7 Best Arizona Towns For First-Time Visitors
Arizona is a state in the southwestern corner of the United States known for its dry, desert climate. The state borders Utah, New Mexico, California, Nevada, and also forms an international border with Mexico. Arizona became part of the United States following the 1840s Mexican-American War. Today, Arizona’s deserts, red rocks, and the Grand Canyon attract travelers worldwide. The towns below reveal what makes Arizona an ideal first stop for travelers.
Sedona
Sedona, located in north-central Arizona, is known for its rock formations and is a popular resort town. Sedona’s past is rooted in Native American traditions and a rich, multi-ethnic culture. Iconic rock formations like Cathedral Rock are easy to reach from nearby trailheads with parking and scenic hikes.
Uptown Sedona is an arts district that visitors can explore and shop for pottery and local crafts. Sedona is also known for wine tasting at D.A. Ranch, a vineyard located in nearby Cornville, part of the greater Sedona wine region, where guests enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. Lodging ranges from family-friendly cabins at Red Agave Resort to relaxed stays at the Arabella Hotel Sedona.
Kingman
Located in north-western Arizona, Kingman is a historic crossroads town tied to the old rail lines and the iconic Route 66 highway. The Arizona Route 66 Museum traces the town’s role in America’s road travel history through vintage cars and exhibits. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike trails like Camp Beale Springs for broad views of desert valleys and rugged hills. Downtown, cafés and antique shops offer relaxed stops for travelers driving the highway. Kingman also provides reliable, affordable lodging through national brands such as Ramada and Holiday Inn.
Tombstone
In southern Arizona, Tombstone is a town with a famous name. Tombstone’s nickname is “a town that is too tough to die.” Local legend says the town’s name began as a prospector’s joke about finding “a tombstone” instead of silver.
A part of Tombstone’s claim to fame is the aura of the “Old West” depicted in old western films from the mid-20th century. That heritage remains evident in downtown Tombstone today: the Saloon Theater is a historic location where plays depicting life in the Old West are performed. For a kid-friendly alternative, Old Tombstone Western Theme Park depicts gunfights and other western-style drama, with three performances daily. Tombstone offers a variety of unique lodgings, like Hotel Tombstone and Katie’s Cozy Cabins.
Jerome
Once an almost-derelict copper mining town, Jerome, in central Arizona, has sprung back to life. Artists revived Jerome after its mining decline. Jerome State Historic Park, which overlooks the Verde Valley, is a popular natural site for enjoying the region's natural beauty.
The Jerome Art Center is a creative space where visitors can rent a studio and engage in a variety of artistic endeavors, from painting to pottery. The town also has an abandoned Sliding Jail, which, as its name suggests, is an old jail that slid down the perch on which it was originally built. This near-ghost town offers a glimpse of old-time Arizona. Jerome Grand Hotel and Ghost City Inn are both recommended as lodgings.
Patagonia
South of Tucson, Patagonia is a small town that shares a name with the southern region of South America. The town is renowned as a birding haven, boasting sites such as The Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve and Patagonia Lake State Park. These locations are ideal for birders and recreationists to enjoy Patagonia’s rich array of bird species. The Velvet Elvis at La Misión serves customizable pizzas and local favorites. The Stage Stop Inn is highly recommended as a special place to stay, featuring rustic southwestern-style decorations. Patagonia rewards visitors with diverse birdlife and a relaxed small-town pace.
Prescott
Prescott, in western Arizona, is known for its welcoming downtown and historic charm. Its indigenous culture has long delighted visitors. The Museum of Indigenous People is an educational institution that offers a unique perspective on the history of the region's indigenous peoples before European expansion, including the arrival of Spanish colonists and later American homesteaders.
Outdoor-minded travelers can ride the Verde Canyon Railroad for sweeping canyon views from a historic train. Watson Lake’s clear blue water makes it ideal for walks or picnics. Prescott offers a variety of hotels, including Air Village, Apple Creek Cottages, and national brands like Days Inn.
Bisbee
In southern Arizona, Bisbee is renowned for its distinctive festivals and family-friendly activities. On the second Saturday of each month, Bisbee offers a self-guided Art Walk for visitors to explore the town's various artistic venues. On the Fourth of July, Bisbee hosts a Drilling and Mucking Competition celebrating its mining heritage.
The Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum exhibits further stories about the town’s past and present. Also here, the Copper Queen Library is Arizona’s oldest continuously running library and is open to visitors and locals alike. Hotel La More comes recommended as a place to spend a few nights.
For the First Time in Arizona, Head To Its Small Towns
Arizona is known for the Grand Canyon and major cities like Phoenix and Tucson, but its smaller towns reveal much more of the state’s character. Sedona’s red rocks and artistic roots show the creative side of the desert, while Prescott’s historic charm reflects early frontier life. Kingman, Jerome, and Patagonia appeal to travelers who prefer scenic trails and quieter escapes, and Bisbee and Tombstone preserve the stories of Arizona’s mining and Old West past. Together, these towns give first-time visitors a broad sense of Arizona’s landscapes, history, and independent spirit.
