Arizona and Route 66

With the upcoming centennial of Route 66 just a year away in 2026, its time to get reacquainted with Arizona’s epic landscapes.

Whet the appetite for a road trip and check out what’s new in Arizona in 2025, from new dark sky communities, mountain trails and museums:

Arizona’s new Astrotourism attractions
Flagstaff Welcomes New Astronomy Discovery Center

The new Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff recently opened in November 2024. The center offers visitors an opportunity to journey into the universe through the lens of astronomy with interactive exhibits and experiences. Designed to educate, children can enjoy building their own rockets at the Orbits Curiosity Zone while adults learn about the planets and constellations by marveling at the Universe Theater’s two-story, 165-degree curved LED screen. Once the sun sets, journey up to the open-air rooftop planetarium to witness Flagstaff’s famous starry dark skies.
Arizona’s two newest dark sky communities: Tubac and Bisbee
gaze at the starry skies over Arizona’s two newly certified Dark Sky communities, Tubac and Bisbee. These Southern Arizona small towns earned the designation for their ongoing efforts to reduce light pollution, allowing for clearer skies where stargazers can spot constellations, shooting stars and planets. Tubac and Bisbee are both also known for their thriving art scenes, which visitors can explore during the day before enjoying twinkling stars at night. Arizona now has 22 dark-sky communities, places and parks.

New Stargazer Domes open near Grand Canyon West
Enjoy views of the galaxy while drifting to sleep when staying at the new stargazer domes at Grand Canyon Glamping Resort near Grand Canyon West. Thanks to stargazer domes’ floor-to-ceiling windows and glass skylights over the beds, guests can watch a signature Arizona sunset transform into a star-speckled sky from the comfort of their room.

Arizona Science Center’s Dorrance Planetarium Gets Major Tech Upgrade – opening spring 2025
The reimagined Dorrance Planetarium at the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix will be the most technologically advanced planetarium in North America when it opens in spring 2025. The planetarium promises an increasingly immersive experience with its new 18 meter diameter CX System LED dome display and 100 times the brightness of most planetarium projection domes using Cosm’s CX System.

New Attractions

First-Ever Mattel Adventure Park To Open in Glendale – opening late 2025
See the Mattel toys and board games you love come to life at Mattel Adventure Park, the first-ever Mattel-branded theme park opening in Glendale. Join Barbie at the Barbie Beach House where fans of all ages can curate an ultimate wardrobe with Barbie through hologram technology. Then hit the four-level Hot Wheels go-kart track for a thrill before riding the Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer rollercoaster.

New skiing and mountain biking trails in Flagstaff
Thrill seekers can race down Flagstaff’s new skiing and mountain biking trails, the newest additions to the city’s outdoor recreation opportunities. Thanks to the new Aspen Chairlift opening this ski season, Arizona Snowbowl has four new beginner ski trails where newbies can learn how to master skiing. Ride down the city’s two new directional mountain biking trails, Meteorite and Full Sail, both biking-only downhill trails on the Mount Elden Dry Lakes trail system. Race down the Meteorite Trail, a steep, technical trail before riding on the Full Sail Trail, a flow trail with several jumps.

Tucson Military Vehicle Museum – opening in 2025
Observe and even drive rare military vehicles from different time periods and countries at the new Tucson Military Vehicle Museum located next to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson. One of only a few military vehicle museums in the Southwest, this new museum will have 100 armored fighting vehicles from around the world, various immersive exhibits and different riding and driving experiences available.

New Resorts Opening in 2025

VAI Resort
The ultimate desert oasis is the best way to describe VAI Resort in Glendale. With its white sand beaches and six-acre swimming pool, VAI takes a lazy day at the pool to the next level with Konos Island, a man-made party island that has an aerial bar, restaurant and private cabanas. Thanks to its entertainment epicenter, shopping corridor, 10 bars, and 13 deluxe restaurants including renowned Chef José Andrés first Arizona restaurant, guests will have everything they need.

Trailborn Grand Canyon
The Trailborn Grand Canyon, opening in 2025, is a newly restored hotel close to Route 66 in Williams, a historic town known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. Thanks to Trailborn’s location, guests can easily ride William’s famous Grand Canyon Railroad to visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon or enjoy the retro diners and shops along Route 66 in Williams. Families can book off-site excursions with local experts to go on guided hikes, stargazing tours and helicopter rides. This is an ideal stay for road trippers eager to visit Arizona during the Route 66 centennial celebration in 2026.

The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, the Palmeraie 
For those who travel to shop and stay in luxury, the Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley in Scottsdale is calling your name. It’s guaranteed to offer luxurious experiences with its world-class spa, views of Camelback Mountain and specialty dining. Adjacent to the resort will be The Palmeraie Shops, an open-air shopping paradise where shoppers can explore more than 60 specialty boutiques and dozens of restaurants.

Carry On, A new airplane-inspired bar in Phoenix
Get ready for take off at Carry On in Phoenix, a new immersive bar designed to replicate a vintage 1970s aircraft cabin that welcomes guests to a unique 90-minute culinary journey. Order cocktails inspired by iconic travel destinations with the menu changing often to reflect the different departure and arrival spots of the “airplane”. Enjoy peeking at the screen windows that display various clouds and skylines while sipping a welcome cocktail and enjoying elevated signature in-flight snacks.

Twin Arrows Zenith Steakhouse tecognized in Wine Spectator’s 2024 Restaurant Awards
Near Flagstaff, Twin Arrows Zenith Steakhouse, inside Twin Arrows’ Navajo Casino Resort has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2024 Restaurant Awards. Twin Arrows Zenith Steakhouse earned the Award of Excellence, which is given to restaurants that offer a wide selection of diverse wines that pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s cuisine.

Celebrate Route 66’s Centennial in 2026
Start planning the ultimate road trip along Arizona’s portion of Route 66, the longest remaining unbroken stretch (158 miles) of the Mother Road, to celebrate the upcoming centennial of Route 66 in 2026. Known for its small towns and quirky attractions, enjoy exploring Route 66 with the help of AOT’s free mobile Route 66 passport.

Flagstaff’s New Route 66 Passport
Easily explore all the Route 66 activities Flagstaff offers with the free Discover 66 Things to do on Route 66 Passport. After downloading the passport, learn more about Route 66 by embarking on the self- guided Walk this Talk Tour, visiting the Route 66 Preservation Project and heading to the Flagstaff Visitor Center to see the Route 66 street mural. With the new passport’s help, discover exciting activities along the Mother Road, the best restaurants downtown and retro motor lodges to stay at along Route 66.

New Places to Visit in Kingman
The heart of Arizona’s Route 66, Kingman is getting ready for the centennial by upgrading its famous Arizona Route 66 Museum along with new hotels. Stay only a mile from the historic route at the recently opened dual-branded Wingate by Wyndham/Hawthorn Extended Stay which features EV charging stations and a pool road trippers can cool off in. Remain on Route 66 when the new Tin Can Alley Airbnb opens in 2025. At Tin Can, guests stay in renovated vintage Airstream trailers, footsteps away from the city’s numerous museums, retro diners and memorabilia shops.

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