West to East on Arizona’s Route 66

On Arizona's stretch of Route 66, there's no shortage of history and quirky attractions to visit. Here, we've compiled the must-see and do stops from west to east on the Mother Road, as well as the best places to stay, eat and shop along the way. So buckle up and hit the road for this epic Route 66 road trip in celebration of the Route's Centennial celebration.

Topock

Topock is a small unincorporated community located between Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City in Mohave County that serves as the starting point of Arizona’s portion of Route 66. It is known as home to the Old Trails Bridge which was featured in the film, "The Grapes of Wrath."

Places to stay

Before embarking down the Mother Road, unwind at the Topock66 Hotel by soaking in the hotel’s famous pool that offers views of the Colorado River.

Where to eat

Enjoy a burger while overlooking the Colorado River at Topock66 Restaurant or devour a filet mignon at Blondies Route 66 Bar & Grill as you soak in picturesque views from the restaurant's patio.

Things to See and Do

Often referred to as a miniature Grand Canyon, explore Topock Gorge to observe its colorful rocky walls and participate in water recreation activities. As part of the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, spend an afternoon boating, kayaking and canoeing. Those seeking to fish, can cast their line at Topock Marsh to try and catch bass, crappie, catfish and carp before cruising along on their boat. 

Where to Shop

Grab eccentric Route 66 shirts and souvenirs at Topock66 Merch (14999 Historic Route 66 Topock, AZ 86436).

Oatman

Once in Oatman, enjoy the majestic scenery, experience live gunfights and be greeted by the friendly wild burros. Oatman takes pride in keeping its town as authentic as possible, to give a look back into history and show the Wild West as it really was. A former mining town located in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, Oatman has undergone a renaissance of sorts in recent years thanks to burgeoning interest in Route 66.

Where to eat

The Oatman Hotel Restaurant & Saloon (181 Main St, Oatman, AZ 86433) is wallpapered with dollar bills, a tradition dating back to the boomtown era, and serves tasty buffalo burgers with a side of burro ears, seasoned homemade potato chips cooked fresh daily.

Things to See and Do

Meet the most famous residents in town — the free-roaming wild burros that are found throughout Oatman. These friendly burros are the descendants of the burros that once worked within the mines. Interact with them by purchasing burro food. Stick around to see the free Wild West gunfight reenactments that occur twice daily in the street. Families can see the Oatman Ghost Rider Gunfighters reenact a heist that ends with a thrilling mock shoot out.

Where to Shop

Pot your own cactus at Pinnacles (162 Main St, Oatman, AZ 86433), an eclectic souvenir shop where you can buy a cactus, Tshirts, bandanas and much more. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Route 66 Sweet Fix (241 Main Street, Oatman, AZ 86433) which offers countless candies.

Motorcycle Tip

Those traveling by motorcycle will want to ride the Sitgreaves Pass, located between Kingman and Oatman in the Black Mountains of Mohave County. With an elevation of 3,586 (1,093 meter) the pass is known for its steep, winding roads that make for a great ride.

Kingman

Thrills abound in Kingman, which offers travelers a wide variety of Route 66 experiences including a drive-thru Route 66 shield. Step back in time in this nostalgic town to experience the heyday of the route. 

Places to stay

Stay at Tin Can Alley on 66, a vintage Airstream Airbnb community where modern comfort meets retro charm. Or, stay at the Best Western Plus King’s Inn & Suites to enjoy a comfortable stay and participate in various outdoor events hosted by the hotel.

Where to eat

Travel back in time while enjoying a burger with a milkshake at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner (105 E. Andy Devine, Kingman, AZ 86401), a quintessential Route 66 diner that has a jukebox, Route 66 memorabilia decor and vintage cars out front to take pictures. For aviation-lovers, enjoy dinner at the Kingman Airport Cafe, located along the airport runway. Enjoy tasty American fare while watching planes take off up-close.

Things to See and Do

Located within the Historic Powerhouse building, explore the Kingman Visitor Center & Route 66 Museum to witness artifacts and murals showcasing the evolution of the Mother Road. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike an old wagon route on the White Cliffs Wagon Trail (White Cliffs Wagon Trail, Kingman, AZ 86401), which was first created so wagons could carry ore from the mines to the railroad.

Where to Shop

Looking for Route 66 themed postcards, apparel, toys and other fun souvenirs?Find them at the Historic Route 66 Association Gift Shop located within the Kingman Visitor Center. Or find the perfect gift at West of 3rd, a women-owned market offering  artisans goods and herbal body care products.

EV Charging stations

Kingman has charging stations for Teslas and other electric vehicles (EVs).Tesla drivers can charge up their cars at the Kingman Visitor Center and at the town’s Carl’s Jr. There are Rivian Chargers at the Ross Shopping Plaza and Electrify America Charging Station at Smith’s Grocery Store.

Antares Point

Antares Point is along the longest continuous curve on a U.S. Hwy (approx. 2 miles) and offers fantastic views of the area. Located in a small community, stop here to see larger-than-life artwork. Antares Point Visitor Center (9855 AZ-66, Kingman, AZ 86401), formerly Kozy Corner Trail Park, features Giganticus Headicus, a 14-foot-tall Tiki-style head created by local artist (and owner of the gift shop) Gregg Arnold. Make a pitstop here to take photos in front of the towering Giganticus Headicus and observe Arnold’s art around the visitor center. If you're lucky, the seasonal gift shop will be open where you can purchase Arnold’s art along with Route 66 souvenirs.

Hackberry

Once a silver mining town, Hackberry is now an unincorporated community along Route 66 that has a must-see vintage general store on Route 66. One of the best photo stops along the route, the Hackberry General Store (11255 AZ-66, Kingman, AZ 86411) has a vast collection of roadside memorabilia and vintage gas pumps to pose with. Called "the mother lode of Mother Road memorabilia", here you can see many nostalgic tin signs including Burma-Shave road signs and Mobilgas Pegasus. Peruse the collection of vintage cars including a T flatbed truck, before walking through the vintage diner to have a root beer and purchase a souvenir. With many Route 66 maps, books and artifacts to see, enjoy wandering around this trove taking photos.

Valentine

Located on the Hualapai Reservation, Valentine is a prime example of a small town along Route 66. This tiny community (with only around 30 residents) offers nostalgic spots great for photos and surprisingly the chance to spot critters beyond the typical native wildlife. See lions, tigers and bears at the Keepers of the Wild Animal Sanctuary, a wild life sanctuary with more than 150 rescued animals. Here families can go on a guided tour to get a closer look at the animals or they can roam the park on their own to see the exotic cats, monkeys and wolves. A Route 66 road trip is incomplete without having a few photoshoots at retro gas stations along the way — check out the Valentine Station (12626 AZ-66, Hackberry, AZ 86411), originally built in 1945.

Truxton

Truxton, a tiny town (home to around 100 people), is close to being a ghost town with various abandoned buildings you can see while driving into town. Founded 25 years after the establishment of Route 66 in 1926, this town makes for a great pitstop to take photos. Capture social media worthy photos at the Historic Frontier Motel and Cafe Neon Sign, an abandoned motel that has a showstopping neon sign (16118 Historic Rte 66, Valentine, AZ 86437). Complete the roadtrip tradition of making a pitstop to load up on snacks by stopping at the Gas n Grub, which has the snacks, refreshments and a restroom.

Peach Springs

The capital of the Hualapai tribal community, Peach Springs offers great outdoor adventures and tribal experiences. Venture into the Grand Canyon Caverns while in this small town that was the inspiration for Radiator Springs in the Pixar film "Cars."

Places to stay

Have a comfortable stay at The Hualapai Lodge which is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe (900 N Hwy 66 Peach Springs, AZ). During your stay, wander into the lodge’s trading post to buy handmade goods, stop by the concierge to book an outdoor adventure, unwind in their cozy suite and visit the nearby Hualapai Cultural Center to learn more about the tribe’s history.

Or, stay at the newly renovated and above-ground Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn, which offers a variety of accommodations including a ranch house, cabins bunkhouse, standard rooms or a tent suite.

Where to eat

Try authentic fry bread at Diamond Creek Restaurant at Hualapai Lodge. Here foodies can order a Hualapai taco, a dish made by piling ground beef, green chilies and beans on top of uniquely chewy fry bread (900 AZ-66, Peach Springs, AZ 86434). Or, try the Hualapai stew which combines beef tips, potatoes, vegetables and a special broth for a savory meal.

Grab a bison burger with fries at The Caverns Grill at the Grand Canyon Caverns, a rustic restaurant serving delicious meals. Or dine 220 feet underground at the Grand Canyon Caverns’ Crystal Restaurant, which is located directly inside the caverns (AZ-66, Peach Springs, AZ 86434).

Things to See and Do

Descend 220 feet underground to explore the largest dry caverns in the U.S., thanks to the recent reopening of Grand Canyon Caverns, now owned and operated by the Havasupai Tribe. The caverns have four tour options: the wheelchair accessible 25-minute Short Tour offers a brisk adventure or 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. Another option is the two-hour Explore Tour, where you can go off the beaten path, climbing and crawling to see rare spots of the cavern.

Experience 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 (900 East AZ-66, Peach Springs, AZ 86434).

Extend your stay

If you're not in a rush, take a detour off Route 66 to visit Grand Canyon West where they can enjoy the Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, or go on a helicopter ride over the natural wonder. Embark from Peach Springs to the Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim to soak in one-of-a-kind views and learn the history of the canyon.

Seligman

Seligman is the starting point of the longest unbroken stretch of Route 66 still in existence and runs from Seligman to Topock, Arizona. This tiny town helped reignite preservation and interest in the Mother Road, thanks to Angel Delgadillo, a local barber, who founded the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. There are many classic Americana experiences that travelers decades ago experienced that travelers today still are able to enjoy.

Places to stay

Families can enjoy staying at Canyon Lodge Motel, a classic Route 66 motel with themed rooms based on famous individuals including Elvis and Marylin Monroe (22340 West Old Highway #66, Seligman, AZ 86337). Or take in the retro flair of The Aztec Motel (22200 Historic Rte 66, Seligman, AZ 86337).

Where to eat

Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In is a must-stop for families to enjoy juicy burgers while experiencing a key landmark in the birthplace of Historic Route 66 (301 AZ-66, Seligman, AZ 86337). Once owned and operated by Juan Delgadillo, who co-founded the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona with his brother Angel Delgadillo (known as the guardian angel of Route 66), the eponymous Snow Cap Drive-In remains frozen in time continuing to serve milkshakes with jokes. Known for his playful antics with customers, Juan's spirit lives on as his family upholds the tradition, staying dedicated to making travelers feel welcome.

At Roadkill Cafe/O.K Saloon, foodies can enjoy eating delicious bison and elk while surrounded by taxidermied animal decor at Roadkill Cafe, a quirky restaurant with the slogan "you kill it, we grill it" (22830 W, AZ-66, Seligman, AZ 86337).

Things to See and Do

Venture into The Original Route 66 Gift Shop, which was Angel's barber shop and is now a combination of a visitor center, museum and shop. Here, find the perfect Route 66 souvenir, learn how the Delgadillo brothers' efforts saved the towns and culture along the original Route 66 in Arizona and discover how this small town inspired the Pixar film "Cars.”

Seligman’s Historic Walking Tour is a self-guided 20-minute walking tour around the original center of Seligman showcasing the town’s evolution from a thriving railroad town to a tourist hotspot. Find the guide at the Snow Cap Drive-In or Route 66 Gift Shop.

Where to Shop

Stop at the iconic blue building in town, the Route 66 Road Relics, to go shopping for souvenirs and snap photos in front of the building's murals (22255 West Old Highway #66, Seligman, AZ 86337). Browse artwork, T-shirts, leather goods and so much more at the Route 66 Motorporium, a Route 66 gift shop with an iconic sign and Volkswagen van out front (22385 W Old Hwy 66, Seligman, AZ 86337).

Ash Fork

In the heart of Arizona, along the historic Route 66, lies a town that embodies resilience and determination. Once a bustling hub of 7,500 residents with a thriving railroad, Ash Fork faced immense challenges when the railroad pulled out in the 1960s and Route 66 was bypassed in 1979. But just like the stories that inspire classics like "Cars," Ash Fork proved they were the town that wouldn’t die.

Places to stay

The Canyon Edge Route 66 Motel continues to be a classic roadside stop that embraces the 50s-60s era while offering updated remodeled rooms and suites (859 Old Rte 66, Ash Fork, AZ 86320). If you're interested in camping and enjoy  stargazing, try A Spark in the Dark Campground which offers dry camping, large lots, a market for supply and an easy-breezy open-sided cabin for rent (45130 N. Celestial Place, Ash Fork, AZ 86320).

Where to eat

Grab a bite at The Ranch House Café which was featured on the reality show Restaurant Impossible (83 W Park Ave, Ash Fork, AZ 86320). Tourists will want to dine at Piccadilly Pizza & Subs to enjoy pizza, subs and fudge before exploring the gift shop goodies (1198 Historic Rte 66, Ash Fork, AZ 86320).

Things to See and Do

Built in 1907 by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, the Ash Fork Freight Depot is the original freight depot that was part of the larger Escalante Harvey House complex. Now, the Depot serves as a maintenance-of-way crew house for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. (518 I-40BL, Ash Fork, AZ 86320). Explore the Ash Fork Route 66 Historic Museum & Tourist Center where you can view a pictorial display of Ash Fork’s Route 66 in the 40s and 50s, a model of the Fred Harvey Escalante Hotel and an original 1926 Ford Model T automobile that still runs annually in the Pioneer Day Parade. After observing the exhibits, venture into the gift shop to peruse a vast array of crystals and rocks before snapping photos of a vintage metal glider chair in front of the museum (901 Old Rte 66, Ash Fork, AZ 86320).

Williams

A quaint mountain town with the personality of an authentic Western village, Williams lies under a canopy of Ponderosa Pines of the Kaibab Forest. Just steps away, enjoy hiking, fishing, camping and pretty much whatever else you can think to do outdoors. It’s also just an hour’s drive from one of the seven natural wonders of the world — the Grand Canyon.

Places to stay

Check out the newest hotel in town, the Trailborn Grand Canyon, a restored motor lodge that has nostalgic charm and offers off-site excursions. After a long day of adventures, guests can relax by the pool, savor Southwestern food at the onsite Miss Kitty’s restaurant and join various activities in the Camp Hall.

Or, stay at the historic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, located next to the William’s train depot where the famous Grand Canyon Railway whisks riders away to the natural wonder. During your stay, spend time in their newly refurbished guest rooms, soaking in the indoor hot tub and dining at Fred Harvey Restaurant before walking only two blocks to explore downtown Williams and Route 66.   

Where to eat

Stop for finger-licking BBQ at Cruiser's Route 66 Cafe, a retro diner serving smoked BBQ ribs and brisket cooked over mesquite wood, a Southwestern culinary technique, along with other classic diner dishes (233 W Route 66, Williams, AZ 86046). While waiting for your food, browse the gift shop to find keychains, snowglobes and other souvenirs. Select from over the 50 different pie flavors at Pine Country Restaurant, a cozy place that serves homey comfort food (107 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ 86046).

Things to See and Do

While in town, you have to ride the iconic Grand Canyon Railway, a bucket list experience and popular way to visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for over a century. Start your adventure by 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.

After deboarding the train, soak in breathtaking views of Arizona’s Natural Wonder of the World and visit the historic buildings along the rim before catching the train back to Williams. At Bearizona, spot bears, bison and wolves during the drive-through experience and see Javelina, bobcats and jaguars while walking around the wildlife park.

Where to Shop

Shop the art pieces of more than 25 local artisans while at The Gallery in Williams, a family-run art gallery on Route 66. Art lovers can browse the countless colorful necklaces, paintings and pottery (145 W Historic Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046).

Parks

A small town passionate about preserving its history, Parks is a rural community along the Route known for its pine country scenery and over-a-century-years-old general store. The Old Route 66 Store, formerly known as Park in the Pines General Store, is a great place to make a stop to grab food and souvenirs. A staple is the community, this general store offers a glimpse into the past and embodies the spirit of Route 66 (12963 Old Route 66, Parks, AZ, 86018).

Bellemont

The highest town on all of historic Route 66 at 7,130 feet, Bellemont, is a small town that was featured in the 1969 film "Easy Rider." Take a break to stretch your legs at the Grand Canyon Harley Davidson in Bellemont, where you can check out the bikes and envision yourself experiencing the route by motorcycle (1200 W Route 66, Bellemont, AZ, 86015).

Flagstaff

Stroll around Flagstaff, a mountain town with countless trails and a quaint downtown. During the day, explore the forest, restaurants and breweries. At night, enjoy the town's gorgeous dark skies and go stargazing.

Places to Stay

Stay at the vibrant and lunar-themed Americana Motor Hotel located right on historic Route 66. At this retro-futuristic motor hotel, enjoy a year-round heated pool, a spacious backyard to play cornhole and a firepit with telescopes nearby to explore the star-filled sky in the world’s First International Dark Sky City.

Unwind at High Country Motor Lodge, a boutique reimagined roadside hotel inspired by Flagstaff's natural beauty and Route 66 culture, that offers rooms that intertwine vintage with contemporary design. After a day of exploring, return to the lodge to become renewed at Arizona’s first Nordic Spa, relaxing in the pool or hot tub, enjoying stargazing and staying in the Cosmic Cottage rooms.

Where to Eat

Grab lunch with a pint of craft beer at the Mother Road Brewery, where history and hops collide on the original Route 66 alignment. Designated Arizona’s Craft Beer City, savor the Tower Station India Pale Ale with a burger before embarking on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail. Foodies can enjoy humanely and sustainably raised meats at Proper Meats, the first local, whole-animal butcher shop in Arizona.

Where to Shop

Support local artists at the Flagstaff General Store, which features over 35 local artists. Along with maps and guides, find keepsakes at the Flagstaff Visitor Center, located within a historic, still-working train station that has an iconic Route 66 street mural (1 E Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001).

Things to See and Do

The Grand Canyon is one-of-a-kind with breathtaking views that can be experienced from standing along the rim or venturing into the canyon via hiking, rafting or on a helicopter ride. At South Rim’s Historic Village guests can explore many historic buildings and attractions including the historic El Tovar Hotel, Hopi House, Grand Canyon Depot and Lookout Studio (Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023).

Visit Flagstaff’s famous Lowell Observatory, an ongoing research facility founded in 1894 that encourages visitors to learn about space by offering engaging exhibits, science talks, constellation tours and stargazing with various advanced telescopes. Stargaze at Flagstaff's famous starry dark skies in the new open-air rooftop planetarium after learning about the universe at the center’s interactive exhibits and experiences.

EV Charging stations

If you're riding along Route 66 in an electric vehicle, you can find charging stations all across Flagstaff here. 

Winona

Winona, is a tiny community that is named in the iconic “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” song, that offers views of the forest and the volcanic cones of the San Francisco Volcanic Field. Take a break from the road to see Walnut Canyon Bridge, an over 100 year old bridge that once was busy with Route 66 traffic that now is on the National Register of Historic Places and no longer has cars crossing it, but has a place to park and view the bridge (12771-12829 Townsend-Winona Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004). If you need to fill up your gas tank or restock on snacks, stop at the Winona Trading Post (13673 Townsend-Winona Rd, Flagstaff, AZ).

Twin Arrows

Take a pitstop to try your luck at the Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort or extend your visit by staying in one of the resort’s wide variety room styles to rest before enjoying the heated hot tub and diverse restaurants (22181 Resort Blvd, Flagstaff).

Meteor Crater

Explore the best-preserved impact site on Earth at Meteor Crater, a giant crater created over 50,000 years ago by an iron-nickel meteor. There is a guided rim tour that takes visitors on a half mile hike and stops at the three observation areas along the rim of the crater. After seeing the crater, venture into the Discovery Center to check out the 24 exhibits that showcase meteorites, asteroids and the solar system.

Winslow

Winslow is a history lover's paradise with museums and rock music significance. Stroll around downtown to soak in the historic architecture and see the new attractions that showcase the town’s ongoing spirit of revival.

Places to Stay

Stay at the La Posada Hotel, the last Harvey House in the U.S. which was built by famous architect Mary Colter. The La Posada Hotel’s Spanish influence and historic charm have made the hotel a favorite for historic figures to stay at and continues to be a favorite in Winslow thanks to its vibrant art exhibits and numerous gardens.

Unwind at The Winslow, located near the famous Standing On The Corner attraction, which offers contemporary designed guestrooms including an owner suite inspired room. After restoring your energy, play outdoor lawn games, grab a drink at the lobby bar and recap the day while sitting around the outdoor fire pit (2206 N Park Dr, Winslow, AZ 86047).

Where to Eat

Enjoy the charm of the famous Turquoise Room in the historic La Posada Hotel, which recreates the experience of enjoying dinner in the Turquoise Room dining car on the Santa Fe Railway's Super Chief. The Turquoise Room offers Southwestern dishes inspired by Navajo and Hopi cuisine, with a contemporary flair that delight diner's tastebuds.

Watch planes take off while eating tacos at Romo’s Mexican Grill, a family-owned eatery on the tarmac at Winslow’s historic airport that offers New Mexican inspired dishes. Enjoy classic dishes like burritos and chimichangas with a twist along with new meals to try including their popular spicy mushroom tacos and keto tacos (703 Airport Rd, Winslow, AZ 86047).

Things to See and Do

Explore the Affeldt Mion Museum which showcases the history of La Posada, Fred Harvey and the town. View The Hubbell-Joe Rug, the largest known hand-spun, and hand-carded Navajo (Diné) Rug that is on permanent exhibit at Affeldt Mion Museum. Here, you can also see the exterior of the 502 Pleasure Dome railcar from the new viewing platform.

Blast the Eagles’ "Take it Easy" when arriving in town, the classic tune that mentions Winslow in its second verse. Discover the scene the song depicts at Standing at the Corner Park, which features a two-story mural and a life-sized bronze statue depicting a 1970s man standing on the corner with a guitar standing on the toe of his boot. Learn more about the town’s history by heading across the street to discover American Indian, Santa Fe Railway and Route 66 artifacts at the Old Trails Museum.

Where to Shop

Wander into the La Posada Hotel Gift Shop to buy locally-made intricate jewelry, home decor and more. For tchotchkes and more galore, stop by the On the Corner Shop.

Joseph City

Joseph City is an unincorporated town on the Mother Road that draws visitors in thanks to the town’s trading posts mysterious and captivating billboards. Take a break from the road to see colorful “Here It Is” billboards. At the Jack Rabbit Trading Post, find graphic tees, patches, ornaments and even more fun Route 66 goodies to buy. Snap a photo in front of the giant rabbit statue in front of the store. As the story goes, the statue is what helped inspire the creation of the trading post (3386 U.S. Rte 66, Joseph City, AZ 86032).

Holbrook

Known for its Route 66 kitsch and unforgettable landscapes, Holbrook is the eastern-most town on Arizona’s portion of Route 66. The only town on the entirety of Route 66 that has a National Park.

Places to Stay

Sleep in a wigwam (a type of tipi) at the Wigwam Motel, a favorite for travelers since the 50s and an iconic landmark on Route 66. Enjoy the vintage charm of this motel, with rooms that have retained their original hickory furniture and vintage cars scattered around to pose alongside to capture photos. The motel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a small museum that has American Indian and Route 66 artifacts to observe. Or, stay in Old West and Route 66 themed rooms at Brad’s Desert Inn.

Where to Eat

Swing by Studio 66 Cafe for a latte and a pastry, or grab a loaded hot dog with a side of fries. This locally-owned Route 66-themed cafe is an anytime culinary pitstop serving cinnamon buns, sandwiches and french fries topped with a wide variety of ingredients. Enjoy an ice cream cone at a table that sits on top of a vintage pickup truck before heading out to explore (2226 Navajo Blvd, Holbrook, AZ 86025). Try delicious authentic Mexican cuisine at Romo’s Mexican Restaurant (121 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook, AZ 86025) where you can order chili rellenos, a stuffed roasted poblano filled with meat and cheese, a local favorite.

Things to See and Do

Make a pit stop at the massive geodesic dome known as Meteor City, a longtime Route 66 roadside attraction thats recently been revived. Meteor City offers a wide variety of quirky attractions for families to explore, including a new Dino Drive-thru where you can spot more than 30 towering dinosaurs. Or spend the afternoon mining for gemstones, creating graffiti art on a vintage Volkswagen and playing retro arcade games.

Check out the 119-year-old Historic Navajo County Courthouse, which serves as an official Arizona Information Center and houses the Navajo County Historical Society's Museum. At this free museum, see more than 70 exhibits that showcase items from early citizens and founders.

Where to Shop

Originally known as the Holbrook Rock Shop, Jim Gray’s Petrified Wood Co., is a family-owned and operated business that has grown to become the worldwide premier dealer of Arizona Rainbow Petrified Wood (147 US-180, Holbrook, AZ 86025). As your road trip nears its end, stop at the brand new ‘The Bend on 66’ which serves as the new headquarters of the Petrified Forest Museum Association. The facility offers visitors educational materials to prepare for a visit to the park and fun souvenirs (222 Navajo Blvd., Holbrook).

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is the only national park that contains a section of Historic Route 66.

Places to Stay

Watch a vibrant sunset over the vast, tranquil badlands near Petrified Forest National Park at the recently opened Tickled Pink Flamingos Vintage Campground and Retreat Center. Stay in one of the five cozy vintage campers while enjoying a campfire under the stars.

Things to see and do

Explore Petrified Forest National Park, the largest concentration of petrified wood in the world. At the park, you'll see ancient petrified logs from 225 million years ago scattered throughout the grounds, which create an enchanted forest of fossils to experience. At the park’s northern end, marvel at the colorful hills of the Painted Desert — where purple, red and orange sediments form picturesque badlands.

Venture into the Rainbow Forest Museum to observe prehistoric animal skeletons, have lunch in the picnic areas, hike the interpretive trails or embark on a scenic drive through the park’s main road. Peak into the Painted Desert Inn to learn the story behind the inn's history. While no longer hosting travelers, the inn is a National Historic Landmark where visitors can enjoy stunning glass windows and murals or snag an ice cream cone.