As Route 66's centennial celebration rolls on, the Mother Road is enjoying a moment in the spotlight. Arizona's 385-mile stretch of Route 66 is the longest preserved section, running from Lupton near the New Mexico border to Topock on the Colorado River. Albuquerque travelers can easily pick up the route by crossing into Arizona on I-40. If you're flying in from farther away, Phoenix offers a convenient gateway to a road trip through railroad towns, neon-lit main streets and some of the Southwest's most beloved roadside attractions. These four stops—Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams, and Kingman—showcase some of the best of Arizona's stretch of the Mother Road.
Winslow
You really can stand on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, as the song says. Standin' on the Corner Park features a life-size bronze statue of a guitar-toting traveler. Go early in the morning for the best light and fewer people competing to get the same pictures. A two-story mural creates the illusion of a bustling street scene, making the park one of Arizona's most photographed roadside attractions. Before you leave town, drive over the new musical stretch of Route 66 that plays the opening bars of the Eagles' "Take It Easy" through your tires when you drive the posted speed limit.
For a remarkable food experience, try The Turquoise Room inside La Posada Hotel. The deep-fried stuffed squash blossoms alone are worth the trip.
Flagstaff
Route 66 runs right through downtown Flagstaff, where independent shops, restaurants and historic buildings make it an easy place to spend an afternoon on foot. The city's biggest draw is Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered in 1930 and visitors can explore historic telescopes and interactive astronomy exhibits. If time allows, make the short drive to Walnut Canyon National Monument to walk among remarkably preserved cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people more than 800 years ago.
MartAnne’s Burrito Palace is a local favorite for traditional Mexican food, known as "the house that chilaquiles built."
Williams
Williams is the departure point for the Grand Canyon Railway, one of Arizona's most iconic rail journeys. The Grand Canyon Railway departs from the restored 1908 depot for a 65-mile journey to the South Rim, complete with Western musicians, cowboy entertainment and vintage rail travel that recalls the golden age of Route 66 vacations. If you're trying to pack a lot into an Arizona road trip, the train is an easy way to experience the Grand Canyon as a day trip while making the journey every bit as memorable as the destination.
The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel makes the experience remarkably seamless. After checking in, it's just a short walk across the courtyard to the depot, where you'll pick up your tickets and everything you need for the next day's journey. If you're covering a lot of ground on an Arizona road trip, letting someone else handle the driving for a day is a welcome change of pace.
Back in Williams, spend some time strolling the compact downtown, where neon signs, diners and classic Route 66 storefronts make it easy to soak up the town's nostalgic atmosphere.
Kingman
Kingman embraces its Route 66 heritage with glowing neon, classic diners and one of Route 66’s best museums. The Arizona Route 66 Museum traces the evolution of travel across the Mother Road through immersive exhibits and historic artifacts, making it a worthwhile stop even for visitors who already know Route 66's story. Afterward, stroll historic downtown before settling into one of the city's retro-inspired lodging options.
Sleep on Route 66
While there are plenty of places to stay along Arizona's Route 66, these three stand out for their history, character and unmistakable Route 66 charm.
La Posada Hotel (Winslow): Stay in the last Harvey House built, a beautifully restored railroad hotel designed by famed architect Mary Colter with an onsite museum and art gallery.
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel (Williams): Located steps from the depot, the hotel makes catching the morning train to the South Rim effortless.
Tin Can Alley (Kingman): Spend the night in a restored vintage Airstream trailer within walking distance of downtown Kingman's Route 66 attractions.
Kingman embraces its Route 66 heritage with glowing neon, classic diners and one of Route 66’s best museums.
As Route 66's centennial celebration rolls on, the Mother Road is enjoying a moment in the spotlight.