Seligman Travel Guide

Explore Seligman, a charming town in Northern Arizona, with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Seligman

Seligman, located in Northern Arizona, is a small town with a big personality. Known as the “Birthplace of Route 66,” Seligman’s historic downtown transports visitors back in time to the heyday of America’s most famous highway. While the town’s Route 66 attractions are certainly a draw for visitors, Seligman also offers stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures that shouldn’t be missed.

List of Places to Visit in Seligman

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Historic Seligman Sundries: A time capsule to the past, this shop offers visitors an authentic look at the old Route 66 and the town’s history.
  • Angel & Vilma’s Route 66 Gift Shop: A one-stop-shop for all things Route 66-related, filled with memorabilia, souvenirs, and gifts.
  • Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In: A Route 66 icon that’s been serving visitors for over 60 years. Visitors will love the quirky decor, classic cars parked outside, and the delicious food.

Natural Attractions of Seligman: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Grand Canyon Caverns: Visitors can take guided tours of these ancient limestone caverns, where they’ll see stunning underground formations and even sleep in the world’s largest dry caverns.
  • Kaibab National Forest: Seligman is surrounded by the natural beauty of this national forest, which offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Havasu Falls: This iconic waterfall is a two-hour drive from Seligman, but it’s well worth the trek for its stunning turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Seligman

  • Historic Route 66: Walk or cycle along this historic highway, which offers a glimpse into the past and plenty of photo opportunities.
  • Yavapai Point Trail: This easy trail in the nearby Grand Canyon offers stunning views and is suitable for families with children.

Best Things to Do in Seligman: Activities and Tours

  • Route 66 Road Trip: Seligman is the perfect place to embark on a classic American road trip on Route 66. Visitors can take guided tours or explore at their leisure.
  • Helicopter Tours: For a bird’s eye view of the stunning Arizona landscape, visitors can take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas.
  • Horseback Riding: Visitors can explore the beautiful Kaibab National Forest on horseback, with tours available for riders of all levels.

Week-Long Itinerary for Seligman

Day Activities
1 Explore the historic downtown, visit the gift shops, and indulge in a meal at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In
2 Take a guided tour of the Grand Canyon Caverns, then enjoy a scenic drive through the nearby Kaibab National Forest
3 Take a day trip to the iconic Havasu Falls
4 Rent a bike or walk along Historic Route 66, stopping at roadside attractions and quirky landmarks
5-6 Spend two days exploring the Grand Canyon, with options for hiking, helicopter tours, and more
7 Go horseback riding in the Kaibab National Forest, then enjoy a relaxing evening in Seligman’s charming downtown

Food and Drink Scene of Seligman

Must-Try Dishes

  • Snow Cap Burger: A classic cheeseburger with a unique twist, served at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In.
  • Indian Fry Bread: A Native American dish that’s become a staple of the Southwest cuisine. Visitors can find it at various restaurants and food trucks in Seligman.
  • Peach Cobbler: A classic American dessert served at many of Seligman’s diners and restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Prickly Pear Margarita: Made with the local prickly pear cactus, this twist on a classic margarita is refreshing and delicious.
  • Arizona Craft Beer: Visitors can sample local brews at Seligman’s various bars and breweries.

Where to Stay in Seligman: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Stagecoach 66 Motel: A classic Route 66 motel with a retro vibe and convenient location in the heart of downtown Seligman.
  • Supai Motel: A cozy, family-owned motel with clean and simple rooms and friendly hospitality.
  • Canyon Lodge Motel and Route 66 RV Park: Located just outside Seligman, this motel and RV park offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to nearby hiking and outdoor adventures.

What to Buy in Seligman: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Route 66 Memorabilia: Visitors can find a variety of Route 66-themed gifts, souvenirs, and memorabilia at the town’s gift shops and boutiques.
  • Native American Crafts: Seligman is situated near several Native American reservations, and visitors can purchase authentic Native American crafts like pottery, jewelry and baskets.

Local Culture and Customs of Seligman

Seligman is a town proud of its Route 66 heritage, and visitors will find Route 66 memorabilia and souvenirs all around. The town is also situated near several Native American reservations, and visitors should show respect for the local culture and customs.

Best Time to Visit Seligman

The best time to visit Seligman is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer months can be extremely hot, and winter can be cold and snowy, making some outdoor adventures difficult or impossible.

Do’s and Don’ts of Seligman

Do:

  • Do take a day trip to Havasu Falls for stunning natural beauty and a picturesque hike.
  • Do take a guided tour of the Grand Canyon Caverns.
  • Do indulge in a classic cheeseburger at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In.

Don’t:

  • Don’t underestimate the desert heat and make sure to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
  • Don’t disrespect Native American customs and traditions.
  • Don’t litter in the beautiful natural areas surrounding Seligman.

Safety and Health

Safety in Seligman

Seligman is generally a safe place for visitors, but as with any town or city, visitors should exercise basic safety precautions like being aware of their surroundings and keeping their valuables secure.

Health in Seligman

The desert climate can be harsh, and visitors should stay hydrated and protected from the sun when spending time outdoors. Visitors should also be aware of wildlife and insects in the area and take appropriate precautions.

Getting to Seligman: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Seligman

  • Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG): A regional airport located about 80 miles from Seligman.
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): A major airport located about 175 miles from Seligman.

Bus Stations Near Seligman

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: The closest Greyhound Bus station to Seligman is located in Kingman, Arizona, about 60 miles away.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Visitors can rent a car and drive to Seligman on historic Route 66.
  • Private Shuttle: Several companies offer private shuttle services from major airports to Seligman.

How to Get Around in Seligman

Seligman is a small town, and visitors can easily walk or bike to many of the town’s attractions. Alternatively, visitors can rent a car to explore the surrounding natural areas and nearby destinations.

Where to Go Next from Seligman: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Grand Canyon National Park: Just a few hours’ drive from Seligman, this iconic national park should not be missed.
  • Sedona: Just a two-hour drive from Seligman, Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations and New Age spiritual energy.
  • Hoover Dam: About two hours’ drive from Seligman, this iconic engineering marvel is worth a visit.

Conclusion

Seligman may be a small town, but it offers a big experience for visitors. From its historic Route 66 charm to its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures, Seligman is a destination that should not be missed. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your visit and make the most of your time in this charming Northern Arizona town.