With Route 66’s 100th anniversary in 2026 just one year away, it’s time to rediscover Arizona’s spectacular landscape.
Whip up your road trip appetite and check out what’s new in Arizona in 2025, including new dark sky communities, mountain trails, museums, and more.
New astrotourism attraction in Arizona
Flagstaff welcomes new Astronomy Discovery Center
new Kemper and Ethel Murray Foundation Center for Astronomical Discovery in lowell observatory in flagstaff The center offers visitors the opportunity to journey through the universe through the lens of astronomy through interactive exhibits and experiences. Designed for educational purposes, kids can enjoy building their own rockets in the Orbitz Curiosity Zone, while adults can marvel at the Universe Theater’s two-story, 165-degree curved LED screen to see planets and You can learn about constellations. Once the sun goes down, head to the outdoor rooftop planetarium to observe. Flagstaff’s famous starry sky.
Arizona’s two newest dark-sky communities: Tubac and Bisbee
Gaze at the stars above two newly certified dark sky communities in Arizona. Tubac and Bisbee. These small Southern Arizona towns are being recognized for their continued efforts to reduce light pollution, allowing for clear skies where stargazers can spot constellations, shooting stars, and planets. Tubac and Bisbee Both are also known for their thriving art scenes, where visitors can explore artwork during the day and then enjoy the twinkling stars at night. Arizona is currently 22 dark sky communitiesplaces and parks.
New Stargazer Dome opens near Grand Canyon West
Enjoy galactic views while falling asleep when you stay at the new Stargazer Dome. Grand Canyon Glamping Resort near grand canyon west. Thanks to you stargazer domeWith floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass skylight above the bed, guests can watch Arizona’s signature sunsets transform into star-studded skies from the comfort of their rooms.
Arizona Science Center’s Dorrance Planetarium gets major technology upgrades. – Opening in spring 2025
what has been reconsidered Dorrance Planetarium in arizona science center in phoenix When it opens in spring 2025, it will be the most technologically advanced planetarium in North America. 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 with Cosm’s CX System.
new attraction
First-ever Mattel Adventure Park opens in Glendale – Opening in late 2025
Watch your favorite Mattel toys and board games come to life. Mattel Adventure Parkthe first-ever Mattel-branded theme park opens in 2020 glendale. Join Barbie at Barbie Beach House, where fans of all ages can curate their ultimate wardrobe with Barbie through holographic technology. Then, get a thrill on the four-story Hot Wheels go-kart track before riding the Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer roller coaster.
New ski and mountain bike trails in Flagstaff
Thrill seekers can enjoy racing of flagstaff New ski and mountain bike trails add to the city’s outdoor recreation opportunities. Thanks to the new Aspen chairlift opening this ski season, arizona snow bowl has four new beginner ski courses where beginners can learn how to master skiing. Ride the city’s two new directional mountain bike trails: Meteorite and Full Sail. Both are downhill bike-only trails in the Mount Elden Dry Lakes Trail System. After racing down the Meteorite Trail, a steep and technical trail, we ride the Full Sail Trail, a flow trail with several jumps.
Tucson Military Vehicle Museum – Opening in 2025
At the new museum, you can also see and drive rare military vehicles from different eras and countries. Tucson Military Vehicle Museum It is located next to the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson. One of the few military vehicle museums in the Southwest, this new museum features 100 armored fighting vehicles from around the world, a variety of immersive exhibits, and a variety of ride and driving experiences. .
New resort opening in 2025
VAI Resort
It is best described as the ultimate desert oasis. VAI Resort in glendale. With a white sand beach and 6-acre swimming pool, VAI takes a lazy day by the pool to the next level on Konos Island, a man-made party island with an aerial bar, restaurant, and private cabanas. Guests have everything they need thanks to an entertainment hub, shopping corridor, 10 bars and 13 luxury restaurants, including celebrity chef José Andres’ first restaurant in Arizona .
trailborn grand canyon
of trailborn grand canyonNewly restored hotel opening in 2025. close to route 66 in williamsa historic town known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Trailborn’s convenient location allows guests easy access to William’s famous attractions. grand canyon railroad visit grand canyon south rim You can also enjoy retro diners and shops route 66 at williams. Families can book off-site tours, including guided hikes with local experts, stargazing tours, and helicopter rides. It’s an ideal stay for road trippers looking to visit Arizona during the holidays. Route 66 100th Anniversary Celebration In 2026.
The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie
For those traveling for shopping and luxury stays, Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley Scottsdale is calling your name. A world-class spa, views of Camelback Mountain, and signature dining guarantee a luxurious experience. Adjacent to the resort are The Palmeraie Shopsan outdoor shopping paradise where shoppers can stroll through more than 60 specialty boutiques and dozens of restaurants.
Carry On, a new bar inspired by Phoenix’s airplanes
Please prepare for takeoff at continue in phoenixwill welcome guests on a unique 90-minute culinary journey in a new immersive bar designed to recreate a vintage 1970s aircraft cabin. Order cocktails inspired by iconic travel destinations. The menu changes frequently to reflect the various departure and arrival points of the “plane”. Sip a welcome cocktail, enjoy exclusive signature in-flight snacks, and peer through the screen windows displaying a variety of clouds and the skyline.
Twin Arrows Zenith Steakhouse recognized in Wine Spectator’s 2024 Restaurant Awards
Near Flagstaff, Twin Arrows Zenith Steakhouseinside Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort Awarded for its outstanding wine program. Wine Spectator’s 2024 Restaurant Awards. Twin Arrows Zenith Steakhouse received the Award of Excellence, which is given to a restaurant that has a wide selection of diverse wines that perfectly pair with the restaurant’s food.
Celebrate Route 66’s 100th Anniversary in 2026
Start planning your ultimate road trip Arizona portion of Route 66is the longest remaining uninterrupted stretch of the Mother Road (158 miles) to celebrate Route 66’s 100th anniversary, scheduled for 2026. Known for its small towns and quirky attractions, enjoy exploring Route 66 with the help of a guide. AOT’s Free Mobile Route 66 Passport.
Flagstaff’s new Route 66 Passport
Easily explore all Route 66 activities Flagstaff offers free Discover 66 Things to do on Route 66 passports. Download your passport and take a self-guided tour to learn more about Route 66. walking talk tourvisit the Route 66 Preservation Project and head to the Flagstaff Visitor Center to see the Route 66 street mural. Use your new passport to discover exciting activities along the Mother Road, the best restaurants downtown, and vintage motor lodges along Route 66.
New attractions in Kingman
In the heart of Arizona’s Route 66, kingman is preparing for its 100th anniversary with upgrades to its famous facility. Arizona Route 66 Museum Along with a new hotel. Stay at our recently opened dual-brand hotel just 1 mile from the historic route. Wingate by Wyndham/Hawthorn Extended Stay It features an EV charging station and a pool where road trippers can cool off. Tin can array Airbnb At Tin Can, guests stay in renovated vintage Airstream trailers, steps away from the city’s many museums, retro diners, and memorabilia stores.
