Tag: route 66

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Get Your Kicks (and Wedding Pics) on Route 66 in Arizona

must see stops on arizona route 66 road trip

The centennial of Route 66 is upon us. That’s 100 years of celebrating the nostalgia and eccentricities of the Mother Road. A slice of the 2,448-mile road cuts through 385 miles in the center of Arizona.

If you’re planning a 2026 wedding at the Grand Canyon, in Flagstaff, or in Sedona, you might want to consider some of these must-see locations for wedding photos, selfies, or side trips with impromptu photo ops.

This list is also great to share with your wedding party and guests if they plan to do some exploring on their own, or if you want great group shots!

Whether you’re looking for a June 6 (6/6/26) wedding day or just want to join in on the year-long celebration, Arizona is filled with wonderful wedding memories on the Mother Road. 

Top 11+ Stops on a Route 66 Road Trip through Arizona

Photo Shoot Flagstaff’s Route 66 Mural

Start your Route 66 photo journey in downtown Flagstaff, where the city’s bold Route 66 mural outside the Visitor Center gives couples a classic “Mother Road” backdrop. As a bonus, no traffic dodging is required since the seal is safely off the main street. 

The nearby train depot and vintage signage round out the scene, blending Flagstaff’s railroad roots with its mid-century charm. A Route 66 Centennial Celebration is planned for June 6 in Flagstaff.

Ride the Grand Canyon Railroad (Williams)

All aboard for timeless romance. The Grand Canyon Railway links the retro magic of Route 66 with the grandeur of the canyon itself. Williams is the only town where a working railway and historic Route 66 share the same Main Street. Couples can pose with vintage locomotives or hop the train for a once-in-a-lifetime ride into the past.

The Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Elopement package is suitable for couples looking to have a true adventure on their wedding day. This package is a day-trip by train to the Grand Canyon, departing from Williams, AZ.

Pose Around Williams Historic Route 66 District (Williams)

Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” Williams glows with retro neon and 1950s style. Walkable blocks lined with diners, motels, and vintage cars make it an irresistible backdrop for golden-hour photos. Every corner feels cinematic, and the mix of bright signage and small-town energy keeps the Mother Road spirit alive.

June 6 and 7 of 2026 are blocked off for the Historic Route 66 Car Show in Williams. 

Route 66 places to see in Williams:
 • Pete’s Gas Station Museum
• Cruiser’s Café 66
• Rod’s Steak House

Walk Historic Downtown Kingman

Walk Historic Downtown Kingman offers a mix of preserved 1940s storefronts, colorful murals, and retro neon signs that light up after dark. Along the way, you’ll find cafés, antique shops, and the Powerhouse Visitor Center, home to the Arizona Route 66 Museum, making it one of the most authentic slices of the Mother Road still standing. 

Look for the neon heart marking the “Heart of Historic Route 66” for a photo every lovebird will keep forever.

Check the schedule of events for June events in Kingman, but the annual Route 66 Fest is held every October.

Seligman Historic District (Seligman)

If Route 66 had a beating heart, Seligman would be it. Expect kitschy storefronts, 1950s diners, and murals that make for fun, personality-packed wedding portraits. Road trippers will love the 160-mile stretch from Seligman to Topock, the longest remaining stretch of the original Mother Road. Visit in early May for the Route 66 Fun Run along the route.

Fun Fact: Seligman inspired Pixar’s Cars and served as the real-life model for Radiator Springs. Couples who love Pixar or Route 66 nostalgia can recreate their own “Life is a Highway” moment right here.

Route 66 places to see nearby:

• Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In

• Roadkill Café

• Historic Route 66 Gift Shop

Oatman Ghost Town (Oatman)

If you’re driving between Las Vegas and Flagstaff, Oatman makes a perfect Route 66 side trip. Once a bustling mining town, it now feels frozen in time with wooden boardwalks, free-roaming burros, and sun-worn storefronts straight out of an old Western. The mix of rustic textures, quirky locals, and classic signage turns even a quick stop into a cinematic photo opportunity.

Twin Arrows Trading Post Ruins (east of Flagstaff)

The two massive arrows shooting into the desert earth are all that remain of this 1950s trading post, but they’re striking enough to anchor an entire photo session. The contrast of bright color, desert emptiness, and Arizona sky makes this a minimalist dream spot.

Twin Arrows in Twin Arrows. Arizona. Photo by Marine 69-71, used under Creative Commons license.

Holbrook’s Wigwam Motel (Holbrook)

Few places capture Route 66 nostalgia like the Wigwam Motel, where guests sleep in concrete teepees surrounded by classic cars. Couples love night shots here—neon reflections, vintage chrome, and a backdrop straight from the golden age of road trips. It’s kitschy, colorful, and unapologetically iconic.

Image courtesy: Wigwam Motel

Truxton Canyon (Truxton)

This quiet stretch between Seligman and Kingman is all about mood. Empty highways, leaning signs, and big-sky horizons make it a photographer’s playground. Truxton is perfect for couples who want a sense of isolation and romance, not just retro flair. At sunset, the whole landscape glows amber.

Route 66 places to see nearby:

• Frontier Motel & Café (Truxton)

• Keepers of the Wild Nature Park (Valentine)

• Hackberry General Store

Grand Canyon Caverns

Just off Route 66, Grand Canyon Caverns delivers atmosphere both above and below ground. Couples can shoot among vintage cars and quirky roadside attractions, or descend into the caverns for something surreal and unforgettable. The underground wedding suite adds a once-in-a-lifetime story to any Route 66 celebration.

Route 66 places to see nearby:
 • Caverns Inn Motel
• Peach Springs Trading Post
• Hualapai Lodge

Grand Canyon Caverns is near the Hualapai Reservation, which is home to Grand Canyon West. When you see ads in Vegas for chopper tours to the canyon, the Grand Canyon Skywalk, or Havasupai Falls, this is the section being referred to—not Grand Canyon National Park, where we do weddings.

Stand on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona

Less than an hour from Flagstaff, you’ll be in the city where the Eagles made a simple street corner iconic. There’s even a flatbed Ford ready for posing! If you take the trip to Winslow, be sure to explore the historic district, cultural icons, and natural wonders. 

Route 66 places to see in/around Winslow:

• La Posada Hotel

• Old Trails Museum

• Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

Plan Your 2026 Northern Arizona Wedding

We know a lot of people are planning to take the Mother Road adventure in 2026, and this is a great time to pair it with a proposal, elopement, or wedding.

Arizona Destination Management offers several options for couples looking to exchange vows in Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, or Sedona. We offer curated wedding packages that make for a stress-free and fabulous wedding, micro-wedding, or elopement.

Keep reading for more epic adventures in Northern Arizona. 

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Route 66 Turns 100: How to Time Your Arizona Wedding with the Celebration

route 66 100 years old

Few places capture the spirit of Americana like Route 66, and in 2026, that legendary stretch of asphalt turns 100. Arizona boasts the longest remaining stretch of the original Route 66, winding through red rock country, pine forests, and the kind of neon-lit postcard towns. It’s the perfect pairing for weddings in Sedona, Flagstaff, or the Grand Canyon.

For couples dreaming of a destination wedding with personality, this is your moment to merge romance and road-trip nostalgia. Expect the wedding date of June 6 (6/6/26) to book up quickly, but don’t worry, the Mother Road celebration runs all year long. 

The Importance of Arizona on Route 66

Arizona isn’t just another stop on Route 66—it’s the state that kept the Mother Road’s soul alive. When much of the original highway was bypassed by the interstate, Arizona towns like Seligman, Williams, and Kingman fought to preserve the Mother Road’s character, sparking the grassroots movement that saved Route 66 from fading into history.

This stretch covers more original mileage than any other state and offers some of the best-preserved roadside Americana in the country. You’ll find vintage motels still glowing with neon, trading posts that haven’t changed in decades, and diners that serve up milkshakes the same way they did in the 1950s.

Some other notable facts about Arizona’s leg of Route 66 include:

  • Length: Arizona’s stretch of Route 66 runs about 385 miles, the longest continuous preserved section of the Mother Road in the U.S.
  • Original Route: It follows the historic path from Lupton (near the New Mexico border) to Topock (on the Colorado River).
  • Pixar Connection: The town of Seligman inspired Pixar’s Cars and the fictional Radiator Springs, giving Arizona a starring role in modern Route 66 nostalgia.
  • Historic Recognition: In 1985, the stretch from Ash Fork to Kingman was officially designated as a Historic Route, one of the first in the nation.
  • Scenic Variety: The Arizona route crosses desert plains, red rock mesas, pine forests, and mountain passes—all within a single day’s drive.
  • Tourism Impact: Arizona remains one of the most photographed and visited Route 66 states, drawing travelers from over 60 countries each year.

For couples planning a wedding, that blend of natural beauty, nostalgia, and cultural history is exactly what sets Arizona apart. You’re not just getting married near Route 66—you’re becoming part of its story.

Iconic Route 66 Stops within an Hour of Flagstaff

When planning a destination wedding in Northern Arizona, the bonus of having Route 66 nearby during the Centennial year is a real draw for your guests, too. If your wedding base is in Flagstaff, Sedona, or the Grand Canyon area, you’re surrounded by photogenic Route 66 towns worth a side trip.

  • Flagstaff – Cool, walkable, and full of mid-century neon that still flickers to life at night. Between the mountain backdrop, old-school motels, and live music spilling from breweries, Flagstaff nails that retro-meets-modern vibe without trying.
  • Williams – Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” this Route 66 hub is full of classic diners, murals, and train-station charm.
  • Seligman – Bursting with vintage signs and quirky storefronts, this town inspired Pixar’s Cars and makes for colorful photo ops.
  • Winslow – “Standin’ on the Corner” is more than a lyric here—it’s a photo tradition. A laid-back stop with authentic Americana vibes that begs you to Take It Easy.

MORE: Epic Adventures in Northern Arizona

Start Planning Your Mother of All Weddings Near the Mother Road

Route 66 turning 100 is sure to bring the Mother Road back to life, and anyone with a love of Americana nostalgia will want a slice. Look for official Route 66 Centennial events in your preferred Arizona city. 

Whether you’re looking for an elopement, micro-wedding, or wedding near the Grand Canyon, Sedona, or Flagstaff, let our team find the perfect location for your special day. With decades of experience planning weddings and an all-local team, we’ve created the best packages that exceed your expectations while keeping the process stress-free.

The team at Grand Canyon Wedding Packages offers special event planning, whether it’s a Route 66 bike rally, car show, work gathering, or any other kind of celebratory event. We know this region, the vendors, and the options to help you plan a wonderful event anytime during the Route 66 Centennial year and beyond.

CONTACT GRAND CANYON WEDDING PACKAGES
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EPIC Northern Arizona Adventures for a Grand Canyon Wedding

Shoshone Point Grand Canyon Wedding

Planning a Grand Canyon wedding comes with plenty of adventures to be found before and after the ceremony. Northern Arizona is bursting with unique places to visit, from the lap of high-desert luxury to some of the hardest hikes in the country. 

We put together this general overview to help you explore some of these options. Our team has spent years exploring this region and can help with excursions, tours, or just general guidance and insider tips. 

Throughout this list, we’ll highlight some of the regions and things to do within those areas of Northern Arizona, figuring in a wide variety of options for different ages and interests.

Travel Journalist

Jennifer Hardy

Wedding couple standing on a ledge of the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a stunning place for a wedding, but Northern Arizona is filled with many other beautiful adventures.

The Parts of the Grand Canyon

Our Grand Canyon wedding services include six of the best points on the South Rim, but it also helps to understand that not all of the Grand Canyon is Grand Canyon National Park. Let’s quickly breakdown the Arizona Grand Canyon regions.

Grand Canyon National Park

The national park includes entrances at the South Rim and North Rim. It is not feasible to travel between the two rims in a day. The two are about 200 miles apart, which will take about four hours to drive. 

At the same time, the North Rim only sees a fraction of the tourists that the South Rim does, and it stands 1,000 feet taller. If anyone in your group is considering a rim-to-rim hike during the week of your wedding, starting at the North Rim is ideal. 

Keep in mind that the North Rim services close from October 15 through May 15 due to winter weather. After December 1, the road to the North Rim closes to vehicles. 

Shoshone Point in Grand Canyon National Park
Shoshone Point in Grand Canyon National Park is one of the approved locations for a Grand Canyon wedding.

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument

It’s important to note that Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is west of Grand Canyon National Park, covering almost as much space. The National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management co-manage this location, which is only accessible through St. George, Utah.

Named, in part, after the Parashant Gorge, this monument is vast, remote, and rugged, with four wilderness areas. No paved roads, amenities, or mobile service is found there. This is not a place to visit without extensive wilderness experience. 

Grand Canyon Parashant Arizona Adventures
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument

Grand Canyon West

On the western side of the canyon, land owned by the Hualapai Tribe offers excursions on the river, hiking, helicopter rides, and ziplining. This is also where the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk is located, a curved walkway that juts out 70 feet over the rim.

It’s important to note that the drive to Grand Canyon West takes about four hours. Basic admission for the Skywalk and entrance costs about $70. 

THE ARIZONA STRIP: The area known as the Arizona Strip is the remote and rugged section of Arizona north of the Colorado River, served by various federal and state land management agencies.

picture of the Grand Canyon West skywalk
Grand Canyon West Skywalk is on tribal land 240 miles away from Grand Canyon National Park.

MORE: Weddings at Grand Canyon West vs. Grand Canyon National Park

National Forests

Two national forests in Northern Arizona offer more adventures in the wilderness. Kaibab National Forest is split into two parts, separated by Grand Canyon National Park. 

The area surrounding Flagstaff and Sedona is part of Coconino National Forest, with three districts covering nearly two million acres. 

Peak baggers should know the highest summit in Arizona is in Coconino National Forest. Humphreys Peak is 12,633 feet high. On the other hand, you can also head underground to the Lava River Cave, a former molten lava tube.

Kaibab National Forest Northern Arizona Adventures
Kanab Creek Wilderness in Kaibab National Forest.
(Courtesy: U.S. Forest Service, Southwestern Region, Kaibab National Forest)

The Painted Desert

Those looking for the Painted Desert of Arizona should look east/northeast. The best way to see it is by driving through Petrified Forest National Park. Keep in mind that the park is not open 24/7 to protect the precious resources inside that were too often subject to vandalism or theft. 

Petrified Forest is about three hours from the Grand Canyon South Rim on the way to New Mexico. A drive there takes you through the charming towns of Holbrook and “Standing On a Corner In” Winslow, Arizona. 

In between Flagstaff and Winslow, an out-of-this-world attraction takes guests to the edge of a mile-wide crater. Meteor Crater is more than 50,000 years old, and the Barringer Space Museum details how astronauts trained here to walk on the moon. Sunset Crater, just north of Flagstaff, is the volcanic kind that changed the landscape a thousand years ago. 

DID YOU KNOW? 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road, Route 66, and a huge centennial celebration is being planned at locations along the way. 

Northern Arizona Adventures Painted Desert
The Northern Arizona Painted Desert is seen in Petrified Forest National Park. (Courtesy: NPS/Stuart Holmes)

Page, Arizona Things to Do

About two and a half hours northeast of the Grand Canyon, Page is surrounded by its own natural treasures near the Utah state line. The place might look familiar as several locations were used in blockbuster films.

The largest natural attraction near Page is Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a much easier way to enjoy the Colorado River than you find in the Grand Canyon. Horseshoe Bend, where the river curves into a horseshoe shape, is one of the top photo ops in Northern Arizona. Glen Canyon Dam is also a sight to behold.

Antelope Canyon stuns with swirling slot canyons and colorful combinations of desert rock. This amazing site is at Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, south of the river and lake just east of Page. Only guided tours are allowed in the slot canyons. Stargazing tours are also offered.

If you’re considering a visit to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, please note the distance and remote location. Plus, access is through the recreation area, but the monument is on tribal land. 

Those who want to explore the wilderness in more solitude can check out Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, which has colorful sandstone formations you can’t find in the Grand Canyon. Enter the lottery if you want to see The Wave, as only a limited number of people are allowed daily.

Reflection Canyon at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, one of the best things to do in Northern Arizona.
Reflection Canyon at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. (NPS Photo)

Williams

About an hour south of Grand Canyon Village, Williams is a nostalgic trip back in time. As one of the stops on Route 66 before I-40 was extended, plenty of original Mother Road locations are preserved and open to explore. 

Williams is also where the Grand Canyon Railway starts, a scenic ride that started in 1901. 

Other places to consider in Williams include: 

Grand Canyon Railway Northern Arizona Adventures
We can help plan an excursion on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff sits around 7,000 feet above sea level and offers a robust four seasons of fun. Downtown Flagstaff mixes modern amenities with historical attractions and trendy nightlife. Plus, get your kicks on Route 66 locations in Flagstaff.

As the first International Dark Sky City, you’ll notice the steps taken to dim the bright lights of the big city. Get a close look at the stars from Lowell Observatory. 

Snowbowl sounds like it’s just for skiing, but get ready for year-round fun. Plus, the ski season in 2024 went into June! Summer includes sky rides to see the tallest peaks in the state.

Here are some of our other favorite stops in Flagstaff.

Humphreys Peak near Flagstaff, Arizona, under the night sky.
The highest point in Arizona is Humphreys Peak, just outside of Flagstaff. (Photo/U.S. Forest Service Coconino National Forest.)

Sedona 

Between Flagstaff and Phoenix, off winding roads, Sedona is a magical place waiting to be explored. It’s known as much for its natural beauty as its luxurious amenities and vortex energy centers. 

Sedona’s vibe is a unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual energy, artistic creativity, and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, attracting those seeking outdoor adventures, healing experiences, and inspiration. 

WHAT IS A VORTEX? The Sedona vortices are believed to be powerful energy centers where the earth’s energy is said to enhance meditation, healing, and spiritual experiences.

The four vortex centers are: 

  1. Airport Mesa 
  2. Cathedral Rock
  3. Bell Rock
  4. Boynton Canyon

Another romantic and spiritual stop in Sedona is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Built into the red rock formations, this architectural marvel offers a serene place for reflection and panoramic views of Sedona’s landscape.

The Sedona Museum offers a great walk-through of time to see how a remote region became a sanctity of escape and relaxation.

Explore Outdoors

Surrounded by the beauty of red rocks, canyons, and challenging climbs, there’s a path for everyone in Sedona. Various tours are available, from jeeps to walking adventures. Explore on your own by renting a bike, off-road vehicle or ATV. 

  • Oak Creek Canyon: Often referred to as a smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon is a scenic gorge with lush vegetation, crystal-clear streams, and numerous trails. 
  • Slide Rock State Park: Located in Oak Creek Canyon, this state park is named for its natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek. 
  • Red Rock State Park: A 286-acre nature preserve offering hiking trails, bird watching, and stunning views of Sedona’s red rock formations. 
  • Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park: A serene spiritual site featuring a 36-foot stupa, meditation areas, and scenic trails, inviting visitors for reflection and healing.
A couple relaxing on a hammock with Sedona mountain views in the distance, one of the best things to do in Northern Arizona.
(Courtesy: Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau)

Art Vibes

Whether you’re browning or buying, Sedona’s art collections could easily fill an entire day. Enjoy funky creations, fine art, or exquisite jewelry.

  • Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village: Designed to resemble a traditional Mexican village, this charming shopping area has galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
  • Sedona Arts Center: Rotating exhibits and monthly events showcase Sedona’s creativity.
  • Sedona Artist Market: Explore some of the unique and creative artworks, from paintings to pottery to jewelry.
  • Exposures Fine Art: A must-see for art lovers as this studio has won numerous awards, including one of the bets things to do in Sedona.

Spa Services

One of the best spa cities in Northern Arizona, and the Southwest for that matter, is Sedona. Some resorts have spas on-site, while day spas dot the city layout. When you need to relax, recenter, and recharge, there’s no place quite like Sedona.

Red Rock Ridges Sedona Bear Mountain Northern Arizona Adventures
The Red Rock Ridges near Sedona in Coconino National Forest is one of many outdoor places to explore in Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District. (Photo/U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest)

Map of Northern Arizona Adventures

Adventures in Northern Arizona

While you’re in this part of the state, it makes sense to explore as much as you can. We can help plan tours, excursions, or hikes, and we even give guidance for the best sunrise and sunset spots or the best breakfast cafes.  

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