Ten Fun Route 66 Attractions in Arizona

Visit our top Route 66 attractions in Arizona, from the Petrified Forest National Park to old-fashioned gunslingers in Oatman, AZ!

Ten Favorite Route 66 Attractions in Arizona

Arizona’s section of historic Route 66—which originally connected Chicago to Santa Monica, California—runs 385 miles through the northern part of the state and makes for a nostalgic and beautiful adventure.

While much of the highway across the US has been replaced by I-40, Arizona boasts some of its last original roadbeds, along with iconic stops like the Wigwam Village Motel, the famous “Standin’ on the Corner” landmark in Winslow, and historic towns like Seligman, Kingman, and Williams.

If you have extra time, enjoy quick detours to Sedona, Petrified Forest National Park, and the Grand Canyon.

Read on for top Route 66 destinations in Arizona, from east to west.

Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert

From Phoenix: 206 miles northeast • 3 hr, 15 min

Begin your Route 66 journey near the Arizona-New Mexico border, where badlands reveal layers of colorful rocks. Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert showcase thousands of petrified logs and exhibits explaining the process of petrification.

NPS, T. Scott Williams

The restored Painted Desert Inn, a former 1950s hotel on Route 66, now operates as a museum inside the park and is a National Historic Landmark.

Nearby Campgrounds

(Note: Petrified Forest National Park does not have campgrounds). 

Ichabod, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Holbrook’s Wigwam Village Motel

From Petrified Forest National Park: 20 miles west • 20 min

Holbrook is home to the retro Wigwam Village Motel, where you can stay in charming teepee-shaped rooms. The hotel, once part of a national chain of wigwam motels, has been meticulously preserved with 1950s furnishings and vintage cars parked outside, adding to the nostalgic vibe.

Holbrook also boasts iconic spots like the Blevins House, where a historic gangster-sheriff shootout took place. For golfers, the town’s Hidden Cove Golf Course offers spectacular views of the badlands and Painted Desert.

Nearby Campgrounds

Winslow and Homolovi State Park

From Holbrook: 33 miles • 35 min

Fans of the Eagles song “Take it Easy” will love Winslow, Arizona. The town pays tribute to the iconic lyrics with a park featuring a statue and a flatbed truck, capturing the song’s famous line.

Visit Winslow’s historic La Posada Hotel, once a glamorous stop for 1920s Santa Fe Railroad passengers like Amelia Earhart and Clark Gable. The hotel now offers an art gallery, museum, and the acclaimed Turquoise Room restaurant.

For more local history, check out the Old Trails Museum on North Kinsley Avenue.

Only a 10-minute drive from Winslow, Homolovi State Park has fascinating Native American historical and archaeological sites. While the park is not officially on Hopi land, it is part of their ancestral homeland and holds deep cultural significance. The park features over 300 historic sites, including pit houses and massive pueblos dating back 700 years. Visitors can also explore petroglyphs, an art walk, and a visitor center.

Nearby Campgrounds in Winslow, AZ

 

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Flagstaff

From Winslow: 58 miles west • 1 hr

Known for its cool summers and snowy winters, Flagstaff is a great spot to spend a day or two.

Three must-see Route 66 stops in Flagstaff include:

Other interesting attractions in Flagstaff include the Lowell Observatory, Riordan Mansion State Park, or enjoy local craft beers along the Flagstaff Brewery Trail.

Side Trip: Sedona

Just 30 miles south of Flagstaff, Sedona is famous for its red rocks, spiritual sites, art, and hiking. See our list of favorite hikes in Sedona. It’s worth a visit if time allows!

Nearby Campgrounds

Williams, AZ

From Flagstaff: 33 miles west • 35 min

Known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, Williams has preserved its charm despite being bypassed by I-40. The historic downtown captures Route 66’s retro vibe with vintage cars, diners, and shops.

Visit popular spots like:

  • Route 66 Museum: Explore exhibits that highlight the history of the Mother Road and its impact on Williams and the surrounding area.

  • Bearizona Wildlife Park: Drive through this wildlife park to see bears, wolves, and other animals in their natural habitats.

  • Canyon Coaster Adventure Park: Enjoy a thrilling ride on a self-controlled coaster built into the side of a mountain.

  • Grand Canyon Railway: Take a scenic ride in vintage railcars from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, a popular and historic journey.

Nearby Campgrounds

Side Trip: Grand Canyon’s South Rim

From Williams: 60 miles north • 1 hr, 10 min

Although not on Route 66, the Grand Canyon is a must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, educational displays and activities like mule rides, helicopter tours, and ranger-led programs.

Nearby Campgrounds

Seligman, AZ

From Williams: 40 miles west • 40 min

Seligman is a Route 66 treasure, preserving the longest stretch of the original highway.

This quirky town is believed to have inspired Pixar’s Cars movie and is packed with 1950s shops and diners.

Must-see spots include:

Nearby Campgrounds

Peach Springs, AZ

From Seligman: 36 miles west • 35 min

Peach Springs is the capital of the Hualapai Nation and is known today for its proximity to outdoor adventures like Grand Canyon Caverns and the Grand Canyon West Skywalk (a 95-mile, 1hr & 45min drive)

The Historic Peach Springs Trading Post, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, once served as a bustling post office and store along Route 66. Today, it houses offices for the Hualapai Tribe's Forestry, Wildlife Conservation, and Game and Fish departments.

Take a guided tour in the nearby Grand Canyon Caverns, the largest dry caverns in the U.S., to explore their expansive underground chambers.

Visitors also learn about the Hualapai’s rich history at the Hualapai Cultural Center, where traditional art, demonstrations, and storytelling provide a deeper understanding of the Hualapai way of life.

Nearby Campgrounds

Kingman, AZ

From Peach Springs: southwest 48 miles • 50 min

Kingman is rich in history, from its railroad and mining roots to its deep connection with Route 66. There’s plenty to explore:

Nearby Campgrounds

Oatman, AZ

From Kingman: 30 miles • 45 min

Nestled in the Black Mountains, Oatman is a quirky village with a Wild West atmosphere. Famous for its roaming wild burros, Oatman celebrates its Route 66 heritage with vintage signs and memorabilia throughout the town.

Don’t miss a visit to the historic Oatman Hotel, where visitors can tape dollar bills to the saloon walls as part of a long-standing tradition. While at the hotel, ask when the day’s re-enacted shoot-outs are happening (typically in the afternoon).

The Oatman General Store is another must-see for Route 66 souvenirs and memorabilia.

Nearby Campgrounds

After your stop in Oatman, it’s a scenic 200-mile drive (3.5 hours) back to Phoenix. For more information about Arizona’s Route 66, check out Visit Arizona’s Route 66 Guide.

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