Arizona Route 66 Attractions
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Arizona Route 66 Attractions Map
Arizona Route 66 Attractions Map
Stretching more than 385 miles across northern Arizona, the longest preserved segment of historic Route 66 offers one of the most authentic and scenic journeys along the “Mother Road.” Travelers exploring Arizona’s Route 66 will encounter a diverse mix of classic roadside attractions, historic towns, and iconic landmarks from east to west, including Holbrook, Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams, Seligman, Kingman, and Oatman. Highlights along the route include vintage diners, neon signs, trading posts, and famous stops like the Grand Canyon Caverns, the nostalgic streets of Seligman—often called the birthplace of Historic Route 66—and the preserved mining town of Oatman. From high desert plains and pine forests to rugged mountains and canyon country, this stretch of Route 66 showcases the rich history, culture, and natural beauty that continue to make Arizona one of the most popular states for Route 66 road trips.
A tour along Northern Arizona's Route 66 and Interstate 40 which traces the original path of Route 66 is a nostalgic adventure as well as a geography and history lesson for the whole family. The tour passes through picture-perfect scenery including the cool pine country of Northern Arizona. Experience a plethora of scenic and historic attractions as you venture through small town America. The numbers on the map coincide with the attractions listed below.
Why Travelers Love Route 66 in Arizona
Traveling Route 66 through Arizona is more than just a road trip—it’s a journey through time filled with nostalgia, adventure, and unforgettable scenery. Visitors are drawn to the laid-back pace, where small towns, mom-and-pop shops, and classic Americana create a unique travel experience that’s largely unchanged from decades past. Driving the historic two-lane highway allows travelers to escape the interstate and enjoy quiet stretches of open road, quirky roadside attractions, and authentic local culture at every stop. From spotting wild burros in Oatman to cruising through the retro charm of Williams and Kingman, Route 66 offers a sense of freedom and discovery that continues to attract visitors from around the world, especially as the historic highway approaches its 100-year anniversary.
Best Arizona Route 66 Towns to Visit
Arizona has some of the most memorable towns on all of Historic Route 66, ranging from high-country railroad communities to desert trading posts and old mining towns. Each stop offers a different part of the Mother Road experience, from neon signs and vintage diners to museums, murals, gift shops, and classic roadside photo opportunities.
- Holbrook: A popular eastern Arizona stop near Petrified Forest National Park, known for classic Route 66 motels, roadside signs, and access to Painted Desert scenery.
- Winslow: Famous for Standin’ on the Corner Park, railroad history, murals, shops, and a walkable downtown Route 66 district.
- Flagstaff: The largest Arizona city on Route 66, offering historic hotels, restaurants, nightlife, mountain scenery, and nearby attractions like Walnut Canyon and Sunset Crater.
- Williams: A lively Route 66 town and gateway to the Grand Canyon, with historic storefronts, diners, lodging, and the Grand Canyon Railway.
- Seligman: One of Arizona’s most iconic Route 66 towns, known for its nostalgic roadside stops, colorful signs, gift shops, and role in the Route 66 revival.
- Kingman: A major Route 66 hub with museums, historic buildings, murals, and access to one of the most scenic western stretches of Route 66.
- Oatman: A former mining town famous for wooden sidewalks, Old West character, souvenir shops, and wild burros roaming the streets.
Suggested Arizona Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary
Petrified Forest National Park
Located at the southern end of the Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest features remnants of prehistoric petrified wood and ancient Indian ruins.
Meteor Crater
See where a big meteor crashed here over 50,000 years ago.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Enjoy the up close history of 800 year-old cliff dwelling ruins and great hiking within picturesque landscape.
Flagstaff, Arizona
High Ponderosa Pine country in bustling Flagstaff, Arizona home to Northern Arizona University, unlimited attractions, mountain golf and the Snow Bowl ski area and tram. Its San Francisco Peak at over 12,000 feet is the highest point on the entire Route 66.
Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon
Sedona, Arizona and picturesque Oak Creek Canyon lies about 20 miles south of Flagstaff down 89A described by Rand McNally a one of America's most scenic drives.
Williams, Arizona
The flavor of the old west still exists in this pine-forested small town, gateway to the Grand Canyon and home of the Grand Canyon Railroad scenic adventure to the South Rim of the Canyon.
An atmospheric town where the Aubrey Cliffs approach. Seligman features only a few hundred residents, a few gift shops and vintage rusting cars.
Grand Canyon Caverns
Although not connected to the Grand Canyon, the caverns feature an underground trail reached by elevator giving close views of nature's cavern formations. There are suitable areas for camping.
Peach Springs
Peach Springs is the tribal headquarters of the Haulapai Indian Reservation. An unpaved Buck and Doe Road that is not recommended during and after rainstorms descends along Peach Springs Canyon a scenic drive that ends at a Colorado River beach within the West Rim area of the Grand Canyon. Just out of Peach Springs a paved turnoff leads through rolling hills to Havasu Canyon, a branch of the Grand Canyon.
Kingman, Arizona
Kingman is a modern day larger, small town that is home to the Historic Route 66 Museum and gateway to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
Oatman, Arizona
This one-time gold mine boomtown turned ghost town and now a tourist stop features wild-roaming burros and souvenir shops. Experience an important chuck of Arizona history.
Best Time to Drive Route 66 in Arizona
- Spring: One of the best seasons for an Arizona Route 66 road trip, with mild temperatures, longer daylight, and comfortable conditions for walking through historic towns and roadside attractions.
- Summer: Summer can be warm, especially west of Seligman and Kingman, but Flagstaff and Williams offer cooler high-country weather. Start early and carry extra water if driving desert stretches.
- Fall: Another excellent season for Route 66 travel, with cooler temperatures, colorful high-country scenery near Flagstaff and Williams, and good conditions for photography and sightseeing.
- Winter: Winter is quieter and less crowded, but snow and icy conditions are possible around Flagstaff and Williams. Check road conditions before traveling through higher elevations.
Arizona Route 66 FAQs
How long is Route 66 in Arizona?
Arizona has more than 385 miles of historic Route 66 corridor, including preserved road segments, towns, landmarks, museums, and scenic detours across northern Arizona.
What are the best Route 66 towns in Arizona?
Some of the best Route 66 towns in Arizona include Holbrook, Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams, Seligman, Kingman, and Oatman.
Is Seligman worth visiting on Route 66?
Yes, Seligman is one of the most popular Route 66 stops in Arizona, known for vintage signs, gift shops, roadside nostalgia, and its connection to the modern Route 66 revival.
Can you still drive old Route 66 in Arizona?
Yes, several preserved stretches of old Route 66 can still be driven in Arizona, especially around Seligman, Peach Springs, Kingman, and Oatman.
What is the most scenic part of Route 66 in Arizona?
One of the most scenic sections is the western stretch between Kingman and Oatman, where Route 66 winds through rugged desert mountains and old mining country.
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