10 Best Things To Do on Route 66 in Arizona

Route 66 in Arizona—America’s Main Street, the Mother Road, or as your GPS might call it, “That long stretch where recalculating is futile.”

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the nostalgia of a bygone era while questioning your car’s suspension, then Arizona’s slice of Route 66 is calling your name. Strap in; it’s going to be a quirky ride.

A Snapshot of Route 66 in Arizona

Before we dive into the must-see attractions, let’s set the stage. Route 66, established in 1926, was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System, stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica. Arizona claims a hearty 401 miles of this historic road, offering a blend of ghost towns, natural wonders, and kitschy Americana.

Weather Trends: Arizona’s climate on Route 66 is as varied as a buffet at a roadside diner. Summers can be hotter than a jalapeño, especially in lower elevations like Kingman and Oatman, where temperatures often soar above 100°F (38°C). Winters bring a chill, particularly in higher elevations like Flagstaff, which can see snow—yes, snow in Arizona.

Towns Along the Way: From the old-world charm of Oatman to the pine-scented air of Flagstaff, the towns are as diverse as the cacti are prickly. You’ll pass through Kingman, Seligman, Winslow, and Holbrook, each offering its own flavor of Route 66 nostalgia.

Fun Facts:

• The Road’s Length: Arizona boasts the longest unbroken stretch of Route 66 that remains drivable today.
• Radiator Springs Inspiration: Pixar’s “Cars” drew inspiration from several Arizona Route 66 towns. So if something feels familiar, blame Lightning McQueen.
• Time Zone Quirk: Arizona doesn’t observe daylight saving time—except on the Navajo Nation. So your phone might get as confused as you are after a long drive.

Now that you’re briefed, let’s hit the road.

1. Visit The Ghost Town of Oatman, AZ

Price: Free (unless you buy burro feed or a souvenir)

Address: Oatman Highway, Oatman, AZ 86433

Route 66 Vibes Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you’ve ever wanted to be ambushed by a gang of burros while strolling through a Wild West town, Oatman is your destination. This former mining town turned tourist attraction is home to wild burros that roam the streets like they own the place—because they kind of do.

The main street is lined with wooden sidewalks and storefronts straight out of a John Wayne film. You can watch staged gunfights (don’t worry, the bullets are as fake as a politician’s promise) and explore shops selling everything from homemade fudge to “authentic” cowboy hats made in China.

The burros are descendants of pack animals turned loose by miners. They’re friendly, perhaps too friendly, especially if you have food. Burro feed is available for purchase, but watch your fingers—they might mistake them for carrots.

After a day of dodging donkey droppings, you’ll want to rest. Best Place to Catch a Good Night’s Sleep Nearby: Consider the Oatman Hotel—if you dare. It’s rumored to be haunted, but at least the ghosts are quieter than the burros.

2. Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park

Price: $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Address: 1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028

Route 66 Vibes Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ever wanted to see logs that have been lying around for 225 million years? Welcome to the Petrified Forest National Park, where the trees are stone, and the stones are… also stone. The park offers a surreal landscape of colorful badlands, petrified wood, and ancient petroglyphs.

Start at the Painted Desert Visitor Center to get your bearings. The park stretches over 200,000 acres, so a map is your best friend here. Drive the 28-mile scenic loop, stopping at overlooks like Kachina Point for views that look like a pastel painting gone wild.

Don’t miss the Crystal Forest trail, where you can walk among glittering petrified logs. Remember, it’s illegal to take pieces of petrified wood from the park. Rangers have heard every excuse in the book, so don’t try it.

Best Place to Catch a Good Night’s Sleep Nearby: The La Posada Hotel in nearby Winslow offers historic charm with modern comforts. Plus, you can practice your Eagles lyrics for the next day’s adventure.

3. Standin’ On The Corner Park in Winslow, Arizona

Price: Free (priceless if you’re an Eagles fan)

Address: Corner of Kinsley Ave & E 2nd St, Winslow, AZ 86047

Route 66 Vibes Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yes, it’s that corner from the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.” And yes, there’s a flatbed Ford parked there permanently. Winslow embraced this lyrical mention and turned it into a park, complete with a bronze statue and murals.

Snap a photo with the statue—your friends will be “so impressed” (or at least pretend to be). The park is small but packs a punch of nostalgia. Street musicians often play renditions of Eagles songs, so you might find yourself in an impromptu sing-along.

Across the street, you’ll find gift shops selling every kind of Route 66 memorabilia imaginable. Need a magnet shaped like Arizona? They’ve got you covered. How about a snow globe in the desert? Sure, why not?

Best Place to Catch a Good Night’s Sleep Nearby: Stay at the Historic Route 66 Motel in Winslow. It’s affordable, clean, and conveniently close to the corner—so you can stand there all night if you really want to.

4. Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman

Price: $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, children under 12 free

Address: 120 W Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401

Route 66 Vibes Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kingman is the “Heart of Historic Route 66,” and the Arizona Route 66 Museum is its pulse. Housed in a former powerhouse, the museum chronicles the history of the road, from its inception to its role in American pop culture.

Exhibits include vintage photographs, classic cars, and displays about the Dust Bowl migrants who traveled west. It’s like stepping back in time without the risk of affecting the space-time continuum.

Adjacent to the museum is the Historic Powerhouse Visitor Center, where you can pick up brochures, maps, and perhaps some unsolicited advice from the friendly staff.

Best Place to Catch a Good Night’s Sleep Nearby: The El Trovatore Motel in Kingman is a classic Route 66 stopover, featuring themed rooms and a neon sign that’s a beacon for weary travelers.

5. Meteor Crater near Flagstaff

Price: $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, $13 for children (6-12)

Address: Interstate 40, Exit 233, Winslow, AZ 86047

Route 66 Vibes Scale: ⭐⭐⭐

If you’ve ever wanted to see what happens when space decides to pay Earth an unsolicited visit, Meteor Crater is the place. It’s the best-preserved meteorite impact site on the planet, which is both fascinating and mildly concerning.

The crater is nearly a mile wide and 550 feet deep. Standing on the rim, you can’t help but feel small—and perhaps start drafting plans for an asteroid deflection program.

The visitor center offers interactive exhibits, a movie theater showing “Impact: The Mystery of Meteor Crater,” and a gift shop where you can buy space-themed souvenirs (moon cheese not included).

Best Place to Catch a Good Night’s Sleep Nearby: Head to Flagstaff and stay at the Little America Hotel. Nestled among pine trees, it’s a luxurious respite with a hint of 1950s glamour.

6. Angel & Vilma’s Original Route 66 Gift Shop in Seligman

Price: Free to browse; souvenirs range from $1 to “Do I really need this?”

Address: 22265 Historic Rte 66, Seligman, AZ 86337

Route 66 Vibes Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Angel Delgadillo is often referred to as the “Guardian Angel of Route 66.” His barbershop-turned-gift-shop is a shrine to the historic highway. The walls are adorned with license plates, business cards, and international currencies left by visitors from around the globe.

It’s not just a store; it’s an experience. Angel himself, now in his 90s, might regale you with stories of how he helped revive Route 66 tourism. If you’re lucky, you might get a photo with the legend himself.

Pick up a souvenir or ten. From T-shirts to postcards, it’s the perfect place to stock up on gifts for those poor souls stuck at home.

Best Place to Catch a Good Night’s Sleep Nearby: The Stagecoach 66 Motel offers themed rooms and a classic diner next door. It’s like sleeping in a time capsule, minus the weird sci-fi side effects.

7. Mother Road Brewing Company in Flagstaff

Price: Beer flights start at $8

Address: 7 S Mikes Pike St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Route 66 Vibes Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

After days of driving and dodging burros, you deserve a cold one. Mother Road Brewing Company serves up craft beers with a side of Route 66 charm. Their motto is “Finding joy in the adventure,” which pairs nicely with their Tower Station IPA.

The taproom is cozy, with industrial decor and friendly bartenders who can recommend a brew based on your taste—or mood. Hungry? Food trucks often park outside, offering everything from tacos to gourmet grilled cheese.

Sit back, relax, and toast to the Mother Road. Just remember, don’t drink and drive. Save the adventurous driving for when you’re sober.

Best Place to Catch a Good Night’s Sleep Nearby: Stay at the Hotel Monte Vista, a historic hotel rumored to have hosted everyone from Humphrey Bogart to Freddie Mercury. It’s centrally located, so you can crawl back if necessary.

8. Wigwam Motel in Holbrook

Price: Rooms start at $70 per night

Address: 811 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook, AZ 86025

Route 66 Vibes Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ever wanted to sleep in a giant concrete teepee? Well, now’s your chance. The Wigwam Motel is one of the most iconic Route 66 landmarks, offering guests a unique overnight experience.

Each wigwam is equipped with basic amenities—bed, bathroom, air conditioning—and vintage cars are parked throughout the property, adding to the retro ambiance.

Sure, it’s kitschy, but that’s the point. It’s a delightful throwback to when roadside attractions didn’t have to make sense, they just had to catch your eye.

Best Place to Catch a Good Night’s Sleep Nearby: You’re already there. Unless sleeping in a faux wigwam isn’t your thing, then the Globetrotter Lodge down the road offers more conventional accommodations.

9. Explore Walnut Canyon National Monument

Price: $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Address: 3 Walnut Canyon Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Route 66 Vibes Scale: ⭐⭐⭐

Take a detour from the asphalt to explore ancient cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon National Monument. The Sinagua people built these homes around 700 years ago, and the site offers a fascinating glimpse into their lives.

The Island Trail is a one-mile round trip with 185-foot elevation change—meaning lots of stairs. Wear your hiking boots and prepare for your calves to file a formal complaint.

The views are stunning, with sandstone cliffs and diverse plant life. It’s a peaceful respite from the road, unless you count the echoes of fellow tourists loudly marveling at the sights.

Best Place to Catch a Good Night’s Sleep Nearby: Return to Flagstaff and try the Drury Inn & Suites. Free hot breakfast and evening snacks make it a winner in our book.

10. Visit Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff

Price: $25 for adults, $16 for children (5-17)

Address: 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Route 66 Vibes Scale: ⭐⭐⭐

End your journey by reaching for the stars—literally. The Lowell Observatory is where Pluto was discovered, back when it was still considered a planet (we’re still bitter).

Evening programs allow you to gaze through telescopes at celestial wonders. Daytime tours offer a look at the historic telescopes and the story of Percival Lowell’s quest to find Planet X.

It’s educational, awe-inspiring, and a gentle reminder of how tiny we are in the grand scheme of things. Perfect thoughts to lull you to sleep.

Best Place to Catch a Good Night’s Sleep Nearby: For a splurge, stay at the Arizona Mountain Inn & Cabins. Nestled in the woods, it’s a serene end to your Route 66 adventure.

Is Route 66 in Arizona Safe?

Safety on Route 66 is generally as reliable as the road is long. While the highway has seen better days, most of the Arizona stretch is well-maintained. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, traffic accidents on rural highways like Route 66 are lower compared to urban areas.

Crime Rates: Small towns along Route 66 tend to have lower crime rates. Kingman and Flagstaff are larger towns, but still maintain relatively low violent crime rates compared to national averages.

Wildlife and Road Conditions: Watch out for wildlife crossing the roads, especially at night. The biggest hazards are more likely to be a stray burro or an overly ambitious jackrabbit than anything else.

Gas Stations and Services: Fuel stations can be sparse in some stretches. Keep your tank at least half full to avoid any “I thought you filled up” arguments.

In short, common sense and a bit of preparation go a long way. Keep your wits about you, and Route 66 will treat you just fine.

Would We Travel Route 66 in Arizona Again?

In a heartbeat. Or however long it takes to drive 401 miles.

Route 66 in Arizona is a quirky blend of history, natural beauty, and pure Americana. It’s a road where the journey is the destination, and every stop offers a new story—or at least a new photo op.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or someone who just enjoys the open road with a side of kitsch, Route 66 has something for you. So pack your bags, grab your co-pilot, and hit the Mother Road. Just remember, it’s not about how fast you get there; it’s about how many burros you befriend along the way.

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