💛Things to do in Seligman, Route 66 | + Map & Travel Tips |

Where is Seligman

Seligman is located in northern Arizona, in Yavapai County, halfway between Kingman and Williams. It is 70 km (44 mi) from Williams, 124 km (77 mi) from Flagstaff, and 200 km (125 mi) from Las Vegas.

Its historic downtown is crossed by one of the original sections of Route 66, which is also one of the most iconic. Thanks to this location, Seligman is often included in any road trip along the USA West Coast, especially if you want to travel from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

💡Recommended: Route 66 in Arizona | Best Stops + Historic Motels + Map |

Why Seligman is one of the most famous towns on Route 66

Seligman is considered one of the most iconic towns along Route 66 because it preserves the essence of the Mother Road like few others do. Its colorful facades, classic cars, vintage signs, historic motels, and restaurants brimming with character make strolling through its streets feel like traveling back several decades in time.

However, its fame extends far beyond its retro charm, which is why it is known as the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66”. When the construction of Interstate 40 diverted traffic and threatened the survival of many Route 66 towns, the residents of Seligman led a movement to protect and preserve the highway, creating the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.

The leader was the legendary Ángel Delgadillo, the barber from Seligman, who is considered by many to be the "Father of Route 66", since it was thanks to his efforts that Route 66 was designated a historic highway, thereby revitalizing interest in tourism.

In addition, Seligman was the clear inspiration for Radiator Springs, the fictional town in the movie Cars. Although Pixar drew inspiration from various locations along Route 66, Seligman’s atmosphere, characters, and spirit are undeniably reminiscent of the movie’s world.

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Things to do in Seligman, Arizona

To explore Seligman’s attractions, simply take a stroll down its main street, Historic Route 66, where all of its tourist attractions, local businesses, bars, and restaurants are concentrated.

Here's a list of our favorite spots in Seligman that you won't want to miss—you'll fill up your camera's memory card! They're listed from west to east, as you enter Seligman coming from Hackberry.

💳 Keep in mind that many businesses in Seligman don't accept cards (and some that do charge a surcharge). Bring cash if you want to buy souvenirs in this town!

Worlds Largest Route 66 Sign

The first stop you should make in Seligman is the one known as the "World's Largest Route 66 Sign". It's located next to the Chevron gas station, and in addition to the famous giant Route 66 sign, you'll see murals of two of the most popular cars from the movie Cars: Lightning McQueen and Mater.

Historic Route 66 General Store

Across the street, next to the 76 gas station, you’ll find a couple of old buildings that are now souvenir shops. They are called Historic Route 66 General Store, with an eye-catching red and yellow facade. At the entrance, you can see the flags of the United States and the state of Arizona flying, as well as the Seligman buffalo sculpture and a few somewhat dilapidated classic cars.

Seligman Depot and the Old West Jail

Next to the Roadkill Cafe, you’ll find several wooden facades in different colors, very much in the Western style, with signs reading Wells Fargo, Tonsorial, Livery, and Gun Shop. These aren’t authentic historic buildings; rather, they were created by the restaurant itself as a tourist attraction to further recreate the Old West atmosphere. The truth is, they’re very photogenic!

Right next door is the 1860 Arizona Territorial Jail, a cage used to transport prisoners that you can go inside.

Cars Mural

Another must-see mural in Seligman is the one at Westside Lilo’s Cafe. Dedicated to the movie Cars, it once again features Tow Mater and Lightning McQueen, one on each side of the Route 66 sign. It’s a very colorful mural that celebrates the film’s impact on the resurgence of Route 66.

Route 66 Hippie Cricket

This family-run gift shop is undoubtedly one of the most eye-catching and quirky in all of Seligman. Aside from its colorful facade, it stands out for its hippie vibe and organized chaos, featuring several beat-up classic cars and a wide variety of items, including a toilet, a barbecue, traffic signs, and a collection of license plates. Inside, there are plenty of antiques, Route 66 souvenirs, vinyl records, jewelry, clothing...

Route 66 Motoporium and its collection of cars and motorcycles

This shop is another one of our favorites in Seligman for several reasons. First of all, it’s located in what used to be the Copper Cart, a famous restaurant during Route 66’s golden age, whose sign is still preserved on the outside. Next to it, you can see one of Seligman’s most photographed landmarks: a vintage VW bus covered in tons of stickers.

On the exterior wall facing the side alley is another of Seligman’s most iconic murals, which perfectly captures the biker spirit. It features various local motifs (a Santa Fe locomotive, cows, a cowboy, antelopes...) and two real motorcycles embedded in the ground in front of the painting—you can actually “climb” onto them!

The interior is just as impressive, as it not only holds countless memorabilia but also houses a museum of classic cars and motorcycles 🏍️. Its vast collection leaves every enthusiast of this type of vehicle in awe!

Seligman Grocery and its mural

Turn off the main street and head toward Schoney Avenue, specifically to Seligman Grocery. This small grocery store features the word "SELIGMAN" on one of its walls, along with several Route 66 references and a somewhat beat-up vintage car.

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The Rusty Bolt

It’s impossible to walk past Rusty Bolt little shop and its companions, as the mannequins hanging from the ceiling welcome all visitors (though it’s true that when we were there, there weren’t as many as there used to be). The shop is tiny, but it has a lot of character: they sell handmade jewelry, Route 66 souvenirs, leather goods...

Return to the 50s

This beautifully restored old gas station, along with what was once a repair shop, is another must-see attraction in Seligman that you won’t want to miss. After all, no matter how many souvenir shops you’ve visited, each one has its own unique charm.

We love the huge selection of vintage advertising metal signs they have for sale—you’ll want to take them all home! Plus, there’s the pair of skeletons sitting in a car, which adds a fun touch to your stroll through the souvenirs.

Angel & Vilma Delgadillo's Original Route 66 Gift Shop

We mentioned earlier how important Ángel Delgadillo was to the history of Route 66. He was born in Seligman in 1927 and opened a barbershop and pool hall in town, right here in this historic building.

As the town began to decline due to the construction of I-40, Ángel, his wife Vilma, and other residents launched a movement to breathe new life into Route 66. It was so successful that they opened a souvenir shop in the same building, and its profits eventually surpassed those of the pool hall, which they ended up closing.

Stepping inside this place means learning about the history of Seligman and the Delgadillo family, browsing through the gift shop (which is still in operation and run by the family), and visiting Ángel’s famous barbershop, filled with old photographs and memorabilia. You can even sit in his barber’s chair!

Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In

Whether you eat here or not, this is a must-visit spot in Seligman, even though it’s located at the far end of town. It’s Seligman’s most legendary restaurant, opened by Juan Delgadillo (Ángel’s brother) in 1953 as a drive-in.

Its great fame isn't just due to the food, but also to Juan Delgadillo's quirky sense of humor, which you'll get a perfect sense of from the exterior decor and his catchphrases. In fact, some of its signs are still preserved, featuring phrases like “Sorry, we’re open”, the famous “Cheeseburger with cheese”, or the mysterious “Dead Chicken” from the menu—all of which have become part of the history of Route 66.

Here you can try delicious milkshakes, burgers (including vegetarian options), hot dogs, burritos, and ice cream cones. They also have a very picturesque outdoor seating area.

Best hotels in Seligman

Seligman doesn't have a wide range of lodging options, which is entirely understandable given the town's size. Still, it has several historic motels, which are ideal if you want to stay in a place steeped in history during your trip along Route 66.

Historic Route 66 Motel

Functional motel in the heart of town. Don't expect any great luxuries, but it's a renovated option with a vintage feel, complete with a neon sign and Route 66-themed decor. It opened in 1950 under the name Navajo Motel and was renamed in 1987.

The Aztec Motel

Another of Seligman’s historic motels, dating back to 1915. Today, it blends the classic Route 66 atmosphere with an artistic and meticulously restored interior.

The Postcard Motel

This charming motel opened its doors in 1964 under the name Romney Motel. The entire property underwent a major renovation in 2022, at which time it changed its name and became a motel with tasteful décor.

Supai Motel

The Supai Motel, which opened its doors in 1952, features one of Seligman’s most iconic neon signs. As for the facilities, while it’s clear that this is an older property, the rooms have indeed been renovated.

Best restaurants in Seligman

Seligman is home to some of the most popular restaurants and diners along Route 66, and some of them couldn't be more unique. If you're planning to eat here, then choose one of these:

• 🍔 Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In: Juan Delgadillo's small restaurant is one of the most unique spots in Seligman. It's the perfect place to enjoy burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, and ice cream cones.
• 🍖 Roadkill Cafe: Although the decor featuring stuffed animals isn't really our thing, dining at this restaurant is definitely an experience in itself. It specializes in meat dishes.
• 🥪 Westside Lilo's Cafe: specializes in American food, including burgers, sandwiches, and rich desserts. It also has a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
• 🍺 Black Cat Bar: a saloon-style bar perfect for having a few drinks, complete with pool tables. The Western-style decor is amazing!

Things to do near Seligman

There are several places to visit in the area around Seligman, such as:

Grand Canyon Caverns

Until we started researching Route 66, we had never heard of the Grand Canyon Caverns. Located near Peach Springs and just a short drive from Seligman, these underground caves lie 60 meters (200 ft) below the surface. In fact, they’re considered one of the largest dry caves in the United States!

These caves are managed by the Havasupai tribe, and you must book a guided tour to explore them (tours vary in length). You’ll take an elevator down to the caves and walk through spacious galleries and geological formations, as well as fossil remains and historical artifacts preserved inside. The complex also features lodging, a restaurant, and a gift shop.

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Ash Fork

Ash Fork is a small town located 47 km(30 mi) from Seligman, known as the "Flagstone Capital of the World" for its stone quarries. For decades, it was an important railroad stop and also thrived as a stop along Route 66.

Although it’s a very quiet, off-the-beaten-path spot, it’s worth stopping by to take in its old motels, historic buildings constructed from local stone, and that quintessential Route 66 vibe.

You'll also find the Ash Fork Route 66 Museum here, a small but fascinating museum filled with memorabilia, photographs, exhibits, and artifacts that will help you learn more about the history of the highway.

Williams

Williams, located 70 km (44 mi) from Seligman, is one of the most famous towns along Route 66, known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon" and the starting point for the popular and historic Grand Canyon Railway. Its collection of vintage shops and neon signs, along with its wide range of hotels and dining options, make it a must-see on any trip along the Southwest.

💡Recommended: Things to do in Williams, Arizona | + Map & Travel Tips | 

Hackberry

Located 98 km (61 mi) from Seligman in the middle of the desert, Hackberry surprises travelers with its old gas station, its quirky gift shop filled with all sorts of odds and ends, its collection of beat-up vintage cars, its retro signs, and its chubby cat Charlie—a little orange ball of fluff who welcomes everyone.

Map of Seligman, Arizona

On this map, you can see all the places we recommend visiting in Seligman, including motels, restaurants, and nearby attractions:

FAQs about Seligman

Is Seligman worth visiting?

Yes. Seligman is one of the most authentic and iconic stops along the entire Route 66. Although it’s a small town, it retains the classic atmosphere of the Mother Road, with historic motels, classic cars, retro restaurants, and plenty of photo-worthy spots.

How long does it take to visit Seligman?

It's a small town, so you can easily explore it in 2–3 hours.

Who is Ángel Delgadillo?

Ángel Delgadillo is one of the most important figures in the modern history of Route 66. This barber from Seligman spearheaded the creation of the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona and played a key role in the highway’s tourism revival.

Did Seligman inspire the movie Cars?

Although Pixar visited numerous towns along Route 66 during the research process, Seligman is one of the places that most closely resembles Radiator Springs, thanks to its atmosphere, its classic cars, and some of its most iconic characters.

Is it worth staying overnight in Seligman?

Yes, especially for those who want to soak up the atmosphere of Route 66 after the day-trippers have left. Staying overnight lets you experience the town at a much more leisurely pace and really get a feel for its nostalgic atmosphere.

When is the best time to visit Seligman?

Spring and fall usually offer the most pleasant temperatures. In the summer, temperatures can be high, and in the winter, it can snow.

What is the most famous place in Seligman?

Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In is probably the town's best-known attraction. Its whimsical decorations, long-standing pranks, and significance in the history of Route 66 have made it a true icon.

We hope this post helps you plan your visit Seligman!