No road trip captures the nostalgia, freedom, and Americana spirit quite like Route 66. With so many iconic destinations along the way, deciding the best places to visit on Route 66 in Arizona is a challenge. Few stretches are as iconic and adventure-packed as the one that winds through Arizona. From historic small towns and natural wonders to kitschy roadside stops and world-famous landmarks, Arizona’s portion of the Mother Road offers an unforgettable journey through time, culture, and epic desert landscapes. These are the stops you don’t want to miss!
1. Petrified Forest National Park
Start your Arizona Route 66 adventure at Petrified Forest National Park, the only national park in the country that contains a section of historic Route 66 within its borders. This otherworldly landscape is scattered with 200-million-year-old fossilized trees, vibrant badlands, and ancient petroglyphs. The Painted Desert Inn, a beautifully restored 1930s adobe lodge, makes for a great photo op, and the Route 66 alignment marker, complete with a rusted-out 1932 Studebaker, is a must-snap stop.
2. Holbrook
Just west of the Petrified Forest lies Holbrook, a classic Route 66 town that feels frozen in time. The star attraction here is the Wigwam Motel, where guests can sleep in individual concrete teepees that double as a roadside icon perfect for a vintage photo shoot. The motel is one of the last remaining of its kind, and the classic cars parked outside only add to the vibe.
Holbrook also features fun murals, old diners, and rock shops that harken back to the golden era of the Mother Road.
3. Winslow
The next stop is Winslow, Arizona where you can channel your inner rockstar. This desert city was made famous by the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.” Snap a photo at the “Standin’ on the Corner” Park, which features a mural, bronze statue, and even a flatbed Ford parked nearby. It’s one of the country’s most iconic Route 66 photo ops.
4. Meteor Crater
About 20 minutes west of Winslow is one of the most awe-inspiring natural landmarks in the state, Meteor Crater. Formed over 50,000 years ago by a massive meteorite impact, it’s considered one of the best-preserved meteorite impact sites in the world.
The Meteor Crater Visitor Center & Space Museum offers interactive exhibits, a 4D theater, and observation decks that give panoramic views of the giant pit. Take a guided rim tour to learn about the science behind the impact and space exploration. If traveling by RV, spend the night at Meteor Crater’s RV Park, an unforgettable place to stay on Route 66.
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5. Flagstaff
Nestled in the pines at 7,000 feet elevation, Flagstaff offers a refreshing change from the desert scenery. This college town is rich with history and Route 66 charm. Cruise along Route 66 through downtown, where you’ll find neon signs, historic hotels, local breweries, and diners that evoke a classic mid-century vibe.
6. Williams
Step back into the 1950s in Williams, one of the best-preserved Route 66 towns in Arizona. The streets are lined with neon signs, vintage cars, old-school diners, and souvenir shops that embrace the Mother Road aesthetic. Williams is also known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”, as it’s the starting point for the historic Grand Canyon Railway.
Grab a burger at Cruiser’s Route 66 Café, explore quirky gift shops, and catch one of the nightly Wild West shootout reenactments in the summer. For families, a visit to Bearizona Wildlife Park just outside town is a must—where you can drive through enclosures with bears, wolves, and bison roaming free.
7. Seligman
Known as the birthplace of the Route 66 revival, Seligman is full of personality and photo ops. This tiny town is packed with kitschy charm, thanks to places like Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In, a humorous eatery covered in antiques and oddball signage.
Main Street is home to vintage cars, colorful murals, and plenty of Route 66 memorabilia. The town embraces its history with pride, making it one of the most fun and nostalgic stops on your journey.
8. Kingman
As one of the larger cities on Arizona’s Route 66 corridor, Kingman blends historic charm with modern amenities. Visit the Arizona Route 66 Museum housed inside the old Powerhouse Visitor Center to get a deep dive into the road’s history. Nearby, the Historic Downtown District is full of retro diners, antique shops, and breweries.
Take a quick detour to the Hackberry General Store, about 30 minutes east, for a photo with its iconic gas pumps and vintage signage. Kingman is also the perfect place to fuel up, rest, and enjoy a piece of Route 66 pie before continuing west.
9. Oatman
If you’re up for a bit of a detour and some winding mountain roads, head to the former gold mining town of Oatman, near the California border. This quirky destination is known for its wild burros that roam the streets freely, often poking their heads into shops.
The town looks like something out of a Western movie, complete with wooden boardwalks, staged gunfights, and rustic saloons. It’s a wild and whimsical finale to your Arizona Route 66 adventure—and absolutely packed with photo ops.
10. Lake Havasu City and the London Bridge
Although technically not on the original Route 66, Lake Havasu City and the famous London Bridge make for a perfect side trip just off the beaten path. The real London Bridge was dismantled in England and reconstructed here in the 1960s, making it one of Arizona’s most unusual landmarks.
Stroll across the bridge, take a boat ride on the Colorado River, or explore the English Village shops and pubs that line the waterfront. With palm trees, sandy beaches, and unexpected British flair, Lake Havasu is a relaxing and scenic addition to your Route 66 itinerary.
Driving Route 66 through Arizona is more than just a road trip, it’s a nostalgic journey through time, lined with fascinating stops and unforgettable scenery. Whether you’re snapping selfies in front of neon signs, hiking through ancient landscapes, or grabbing a bite at a classic diner, each destination tells a story that’s uniquely American.
