Kingman, Arizona Travel Guide

Discover Kingman, Arizona - the nostalgic heart of Historic Route 66, offering a blend of vintage Americana, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes.

Kingman, Arizona, is a charming city nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert. Known as the 'Heart of Historic Route 66,' Kingman offers a nostalgic journey back in time. The city is a treasure trove of vintage Americana with its classic diners, retro motels, and Route 66 memorabilia. The historic downtown area is a must-visit, showcasing beautifully preserved buildings from the early 20th century. The Mohave Museum of History and Arts provides a fascinating insight into the region's rich history, from Native American culture to the golden age of the railroad. Don't miss the Route 66 Museum, which chronicles the history of the iconic highway that put Kingman on the map. For nature enthusiasts, Kingman serves as a gateway to some of Arizona's most stunning landscapes. The nearby Hualapai Mountain Park offers hiking trails with breathtaking views, while the Grand Canyon Skywalk is just a short drive away. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Kingman is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kingman.

Visit the Route 66 Museum early in the morning to avoid crowds and have a more immersive experience.
Take a walking tour of the historic downtown area to fully appreciate the well-preserved architecture and local shops.
Pack plenty of water and sunscreen, especially if you plan to hike in Hualapai Mountain Park or explore the desert surroundings.
Check the local events calendar; Kingman often hosts Route 66-themed festivals and car shows that add to the nostalgic charm.
Consider renting a car to explore the surrounding attractions, including the Grand Canyon Skywalk and the Hoover Dam.

Explore Kingman: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Kingman

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Oatman Az

Discover the historic charm of Oatman, Arizona, a unique ghost town on Route 66 filled with burros, local shops, and rich wild west history.

4.7

Burros Of Oatman

Experience the quirky charm of Oatman, Arizona, where friendly wild burros roam and the spirit of the Old West comes alive.

4.6

Cool Springs Station

Explore the historic Cool Springs Station on Route 66, a unique souvenir shop and museum celebrating the nostalgia of America's beloved highway.

4.7

Arizona Route 66 Museum

Explore the Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman, where history comes alive through captivating exhibits showcasing the iconic highway's legacy.

4.6

Best landmarks in Kingman

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Giganticus Headicus

Explore Giganticus Headicus, a whimsical gift shop and iconic roadside attraction on Route 66, perfect for memorable photos and unique souvenirs.

4.4

El Trovatore Motel Sign & cars

Explore the nostalgic El Trovatore Motel Sign & Cars in Kingman, Arizona, a historical gem celebrating Route 66 and vintage Americana.

4.6

Kingsman, Az

Experience comfort and convenience at Kingsman, Arizona, the perfect hotel for discovering the beauty of Route 66 and the Mojave Desert.

4.5

Powerhouse Visitor Center

Explore Route 66 history at Kingman's Powerhouse Visitor Center, home to the Arizona Route 66 Museum and a wealth of Mother Road memorabilia.

4.4

Best restaurants in Kingman

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In-N-Out Burger

Savor the best of American fast food at In-N-Out Burger in Kingman, AZ - where fresh ingredients meet classic diner charm.

4.5

Mr D'z Route 66 Diner

Experience classic American dining at Mr D'z Route 66 Diner in Kingman - where nostalgia meets delicious comfort food along Route 66.

4.4

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Discover the charm of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Kingman - where delicious Southern comfort food meets nostalgic Americana.

4.4

Black Bear Diner Kingman

Experience the heartwarming flavors of American cuisine at Black Bear Diner Kingman – where every meal feels like family.

4.5

Best bars in Kingman

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Mr D'z Route 66 Diner

Experience the nostalgia and flavors of classic American cuisine at Mr D'z Route 66 Diner in Kingman, Arizona, a true gem on the iconic Route 66.

4.4

Dambar & Steak House

Experience the best of American cuisine at Dambar & Steak House, where succulent steaks, fresh seafood, and delightful pasta await you in Kingman, AZ.

4.0

Chili's Grill & Bar

Experience the vibrant flavors of American and Tex-Mex cuisine at Chili's Grill & Bar in Kingman, Arizona, perfect for families and friends alike.

4.1

Hooch's Kingman Grille

Experience the vibrant flavors of Hooch's Kingman Grille, where delicious American cuisine meets a lively atmosphere in Kingman, Arizona.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Kingman

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Hooch's Kingman Grille

Savor the best of American grill cuisine at Hooch's Kingman Grille, where flavor meets fun in Kingman, Arizona.

4.4

Canyon 66 Restaurant and Lounge

Discover the flavors of American grill cuisine at Canyon 66 Restaurant and Lounge, a vibrant dining experience in Kingman, Arizona.

3.9

The Sundowner Saloon

Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Sundowner Saloon in Kingman, AZ, where great drinks meet lively entertainment in a friendly atmosphere.

4.4

Sportsmans Club

Discover the lively nightlife at Sportsmans Club in Kingman, AZ, where great drinks and entertainment await in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.4

Best shops in Kingman

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TA Travel Center

Experience convenience and comfort at the TA Travel Center in Kingman, AZ, your one-stop destination for travel essentials and vehicle services.

4.0

USA TRAVEL CENTER

Discover the USA Travel Center in Kingman, AZ: A must-stop truck stop and restaurant for travelers exploring the American Southwest.

3.9

Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona Gift Shop

Explore unique souvenirs and Route 66 memorabilia at the Historic Route 66 Association Gift Shop in Kingman, Arizona, a must-visit for travelers.

4.7

Canada Mart

Explore Canada Mart in Kingman, AZ—a unique blend of jewelry, souvenirs, and local culture along historic Route 66.

4.5

Explore Kingman on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Kingman, mapped for you.

Kingman Essentials

Kingman is located in northwestern Arizona and is accessible by several means of transportation. The closest major airport is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, which is approximately 105 miles away. From Las Vegas, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Kingman. Alternatively, Kingman has its own small airport, Kingman Airport, which primarily serves general aviation. Amtrak also offers train services to Kingman via the Southwest Chief route. For road travelers, Kingman is easily accessible via Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 93.
Kingman is a relatively small city, making it easy to navigate. Car rentals are widely available and recommended for exploring the area, especially if you plan to visit attractions outside the city. Local public transportation is provided by Kingman Area Regional Transit (KART), which operates several bus routes within the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available. Bicycling is another viable option for getting around, as many roads have bike lanes.
The official currency in Kingman, like the rest of the United States, is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. ATMs are plentiful, and you can easily withdraw cash if needed. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or when visiting remote areas where card payment may not be an option.
Kingman is generally a safe destination for tourists, but standard safety precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, especially in the downtown district. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. High-crime areas are not a significant concern, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Kingman has a well-equipped hospital, Kingman Regional Medical Center, for medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies around the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, which can be hot in the summer. Don't wear overly revealing clothing, especially in more conservative areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Don't be overly familiar with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and regional specialties. Don't forget to tip, as it is customary in the U.S.
To experience Kingman like a local, visit the Mohave Museum of History and Arts to learn about the area's rich heritage. Take a stroll down Historic Route 66, where you'll find unique shops and diners that capture the spirit of the Mother Road. Engage with locals at community events, especially those held at Locomotive Park. Don't miss out on the scenic drives to nearby attractions like the Grand Canyon Skywalk and Lake Havasu.

When is the best time to visit Kingman?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Kingman

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Kingman. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
- GoodbyeSee ya later
  [see ya lay-ter]
- YesYup
  [yuhp]
- NoNope
  [nohp]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no prob-lem]
- Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [par-dun me/my bad]
- How are you?Howdy partner?
  [haw-dee par-tner?]
- Fine. And you?Doin' alright. You?
  [doin' al-right. yuh?]
- Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [ya speak ing-lish?]
- I don't understandI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [can I chek out the menu?]
- I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [I don't do meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI'll take the check, please
  [I'll take the check, please]
- Help!Help!
  [Help!]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [Get lost!]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [Call the cops!]
- Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [Get a doc!]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I'm lookin' to buy...
  [I'm lookin' to buy...]
- I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [Just browsin']
- How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [How much does it cost?]
- That's too expensiveThat's pricey
  [That's pricey]
- Can you lower the price?Can ya do any better on the price?
  [Can ya do any bet-ter on the price?]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [What time is it?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [It's one]
- Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [Half past (10)]
- MorningMornin'
  [Mornin']
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
- YesterdayYester-day
  [Yes-ter-day]
- TodayToday
  [Today]
- TomorrowTomor-row
  [Tom-or-row]
- 1One
  [Wun]
- 2Two
  [Too]
- 3Three
  [Three]
- 4Four
  [Four]
- 5Five
  [Fiv]
- 6Six
  [Six]
- 7Seven
  [Seven]
- 8Eight
  [Ate]
- 9Nine
  [Nin]
- 10Ten
  [Ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on the map)?
  [Can ya show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

History of Kingman

Kingman was founded in 1882 during the construction of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. It was named after Lewis Kingman, a surveyor for the railroad who was instrumental in selecting the route through the region.
Route 66, known as the 'Main Street of America,' played a significant role in Kingman's development. The highway passed through Kingman, turning it into a bustling stop for travelers and contributing to the town's growth and prosperity during the mid-20th century.
During World War II, Kingman became home to one of the largest airfields in the United States. The Kingman Army Airfield was used primarily for training bomber crews, significantly boosting the local economy and population. After the war, many of the buildings and structures were repurposed for civilian use.
Kingman's historic downtown area is a treasure trove of early 20th-century architecture. Notable landmarks include the Mohave County Courthouse, built in 1915, and the Beale Hotel, which dates back to 1900. These buildings offer a glimpse into the town's rich past and have been preserved to maintain their historical integrity.
The Hualapai Tribe, whose traditional lands encompass the area around Kingman, has had a significant cultural impact on the region. The Hualapai have a rich history of resilience and adaptation, and their cultural heritage is celebrated through various local events and the Hualapai Cultural Center.
Mining has been a vital part of Kingman's history, particularly in the early 20th century. The area was rich in minerals like gold, silver, and copper, attracting prospectors and mining companies. This industry brought economic growth and helped shape the town's development.
On July 5, 1973, a devastating explosion occurred in Kingman when a railroad tank car filled with propane exploded. The disaster resulted in numerous casualties and had a lasting impact on the community, leading to changes in safety regulations and emergency response procedures.
Kingman has been featured in various films, television shows, and music due to its picturesque desert landscape and historic Route 66 charm. Notably, Kingman was mentioned in the song 'Willin'' by Little Feat and has appeared in movies like 'Two-Lane Blacktop' and 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.'