Motel Safari in Tucumcari

Leaving Glenrio on the Texas-New Mexico border, Route 66 headed west and passed through San Jon on its way to Tucumcari. Further west were the towns of Montoya, Newkirk, Cuervo and Santa Rosa.

Tucumcari is an active city with a variety of vintage motels and electric neon signage, and services for Route 66 fans and travelers.

Founded in 1901, Tucumcari is located in Quay County and has a population of over 5,000 residents. Tucumcari is the largest city between Amarillo and Albuquerque, and has long used the slogan "Tucumcari Tonite!"

In the movie "Cars" the radiator-cap-shaped mountain marked “RS” (for Radiator Springs) was inspired by Tucumcari Mountain in New Mexico with its white “T.”

For decades, Tucumcari has been a popular stop for travelers on Interstate 40 and previously Route 66. Many businesses, service stations, restaurants and motels were built to accommodate tourists as they traveled through the city on the Mother Road.

Today, Historic U.S. Route 66 continues to pass through the center of Tucumcari via Route 66 Boulevard. A large number of businesses built in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s are still in business. One of the more popular, vintage motels here is the Motel Safari.

We have visited and stayed in Tucumcari on several occasions, and highly recommend making Tucumcari a stop on your next Route 66 road trip!

Map of Route 66 from Glenrio to Santa Fe showing the location of Tucumcari
Map of Route 66 from Glenrio to Santa Fe showing the location of Tucumcari

Motel Safari The Motel Safari opened in 1959, and today many of the original design elements are still evident, such as the quirky geometric sign, oozing brick mortar and counter stacked bricks in the facade, and square holes in the cinder block structures. Route 66 travelers enjoy mid-century modern style with today's conveniences! All rooms include free Wi-Fi, cable HDTV, and in-room Route 66 Radio. 722 East Route 66 Boulevard ... Phone 575.461.1048 For more information, visit the website of the Motel Safari and Motel Safari on Facebook Traveler reviews and more photos of the Motel Safari at TripAdvisor

Things to See and Do in the Tucumcari Area

The Route 66 Monument in Tucumcari, New Mexico

Whatever your interests, Tucumcari offers a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions, including:

Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum
Tucumcari Historical Museum
New Mexico Route 66 Museum
Tucumcari Railroad Museum
Tucumcari Mountain
Route 66 Monument
Ute Lake State Park
Conchas Lake State Park
Tee Pee Curios
Vintage neon signs
Route 66 Townhouse Welcome Center & Gift Shop
Murals of Tucumcari

The city also offers other facilities such as a convention center, golf course, and public library. Tucumcari Municipal Airport is a full-service facility.

The Murals of Tucumcari

Also known as the “City of Murals”, Tucumcari and Quay County have over 40 murals and counting!

Mural maps are available at the Chamber of Commerce, 404 W. Route 66 Boulevard.

Several popular murals are shown below.

The "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" mural in Tucumcari, New Mexico

The "Dodge and Cowboy" mural in Tucumcari, New Mexico

The Route 66 "Texaco" mural at 1201 E. Route 66 Blvd. in Tucumcari
The Route 66 "Texaco" mural in Tucumcari, New Mexico

The "Red Corvette and the Ladies" mural in Tucumcari, New Mexico

Route 66 Monument

On the south side of the Convention Center at 1500 West Route 66 Boulevard is the famous Route 66 Monument commissioned by artist Tom Coffin.

Other Lodging Options in Tucumcari

Tucumcari Tonite billboard, on Historic Route 66 ... 1200 rooms, RV parks, 3 museums, restaurants and fuel

In addition to the Motel Safari, Tucumcari offers a variety of other lodging options, and features over twenty motels for the traveling public, including the Blue Swallow Motel and Roadrunner Lodge Motel

Many "one-of-a-kind" properties are available as well as nationally operated chain facilities. Several are in the city, others offering great views of area lakes.

Long famous for its number and variety of motels and lodging, the city adopted the "Tucumcari Tonite" advertising campaign.

"1,200 rooms, RV parks, 3 museums, restaurants and fuel" ...

Tucumcari hotels and traveler reviews at TripAdvisor

Tucumcari restaurant reviews at TripAdvisor

Tucumcari Travel Guide and things to do

This website has no affiliation or connection with the listed hotel properties. Listings from TripAdvisor are provided as a starting point in your hotel research. It is always recommended that travelers do their own research and make informed decisions about the hotels they book.