10 Serene Arizona Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Arizona has the kind of headline attractions that sell themselves: the Grand Canyon, the red rocks of Sedona, the saguaro cacti standing tall across the Sonoran Desert, and honestly, that's enough to put it on most people's travel list. But dig a little deeper and you'll find a state that's also quietly producing homegrown wines, hiding riverfront beaches, and stacking cool mountain ranges high above the desert floor. It's a place built for slowing down, whether that means sitting with a glass of Verde Valley red watching the sun dip behind a canyon wall, or booking yourself into a spa and not moving for 48 hours. If you're overdue for a proper reset, here are ten Arizona towns worth the drive this weekend.
Kayenta
Located on Navajo Nation tribal lands in northeastern Arizona, Kayenta is the closest town to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. At the park, take the scenic loop drive and take in the views of the valley's sandstone rock formations that soar as high as 1,000 feet above the desert floor. On the way to or from town, stop to appreciate Agathla Peak, a volcanic neck formed from the remains of a volcano active about 25 million years ago. And when you can use some time to stretch outside, hike the Wildcat Trail at the park for even more Monument Valley scenery.
Since Kayenta and Monument Valley are on tribal land, it's a good opportunity to learn more about Navajo history and culture. Be sure to visit the Navajo Shadehouse Museum in town to see a traditional shade house. At the park, stop by the Trading Post, where you'll find a selection of authentic indigenous-made art, jewelry, home furnishings like rugs, and memorabilia. If you'd like to spend more time enjoying the park and browsing the Trading Post, consider staying at The View Hotel, which sits at the edge of the valley with views directly onto the Mittens.
Page
Nestled by the Glen Canyon Dam that makes this corner of the Colorado River into Lake Powell, Page is a pleasant town with ample opportunities for adventure. For one of the most filmed and photographed spots on the river, do the 1.5-mile round-trip hike to Horseshoe Bend and feast your eyes on the iconic spot where the river winds its way through the desert. Just west of Page, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument has even more spectacular scenery to discover, including the Paria Plateau, Coyote Buttes, Vermilion Cliffs, and Paria Canyon.
Of course, no trip to Page would be complete without exploring the lake, and Antelope Point Marina is the perfect starting point for a day on the water. They even offer boat rentals right at the marina, making it easy to set out and enjoy the scenery. For a comfortable place to stay in town, the accommodations at Grandview Inn B&B are hard to beat.
Grand Canyon Village
Typically, when visitors make their way to the Grand Canyon, they stop here at Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. As the central hub for Grand Canyon National Park, this is where you will find the greatest concentration of key attractions, including the 1905 Hopi House that sells authentic Native American artisan goods, the Yavapai Museum of Geology, and the South Rim Trail that makes it possible to walk on paved paths to some of the best vantage points over the canyon.
Over the years, the Grand Canyon has become a beloved destination for both US and international travelers, so be prepared for the possibility of encountering crowds at the village. If you're looking to escape the crowds and explore more of the canyon, you can enjoy a shorter half-day hike on the South Kaibab Trail. Experienced hikers planning to try the Bright Angel Trail should check current NPS trail updates, as the Transcanyon Waterline project impacts some inner-canyon routes and river access. No matter what level of adventure you're seeking, you're likely to enjoy a stay at the historic El Tovar Hotel, which has been welcoming guests since 1905.
Sedona
Perched right where the Verde Valley hits the Mogollon Rim, Sedona has become world-renowned for its red rock sandstone formations and its New Age vibes. For some of the best red rock vistas and maybe the best sunset in town, hike the Merry Go Round Rock trail and continue onto the connecting Hangover and Munds Wagon Trails for longer routes. When you fancy a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Oak Creek, head up Highway 89A to Slide Rock State Park for Sedona's most fun natural waterslide and swimming hole.
There's a lot to appreciate about Sedona and its famous vortexes. Whether you buy into the healing-energy side or not, the red rock formations, pinyon-juniper forests, and oak groves are reliably beautiful. Boynton Canyon, in particular, is a standout slice of that landscape and home to the Enchantment Resort and the adults-only Mii amo destination spa. These properties offer spa treatments, year-round wellness programming, and casitas within walking distance of canyon hiking trails.
Clarkdale
Founded by mining magnate and senator William A. Clark in 1912, Clarkdale began as a mining-focused company town. At the Arizona Copper Art Museum, discover a homage to the area's copper mining heritage with a wide array of copper art housed in the town's former high school. Just steps away, the Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum lets you dig deeper into this town's past.
For more of Clarkdale's deep history, visit Tuzigoot National Monument, a 110-room pueblo built roughly 900 years ago by the Sinagua people. To enjoy local flavors, stop by Chateau Tumbleweed and the Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College to taste the wines of the Verde Valley AVA right in the heart of town. After a day of exploring, relax at the Taawaki Inn, which offers Hopi indigenous art, modern rooms and suites, and a location close to the monument.
Lake Havasu City
About 155 miles southeast of Las Vegas (Nevada), Lake Havasu City offers a distinctly Arizona take on riverside beach life. Lake Havasu State Park offers an easy point of entry to this end of the Colorado River for boating, bass fishing, and river swimming. If you prefer a sandy beach, Lake Havasu has that, too. Go to London Bridge Beach, which has a designated swimming area, a launch area for kayaks and paddleboards, and great views of the famed London Bridge that was imported to town in 1971 from its original location across the Thames in London.
If you're more inclined to play on dry land, book a tee time at Bridgewater Links, a nine-hole course at London Bridge Resort with views of the London Bridge, Bridgewater Channel, and Lake Havasu. Right by the golf course, London Bridge Resort has even more to see and do, including a connected marina, on-site bike and paddleboard rentals, an expansive pool area, and spacious condo-style suites.
Paradise Valley
Though it's surrounded by the much larger cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale, the town of Paradise Valley makes for a refreshing oasis in the Valley of the Sun. At the south end of town, you can access the hiking trails at Camelback Mountain, one of the country's most popular urban hiking destinations, and a special slice of Sonoran Desert wilderness tucked near the heart of the city. There are even more trails awaiting your discovery at the nearby Piestewa Peak and Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
Beyond the trails, you can also take in desert and mountain views while relaxing at The Phoenician Golf Club. This 18-hole course features up to four sets of tees and a par 71, suitable for golfers of all levels. When you're ready to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures, treat yourself to the Spanish-inspired luxury of the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Enjoy the amenities and treatments at their full-service Joya Spa.
Globe
About 88 miles east of Phoenix, Globe offers indigenous history, mining-town heritage, and mountain scenery within easy reach of the city. At the north end of town, the Gila County Historical Museum has a thorough collection of mining records, archives, and artifacts housed inside a 1920 mine rescue station. Right across the highway from the museum, the Old Dominion Historic Mine Park lets you tour a retired 1880s copper mine site where vintage mining equipment is visible from the park's trails. For hiking, check out Round Mountain Park in town and the Pinal Mountains to the south.
When you're in Globe, be sure to visit Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum, a partially reconstructed Salado indigenous pueblo occupied from roughly 1225 to 1450. If you're planning to enjoy the town for the whole weekend, consider staying at the Chrysocolla Inn, a historic boarding house that has been transformed into a comfortable bed-and-breakfast.
Summerhaven
It might seem strange to imagine an alpine village about 40 miles northeast of Tucson, but Summerhaven is very real. With a base elevation of around 8,200 feet above sea level, it's the perfect place to escape the desert heat below, and Mount Lemmon Ski Valley offers sky rides, dining, and seasonal skiing when winter snowfall allows. Mount Lemmon holds plenty of hiking trails too, including the eponymous Mount Lemmon Trail to the summit at 9,157 feet and the nearby Mint Spring Trail.
When you need to stock up on supplies or pick up gifts, stop at the Mt. Lemmon General Store and save room for some of their homemade fudge. For more space to roam during your stay on the mountain, book a spacious, kid- and pet-friendly cabin at the Mt. Lemmon Hotel.
Bisbee
About 11 miles north of the US-Mexico border sits the one-time "Queen of the Copper Camps." Bisbee began attracting prospectors in 1877, the Copper Queen Mine produced all the way to 1975, and now visitors can sign up for a tour of the mine to explore this critical corner of Arizona history. For an even deeper dig into Bisbee's mining history, find out about the town's role in the United States' industrial development at the Smithsonian-affiliated Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum.
Though mining long ago ceased to power Bisbee's economy, the town found new life when artists began to settle in the 1970s. Since then, Bisbee has evolved into a working artists' community, and the Central School Project is now dedicated to preserving the local artistic spirit with a full calendar of workshops and community art-making events, as well as their Gallery 32 featuring works by local artists. To complete your ultimate Bisbee getaway, book a suite at The Carrick, a 1903 gymnasium that recently underwent a full renovation into a top-shelf boutique hotel.
The Copper State Sets the Gold Standard for Serenity
Arizona, known for its scorching and arid desert landscapes, also features peaceful scenery and amenities ideal for a weekend getaway. In Grand Canyon Village, you can stay right in the heart of the action and walk to viewpoints of one of North America's most iconic natural wonders. Paradise Valley offers some of Central Arizona's most striking scenery and luxury resorts just a short drive from Downtown Phoenix. Meanwhile, Summerhaven provides a mountain escape close to everything Tucson has to offer. No matter how you choose to spend a long weekend, Arizona has many inviting and restful options.
