Williams and Flagstaff are two of the most ‘urban’ sections of Route 66 in Arizona. From Prescott it’s an easy drive north on Highway 89 to Ash Fork, but instead of turning westward toward Seligman and the western section of Route 66, turn right on I-40, travel about 30 miles and you’re in Williams. Route 66 is the main drag through Williams, and should be explored from the western ‘Welcome to Williams’ arch to the eastern arch. 

On the east side of town is Bearizona, a drive-through wildlife park. All along Route 66 in Williams are kitschy gift shops, Fifties-flavored restaurants, Indian souvenirs and other colorful, fun stuff. The Grand Canyon Railway originates in Williams, so if you’re looking for a leisurely ride to the Canyon, all aboard! There are all kinds of oddball attractions, including The Poozeum, which has the largest collection of fossilized dinosaur #2 you’ll ever see in one place.

Continue eastbound for 35 miles from Williams and welcome to Flagstaff. Business I-40 and Route 66 are the same road through the city. Along the way visit the Train Depot/Route 66 Visitor’s Center and see the Route 66 badge painted on the plaza ground. A block away is the Mother Myth Mural, a nearly block-long artwork depicting travel on Route 66. Just off Route 66 is the Lowell Observatory; if you’re hungry there’s the Galaxy Diner. On the eastern end of this leg are some classic old hotel signs, like the Western Hills Motel. Not far from there is the coolest midcentury-modern motel, the Americana Motor Hotel, a colorful time capsule from the heyday of Route 66.

This is a very easy drive and not an especially long one. Bring extra cash because it’s a mecca for Route 66 kitsch and trinkets. Pick up a tee-shirt, coffee mug, shot glass, bumper stickers, postcards, plush toys, or plenty of other things to memorialize your Mother Road adventure. I got a refrigerator magnet from the Poozeum!

Coming up:

Western Arizona: Kingman and Oatman

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