If you can only travel one section of Route 66, it must be Route 66 in Arizona. While much of the original Route 66 in the US has been replaced, Arizona is home to the longest stretch of classic Route 66 driving in the country. This means that a fair chunk of Route 66 in Arizona is the original road, albeit the one that has been given a modern update.
Since the original Route 66 route in Arizona remains untouched, it means anybody who travels here can enjoy some tremendous attractions, many of which have been kicking around since the heyday of the Mother Road. On this page, we’ll look at the top Route 66 attractions in Arizona, plus some of the best places to stay.
Route 66 Arizona Attractions
Let’s kick off this guide to Route 66 in Arizona, with some of the best attractions along the route. This is by no means a full list of Route 66 attractions in the state. We feel that one of the thrills of traversing The Mother Road is discovering some of the smaller attractions yourself. However, if your itinerary is quite limited, then all of these are must-visits.
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Table of Contents
1. Petrified Forest National Park
This is one of the must-see stops on Arizona Route 66. The Petrified Forest National Park is named after the petrified (fossilized) wood that dots the area. However, that’s not all there is to see. Visitors can also enjoy the painted badlands, an area that may be barren in life but filled with color. This area is also the number one place in the US for fossil hunting, so you may even stumble across a dinosaur fossil or two.
2. Little Painted Desert County Park
The Little Painted Desert County Park is an almost abandoned overlook. The local government hasn’t maintained this scenic area well, but it is still a worthwhile stop on your tour of Arizona along Route 66. You can think of the Little Painted Desert County Park as being a smaller version of the Petrified Forest National Park. It’s not signposted, but you can find it close to Winslow.
3. Standin’ On The Corner Park, Winslow
Standin’ On the Corner Park is a public park on Route 66 in Arizona. It is named after the song ‘Take it Easy’, which was famously recorded by The Eagles. It includes a line referencing Winslow in Arizona, hence the park. The public park has a mural depicting an old-school store, an old Ford Flatbed Truck, and a bronze statue. It is basic, but it shouldn’t be too far out of your way.
Address: Corner of Kinsley &, E 2nd St, Winslow, AZ 86047
4. Meteor Crater, Meteor City
Over 50,000 years ago, an iron mass entered Earth’s atmosphere. It hit the planet with such force that a crate was formed 4,000 feet wide and 560 feet deep. You can visit this crater. Meteor City is nearby, although do bear in mind that it isn’t actually a city. It was an old trading post that is currently going through a period of renovation. We do suggest a trip to the crater, though. There are not many places on the planet where you can see a pit this big!
Also Check: Must See Stops on Route 66
5. Arizona Route 66 Museum, Kingman
When Arizona Route 66 was being built, the Arizona Route 66 Museum was a building that helped to power the nearby area. It has now been converted into a tremendous Route 66 museum. Inside, you’ll find murals depicting the groups that have traveled Route 66 over the years and plenty of memorabilia. You can also visit the Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum, which shows off electric vehicles throughout the years.
Address: Powerhouse Visitor Center, 120 W Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401
6. Mr D’s Route 66 Diner, Kingman
What good is a trip along Route 66 if you can’t stop off at a classic diner or two? Mr. D’s Route 66 Diner in Kingman is one of the best diners on the route. It sells traditional Route 66 feasts, so root beer floats and burgers. It is packed with nostalgic décor too, and it is said to look broadly the same way it would have done back in the 1950s!
Address: 105 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401
7. Angel & Vilma’s Original Route 66 Gift Shop, Seligman
With a name like this, you would think that this has been a gift shop on Route 66 in Arizona since the formation of the road. However, it hasn’t. Angel & Vilma’s Original Route 66 Gift Shop didn’t open up until Route 66 had left Seligman. Since the town’s economy depended so heavily on Route 66 travelers, the town’s folk needed to come up with a new way to make money.
The gift shop was one of the ideas, and it helped them to cash in on the nostalgia of Route 66. This remains the very first gift shop to appear on Route 66, selling actual Route 66 memorabilia, and all the gift shops that have appeared on the route since have taken inspiration from this one. It is small but has loads of incredible memorabilia to pick up during your trip through Arizona.
Address: 22265 Historic Rte 66, Seligman, AZ 86337
8. Delgadillo’s Snow Cap, Seligman
Want some of the best roadside burgers in the US? Then check out Delgadillo’s Snow Cap. It has been around since the 1950s and has become one of the must-see stops in Arizona Route 66 for those who wish to enjoy some of the original businesses along the route. The burger stand relies heavily on branding, so if you want to enjoy some friendly chat and awesome jokes, go in there and talk to the staff. It is still run by the same family that opened it back in the 50s!
Address: 301 AZ-66, Seligman, AZ 86337
Also Check: Route 66 in New Mexico: Must See Stops & Hotels
9. Walnut Canyon Bridge, Flagstaff
The Walnut Canyon Bridge is part of a hefty road that stretches between Flagstaff and Angel. It heads through the Coconino National Forest. Along the route (and this is all original Route 66) is Walnut Canyon Bridge, a large metal bridge that crosses Walnut Creek. Unfortunately, the bridge can no longer be driven over, but go and have a look at it. Imagine the countless travelers that would have gone over this bridge back in the heyday of Route 66.
10. Here it is! Jackrabbit Trading Post, Joseph City
If you’re traveling Route 66 in Arizona, you’ll eventually stumble across the ‘Here It Is Sign’. This sign, in place since 1949 (and still using the original boards), tells you that you’ve arrived at the Jackrabbit Trading Post. The store is packed to the brim with memorabilia, and it will forever have a place in Route 66 history, even if the store no longer sells the same sorts of items that would have been sold during the road’s heyday.
Address: 3386 U.S. Rt. 66, Joseph City, AZ 86032
11. Sultana Bar, Williams
Want to drink in a bar that has a very old-timey feel to it? Well, check out the Sultana Bar, which has existed for over 100 years. In fact, this bar opened up long before Route 66 was even a thing. It was a popular place for bootleggers, who would often run their illegal wares under the bar. This is a proper local bar, and the atmosphere is always divine, even if the bar gets slightly cramped at times. It is just a real piece of Route 66 history.
Address: 301 Historic Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046
Also Check: Route 66 in Texas: Must See Stops & Hotels
12. Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum, Williams
Most of the original gas stations on Route 66 have closed down, giving way to their chain-run counterparts. Many of those that do remain have been converted into museums. Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum is one of these. The original gas station building has been preserved. If you step inside, you’ll enjoy many Route 66 memorabilia and information about Route 66 in Arizona.
Address: 101 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046
13. Grand Canyon Caverns, Peach Springs
The Grand Canyon Caverns are a bit outside of Peach Springs, so just off Route 66. However, they are worth a visit. Located 21 stories underground, the Grand Canyon Caverns are the largest dry caverns in the US. Here, you can explore the caverns (there are guided tours), sleep in the caverns (there is an inn here), and even eat. We don’t think there is a place quite like this anywhere else in the US!
Address: AZ-66, Peach Springs, AZ 86434
14. Painted Desert Indian Center, Holbrook
Much of Route 66 in Arizona passes through Native American territory. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of attractions that highlight this. Our favorite is the Painted Desert Indian Center in Holbrook, which specializes in selling handmade Native American merchandise. It has been here since 1979, and for those who want proper artwork, it is one of the best stops along Route 66.
Address: 9345 Old Rte 66, Holbrook, AZ 86025
15. Gold Mining Ghost Town of Oatman
The Gold Mining Ghost Town of Oatman once boasted over 10,000 residents. Now, just 100 people live here, with much of the town now being abandoned buildings, some of which have been renovated and ready for exploring. Route 66 originally passed through this mining town, but you must take a detour to get to Oatman if you’re driving the route. Don’t worry, though. It’s worth it!
Where to Stay Along Route 66 in Arizona
You won’t fit all those amazing Arizona Route 66 attractions in one stay! If you’re heading to Arizona to travel Route 66, you’ll want to stay at a few of the Route 66 towns in Arizona. There are plenty of hotels and motels along the route. These are our picks.
1. El Trovatore Motel, Kingman
Built before World War II, the El Trovatore Motel in Kingman is one of the oldest motels on Arizona Route 66. Stay here, and you’ll have stunning views over the Hualapai Mountains. You’ll also be within walking distance of many of the top attractions in Kingman. The motel rooms are themed, so you get that classic early Route 66 motel feel when you’re here. Don’t worry—the rooms are comfortable!
Address: 1440 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401
Book this Hotel2. The Wigwam Motel, Holbrook
The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook is perhaps one of the more unique motels in the area. Each room is designed in the shape of a teepee. You’ll literally be staying in a stone teepee! There are actually a few of these wigwam villages dotted around the US. The one in Holbrook was built in the 1950s, and you’re just a short hop from the Petrified Forest National Park, Meteor Crater, and even the Grand Canyon (which we didn’t mention on our list of attractions).
Address: 811 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook, AZ 86025
Also Check: Most Famous Hotels & Motels on Route 66
3. Brad’s Desert Inn, Holbrook
After a long, hot drive through Arizona Route 66, you’ll probably want a nice, air-conditioned area to rest your weary head. Since 1967, Brad’s Desert Inn has been a welcome respite for those traveling through the dry desert. Nearby, you’ll find the Petrified National Forest and plenty of trails for walking. The rooms are comfortable and have been recently renovated, so they look great too!
Address: 301 West Hopi Drive, Holbrook, AZ 86025
Book this Hotel4. La Posada Hotel & Gardens, Winslow
If you’re after classy Arizona Route 66 hotels, Las Posada Hotel & Gardens has been classed as the Las Great Railroad Hotel. For over a century, La Posada Hotel has hosted all sorts of travelers along Route 66, many of whom want to stay in luxurious surroundings. Inside, you’ll find deluxe suites, a bar, a restaurant, a trading post, and an art gallery.
Address: 303 East 2nd Street (Route, 66, Winslow, AZ 86047)
Book this Hotel5. Earl’s Route 66 Motor Court, Winslow
Did Standing on the Corner Public Park in Winslow catch your attention? Well, just a short walk away from that top Route 66 attraction in Arizona is Earl’s Route 66 Motor Court. This basic but comfortable motel is family-owned and has been operating on Route 66 for decades. Don’t expect many amenities beyond free public Wi-Fi, a fridge, and a microwave. However, it is affordable.
Address: 512 E 3rd St, Winslow, AZ 86047
6. Super 8 by Wyndham Flagstaff
Wyndham always puts their properties in the best locations, and the Super 8 in Flagstaff is no exception. It is right by the Grand Canyon and just a short hop from Historic Route 66. Stay here, and you’ll be close to Mount Elden and plenty of great places to eat. As with all Super 8s, the amenities are basic, but the cost of a room is affordable. It is pet-friendly.
Address: 3725 North Kasper Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Book this Hotel7. Little America Hotel, Flagstaff
The Little America Hotel is a classic American hotel. It has 247 rooms, each with a private balcony, fridge, and microwave. Every room also has a shower/tub. The hotel offers plenty of amenities, including an outdoor pool (seasonal), a fitness center, and a spa.
Address: 2515 East Butler Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Book this Hotel8. The Lodge on Route 66, Williams
This historic motel is much more luxurious than some other motels on Route 66 in Arizona. Stay here, and you’ll be within easy reach of the Grand Canyon. You can also walk right into the heart of Williams here, where there are plenty of old stores, bars, and restaurants to explore.
Address: 200 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046
Book this Hotel9. Grand Canyon Hotel, Williams
Feel like staying in a classy hotel in Williams? The Grand Canyon Hotel is worth checking out. It is just 5 minutes from downtown Williams and Route 66. The hotel’s design is stunning and really shows off its history. Stay here, and you can use the indoor pool and hot tub. There is a dining area (with a cook-to-order buffet) and a pub that has been around since the 1800s.
Address: 145 Historic Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046
10. Historic Route 66 Motel, Seligman
The Historic Route 66 Motel in Seligman is a partially themed motel. It looks very Old West and has been part of Route 66 for decades. It is a great place to stay whether you are traveling Route 66 or are just in the area to visit The Grand Canyon.
Address: 22750 AZ-66 Scenic, Seligman, AZ 86337
Book this HotelInteractive Map of Route 66 Arizona Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
What towns in Arizona does Route 66 go through?
Route 66 in Arizona goes through several towns, including Flagstaff, Williams, Seligman, Winslow, and Kingman.
How long is Route 66 in Arizona?
The route is 385.2 miles.
What are the most famous Arizona Route 66 stops?
The Grand Canyon is probably the most famous stop on Arizona Route 66, but there are also more unique places, like Walnut Canyon Bridge and the Sultana Bar.
What is the most unusual Route 66 attraction in Arizona?
Angel & Vilma’s Original Route 66 Gift Shop in Seligman is probably the most unique Route 66 attraction in Arizona, mainly because it was the very first dedicated Route 66 gift shop in the US.
Wrapping Up!
Route 66 across Arizona is a true joy to travel since Arizona is one of the only states that has opted to preserve much of the historic Route 66. If you drive here, you’ll be driving along much of the original road. There are plenty of attractions along the way, including national forests, the Grand Canyon, and typical motels and diners. While much of Route 66 in Arizona will have you traveling through desert areas, we promise you that you’ll enjoy every inch of the drive!