6 Romantic Small Towns In Arizona For A 3-Day Weekend
With a nickname like the Valentine State, it should come as no surprise that Arizona is home to a wealth of romantic towns perfect for a weekend escape. Not only is this southwest oasis home to iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon and Camelback Mountain, but it also features a mix of hidden treasures. Imagine craggy rock formations adorning the pristine mountain wilderness, verdant vineyards growing amazing wines, and old mining towns that have reinvented themselves as new artist havens, and that’s still merely scratching the surface of what Arizona has to offer. For some more ideas on where to go with a special someone, check out these six small towns in Arizona for a three-day weekend.
Page
Just south of the Utah state line is the Arizona town of Page, with colorful desert landscapes so astounding they must be seen to be believed. Travelers can easily start at Lake Powell, where Antelope Point Marina makes it easy to set sail and enjoy a serene cruise with boat rentals and private charters available. Or, for those who prefer exploring on dry land, a guided tour to Antelope Canyon on Navajo Nation tribal land leads to incredible slot canyons and swirling sandstone walls that look otherworldly.
For even more magical scenery to fall in love with, one can venture out to Vermillion Cliffs National Monument and discover natural landmarks like The Wave and Paria Canyon. Meanwhile, closer to town is Horseshoe Bend, the world-famous corner of the Colorado River that does a dramatic 270-degree turn below a set of 1,000-foot sandstone bluffs. To complete the ideal romantic weekend in Page, guests can stay at Grandview Inn Bed & Breakfast, a peaceful sanctuary with private guest rooms and a full breakfast served every morning.
Grand Canyon Village
Even for those who don’t consider themselves “outdoorsy types,” it’s hard not to feel the warm fuzzies while taking in the breathtaking views of Grand Canyon Village. Located at the heart of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Grand Canyon Village has many of the top highlights of Grand Canyon National Park. For adventurous couples seeking the thrill of a lifetime, the Bright Angel Trail follows the original path of the Havasupai Indigenous people down towards the Colorado River floor. Those who don’t consider sweating it out on a challenging hike to be romantic can stick to the much easier, mostly paved Rim Trail, enjoy the views from above, and find special spots like the Hopi House, the Mary Colter-designed structure modeled after traditional Hopi homes that houses a museum and a gift shop full of Indigenous-made artisan goods.
From Grand Canyon Village, travelers can drive out to other parts of the national park to discover plenty more hidden treasures, but for an easy ride to unlock more of Northern Arizona, hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway to kick back, relax, grab drinks at the bar, and admire the lovely views outside as the train makes its way to Williams. Otherwise, you can stay in the village and check into the El Tovar Hotel, the 1905 historic lodge with plush guest rooms and suites and a phenomenal location right by the canyon rim.
Sedona
Where the Verde Valley meets the Mogollon Rim, Sedona stuns with its otherworldly red rock landscapes and ethereal healing vibes. Over the years, Sedona has gained a reputation for its vortexes that New Age believers cherish for their healing energy. Even for those who aren’t into New Age spirituality, the dramatic beauty of red rock sandstone formations like Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon make for life-changing hikes. Alternatively, you can opt for a sunrise hot-air balloon flight with Red Rock Balloons to soar above Sedona and take in the views from above.
After a day exploring Sedona’s red rock country, visitors can opt for some special souvenir shopping and a romantic dinner at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a complex on the banks of Oak Creek with art galleries, specialty boutiques, and fine restaurants. And for the most magical long weekend in Sedona, it’s hard to beat Mii amo and Enchantment Resort, a glorious pair of boutique resorts nestled in Boynton Canyon with world-class spa treatments, expert-guided wellness experiences, on-campus gourmet dining, and tranquil casitas and suites.
Prescott
At the heart of Arizona is Prescott, a mile-high town at 5,319 feet above sea level with a generally pleasant four-season climate that invites visitors to get out and experience its unique wonders. At the north end of town, Watson Lake is a true natural wonderland with exceptional conditions for boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking the trails that lead to the 1.4 billion-year-old rock formations at the Granite Dells. Meanwhile, to the west, the Thumb Butte Trail at Prescott National Forest is a gorgeous journey that leads to panoramic views at the top.
In town, Prescott offers plenty more options for cool date nights, including tasting award-winning craft spirits at Granite Mountain Distillery and live musical performances at Jersey Lilly Saloon on Whiskey Row. From there, it’s a short drive south to Prescott Pines Inn, a lovely boutique hotel that makes for a great romantic stay with its backdrop of verdant pine groves, on-site Vino Wine Bar, and assortment of cozy guest rooms.
Paradise Valley
Only about 12 miles northeast of Downtown Phoenix, Paradise Valley really lives up to its name with its magically beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery and its air of luxurious refinement. Travelers from all around the world head to Camelback Mountain to try a legendary hike to the top of what may be the Phoenix metro region’s most famous landmark. However, it’s also possible to do an easier day out and enjoy some tee time at one of Paradise Valley’s acclaimed golf courses, such as the Phoenician Golf Club and the Short Course at Mountain Shadows.
To cap off a great day, visitors can treat themselves to dinner at Steak 44, an intimate and posh fine dining establishment with a 3,000-bottle wine vault, private dining suites (available to book), and a marvelous menu of top-notch meats and seafood. And to make a weekend at Paradise Valley extra special, guests can stay at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, a Spanish-inspired luxury resort with opulent rooms and suites, delectable dining at the Prado and Taqueria Centro restaurants, and a world of relaxation at Joya Spa.
Sonoita
Does Arizona have any real wine country regions? Actually, yes, and the Copper State’s first AVA (or American Viticultural Area) can be found at Sonoita, about 50 miles south of Tucson. All around the area, couples can enjoy all sorts of Southern Arizona-style wine tastings, from the chill and community-centered vibes at AZ Hops and Vines to the fine wines at Wilhelm Family Vineyards that honor the viticultural traditions of Spain and Portugal. Or, for something a little different, Copper Brothel Brewery is a family-owned establishment serving premium craft beers and made-from-scratch gourmet pub fare.
While Sonoita abounds in pretty vineyards, it’s also within reach of some incredibly beautiful high desert wilderness. In particular, Las Cienegas National Conservation Area extends across several of the region’s “sky island” mountain ranges and offers plentiful opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, biking, birdwatching, picnicking, and nature photography. And for some more quality time in the countryside, Rancho Milagro offers 360-degree mountain views, prime on-site birdwatching, comfy guest rooms with spa-style bathrooms, and a working family ranch right there.
Who Knew the Valentine State Could Be This Romantic?
The state that officially gained statehood on February 14 (1912) more than lives up to its nickname. After all, Arizona is home to the timeless natural beauty of Page and the Grand Canyon, the soothing spa resorts of Sedona, and the tasteful wineries of Sonoita. And for the ideal Desert Southwest couple’s retreat, Paradise Valley pretty much has it all. No matter what couples consider the perfect romantic escape, Arizona is a state that’s easy to fall in love with.
