While a short stretch, I-66 winds through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, making it a scenic route for commuters traveling from D.C. to Fairfax and Prince William County in Virginia. If you’re on your way to Virginia, D.C., or Maryland, your GPS will likely take you on I-66 for a stretch.

We've created a guide with all you need to know about I-66—continue reading to learn more.

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What is an interstate highway?

Interstate highways are roadways running through multiple states to connect cities throughout the United States.

The interstate highway system and its roads can be navigated with the help of their numbering system. The major interstate roads that run from east to west are indicated by one- or two-digit numbers ending in 0. This starts with I-10, which connects

Santa Monica, CA

, to

Jacksonville, FL

, and goes all the way up to I-90 in the north, connecting

Seattle, WA

to the Pacific Northwest.

Major interstate highways running north to south are denoted by one- or two-digit numbers ending in 5. For instance, I-5 starts at the border with Mexico and runs up through

California

to the border with Canada.

Smaller interstate roads branching off of the major ones can still be identified as running east to west if they end in an even number, and north to south if they end in an odd number.

What states does I-66 run through?

At just 76.28 miles, I-66 runs from Washington, D.C. to Middletown, VA. Most of its length runs through Virginia, with 74.8 miles of the road running through the state. Only 1.48 miles of I-66 run through D.C.

Drivers should keep in mind that I-66 has nothing to do with the famous Route 66, which runs from Illinois to California and was one of the original U.S. highways built in 1926.

Major interchanges on I-66

If you’re planning to take the drive on I-66, you’ll want to know which exits are available. Here are some of the major connections and interchanges to be aware of:

I-81 to Roanoke, VA and Winchester, VA

I-495 south to

Richmond

, VA and Alexandria, VA

I-495 north to Tysons Corner, VA and

Baltimore

, MD

I-495 Express to Richmond, VA with Baltimore, MD

SR 267 west to I-495 north to Dulles Airport and Baltimore, MD

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Best places to eat along I-66

Even though it’s a shorter stretch of road, drivers on Interstate 66 still have plenty of options for good food along the way. Here are some of the most popular restaurants along I-66:

Tupelo Honey

(Arlington, VA): Voted Best of Arlington by Arlington Magazine and listed as one of the 100 best brunch restaurants in America by OpenTable Diner's Choice, Tupelo Honey is a perfect spot to grab a bite. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, but be sure to take a look at their menu first, as their scratch-made specials change seasonally.

The Blue Iguana

(Fairfax, VA): Open until 2 am each day, the Blue Iguana is a perfect spot for a late-night stop. Their menu includes a little bit of everything, so whether you’re looking for chicken wings, pizza, fettuccine alfredo, or ahi tuna tacos, The Blue Iguana has you covered.

Pho 75

(Arlington, VA): Pho 75 is just a couple of minutes off of I-66, and is open from 10 am to 9 pm every day. Specializing in the Vietnamese dish pho, their offerings include steak, meatballs, and brisket broth and noodle bowls.

Open Road Grill

(Arlington, VA): A Virginia chain inspired by American culture, Open Road Grill is a casual spot for seasonal dishes with an impressive beer list. You can catch live music there pretty often as well, making it a great choice if you’re craving dinner and a show.

The Apple House

(Linden, VA): Located right off I-66 on John Marshall Highway, The Apple House has been serving Linden visitors and residents since opening in 1963. Whether you’re craving their famous apple butter cinnamon doughnuts or you’re in the mood for a BBQ lunch, The Apple House is a charming pit stop.

Crabby Maggie’s Seafood Restaurant

(Strasburg, VA): Crabby Maggies is actually located off of I-81, just after I-66 ends. For drivers at the junction, it’s a great place to fuel up before the next stretch of road, with seafood staples like crab cakes, fried oysters, and fish and chips.

What is there to do on I-66?

Interstate 66 connects two historic and scenic parts of the nation, so naturally you’ll find plenty of stops along the way. Get a glimpse at America's past or spend some time out in nature at a few of these attractions located just off I-66:

Elite Shooting Sports

in Manassas, VA

Atlantis Waterpark at Bull Run

in Centreville, VA

Bull Run Shooting Center

in Centreville, VA

Manassas National Battlefield Park

in Manassas, VA

Haymarket Museum

in Haymarket, VA

Hylton Performing Arts Center

in Manassas, VA

Cub Run Archers

in Centreville, VA

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