucumcari. Recognizable by its iconic neon sign topped with a Hereford bull, Del’s has been serving both locals and travelers for decades. In 2020, Chase Waters, who began his career at Del’s as a 16-year-old high school student, returned to Tucumcari to purchase the restaurant, continuing its legacy. The menu offers traditional American dishes and Mexican cuisine. I think the retro atmosphere is very cozy and love the friendliness of the staff. It’s also just a short walk from where I was staying at the Roadrunner, which made it very convenient.
Additional Tips for Photographers
- Use a Tripod: For neon sign shots at night, a tripod is essential for capturing crisp, well-exposed images.
- Shoot in RAW: This will give you more flexibility when editing, especially with the vibrant colors of Tucumcari’s murals and neon lights.
- Respect Private Property: Many motels and businesses are still in operation, so always ask for permission before photographing up close.
Tucumcari is a dream destination for photographers looking to capture a slice of Americana. Whether you’re drawn to neon-lit nostalgia, vintage signage, or historic architecture, this section of Route 66 has plenty to offer. It was by far one of my favorite weekend trips. Pack your camera, hit the road, and spend a day or two photographing a town full of history and classic roadside charm.
