There’s something about the open road that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Maybe it’s the quirky roadside stops or just that irresistible pull of the open road. Few highways have left a mark on American culture quite like Route 66.
Beginning in Chicago, Illinois, and ending in Santa Monica, California, the road is steeped in history and adventure. Many forget that Arizona—home to towering saguaro cacti and scorching desert heat—was a key stretch of Route 66. Let’s be honest: Without some of these stops, Pixar’s Cars wouldn’t be the nostalgic gem it is today.
So, pack some pretzels, grab your best sunglasses, and pull up your favorite playlist as we hit the road.
Kingman
At first glance, Kingman might not turn heads—it’s mostly residential, with little greenery and just one truck stop up the road. Don’t let appearances deceive you though. Turn onto the main road, and you’re instantly cruising down historic Route 66. A bold, black sign marks the Route 66 Museum, where you can dive into the highway’s history, Kingman’s role in it, and its lasting cultural impact.
Seligman
South of Kingman, you’ll find Seligman—a town that feels like you’re stepping straight into the past. Pixar’s Cars comes to life here with shops that look like they belong in Radiator Springs. On Main Street, the bright turquoise Angel & Vilma Delgadillo’s Original Route 66 Gift Shop has a Tow Mater replica parked out front, grinning like an old friend.
Down the street, you can find other quirky gift shops such as the Historic Seligman Sundries, Return to the 50s, and Rt. 66 Hippie Cricket. There are also some quirky restaurants, like Roadkill Café, whose motto is “You kill it, we grill it!”
Flagstaff
Climbing in elevation, we reach Flagstaff—a city that looks more like a town from Colorado than the Arizona desert. Towering pines line the city and stretch alongside the highway and its streets are lined with flowers and greenery, giving it a fresh, inviting feel.
Take a walking tour or hop on a surrey bike to explore its historic downtown, packed with boutiques, outdoor outfitters, art galleries, and landmarks like the old city hall. They even have a planetarium nearby where they discovered Pluto!
Winslow
While stranded in Winslow, Jackson Browne scanned the unfamiliar streets, hoping for a friendly face. Then he saw her: a girl in a flatbed Ford, a sight worth singing about. He called up his buddy Glenn Frey from the Eagles, and the iconic song “Take it Easy” was born.
Now, there’s a park fittingly named Standin’ on the Corner, complete with a mural of that famous flatbed Ford. There are also two statues: one of Jackson standing on the corner with his guitar and the other of the late Glenn, who passed away in 2016.
After you’ve gotten your fill of the park, you can head down the street to some of the small gift shops and cafes nearby. One is the Sipp Shop, where you can get a fun soda mix and taste one of their delicious crepes.
Holbrook
As you approach Holbrook, a towering stegosaurus and bright orange T-Rex come into view—likely making you wonder if you’ve just driven into Arizona’s own Jurassic Park. Nope—this is Holbrook, Arizona, where towering dinosaur statues aren’t just for show; they’re actually for sale.
If you want to learn more about Holbrook’s impact on Route 66 or what life during the Wild West was like in Arizona, be sure to take their walking tour. You can learn about Bucket of Blood Saloon and the Blevins House, where a classic wild west shootout between gangsters and sheriffs took place.
Just outside town, on the way to Petrified Forest National Park, DoBell Ranch is a must-stop for collectors because it offers geodes, fossils, and other glittering treasures to take home.
End of the Road
While Route 66 is no longer in operation, the towns alongside it are iconic landmarks of those early road-tripping days. These smaller towns often get overlooked, but thanks to movies like Pixar’s Cars, their businesses are brought into the public eye.
Seeing these places in pictures is one thing—experiencing them in person is something else entirely! So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunblock and pull up the Pixar’s Cars soundtrack—Route 66 is calling.