Arizona to California Route 66 Road Trip: The Ultimate 6-Day Itinerary
🏜️ Quick Overview
Duration: 6 days
Distance: 1100 miles
Start: Phoenix
Finish: Santa Monica
Best for: First-time visitors
Best time of year: October-May
Recommended itinerary
| Day | Overnight | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seligman | Fly to Phoenix, Route 66 Motel |
| 2 | Kingman | Williams, Seligman, Hackberry |
| 3 | Laughlin | Sitgreaves Pass, Oatman |
| 4 | Palm Springs | Roy's, Joshua Tree |
| 5 | Santa Monica | Pioneertown, Calico, Elmer's |
Is this Route 66 itinerary worth doing?
Some say you need to do the whole drive, and whilst that is a dream for many of us, it's not always our reality or a possibility, whether it be time or budget. I haven't done the other sections of Route 66 (one day I will!), but I can definitely recommend the Arizona to California portion.
Firstly, it fits perfectly into a week's holiday, or less. Secondly, you are driving across some of the coolest retro towns in America, and through incredible desert landscapes.
The drive was easy, the people were friendly, we often felt we were living out an Old Western movie, and there was SO much to see along the way.
Whilst the trip will leave you wanting to come back for more, you never feel you've missed out on anything.
Our 6-day itinerary
Day 1 (Phoenix-Seligman):
Drive time: 2 hrs 45 minutes
Hiring a car at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport:
The drive to Seligman:
Day 2 (Seligman to Kingman)
Visit Williams
40 minutes drive
Williams has a livelier feel than Seligman, with a longer stretch of historic Route 66 lined with diners, gift shops and colourful storefronts. Whilst Seligman feels frozen in time, Williams has a little more going on, without losing its nostalgic charm.
After a stroll through the town, we stopped for breakfast at Jessica's Family Restaurant, a classic American diner just off the main street. I ordered the French toast with stewed apples, which was delicious and exactly the hearty breakfast we needed before another day on the road!
Explore Seligman
40 minutes drive
Reading this, it might not make sense why we went to Williams before exploring Seligman, the town we actually stayed in. But as I mentioned, Williams is livelier, meaning things open up earlier. A few places in Seligman on my list didn't open till 10 am, and I didn't want to waste a single minute! We were back in Seligman just before 11, ready to explore..
Seligman was one of the places I was most excited to visit on our Route 66 road trip. My nephew is obsessed with the Pixar movie 'Cars', so I couldn't wait to tell him I'd visited one of the towns that helped inspire Radiator Springs. As soon as we arrived, it was easy to see why. Brightly coloured vintage cars, quirky roadside attractions and retro neon signs give the whole town a nostalgic feel that almost looks like a film set.
Despite its worldwide fame, Seligman is surprisingly small. You can comfortably explore it on foot in a couple of hours, making it an easy stop to fit into your itinerary. Every storefront seems to have its own personality, with classic Americana, vintage memorabilia, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Seligman played an important role in preserving Route 66's legacy. When Interstate 40 bypassed the town in the late 1970s, many feared it would disappear altogether.
Instead, local barber Angel Delgadillo led the campaign to have Route 66 recognised as a Historic Highway, helping to spark the revival that has made it one of the most famous stops along the route today.
One of my favourite places to visit was Angel & Vilma's Original Route 66 Gift Shop. The store is run by Angel Delgadillo, who, remarkably, is now in his late nineties and is still a much-loved figure in the community. His passion for preserving the history of Route 66 is a huge part of the reason towns like Seligman continue to thrive today, and stopping by his shop feels like meeting a true legend of the Mother Road.
Stop at Hackberry General Store
55 minutes drive
Stay in Kingman
30 minutes drive
The museum is just across the road from Mr D'z Diner which is a popular spot for day trippers and locals, with their crazy milkshakes and traditional diner food.
We didn't have too long to explore the town, but we are glad we did a night here. We stayed at SpringHill Suites by Marriott, a little different to the historic motel the night before but, it was a handy place to stay, clean, spacious, breakfast was included and parking was free.
If you have a bit more time and really want to immerse yourself in the area, there is a 12-room motel in the mountains just outside Kingman called 'Hualapai Mountain Resort'.
Day 3 (Kingman to Laughlin)
40 minutes drive
Visit the wild burros in Oatman
50 minutes drive
This was my favourite part of the whole itinerary, and that's saying something.
Firstly, the drive into Oatman is one of the most beautiful along the whole of Route 66, taking you over the Sitgreaves Pass. The roads are winding here with multiple hairpin bends; back in the day, visitors would pay locals to drive their cars for them as they were too nervous. Today there are still no barriers, but the road is in good condition, and as long as you drive slow, you will be fine. We found the road surprisingly quiet, and when we did come across other vehicles, they were all driving sensibly so we felt very safe.
As you come out of Sitgreaves Pass, it's time to watch out for the wild burros that live in the area. They were brought in during the gold rush and released into the wild once the industry shut down. They still live in the area today, and most of them stay around the town of Oatman, as this is where they know they will have a guaranteed meal.
Driving into Oatman itself was like driving onto a real life movie set... but it was real. The town is an old gold mining camp that offers a real taste of Old West Americana.
Stay over in Laughlin
45 minutes drive
We found Laughlin a quirky little city. It sits along the Colorado River, and on one side you have the city (which feels more like a town), and on the other you have high-rise casino hotels. I'm not talking a Las Vegas-style city, just a handful, but for us Brits, we found it different to what we are used to at home.
This is very much a desert city; we stayed at Hurrah's (they have another property in Vegas), which is partially refurbished. The upgrade on arrival to a revamped room was only $15, which seemed very much worth it.
We didn't explore the city much; we spent most of our time in Oatman, but it was nice to see small beaches along the river and lots of people having fun with the watersports. Yes, it's a desert city, but it also felt like a holiday resort; it's hard to put into words, really!
We went back to Oatman at golden hour; we wanted to explore more once it had cooled down a bit. Most things are shut by 5 pm due to the heat, and the burros go back up into the mountains, so we were lucky to have the village to ourselves for an hour, and lucky that the burros came back to say hello!
Day 4 (Laughlin to Palm Springs)
3 hours 45 minutes drive
Okay, so I was given a wonderful itinerary by Visit The USA (the partner I was working with on this trip), but after looking at a map, we went a little off piste.
We were spending a night in Palm Springs (I was internally screaming with joy), but when I looked at the different route options, I realised we could tick off some other bucket list destinations along the way.
Get snacks at Amboy
1 hour 50 minutes drive
Our first task was the desert drive from Laughlin to Amboy, taking around 1 hr 50 minutes along old roads as well as the interstate.
On arrival in Amboy, you immediately see the large sign to Roy's Motel and Cafe. It no longer operates as a motel since the route was bypassed, but there is currently a big push to get the motel and diner back up and running for tourism purposes (I am behind this!!).
Right now it's more of a refreshment stop; the shop is open daily from 8 am until 8:30 pm, selling snacks and cold drinks, very necessary especially when travelling in the summer heat. It was a really cool place; we thought we would be there for 10 minutes but ended up staying an hour.
Drive through Joshua Tree National Park
50 minutes drive
How could we go all the way to Palm Springs and not visit Joshua Tree National Park?
This is where we detoured off Route 66; it carries on up to I-40 towards Barstow, but we went south to Joshua Tree. The drive from Amboy to Twentynine Palms (gateway to one side of the national park) was just 50 minutes, so we thought 'why not?'.
We drove straight to the information centre, where we learnt we could loop through the park; they said this would take an hour. We did wonder if we had time for this, and decided... we will only be here once, so let's do it properly! We bought our $30 (per car) entry ticket into the park and drove the full loop) It comes out at Joshua Tree town on the other side.
We are so glad we decided to do the park; the deeper you go, the better it gets.
The national park is unique in that it's where two different ecosystems meet, the high Mojave Desert and the low Colorado Desert. This has created an almost surreal and slightly prehistoric landscape (I started thinking about dinosaurs living here) that's scattered with giant monzogranite boulder piles, and of course the Yucca brevifolia (Joshua Tree).
This also happens to be one of the best stargazing spots in Southern California, being a Silver-Tier International Dark Sky Park.
Explore Joshua Tree (town)
The town of Joshua Tree is super quirky and Bohemian, definitely worth a stop for a bite to eat or a poke around the shops.
The town grew from a rugged outpost for miners and homesteaders into a community famous for its art scene and high-desert hippie vibe that rejects chain stores and corporations in favour of local businesses and eateries.
In the heart of town, you will find the Joshua Tree Saloon, a western-style watering hole that opened in the mid-80s. Here you can eat delicious burgers, drink cold beer, and even enjoy karaoke nights some evenings.
Stay in Palm Springs
50 minutes drive
Now onto Palm Springs, not directly on Route 66 but a worthy detour regardless. The contrast of Palm Springs to the rugged desert outposts and towns we had been visiting was huge.
Palm Springs feels upscale the moment you arrive. The landscaping is stunning, and the whole town feels like a preserved 1960s time capsule. It's sunny too, oh boy is it sunny, not a cloud in the sky, I wondered how so many lush palm trees managed to thrive.
Surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs is less neon lights and more manicured lawns, fancy dining, and luxury hotels and motels- the kind of place you would head to for cocktails with the girls or a romantic escape,
We booked the Parker Hotel, probably the best-known in the entire Coachella Valley and a staple amongst the Palm Springs accommodation scene. Surrounded by a stunning 13-acre estate, the Parker was designed by Jonathan Adler and is home to clay tennis courts, croquet lawns, and gorgeous outdoor pools.
Check prices or book here.
Explore the Mid-Century houses
I was afraid I wouldn't know where to find the town's famous mid-century houses, but they're everywhere! If you are short on time, head towards Indian Canyons or the Burwell estate, and the streets are absolutely fabulous.
These homes were designed during the post-WWII boom of the 1940s through the 1960s when a visionary group of architects used the town as an experimental playground. They took the clean lines of European Bauhaus design and completely reimagined them to suit the harsh, beautiful reality of the California desert.
Some of the world's most famous stars, like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, had homes in Palm Springs, which quickly tied the town to the glamour of high society.
Explore the wider Coachella Valley
If you want to make your road trip longer (I am jealous!), stay longer in Palm Springs than just one night, as the valley is home to not just Palm Springs, but eight other towns and cities.
Things to do in Palm Springs and the wider valley:
- Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for mountain and desert views
- Hike or cycle through Indian Canyons, a historic, protected tribal reserve with excellent trails; if you don't want to do it solo, you can book a tour here.
- Book a celebrity ebike tour to see where the rich and famous once lived
- If you love shopping, make your way to El Paseo Shopping District in Desert Palm Springs
- Book a spa pass and soak in natural mineral pools at a retro spa hotel (I can recommend Two Bunch Palms)
Day 5 (Palm Springs to Santa Monica)
The final stretch of Route 66, and of course I decided to take the long route! Palm Springs to Santa Monica (LA) is just over 2 hours, but why not have a bit more fun along the way?
Visit Pioneertown
50 minutes drive
My second favourite place after Oatman, Pioneertown is a ghost town with a totally different history.
This old western town was built in 1946 by a group of Hollywood investors as a living, working movie set where actors could both film Westerns and also live in the homes behind the facades.
The town (if you can call it that) is around a 40-minute drive from Palm Springs, and it's best visited in the morning when it's quiet. We actually had the whole place to ourselves, but that's because it was summer. Visit in spring or autumn, and the crowds ramp up, especially on the weekend.
You might be surprised to find out that this tiny little town has some pretty popular nightlife. This is due to Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, a world-famous, rustic desert roadhouse that serves up Santa Maria-style BBQ and hosts legendary, packed concerts. Massive acts like Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, and Lizzo have played surprise shows on its small stage.
The town is completely free to visit, and there is plenty of parking in the public parking lot. There are a handful of shops you can shop in, but it's certainly not an expensive day out. Make sure you get a photo in the photobooth for a keepsake!
Visit Calico
1 hour 40 minutes drive
Drive north out of Pioneertown for an hour and a half and you will find another ghost town, one that wasn't built for movies, but one that was established mainly due to a silver rush in the 1800s.
The town and surrounding mountains got their name because the multicoloured local mountain range looked like tri-colour calico fabric. During its prime, the small town produced over $20 million of silver, housed more than 1,200 people, and even had its own Chinatown.
The town declined in the early 1900s due to plummeting silver prices.
The whole town was bought in the 1950s and restored to what you see today. Self-guided tours are available of Maggie Mine, an original 1880s silver mine shaft, and there is the chance to see the Calico Odessa Railroad.
Calico felt different to Pioneertown; it was much busier, not surprising, seeing as it is just off Interstate-15, which connects Vegas and LA. It's a fun day out; it cost $8 per person, worth it in my opinion. It felt a little like Disneyland, but I think it's because it's so different to anywhere in England that my brain found it hard to compute that it's real.
There are plenty of facilities in the small town, including toilets, a cafe/restaurant, small shops and snack stops, and even a full-functioning saloon!
It was definitely worth the stop, but it was HOT. We visited in July, when temperatures reached over 40 degrees.
Head to Elmer's Bottle Ranch
40 minutes drive
Drive down the original Route 66 south towards Los Angeles, and you will pass a curious-looking ranch, one filled with green bottles.
On the surface, you might think What is that, but learn the story behind it, and you will fall in love. Elmer's Bottle Ranch all started when a father and his son collected bottles they found in the Mojave Desert on family camping trips over many years.
Upon the death of his father, Elmer inherited the collection of bottles and other items they found along the roadside, in ghost towns, and in the desert.
In the year 2000, Elmer created his first bottle tree, and it all started from there, becoming the art installation it is today. Elmer woke up and saw the light shine through the bottles, so he kept building until the bottle 'trees' turned into a forest.
The installation is completely free to enter; there is a donation box if you are happy to give a little to help its upkeep. Elmer passed away in 2019, but the ranch is now taken care of by his son, Elliott.
The site is open from sunrise until sunset, and there is a small area for parking just outside. It does get popular during busy months, but we pretty much had the place to ourselves.
It's more of a quick stop than somewhere to spend hours, but definitely a worthy one.
Travel to Santa Monica
2 hours 15 minutes
The last part of the journey will carry on down the Historic Route 66, before joining the Interstate and driving west to Los Angeles.
It was here we saw a remarkable difference in traffic levels. Most of our route we hadn't encountered traffic at all, but this part of the journey was definitely busier and more what I was used to back home - it felt like driving down the M1 or around the M25, getting busier at junctions and then speeding up again.
I was surprised at how easy it was to drive through LA to get to Santa Monica. Something I have noticed in American cities is that the highways run through the cities, unlike the UK where they bypass them. This makes driving a little easier and a little quicker.
Stay in Santa Monica
The best way to describe Santa Monica is like being the Brighton of the USA... but a lot more polished and with a lot more palm trees... oh, and it's the Pacific Ocean rather than the English Channel.
The beach was the perfect respite from the heat of the desert; the cool sea breeze was delightful. Santa Monica Beach is home to a cycling and pedestrian beach pathway that runs all the way down to Venice Beach, so it's easy to park up and explore.
Los Angeles is a huge city, and we naturally chose Santa Monica as our ending point because it is the official end of the trail, but it was also great to have some relaxation time, enjoy the cooler weather, and explore on foot. You're also not too far from Malibu if you wanted to head up for some hiking or a romantic sunset dinner.
Shutters on the Beach
We stayed at Shutters on the Beach, and like its namesake, it's quite literally right on the beach. It has views of the pier, sunset skies, an outdoor pool, and a beautiful beachfront restaurant.
Despite being on the West Coast, the hotel has been designed like an East Coast beach house, with 186 guest rooms, plush furnishings, and Diptyque bath amenities.
Check prices or book here
Things to do in Los Angeles
Whilst we picked Santa Monica as a base, it was really easy to explore the wider Los Angeles area. Most people get around by Uber, but we much preferred having the car (it was cheaper than constant taxis) so ended up holding onto it.
- Griffith Observatory: Completely free and one of the best things to do in LA, the Griffith Observatory offers some of the best views of the city and you can take a good look at the Hollywood sign through binoculars.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Cheesy but a must. Think of this area a bit like Times Square; it's big, it's bright, and it is the epitome of what makes LA so famous around the world. Part of the fun is spotting your favourite celebrities.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: We didn't have time to do this, but it's one of the most popular things to do in LA, especially if you are a Harry Potter or Friends fan. You can book tickets in advance here.
- Sunset on Venice Beach: Another one that's totally free and within cycling distance of Santa Monica, Venice Beach was my favourite place to watch that Californian sunset. Skateboarders and rollerbladers come together to enjoy the beach, waves crashing against the shore, as well as plenty of places to dine and socialise.
- Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Tour: Many people are skeptical but the Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Air Bus is highly recommended for first-time visitors looking for an affordable, fun, and easy overview of Los Angeles sights. You might not see the stars themselves, but you might spot places you recognise! You can book here for £30 for a 2-hour ride.
- Santa Monica Pier: The vibes here were 10/10; ride the rollercoaster, ferris wheel, or eat churros with a view of Santa Monica Beach. This is also where you will find the official end of Route 66!
- Rodeo Drive: If you're a shopaholic, you will love Rodeo Drive; if you're not looking to buy, it's still a fun street to walk down!
Driving in the USA: Practical Tips
Firstly, driving in the USA was much easier than I thought it would be. I don't usually get nervous when driving abroad, but I knew some of the roads would be big, with lots of lanes! I need not have worried; we had no issues driving at all.
Below are some practical tips on driving in the USA to help you
- Drive on the right, overtake on the left
- Turn right on red: As long as no traffic is coming, you can turn right on a red light unless signage says otherwise
- Stop signs really do mean 'stop': They are not the same as 'give way'; if you are caught rolling through a red light, even slowly, you can be pulled over and ticketed by police
- Four-way intersections: Whoever arrives at a four-way intersection (with no traffic lights) has right of way
- School buses: If a school bus is stopped and picking up/offloading children, you must stop behind it and not overtake
- Speed limits vary by state: Speed limits are in mph. There is no countryside speed limit; it changes by state. Always stick to the speed limits you see on the signs. If you are caught speeding, you will be pulled over by police; in some states, speeding above 85mph is a criminal offence, and you can be booked into jail
- Speeding fines double in construction zones: If you are caught speeding in roadworks, you will pay for it
When is the best time of year to do this portion of Route 66?
Weather varies hugely across Route 66, with Chicago seeing huge swings in temperature over the year, tornadoes visiting portions in the middle, and high heat hitting the south.
If you want to drive the whole of Route 66, choose April-May or September-October for mild weather throughout.
For this specific portion, avoid summer if you can. June-August sees extreme heat, specifically throughout Arizona and the California desert. We saw temperatures hit 48°C (104°F), especially in the Mojave Desert, Calico, and Palm Springs. The bonus about travelling at this time of year is cheaper rates and fewer crowds. March-May and September-November are a great time to visit.
Practical tips for travelling in the heat:
- Make sure you always have water in the car with you and pack a cool box if you can. We always travelled with at least three bottles of water per person.
- Wear lip balm: I made the mistake of not having lip balm, when I was in Palm Springs the heat chapped my lips so much I had to make an emergency trip to CVS to stock up on lip balms.
- Moisturise morning and night: The heat is very drying on your skin; moisturise twice a day so you don't feel crispy.
- Don't hike: If you visit national parks like Joshua Tree, don't try to hike, even in the early morning and at sunset; the temperatures were very high.
- Eat salty snacks: This replenishes what you lose in sweat!
- Keep portable batteries in the shade: Don't leave them in the sun and don't leave them in your car when you aren't in it; they are a fire hazard when they overheat.
- Be aware of flash flooding: Despite the dry weather, summer can bring monsoons, especially in Arizona. Flash flooding can be common; never drive through a flooded road.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you drive Route 66 from Arizona to California?
Yes! In fact, I think this is one of the best sections of the entire route, especially if you're limited on time. Our road trip started in Phoenix before joining Historic Route 66 in Seligman and continued west through Williams, Kingman, Oatman, Amboy and finally Santa Monica. The roads are well maintained, easy to drive and packed with some of Route 66's most iconic towns and scenery.
2. How long does it take to drive Route 66 from Arizona to California?
Technically, you could drive the Arizona to California section in a single day, but you'd miss everything that makes Route 66 so special. I recommend allowing at least 5–6 days, which gives you enough time to explore the historic towns, enjoy scenic drives like Sitgreaves Pass, visit Joshua Tree and Palm Springs, and finish at Santa Monica without feeling rushed.
3. Is Route 66 in Arizona worth visiting?
Absolutely. Arizona was our favourite section of Route 66 thanks to its beautifully preserved roadside towns, dramatic desert scenery and nostalgic Americana. Places like Seligman, Hackberry, Oatman and Kingman all have their own character, while Sitgreaves Pass was easily one of the most spectacular drives of the entire trip.
If you have more time than me you can also visit the world-famous Grand Canyon.
4. Where should you stop on Route 66 in Arizona?
If you're driving this section, I wouldn't miss:
- Seligman
- Williams
- Hackberry General Store
- Kingman
- Sitgreaves Pass
- Oatman
These stops combine historic Route 66 attractions, classic diners, scenic drives and some of the best photo opportunities anywhere along the Mother Road.
5. Where should you stay on Route 66 in Arizona?
For this itinerary, I'd recommend spending your first night in Seligman or Flagstaff before moving on to Kingman. Seligman offers the classic retro Route 66 motel experience, while Kingman has a much wider choice of hotels and makes the perfect base for exploring Oatman and Sitgreaves Pass the following morning.
6. Is Route 66 easy to drive?
Yes, Route 66 is easy to drive. Before visiting, I imagined it would be much more challenging than it actually was. Most of the roads are wide, quiet and very well maintained. The only section that requires a little more concentration is Sitgreaves Pass between Kingman and Oatman, where you'll encounter hairpin bends and steep drop-offs with few barriers. Drive slowly and you'll be absolutely fine.
7. What's the best month to drive Route 66?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) generally offer the most comfortable temperatures. We visited in late July, when temperatures regularly exceeded 40°C, but by starting early each morning, driving during the hottest part of the day and returning to places like Oatman at sunset, we still had an incredible experience.
8. Is Route 66 too hot in summer?
Summer can be extremely hot, particularly through Arizona and the Mojave Desert. During our visit in July, temperatures often climbed above 40°C. If you're travelling in summer, I'd recommend starting each day early, carrying plenty of water, avoiding long walks during the afternoon and planning outdoor activities for sunrise or golden hour.
If you are visiting from Britain, I imagine you will struggle with the heat. Do it right and you'll be okay, but if you can visit outside this season, I would suggest that.
9. What's the most beautiful part of Route 66?
For me, the most beautiful part of Route 66 was undoubtedly Sitgreaves Pass, between Kingman and Oatman. The winding mountain road, sweeping desert views and golden evening light made it the most memorable drive of our entire Route 66 trip. Oatman itself, with its wild burros wandering freely through the streets, was a very close second.
10. Can you drive Route 66 in a hire car?
Yes, you can drive Route 66 in a hire car. We completed the entire route in a standard hire car and never had any issues. All the roads on this itinerary are paved, and you don't need a four-wheel drive. As long as you stick to the speed limits, fill up with fuel regularly and take care on mountain roads like Sitgreaves Pass, it's an easy road trip for first-time visitors to the USA.
Make sure you choose the correct pick up and drop off when booking your car, as prices/conditions can change when you drop the car off in a different state.
11. How expensive is a Route 66 road trip?
Costs vary depending on your accommodation and how long you travel for, but I found this section of Route 66 surprisingly affordable. Budget motels, classic diners and free roadside attractions help keep costs down, while you can also mix in luxury stays—as we did in Palm Springs and Santa Monica—for a more memorable finish to the trip.
12. Is six days enough for an Arizona to California Route 66 road trip?
Yes, six days is enough to experience many of the highlights without feeling like you're constantly rushing. We visited Seligman, Williams, Kingman, Oatman, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, Pioneertown, Calico and Santa Monica over six days, and although I'd happily spend longer in places like Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, I never felt we'd missed the essence of the route.
