10 Small Towns In Arizona With Big Charm
Located in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona is a big state with big charm. The state has several hidden gems that were formed during its early days as a mining territory and still stand today. If you're planning a trip to visit one of the state's highlights, such as the Saguaro National Park or the Grand Canyon, why not stop off in a small town for a complete taste of everything that Arizona has to offer?
Even if you're not planning a big sightseeing trip and instead are travelling for work or family, there's something to love in Arizona's lesser-known towns. Take a look at some of the most charming small towns in Arizona that are off the beaten path and most definitely worth a visit.
Bisbee
When you hear "former mining town," what images immediately come to mind? Most people think about rusty old vehicles abandoned on the side of the road, or dilapidated buildings. But that's not the case with Bisbee. This vibrant town is located in southern Arizona, tucked in the scenic Mule Mountains. It has earned a reputation as an artist's paradise, with local galleries such as Gallery 818 and the Artemizia Foundation.
When you're in Bisbee, make sure to attend the Queen Mine Tour, where you can explore one of the state's oldest (and deepest) copper mines. For inquiring minds, there's also the Bisbee Science Lab, where adults and children of all ages can explore hands-on scientific activities.
Tombstone
As this town's name implies, Tombstone is a classic Western town. It has a small population (just under 2,000 residents), but it makes a significant impact, especially on history. Enjoy a drink at Wyatt Earp's Oriental Saloon & Theater, or visit the O.K. Corral, the site of the infamous gunfight between Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Virgil and Morgan Earp. There's information there on the history leading up to that fight, as well as daily reenactments in the Streets of Tombstone Theater.
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors with a side of history, take a stroll around the historical Boothill Graveyard, it is credited as being the most famous Wild West cemetery. If you plan to stay for a while, book a night at the Tombstone Sagebrush Inn. The hotel is within walking distance of the Rose Tree Inn Museum, a notable landmark famous for housing the world's largest rose bush.
Sedona
Easily one of the most well-known small towns on our list, Sedona is best known for its natural beauty. The town is a hub for healing and wellness, featuring numerous monuments dedicated to spirituality, including the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, as well as the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Hike near Airport Mesa and enjoy all the natural beauty Sedona has to offer, including sites like Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, Chimney Rock, and Coffee Pot Rock. If indoor entertainment is more your thing, Sedona has many vibrant shopping centers, such as Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. If you're in Sedona in the evening, you can't miss the sunset over the region's red rocks. It's simply breathtaking.
Jerome
Once known as the "Wickedest Town in the West," modern Jerome is now a much more laid-back place than it was in its early days. Situated in central Arizona, Jerome was a copper mining town that boomed in the 1920s.
Jerome is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Jerome Historic State Park has hiking trails suited for beginners and avid hikers alike, while the Verde Valley provides stunning scenery no matter what part of the town you're visiting. Cap off your trip by enjoying a glass of wine at Original Jerome Minery or Passion Cellars. You can also grab a bite to eat at Haunted Pizano, a local Italian eatery housed in the city's oldest building.
Cave Creek
This quiet town, with approximately 5,000 residents, is situated in Maricopa County, near the scenic Cave Creek Regional Park. See the giant saguaro cacti, for which Arizona is known, and enjoy seeing the many species of birds, reptiles, and insects in this desert region. Depending on the time of year you come, you may even catch a peek at the state flower, the saguaro cactus flower. Another outdoor attraction for nature lovers is Jewel of the Creek Preserve.
Has the sweltering summer heat driven you inside for air-conditioned indoor fun? Visit the Cave Creek Museum to learn about the region's rich history. Hungry? Head on over to The Horny Toad for good American food and a lively atmosphere, or enjoy a quiet, relaxing dinner at El Encanto.
Anthem
While Anthem is technically part of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area (also known as the "Valley of the Sun"), it's a charming designated town with a population of just under 24,000. Known as Arizona's "shopping mecca," Anthem is where high-end designers, jewelry makers, and other merchants go to sell their wares. And it's no wonder, as the fifth most populous city in the whole country, Phoenix is the place to be if you want a lot of customers.
When you're tired of shopping and want something with a slower pace, check out the nearby Daisy Mountain and ride the famous Daisy Mountain Railroad. Summer heat got you beat? Head to the Anthem Community Center's Big Splash Water Park, which is fun for adults and children of all ages.
Tubac
Like other spots on our list, this border town is an artist's paradise. Breathtaking artwork decorates public spaces, and art lovers will appreciate Tubac's many local art galleries, including Art Gallery H and K Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden. If you're in the area in early February, you can't miss the annual Tubac Festival of the Arts, Southern Arizona's longest-running art festival, which includes hundreds of regional artists.
Tubac isn't only known for its artists, it's also a town with beautiful terrain. You can hike in the Tubac Presidio Historic Park and get up close with nature while also learning about the area's settlement history. Considered Arizona's first state park, the ruins of the oldest Spanish Presidio site are preserved here, offering visitors an up-close view of the city through the periods of Spanish colonization, Mexican occupation, and the westward expansion.
Williams
Williams is located in northern Arizona, about a 45-minute drive from Flagstaff. Williams has plenty of old-school charm, including the 1901 train depot now functioning as the Williams and Forest Service Visitor Center. Hungry? Grab a bite at any of the great restaurants, such as the Fred Harvey Restaurant, which has buffet-style breakfast and dinner. Want something a little more exotic? Check out Dara Thai Twisters or Obregon City Tacos.
Williams is an exceptional destination for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The train depot features historic steam and diesel engines, and visitors can even take a ride on the train to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Except for in November and December, when the times are earlier, the train departs daily at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 5:45 p.m., making it a perfect way to explore the natural attraction without worrying about parking.
Lake Havasu City
This hole-in-the-wall town lies amid the stunning scenery of Lake Havasu, which is also a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts. Water sports, you ask? In the desert? Indeed! Lake Havasu is a reservoir on the Colorado River, formed by Parker Dam, approximately 155 miles downstream of Hoover Dam, making Lake Havasu City a hub for water sports. Visitors and locals can often be found wakeboarding, paddleboarding, scuba diving, kayaking, and riding jet skis. Boat rentals are easy to come by and can be utilized for just about anything, from tubing to bass fishing here.
While in town, you should also check out a reconstruction of the London Bridge, meticulously crafted to be identical to the original across the pond. In addition to that, there are functioning replicas of 28 American lighthouses that are located around the lake's shoreline. Before you leave, be sure to hike through the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge and see the region's striking beauty. Campers flock to Lake Havasu State Park, where you can enjoy the cool desert night under the stars.
Winslow
Winslow is a charming town with a slow pace, located along Route 66. Find peace and relaxation, or reflect at the town's 9/11 Memorial, commemorated with actual wreckage from the World Trade Center. Two original beams were erected at the memorial to represent the Twin Towers.
Taking it easy is the town's motto. Public art depicts the Eagles song "Take It Easy," underscoring Winslow's commitment to preserving its easy, laid-back atmosphere. If you're looking to take in some other art to remember your stay, you might appreciate the Standin' on the Corner Park for its famous murals. An annual, family-friendly festival is held here in September, complete with a beer garden, horseshoe tournament, and numerous vendors for food and art. If you're looking for scenic beauty, visit Homolovi State Park to see the former Hopi lands where over 300 Ancestral Puebloan sites have been preserved.
Seeking Small-Town Desert Charm? These Towns Don't Disappoint
Charm is one thing all the small towns on our list share. Far from being ghost towns, these small desert gems are thriving, drawing in visitors every year. From unique artists' towns like Jerome and Tubac to hotspots for outdoor enthusiasts like Lake Havasu City and Cave Creek, there's something for everyone on our list. You'll love the beauty, culture, and spirit of Arizona by visiting these charming small towns.
