With the Route 66 centennial celebration in 2026 just around the corner, there are several new experiences along Arizona’s portion. Follow this guide to explore the magic of the Mother Road, which offers a perfect mix of classic, quirky and even new attractions.
Kingman
Start the Route 66 adventure with a stop in Kingman. Step back in time in this nostalgic town to experience the heyday of the route. First, take a picture at the drive-thru Route 66 shield. Next, experience some of the new offerings that blend seamlessly into the retro vibe. Stay in a renovated vintage Airstream trailer at the newly opened Tin Can Alley, a collection of chic trailers located in the heart of town, so guests can be footsteps away from retro diners and shops. Kick off the day by grabbing a latte at Mudd on 66, the on-site coffee shop in a transformed mid-century tavern.
Head to the nearby Arizona Route 66 Museum, a classic Route 66 activity not to be missed. Located within the Historic Powerhouse building, enjoy walking through the museum, witnessing artefacts and murals showcasing the evolution of the Mother Road. Enjoy a classic milkshake at the nearby Mr. D’z Diner, a ‘50s-style diner where many generations of families have stopped to share a meal. End the day with a dessert, ordering ice cream at the new Scoops on 66, a refurbished 1939 Mobil gas station.
Peach Springs
Descend 67 metres underground to explore the largest dry caverns in the United States, thanks to the recent reopening of Grand Canyon Caverns near Peach Springs, now owned and operated by the Havasupai Tribe. Four tour options offer something for everyone. The wheelchair accessible 25-minute Short Tour offers a brisk adventure while the 45-minute Standard Tour allows more time to see the many fascinating formations. The Combo Tour includes a meal at the underground Crystal Restaurant after exploring the space.
From Peach Springs, see the Grand Canyon in a completely new way by going on a one or two-day rafting trip with the Hualapai River Runners, a rafting tour along the Canyon’s West Rim led by Hualapai Tribe river guides. This journey teaches the tribe’s history with the canyon and includes a hike to Travertine Cavern Falls. Learn more about the Hualapai Tribe by visiting the Hualapai Cultural Center and staying at the Hualapai Lodge.
Williams
The Mother Road is known for having the wackiest attractions and the Poozeum in Williams may be the quirkiest one of all! This newly-opened, free museum is dedicated to dinosaur poop, scientifically known as coprolite allowing visitors the opportunity to observe thousands of fossils. Stay at the newest hotel in town, the Trailborn Grand Canyon, a restored motor lodge and enjoy nostalgic charm and easy access to the outdoors with their range of off-site excursions.
Just a few steps away is the iconic Grand Canyon Railway, a popular way to visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Enjoy watching a cowboy staged shootout before boarding the train for a two-hour picturesque journey past high deserts and ponderosa pines to arrive at the South Rim’s Historic Village. Soak in breathtaking views of Arizona’s Natural Wonder of the World before catching the train back to Williams, which includes a staged old-fashioned train robbery along the way.
Flagstaff
In Flagstaff, the world’s First International Dark Sky Place, explore the night sky at the new Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory. Here travellers can gaze up at Flagstaff’s famous starry dark skies in the open-air rooftop planetarium after learning about the universe at the centre’s interactive exhibits and experiences. Take a journey into space at the Universe Theater’s two-story, 165-degree curved LED screen. Start the next day by heading underground on the new Flagstaff Underground Tour to discover the Wild West history of this mountain town. On a 90-minute tour, participants will uncover the rowdy tales of the past as they visit old speakeasies whilst learning about the underground tunnels beneath downtown Flagstaff.
Travellers can also embark on a self-guided Walk This Talk tour, starting at the Flagstaff Visitor Center, located within the historic Santa Fe passenger train depot on Route 66 in downtown, to learn more about the original alignment of Route 66 in Flagstaff. On this tour, spot the Route 66 Mural, learn about the longstanding vintage motels and grab lunch with a pint of craft beer at the Mother Road Brewery. Unwind with a night at the historic Weatherford Hotel, the quirky Americana Motor Hotel or the contemporary High Country Motor Lodge, for a comfortable and unique stay.
Winslow
On the way to Winslow, make a pit stop at the massive geodesic dome known as Meteor City, a longtime Route 66 roadside attraction recently revived for the next generation. Located 20 miles west of Winslow, Meteor City offers a wide variety of quirky attractions for families to explore, including a new Dino Drive-thru where visitors can spot more than 30 towering dinosaurs. Spend an afternoon mining for gemstones, creating graffiti art on a vintage Volkswagen and playing retro arcade games.
While cruising into Winslow, visitors can hear their tires play the iconic tune of The Eagles’ “Take it Easy” thanks to the new custom-designed singing road installed to celebrate the centennial. Located on the east side of town near the 9/11 Memorial Park, the musical stretch of road plays a familiar tune, inviting drivers to roll down their windows and enjoy the sound of ,”Standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, such a fine sight to see,”.
Keep the Route 66 road trip tradition of visiting the Old Trails Museum to see American Indian, Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 artefacts before checking in to the nearby historic La Posada Hotel. Here guests can unwind in the gardens, dine at the famous Turquoise Room and explore the Affeldt Mion Museum, which houses the world’s largest handwoven Navajo rug.
Holbrook
As the road trip nears its end, get ready to visit Petrified Forest National Park near Holbrook by first stopping at the brand new ‘The Bend on 66’ in downtown Holbrook, which serves as the new headquarters of the Petrified Forest Museum Association. Spend time wandering around downtown to see the iconic teepees of the Wigwam Motel, the colourful rocks and dinosaur statues at the Rainbow Rock Shop and enjoy a loaded hot dog at Studio 66 Cafe.
Hiking within Petrified Forest National Park provides views of the largest concentration of petrified wood in the world. See nature’s work of art at the Painted Desert, a collection of colourful purple and orange hills that weave through the park before visiting the Rainbow Forest Museum and the Painted Desert Inn, a former stop along Route 66 and now a National Historic Landmark, to discover more about the national park.
