13 Most Peaceful Small Towns In Arizona
Many visitors to Arizona tend to gravitate towards the bustling atmospheres of its major cities, from Phoenix to Scottsdale. However, the state is full of unexpected treasures off the beaten path, where the air is cleaner, the crowds are thinner, and life moves at a much slower pace. This grants tourists ample time to explore local attractions and discover what makes these hidden gems the heart and soul of the Grand Canyon State.
From historical mining settlements to ranching villages, these communities have reinvented themselves to become worthy tourist destinations without sacrificing their identity. Whether uncovering curious historical lore in Prescott or exploring a quaint art scene in Sedona, here are some of the most peaceful small towns in Arizona.
Kingman
Kingman is a historic railroad town along the iconic Route 66, established in the 1880s due to the booming mining activity in the surrounding cities. The Kingman Railroad Museum chronicles the community's history as a 20th-century transport hub using interactive model trains, dioramas, train memorabilia, and other relics inside a turn-of-the-century train depot. Also, the Arizona Route 66 Museum celebrates the landmark route, which cuts through the town, with old photographs, films, vintage vehicles, and murals telling its story.
Beyond its top-class museums, Kingman provides delightful green areas where first-timers can relax and be one with nature, including Metcalfe Park. Also, you can set aside time to sample delicious regional brews at Black Bridge Brewery.
Page
Page is a remote village in Coconino County and a gateway to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It is surrounded by majestic natural landscapes, punctuated by dramatic canyons, red rock formations, steep cliffs, and deep river valleys. Unsurprisingly, there is no shortage of vantage points offering remarkable photo opportunities, including the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook. With access to the blue waters of Lake Powell, tourists can indulge in fun water activities courtesy of Lake Powell Adventure Company. These include unforgettable kayaking and canoeing tours, with the water winding through imposing canyon walls.
Meanwhile, those who prefer to discover the great outdoors through hiking can try the Hanging Garden Trailhead. This mile-long loop meanders past an isolated desert environment before culminating in a charming oasis.
Peach Springs
Peach Springs is a sleepy village in Mohave County and the administrative headquarters of the Native Hualapai tribe. It is an excellent destination for anyone seeking a break from civilization and provides fascinating adventures in the great outdoors. The Hualapai River Runners take vacationers on exotic trips down the whitewaters of the Colorado River, featuring intriguing lessons from indigenous guides. The Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn tour is a must-have experience for newcomers in Peach Springs. This underground excursion takes you 210 feet below ground to explore a vast system of dry canyons with a quirky on-site eatery.
While there isn't much to do around the quiet downtown region, you can always pop into Hualapai Ranch Restaurant for a taste of delicious local flavors. This down-to-earth diner serves tasty traditional American BBQ, among other unique dishes.
Jerome
This former mining boomtown in central Arizona sits high atop Cleopatra Hill and is known for its rich historical heritage. Jerome experienced a mining boom in the 1900s after copper was discovered in the region, and visitors can get a glimpse of the peak years with a tour of the Jerome State Historic Park. This vintage complex exhibits photographs, artifacts, relics, and related memorabilia, and is home to the early 20th-century Douglas Mansion.
The Gold King Mine & Ghost Town maintains original items from a deserted mining settlement, including dilapidated buildings, an abandoned mine, rusted automobiles, and more, looking like a village frozen in time. Meanwhile, downtown Jerome is a hub for artists and art lovers, with Raku Gallery offering a nice spot to display and examine beautiful works by homegrown talent.
Prescott
Prescott is the epitome of small-town Americana, home to a vintage courthouse in the heart of the town square, Victorian homes, and a vibrant downtown district with a delectable blend of local businesses. The town chronicles the region's dynamic pioneer heritage at the Sharlot Hall Museum, an 11-building museum complex with a 19th-century Governor's Mansion. Meanwhile, Whiskey Row is the heartbeat of the downtown district, and where tourists can experience the local nightlife. The avenue is lined with Victorian saloons, bars, and taverns that were once a playground for gunslingers and outlaws.
Breaching the downtown limits provides access to numerous recreational opportunities in the great outdoors, ranging from camping, biking, and hiking through the Prescott National Forest to boating, fishing, and paddling on Watson Lake.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a close-knit community in the Santa Rita Mountains, known for its majestic outdoor scenery, bird-watching opportunities, and a curious mining heritage. More than 200 migratory bird species gather here from Mexico, inviting enthusiasts to rare viewing experiences at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds. This serene nature reserve is ideal for exploring immaculate birds and their behavior in different seasons. There are more species to see and admire at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, whose miles of forest trails provide an escape from the crowds and an excellent spot to isolate.
Also, Patagonia's dynamic heritage is on display for curious vacationers inside the Patagonia Museum. This has diverse artifacts documenting the evolution of local history and culture throughout its ranching, mining, and tourism days.
Pinetop-Lakeside
Pinetop-Lakeside is a popular family vacation destination in the White Mountains, famous for its wide variety of recreational activities on land and water. Woodland Lake Park is one of the major adventure hubs in town, providing an array of amenities that support hiking, fishing, biking, birdwatching, kayaking, boating, and more. Also, the White Mountain Family Fun Park offers a more contemporary amusement venue, where guests of all ages can make the most of go-kart tracks, mini golf, multiple arcade games, and a laser maze.
After all the tiring fun, a cone of delicious ice cream from Sweet Slade's is a great way to relax and recover. Later, box office enthusiasts can watch entertaining new movies from Hollywood at WME Village 8.
Bullhead City
Year-round sunshine, clear blue skies, and the cool flowing waters of the Colorado River make this Mohave County enclave one of the most peaceful towns in Arizona. Bullhead City promises day-long recreation on the water for the whole family at Bullhead City Community Park. This beachfront playground provides easy access to the river waters for wading, kayaking, rafting, boating, and similar aquatic activities. A trip to Katherine Landing exposes guests to a water sports paradise on Lake Mohave, punctuated by an extensive shoreline with beach coves where people can fish, scuba dive, and kayak.
Elsewhere, the Colorado River Museum preserves the rich heritage of the surrounding region with a vast library of artifacts and photographs. You will find interesting information about steamboats used on the Colorado River, ranching, mining, and Native American lore.
Show Low
Show Low is an adventure lover's escape in east-central Arizona, surrounded by dense woodlands and providing endless recreational opportunities throughout the four seasons. Paddlers, boaters, fishermen, wildlife viewers, and picnickers often converge at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area for outdoor fun. Also, travelers who love golfing can link up with friends for a friendly game at Bison Golf Club. This picturesque course features 18 challenging holes across well-maintained greens and tall pine trees.
The Show Low Historical Society Museum preserves and shares the heritage of the White Mountain region using an interactive catalog of historical artifacts. While in town, guests can sample a unique dining experience at Cattlemen's Steakhouse & Lounge.
Sedona
An impressive blend of colorful canyon walls, picturesque red rock formations, and scattered forests dominates the magical natural scenery in this small town in the Arizona desert. Tourists can look forward to amazing sightseeing opportunities, starting with an easygoing drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway. This alluring 7.5-mile presents front-seat vistas of the stunning red rock country Sedona is famed for. Alternatively, you can discover the open spaces on foot by exploring the 5-mile trail system inside Red Rock State Park.
Beyond its outdoors, the town charms with a vibrant arts atmosphere, which visitors can experience at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping. This unique shopping center features a diverse assemblage of antiques, handicrafts, and souvenirs worth buying.
Cottonwood
Historical discoveries, outdoor adventure, and delicious wines lure vacationers to this quaint town along the Verde River. Cottonwood hosts a rustic historic district with a fair share of inviting attractions. If you appreciate history, you can learn about the community's storied beginnings at the Clemenceau Heritage Museum, as presented through diverse Verde Valley artifacts. Meanwhile, theater connoisseurs can watch compelling stage shows at the Old Town Center for the Arts, including live music and bands.
Several wineries and tasting rooms, including Tantrum Wines, invite newcomers to try out award-winning local wines. But those seeking outdoor adventure can select from numerous recreational activities at the 400-acre Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Payson
Popularly known as the "Heart of Arizona," Payson lies smack dab in the middle of the state and boasts picturesque mountain surroundings and red rock formations. Unlike the typical desert environment associated with Arizona, the town has oases like Green Valley Park, where lush ground and shady trees provide the ideal atmosphere for a picnic. Ardent adventurers curious about the countryside can discover a breathtaking natural treasure at Water Wheel Falls. This easygoing hike leads to a series of swimming holes and cascading waterfalls in a quiet natural setting.
Payson welcomes interested vacationers to learn about its history at the Rim Country Museum, where you can examine the Zane Grey Cabin from the 1900s. Also, movie enthusiasts can prepare for a gratifying screening of their favorite new movies at Sawmill Theatres.
Tubac
This southern Arizona village lies at the base of the Santa Rita and Tumacori Mountains, and is recognized for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Tuback is replete with art galleries and studios throughout the downtown district, allowing guests a unique shopping opportunity for adorable local crafts at establishments such as Cactus Wren Art Gallery & Nest. Historians will love a tour of the Tumacacori National Historical Park, which provides a view of the early days in Tubac when it was merely a Spanish mission.
Tubac also hosts one of the oldest Spanish settlements in Arizona, which you can examine at the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. Lastly, try out the delicious dishes served at Elvira's Restaurant for a taste of Tubac's enduring Mexican cultural influences.
Final Thought
Whether cruising along the tranquil Colorado River in Bullhead City or enjoying the serene beauty beneath the Santa Rita Mountains in Patagonia, these peaceful towns in Arizona present a unique blend of charm, history, and natural splendor. Their peaceful communities invite visitors to embrace authentic local culture and connect with stunning landscapes in the United States. From vibrant riverfronts to quiet mountain escapes, Arizona’s low-key destinations prove that they can be unforgettable destinations for anyone seeking something truly special.
