Here in Arizona, the heart and soul of our state can be found not in the largest cities, but in the very tiniest of towns. This three-hour road trip leads to some of the best rural places to visit in Arizona, from quirky Route 66 ghost towns to a remote wildlife refuge where you can take an exhilarating safari tour. Hop in the car and let’s go!
Visit Google Maps for the customizable trip itinerary.
Google Maps
- Oatman
Flickr/parudox The heyday of Arizona’s mining boom still lives on in this quirky ghost town. Located along the famous Route 66, Oatman is best known for the wild burros that roam the streets (they’re very friendly, so don’t be shy!) Make sure to stop by the Oatman Hotel while you’re in town. The circa-1902 building is now a restaurant and saloon rather than a hotel, and it’s brimming with historic charm (and ghost stories). Oatman, AZ 86433, USA
- Kingman
Google/Kingman Visitor Center Our next stop is Kingman, another Route 66 town. Kingman, AZ, USA
The main attraction here is the Kingman Visitor Center, which also serves as a Route 66 museum.
TripAdvisor/Chucknteojamul Here, you’ll see various exhibits that detail the important role the Mother Road played in American history. At nearby Locomotive Park, you can also marvel at a vintage steam engine that serves as proof of Kingman’s former status as a railroad hub. Arizona Route 66 Museum, Powerhouse Visitor Center, 120 W Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401, USA
- Keepers of the Wild Nature Park (Valentine)
TripAdvisor/Chucknteojamul Follow Route 66 to the tiny town of Valentine, where you’ll find Keepers of the Wild Nature Park.
Nestled on 175 sprawling acres, this sanctuary is home to more than 150 exotic rescue animals.
TripAdvisor/Elizabeth S Either take a guided safari or walk around at your own pace - either way, you can expect to see such majestic creatures as tigers, colorful birds, bears, primates, and reptiles. Keepers of the Wild Nature Park, 13441 AZ-66, Valentine, AZ 86437, USA
- Grand Canyon Caverns (Peach Springs)
TripAdvisor/L.A.W. Now, it’s time to head underground at Grand Canyon Caverns.
Located in Peach Springs, this 65-million-year-old wonder takes you 200 feet below the earth’s surface for an exhilarating adventure.
TripAdvisor/Julie R The 45-minute excursion features ancient waterfalls, fossils, unique mineral formations, and so many other mesmerizing sights. You can even enjoy a meal or spend the night in the caverns! Grand Canyon Caverns, AZ-66, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, USA
- Seligman
Wikimedia Commons/Vidor Still on Route 66, our journey now takes us to Seligman, the alleged birthplace of the historic highway.
The entire town is good old-fashioned Americana at its finest, with classic cars parked outside of nearly every building and kitschy motels, diners, and souvenir shops galore.
Wikimedia Commons/Alexander Blecher Definitely take some time to stroll through the town square, also known as the Seligman Commercial Historic District. Many of its businesses are listed on the National Register of Historic Places! Keep an eye out for nods to the Disney film “Cars,” whose fictional town of Radiator Springs was actually inspired by Arizona’s very own Peach Springs. On your way out of town, stop by Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In for classic, 50s-style greasy spoon fare like burgers, fries, and handspun milkshakes! Seligman, AZ 86337, USA
Would you take this road trip to the best rural places to visit in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Google Maps
Flickr/parudox
The heyday of Arizona’s mining boom still lives on in this quirky ghost town. Located along the famous Route 66, Oatman is best known for the wild burros that roam the streets (they’re very friendly, so don’t be shy!) Make sure to stop by the Oatman Hotel while you’re in town. The circa-1902 building is now a restaurant and saloon rather than a hotel, and it’s brimming with historic charm (and ghost stories).
Oatman, AZ 86433, USA
Google/Kingman Visitor Center
Our next stop is Kingman, another Route 66 town.
Kingman, AZ, USA
TripAdvisor/Chucknteojamul
Here, you’ll see various exhibits that detail the important role the Mother Road played in American history. At nearby Locomotive Park, you can also marvel at a vintage steam engine that serves as proof of Kingman’s former status as a railroad hub.
Arizona Route 66 Museum, Powerhouse Visitor Center, 120 W Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401, USA
Follow Route 66 to the tiny town of Valentine, where you’ll find Keepers of the Wild Nature Park.
TripAdvisor/Elizabeth S
Either take a guided safari or walk around at your own pace - either way, you can expect to see such majestic creatures as tigers, colorful birds, bears, primates, and reptiles.
Keepers of the Wild Nature Park, 13441 AZ-66, Valentine, AZ 86437, USA
TripAdvisor/L.A.W.
Now, it’s time to head underground at Grand Canyon Caverns.
TripAdvisor/Julie R
The 45-minute excursion features ancient waterfalls, fossils, unique mineral formations, and so many other mesmerizing sights. You can even enjoy a meal or spend the night in the caverns!
Grand Canyon Caverns, AZ-66, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Vidor
Still on Route 66, our journey now takes us to Seligman, the alleged birthplace of the historic highway.
Wikimedia Commons/Alexander Blecher
Definitely take some time to stroll through the town square, also known as the Seligman Commercial Historic District. Many of its businesses are listed on the National Register of Historic Places! Keep an eye out for nods to the Disney film “Cars,” whose fictional town of Radiator Springs was actually inspired by Arizona’s very own Peach Springs. On your way out of town, stop by Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In for classic, 50s-style greasy spoon fare like burgers, fries, and handspun milkshakes!
Seligman, AZ 86337, USA
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