11 Bucket-List Small Towns In Arizona
Arizona may be called “The Copper State,” but it delivers gold-standard bucket-list experiences, often through its small towns. These communities act as gateways to some of the Southwest’s most unforgettable landscapes and cultural sites, from red-rock canyons and Route 66 history to Indigenous homelands, high-country forests, lake days, and wine country.
No matter if someone wants to experience the dazzling wilderness preserves of the open Sonoran Desert, get spiritual in the vortexes of Northern Arizona’s red rock country, or set sail by the old London Bridge, Arizona really can make it happen. To get a better sense of all that this Southwestern state has to offer, here are our picks for 11 bucket-list small towns in Arizona.
Lake Havasu City
Around 150 miles south of Las Vegas lies Lake Havasu City, an Arizona “beach town” with an old-school British icon towering over the Colorado River. Yes, really, when the 1830s-era London Bridge began to sink into the River Thames due to heavy automobile traffic, local officials moved to replace it, and the American entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch proceeded to buy the old bridge, move it to Arizona, and reconstruct it in his new development of Lake Havasu City in 1971. In case anyone wants to spend some more quality time by the London Bridge, the nearby Bridgewater Links golf course sports great views of the bridge and the river.
Speaking of the river, Lake Havasu State Park offers great access to Lake Havasu with three boat ramps, multiple sandy beaches, the scenic Mohave Sunset Trail, and the Arroyo-Camino Interpretive Garden that showcases the native flora and fauna of the Mojave Desert. No matter what folks hope to do in and around town, London Bridge Resort makes it easier to do it all with its central location near the river and bridge, multiple restaurants, a full nightclub on site, and an expansive pool complex.
Peach Springs
Located on the historic Route 66 on Hualapai indigenous tribal land, some 159 southeast of Las Vegas, is the sweet and scenic town of Peach Springs. Since the Hualapai Tribe opened the Grand Canyon Skywalk in 2007, visitors have been coming over to walk this horseshoe-shaped cantilever bridge that stands over 3,600 feet above the Grand Canyon floor. But while exploring Grand Canyon West, visitors can also try some more daring activities, including whitewater rafting in the Colorado River and riding the zipline at Hualapai Point. And back in town, the Hualapai Cultural Center hosts a community library, a local art gallery, and interactive programs like pottery classes and a community garden that let folks know more about the people who call this place home.
For an extra special Grand Canyon experience that can only be done at Peach Springs and Grand Canyon West, folks can book a stay at The Cabins at Grand Canyon West. These cabins might look simple, but they’re fully stocked with all the essentials, and they’re ideally located near the canyon rim.
Sedona
It’s about a 38-mile drive down Oak Creek Canyon from Flagstaff to Sedona, a wondrous town adorned with red rock sandstone formations long beloved by New Age believers for their “healing energy.” Regardless of whether one’s into New Age spirituality, there’s something truly enchanting about hiking through Boynton Canyon, one of Sedona’s famed vortexes, where red rock buttes and cliffs drop to a cypress and manzanita forest that’s home to native wildlife like white-tailed deer and canyon wrens. And for an even more thrilling journey to a beloved vortex, skilled hikers and climbers can try the trek to Cathedral Rock and be rewarded with spectacular and panoramic red rock vistas.
Meanwhile, for travelers in need of an easier day in town, it’s hard to beat Tlaquepaque Village with its prime location by Oak Creek and its fabulous collection of colorful art galleries, curious curio shops, and delicious restaurants. And for maximum rest, relaxation, and recovery, stay at Mii amo and Enchantment Resort, a pair of connected Relais & Chateaux boutique resorts with an exceptional full-service spa, farm-fresh dining, the Trail House that offers guided hiking and biking excursions, and the perfect location in the heart of Boynton Canyon.
Kayenta
Situated on Navajo Nation tribal land near Arizona’s northeastern corner is Kayenta, a tiny town with grand and monumental natural beauty. In fact, Kayenta is the closest town to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, one of the nation’s most photographed parks with massive rock formations that Hollywood made world-famous. More specifically, John Ford's Point is the perfect spot to stop for sweeping Desert Southwest red rock vistas that the director John Ford showcased in films like Stagecoach (1939), Fort Apache (1948), and The Searchers (1956). And for even more spectacular natural treasures, visitors can sign up for a tour to Ear of the Wind or do a challenging hike up Hunts Mesa.
When visitors want some more quality time at Monument Valley, there’s probably no better place to stay than The View Hotel. Not only does this tribal-owned hotel have guest rooms that open up to phenomenal Monument Valley views, but it’s also home to The Trading Post store that carries plenty of handcrafted Native American art and artisan goods.
Chinle
About 230 miles northwest of Albuquerque is Chinle, a town on Navajo Nation tribal land that serves as the gateway to one of Arizona’s most sacred monuments. Just to the east of town is Canyon de Chelly National Monument, a ruggedly beautiful expanse of land where indigenous people have lived for some 5,000 years. Near the park’s main entrance is Tsegi Overlook, a great spot to stop and take in the deep canyon views. Then, folks can venture deeper into the park to see some remains of centuries-old indigenous settlements at the Antelope House Ruins, or head out to Spider Rock for some of the region’s most uniquely beautiful scenery.
Right by the entrance to the monument, folks will also find the Thunderbird Lodge. This certainly makes a convenient place to stay at Canyon de Chelly, plus it has a restaurant and a trading post on site that’s regularly stocked with Native American-made goods.
Show Low
Perched on the Mogollon Rim of the Colorado Plateau is the cool, pine-adorned high country town of Show Low. Despite what the name suggests, this town sits over 6,300 feet above sea level, and it opens up to the gorgeous mountain wilderness of Sitgreaves National Forest. In addition, the town sits by Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, a picture-perfect park for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping year-round. And to better understand the wider ecosystem of Arizona’s White Mountains, the White Mountain Nature Center hosts safe and responsible wildlife viewing experiences at its visitor center, and it connects to multiple wilderness trails.
Whatever folks hope to see and do in the mountains, it’s always a good idea to retreat to Lazy Oaks Resort in Lakeside, the next town over. Located on the shores of Rainbow Lake, Lazy Oaks offers 15 spacious cabins, all of which have full kitchens and living rooms with fireplaces to make one’s stay extra warm and cozy.
Globe
Globe is a former mining camp that’s now a town welcoming visitors to experience its remarkably great outdoors. For one, right by town lies Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum, which preserves a Salado indigenous pueblo village that was occupied from roughly the 13th century to the 15th century. Also nearby is Round Mountain Park, a park with five distinct trails that suits everyone from casual walkers to advanced-level hikers. And at the Old Dominion Historic Mine Park, visitors can hike and bike around a former copper mine (that was active from 1880 to 1931) that’s now being reclaimed by nature.
After a long day hiking or biking around the mountains, one can kick back and relax at Chrysocolla Inn, a turn-of-the-20th-century boarding house that’s since become a cozy and comfy bed-and-breakfast serving 21st-century travelers.
Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley may be close to both Phoenix and Scottsdale, yet this town looks and feels like the perfect oasis in the Sonoran Desert. No trip here feels complete without some quality time at Camelback Mountain, perhaps Central Arizona’s most iconic mountain peak and urban park that draws adventure seekers from around the world for its thrilling hiking trails and climbing opportunities. Also in the area is Phoenix Mountains Preserve, another desert preserve with mountain trails that sport some phenomenal panoramic views. And for those who can use an easier day out, The Short Course at Mountain Shadows is the picture-perfect place to play golf right in between Piestewa Peak and Camelback.
For the ultimate refuge of luxury wellness in the desert, it’s hard to beat Sanctuary Camelback Mountain. Not only does this five-star resort have chic casitas and villas with contemporary furniture and natural finishes, but it also has delicious dining options and a full-service spa on this spectacular property right at the foot of Camelback Mountain.
Oro Valley
Oro Valley sits around 10 miles north of downtown Tucson, and this famously golden town lies close to some of Southern Arizona’s finest natural treasures. To the east lies Catalina State Park, a park that spans some 5,500 acres of foothills and canyons at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, protects over 5,000 Saguaro cacti, and sports plenty of amazing hiking, biking, birdwatching, and even equestrian trails. Just south of the state park is the Pusch Ridge Wilderness of Coronado National Forest, a 56,000-plus-acre wilderness preserve that rises from the Sonoran Desert floor, where Saguaro cacti grow, to a Douglas fir forest some 8,800 feet above sea level. Even at a seemingly “ordinary” local park like Honey Bee Canyon Park, visitors can hit the trails and discover petroglyphs made by the Hohokam indigenous people who lived here from the fifth to the 15th century.
Tombstone
Tucked near Arizona’s southeastern corner is Tombstone, the legendary “Town Too Tough to Die.” Yes, travelers really can visit the O.K. Corral where Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday faced off against the Clanton-McLaury gang in 1881. Less than two blocks away, they can experience more of this town’s old-school “Wild West” heritage at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, the grand Victorian-style courthouse erected in 1882 that features period lawyers’ offices, the sheriff’s office, and the classic courtroom. Staying in the neighborhood, folks can also stop at The Bird Cage Theatre and tour this 1881 landmark that preserves many of its original fixtures, along with the bullet holes in the walls.
In case anyone wants even more vintage vibes, they can stay at the Tombstone Monument Ranch & Cattle Co. at the edge of town. It’s not just modeled after an 1880s-era Old West town, but it’s also a real-life working cattle ranch where guests can go horseback riding, try some cattle work, go target shooting (with an experienced instructor), and simply kick back on this scenic property in the hills.
Elgin
Does Arizona really have any wine country regions? Actually, yes, and one prime wine region can be found about 60 miles south of Tucson in Elgin. After all, this is the state’s first certified American Viticultural Area (AVA), and local wineries like Autumn Sage and Vino Stache are great options for trying some tasty Arizona-made wines and taking in the gorgeous high desert scenery. And at Sunset Ride, folks can enjoy their own collection of wines alongside casual lunch fare at a tasting room adorned with local art.
To complete the ideal Arizona wine country getaway, it’s worth a stay at Rancho Milagro. This cozy bed-and-breakfast has spacious guest rooms with spa-style bathrooms set on a beautiful family-run ranch, and it’s conveniently located near plenty more local wineries.
These Small Towns Go Big in Natural Beauty and Full Excitement
Arizona has some famous natural landmarks like the Grand Canyon and Camelback Mountain that are absolutely “bucket list” worthy. With that said, visitors don’t have to limit themselves to the state’s most famous spots. There’s also the majestic scenery and genuine indigenous culture at Kayenta and Monument Valley, the beautiful alpine backcountry of Show Low, and the serene spa resorts of Oro Valley. And yes, travelers can even do a full wine country experience at Sonoita. Whatever one hopes to see and do in Arizona, this state offers a seemingly never-ending checklist of unique places to visit.
