Route 66 – what to see in Arizona?

One of the most scenic sections of Route 66 is the one in Arizona. A real mix of history and nature awaits you on this part of the route, making every kilometer you drive unique. From vast desert landscapes to atmospheric towns, where facility owners do everything to attract tourists.

We have explored Arizona many times – both during our travels in the West and on our recent Route 66 trip. Anyway, there’s no denying that Arizona is one of our favorite states that we like to return to. We also explored Route 66 in the state a bit in installments: once driving from the west toward the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, and once traversing the entire U.S. by RV along the route from Chicago to Los Angeles.

In our opinion, it is in Arizona where you can find the authentic atmosphere of this historic road, from historic motels to atmospheric towns and museums. If we were to suggest to someone which section of Route 66 to choose, we unanimously answer that it is in Arizona: just drive at least from Oatman to Seligman, and you will feel that famous atmosphere.

In this post we suggest what to see, where to stay and what attractions await you in this state. As in the post about Route 66 in California, we will also show places going west, meaning we will start from the New Mexico border and go all the way to California. We will also suggest what else in Arizona is worth seeing, because there are really many places here completely unrelated to Route 66, but worth a visit.

Let us add at this point that Route 66 is a historic, heritage route, not necessarily the fastest. So if you care about time, it will be faster to drive through Arizona on Interstate 40, but of course you will then miss the atmosphere of many charming cities and towns.

Route 66 Arizona – what places to see?

As you embark on your Route 66 adventure in Arizona, get ready for a journey full of unforgettable experiences. It is here that you will find the most interesting towns, extraordinary landscapes and iconic sites that make the route through Arizona continue to attract travelers from all over the world. Discover the charms of desert expanses, scenic national parks and retro motels that will transport you back in time.

Petrified Forest National Park

It is not until you enter Arizona that you hit the first (and only) national park on Route 66 (the road literally used to run through the area of the current park).

This amazing park is famous for its picturesque landscapes and fossilized trees, allowing us to see how nature has changed over millions of years (some 200 million years, to be exact). The colorful Painted Desert is especially worth a look from its many vantage points.

The park is sizable and it’s a good idea to plan a minimum of half a day here just to drive through it with viewpoints. We spent almost all day here (although we assumed about 2-3 hours), and we still did not get everywhere ;)

Holbrook

This small town is best known for the Wigwam Motel, an iconic Route 66 accommodation, where you can sleep in rooms that resemble Indian teepees. This motel is not just an overnight stay, but an attraction in itself, although of course, remember that people are staying here to relax, so respect their privacy.

In addition, it is worth noting the local restaurants, which are perfectly in keeping with the atmosphere of the place, although it must be said that there are also many old, abandoned establishments here.

Winslow

Winslow gained popularity with the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy,” in which we can hear:

“Well, I’m a-standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona
Such a fine sight to see
It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford
Slowin’ down to take a look at me”

Well, so this corner, or corner, is located in Winslow, and you are unlikely to miss it, as there is a giant Route 66 sign on the road. There are sculptures at the intersection, there is also a mural with a girl in a Ford, and an atmospheric gift store on the other side.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a vibrant city that combines modernity with Route 66 history. However, unlike other towns along Route 66 in Arizona, here you are unlikely to spot closed establishments or abandoned motels.

Be sure to visit the historic center with its many stores, restaurants and murals referencing the road and historic buildings (such as the Weatherford Hotel). The Lowell Observatory is also worth a look to admire the stars – Flagstaff is one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky.

For many travelers, the city is an ideal base for a trip to the Grand Canyon or Sedona.

Williams

Williams is another town on Route 66 in Arizona that has retained its unique charm. Walking down the main street, you will come across numerous souvenir stores, restaurants and bars that transport you back in time. Williams is a place full of neon signs, colorful signs and murals referencing the golden era of the Mother Road.

The Grand Canyon Railway Depot is also worth a look.

Seligman township

Seligman is the quintessential Route 66, which owed its development to the Mother Road. The tiny town, full of old buildings, motels and souvenir stores, is known as the site of the re-birth of Route 66 as a historic road (largely contributed to by Seligman resident: Angel Delgadillo, who ran a barber shop along the road and later fought for Route 66’s memory).

Walking down the main street, you will see numerous neon signs, old cars and charming restaurants. This is a true paradise for lovers of this climate.

Driving from Seligman Route 66 towards Kingman, it is worth stopping at least for a moment at Hackberry General Store.

Kingman and Arizona Route 66 Museum

Kingman is another town with an atmosphere on Highway 66. Here we recommend planning more time, because in addition to the signs and murals, one of the best museums about Route 66 is worth a look. This place will take you back in time to the origins of Route 66, learn about the history of this legendary road and the lives of the people who traveled it over the decades. The exhibits are full of archival photos, vehicles and memorabilia to better understand the significance of the route.

Also worth a visit is the maximally pink and atmospheric Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner here next door, across the street.

Oatman

Another town you can’t pass by indifferently. Time seems to have stopped here, and modern cars, tourists and souvenir stores remind us that we are in the 21st century.

Oatman is famous for wild donkeys walking the streets and daily re-enactments of Wild West-style shootings.

Route 66 sign on the road – where to look?

In Arizona, as in California (see our Route 66 post – what to see in California?), you will find numerous Route 66 signs painted directly on the road – we write about this because we know that many Route 66 travelers are looking for such places. Of course, you will also find vertical signs along the route, although they are not as popular.

We also searched, often with success although the locations from other sites or maps did not always match: when we arrived at the site it turned out that the sign was very worn out or simply no longer there, because, for example, the road surface had been changed.

So here are some places to look out for Route 66 signs, but remember to be safe when taking photos – it’s still a used road!

• Winslow, the famous sign at the intersection at Standin’ on The Corner.
• Cool Springs Arizona Station, between Kingman and Oatman
• Flagstaff, sign in parking lot at Flagstaff Visitor Center
• Walnut Creek, at the exit for Interstate 40
• Oatman, near the postoffice building(US Post Office)
• Oatman, in the southern part of the city, near the parking lot.

Of course, these are just a few places, going simply look for them on the streets.

Practical information

Below you will find some tips to help you plan your trip along the iconic road and enjoy every moment of it.

Where to spend the night on Route 66 in Arizona?

Arizona offers many climate-controlled accommodations along Route 66. If you are looking for such typical accommodations then this list will be useful, but keep in mind that these are not always the highest standard facilities ;)

• Wigwam Motel, 811 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook, AZ 86025. An iconic place where rooms resemble tipis.
• El Trovatore Motel, 1440 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401. A motel famous for its references to Route 66 and themed rooms.
• Historic Route 66 Motel, 22750 AZ-66 Scenic, Seligman, AZ 86337.
• The Lodge on Route 66, 200 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046.
• 66 Motel, 2105 Navajo Blvd, Holbrook, AZ 86025.

Atmospheric restaurants along Route 66

Along the route you will find numerous restaurants serving American cuisine with a 50s vibe and more. Below is a list of places to save for yourself:

• Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In: 301 AZ-66, Seligman, AZ 86337. An atmospheric place in Seligman.
• Roadkill Cafe: 22830 W Route 66, Seligman, AZ 86337. The restaurant is known for its unconventional menu and original decor reminiscent of the Wild West.
• Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner: 105 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401. Retro diner with classic dishes of American cuisine.
• Westside Lilo’s Cafe: 415 W Route 66, Seligman, AZ 86337.
• Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe: 233 W Route 66, Williams, AZ 86046,

What is the best time to travel Route 66?

The best time to travel the Mother Road through Arizona is spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). During these seasons, the weather is milder, allowing you to visit comfortably without worrying about the heat, which can be annoying in the desert areas in summer. Spring is also warm here, but a bit more bearable, while autumn brings cooler mornings and evenings, perfect for longer walks.

Another advantage is that there is less tourist traffic than during the peak summer season, making it possible to fully enjoy the charm of this legendary route.

What else to see in Arizona?

Arizona offers not only unique destinations along Route 66, but also many amazing places throughout the state that will delight nature lovers and beautiful landscapes in particular. Some are quite close, and some you have to drive many miles to, so it’s worth planning your stay in Arizona accordingly

Meteor Crater

The huge crater formed after the meteorite impact is the best preserved such crater in the world. It is a place where you can not only admire the resulting hole in the ground, but also learn a lot about space and other meteorites that have hit our planet. It is quite a treat to be able to touch a real piece of meteorite found here.

The crater is located near Winslow and offers cosmic views!

Grand Canyon of Colorado

Although not located directly on Route 66, it is one of the most spectacular places in the US. We really recommend planning an extra full day for Grand Canyon National Park, because it’s worth seeing for yourself.

You can read more about this national park in our post “The Grand Canyon of the Colorado: A Guide to One of Nature’s Greatest Wonders” and watch it in a YouTube video.

Sedona

It is famous for its surrounding red rocks, which turn an intense red and orange color at dawn and dusk. There are dozens of hiking trails in the area, from light walks to more challenging treks such as Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge. Sedona is the perfect place to get in touch with nature and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere experienced by visitors from all over the world (read about Vortexes).

The Wave

One of the most photogenic and desirable places in Arizona. The Wave is a unique rock formation whose undulating shapes and intense colors resemble paintings created by an artist. It is located near the Utah border in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

Reservations and permission to enter are necessary due to the protection of the site and the limitation of the number of visitors per day. The trip to The Wave is a challenging trail that measures about 8 kilometers round trip, leading through desert terrain with no shade and high temperatures.

White Pocket

White Pocket is a lesser-known alternative to The Wave, but just as spectacular (and, according to many, even prettier). This unusual rock formation is located in a remote corner of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and offers surreal views of rocks with undulating shapes, rich patterns and intense colors.

Access to White Pocket is less restricted, requiring no reservations or permits, making it a great solution for those who want to avoid the draw of passes to The Wave.

Getting here requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle and adequate preparation for a long journey through desert terrain. However, the effort is fully rewarded with a unique landscape that delights every visitor.

Horseshoe Bend

A bend in the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend is one of the most scenic viewpoints in the United States. From here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Colorado River, which here forms an almost perfect arc surrounded by high cliffs with warm orange hues.

The viewpoint is located near the town of Page and requires a short walk along an easily accessible trail. Due to the popularity of the place, it is advisable to go there early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos.

Monument Valley

Even if the name doesn’t tell you anything, this landscape certainly does. It is known for its numerous films and commercials, which have made Monument Valley one of the most recognizable places in the world. The vast desert plains, which are crisscrossed by majestic rock formations, create breathtaking views at any time of day.

This place is full of history and culture, as it is located on a Navajo reservation.

Ready-made itinerary

If you are looking for a ready-made, or complete day-by-day itinerary for Route 66 then check out the ready-made plan in our online store. It’s a plan for both 21 and 28 days and includes everything you need: described attractions, access, recommended tour times, alternatives and additional options, suggested accommodations and restaurants – the kind of thing that will definitely make your Route 66 trip easier.

Our review of Route 66 in Arizona

Driving Route 66 through Arizona is a real trip back in time. Every town, museum and restaurant tells the story of this remarkable road. The route from Chicago is long and sometimes monotonous, but we have to admit that it was the section in this state that was the quintessential Route 66 atmosphere we imagined.

Take this route to experience its magic for yourself and discover why Route 66 continues to attract millions of tourists from around the world.