There’s nothing more American than rolling down the highway with the windows down, a map in hand, and the promise of discovery waiting at the next exit. As Arizona prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026, the Arizona America250 Commission is inviting residents and visitors to embrace the spirit of the Great American Road Trip through Passport250 and to consider community partner Best Western as their hotel of choice along the way as the brand celebrates 80 years of welcoming hospitality.
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Passport250, launched by the Arizona America250 Commission in partnership with the Arizona Office of Tourism, is a free mobile pass designed to guide travelers to 250 of Arizona’s most remarkable landmarks, hidden gems, cultural institutions, restaurants, and historic sites. Participants can sign up at AZpassport250.com, receive the pass instantly on their phones, and check in at featured destinations across the state while earning prizes and building custom road trip itineraries with the interactive map feature.
As Arizonans chart their routes, from stretches of historic Route 66 to Indigenous heritage sites, mountain towns, desert landscapes, restaurants and breweries, and vibrant main streets, Best Western offers a timely reminder of how Arizona-grown businesses helped shape the very culture of road travel in America.
Founded in 1946, Best Western began as a small network of independent hotels across the West, built on the simple idea that travelers deserved a dependable place to stay at the end of a long day on the road. Arizona’s highways quickly became part of that story. From early roadside inns in southern Arizona to properties serving families exploring the Grand Canyon and Route 66, Best Western became synonymous with reliability and hospitality for generations of road-trippers.
“As our nation prepares to celebrate 250 years, Arizona offers an extraordinary backdrop for reflecting on the spirit of exploration that has always defined America. Best Western was born from that same spirit right here in the West, and today we are proud to continue that tradition with more than 65 hotels across the state,” said Larry Cuculic, President and CEO of BWH® Hotels. “Passport250 inspires travelers to get out and explore, and we’re honored to help welcome them with a variety of trusted stay options along the way.”
Passport250 highlights destinations across categories such as Treasures250, Dark Skies250, Indigenous Travel250, and Commemorate250. The program encourages travelers to rediscover Arizona’s history, culture, and natural beauty, one stop at a time.
Arizona America250 programs are made possible with generous support from Banner Health, APS, SRP, BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona, Freeport-McMoRan, Sundt, Desert Financial Credit Union, Mayo Clinic, The Burton Family Foundation, Greater Phoenix Leadership, Avnet, Player 15 Group, the National Endowment for the Humanities, Walmart, City of Phoenix, Hensley Beverage Company, HonorHealth, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Vitalyst Health Foundation, Resolution Copper, Garrison Forty Eight, Flinn Foundation, and Aspire Counseling Services.
To start planning your Passport250 road trip, visit AZpassport250.com and explore lodging options at bestwestern.com.
