Hiding in plain sight is a vacation destination that is one of the most famous towns in America. Its Route 66 connection gives it name recognition. That connection also obscures the diverse array of attractions that make this desert crossroads one of the most overlooked vacation destinations in the southwest.

Now you go through St. Louis
Joplin, Missouri
And Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty
You’ll see Amarillo
Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona
Don’t forget Winona
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino

Penned by Bobby Troup back in the mid 1940s, it was that catchy little tune about a highway signed with two sixes that ensured the whole world knew about Kingman. But that song gave the impression this town was simply a stop while motoring west.

Hiding In Plain Sight

But not everyone that rolling through town simply stopped for gas or a meal at the Kimo Cafe. A few spent a little more time and discovered a true diamond in the rough.

Some came back for a second look after spending time during the war at the Kingman Army Airfield. A few came for their health on the recommendatin of doctors. And, according to local legend, a few simply broke down in Kingman. After a months these folks realized that it was a pretty nice town.

Fast forward to 2026, year of the Route 66 centennial and semiquincentennial of the United States. Thousands of people still roll through town on Route 66 as they motor west. But people are fast discovering that Kingman IS the destination. Hiding in plain site is a vacation destination of epic proportions.

Miles of Smiles & Neon Nights

From miles of smiles along the longest uninterrupted remaining section of Route 66 to neon lit nights in the historic heart of Kingman, this town is something special. Pine forested mountain parks, picturesque canyons, award winning microbreweries and distillery, and one of a kind lodging opportunities ensure a memorable weekend getaway or vacation.

Need incentive to begin planning a Kingman adventure? Check out the Kingman Tours website with its expansive event calendar, informative blog, and points of interest ranging from historic sites to film and celebrity associated sites. There is even a Route 66 centenial gift shop

Jim Hinckley’s America has a reputation for telling people where to go. As Kingman is our home base and my adopted hometown, I have written hundreds of blog posts about Kingman area history and attractions. Check out the blog page and type Kingman in the search bar.

A Teaser

If I were in need of a weekend getaway to unwind, or wanted a memory making, jam packed vacation it would begin with making reservations. I would want a place that is more than a mere place to rest the head. It would be a place where smiles are induced on arrival. And it would be at the heart of everything.

Tin Can Alley on 66 checks all the boxes. And the descriptor on their website sums provides the spark that ignites a hunger for an escape from the ordinary as well as the daily routine. “Wake up in style and comfort in one of our beautifully refurbished Airstreams, where retro charm meets modern amenities. Step outside and find yourself just moments away from Kingman’s iconic attractions and eateries.”

As a bonus Tin Can Alley on 66 is at the heart of most everything. Fresh coffee, pastries and assorted specialty drinks are steps away at Mudd on 66. And at the end of a day of adventure, nothing beats gourmet ice cream at Scoops at 66 right next door to Tin Can Alley on 66.

Walkabouts and Discoveries

Ten Blocks. Museums, theater performances, a four generation restaurant, first class barbecue and wood fired pizza, micorbreweries, a wine bar with live music, and even a territorial era 1906 saloon are that close when you stay at Tin Can Alley on 66.

A walk of ten blocks will also take you to an awe inspring scenic overlook and picnic area. This is also the trailhead for a series of trails that link historic wagon roads, multicolored canyons, desert oasis, and stunning vistas. Perhaps the most amazing thing about this trail sysrem is that at no point are you more than a mile from an award winning golf course or the historic heart of Kingman.

It desert trails are your thing, a one mile drive from Tin Can Alley on 66 takes you to Beale Springs. This desert oasis is steeped in history. It is also the portal to the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area, a network of more than fifty miles of delightful trails.

And if you want to beat the heat and still enjoy miles of scenic trails, Haulapai Mountain Park is just twelve miles south of Kingman. This pine forested island in a sea of desert offers miles of trails as well as the Hualapai Mountain Lodge Resort with a superb restaurant.

Destination Kingman

Kingman is a vacation destination hiding in plain sight. So, …

If you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way, take the highway that’s the best
Get your kicks on Route 66

It winds from Chicago to L.A
More than two thousand miles all the way
Get your kicks on Route 66

Now you go through St. Louis
Joplin, Missouri
And Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty
You’ll see Amarillo
Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona
Don’t forget Winona
Kingman, …