This last stretch of the Mother Road—from western Arizona to the coast of California—is pretty lengthy, but there are plenty of detours and attractions to break up the drive.
The Monte Vista Hotel in Flagstaff has a rich history of famous guests, including Bing Crosby, Gary Cooper, and John Wayne. It also might be the most haunted hotel along Route 66. Wayne was one of the first people to suspect that the Monte Vista might have a bit of a ghost problem. He reported seeing the figure of a bellboy—but don’t worry, he claimed it was friendly. In 1970, the hotel allegedly picked up yet another ghost when a wounded bank robber died at the bar in the lounge. There have been several more ghost sightings throughout the years, including a lady in a rocking chair and a crying baby in the basement.
Grab dinner at Diablo Burger if you're craving fresh food. The burgers are all made with open-range, antibiotic-free beef raised on local ranches.
The adorable Pine Country Restaurant is old-school through and through, from the menu of classic favorites (think chicken and steak dinners) to the gift shop and incredibly warm service. Don’t forget to save room for a slice of pie.
The Grand Canyon Railway was established in 1901. Jump on board to enjoy champagne, live entertainment, and gorgeous views.
Congratulations! You have reached the end of the Mother Road—and by now you know it’s not the destination that matters, it’s the journey. But whether the Santa Monica Pier is your ending or starting point, take some time to celebrate and reflect. With more than 2,000 miles of classic neon, motels, larger-than-life roadside attractions, museums, diners, and countless colorful characters, it should be obvious why the allure of Route 66 is as strong as ever. The road may look different today than it did decades ago—or even yesterday—but that’s all part of the fun.
Banner Photo Credit: Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park
