7 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In Arizona

Also known as the “Grand Canyon State," Arizona is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through the Western United States. Arizona is a sandy treasure that all ages can appreciate, a tourist favorite for its stunning desert landscapes, hot climate, and unique Wild West and Indigenous history. However, while major urban centers like Phoenix and Tucson remain the best known, many smaller but equally captivating communities are ready to create a special set of memories. From 19th-century boom towns to relaxing resorts, these awesome Arizona towns can undoubtedly create a sense of being in a fairy tale. Wait no longer and explore by stopping in these extraordinary towns and seeing what makes them such jewels.

Wickenburg

On the border of Yavapai and Maricopa Counties in central Arizona, Wickenburg was founded in the 1860s as a mining center. Affectionately known as the “Dude Ranch Capital of the World," this historic and intriguing community boasts a modest population of just over 8,300 inhabitants, and it continues to offer visitors a unique glimpse into the days of the Wild West. Enjoy a hot desert ambience and discover memorable landmarks like the downtown district and the Garcia School, the latter of which is included in the National Register of Historic Places. And of course, one cannot forget about the Jail Tree and the Vulture Gold Mine, giving tourists an insightful look into the economic ups and downs of many towns in the West.

Finally, with its very hot temperatures, outdoor lovers can enjoy plenty of chances to go cycling, hiking, rock climbing, and even horseback riding against a desert backdrop. Add great local businesses like the Cowboy Cookin’ restaurant and The Old Livery Mercantile, and a charming snapshot of small-town Arizona comes to life vividly.

Tubac

Tubac is an essential historical town established in 1752 as a fort, or Spanish presidio. Near the border with Mexico and scenically situated along the Santa Cruz River, a humble population of nearly 1,300 residents calls this most unique Arizona destination home. Visit the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and be immersed in the daily goings-on of a former Spanish colony through encounters with costumed interpreters and many preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. These include the Tubac Schoolhouse (1885), St. Ann’s Catholic Church, and the Spanish captain's quarters.

Meanwhile, visitors can also enjoy Tubac’s local arts scene and its varied collection of shops, boutiques, and galleries showcasing some of the best in handcrafted art and southwestern design. Stop by The Country Shop, Old Presidio Traders, and many more to find the perfect gift, such as fine leather products, handmade jewelry, and other special souvenirs, ready to create fairy tale memories of the wonderful community.

Jerome

Situated some 5,000 feet above sea level in Arizona’s Black Hills, the small community of Jerome has been affectionately and satirically named the “Wickedest Town in the West”. Established as a mining center in the late 19th century, this Yavapai County place thrived for many years until the inevitable economic bust period (particularly exacerbated by the Great Depression in the 1930s). Slowly abandoned and nearly a ghost town, just under 500 permanent residents call this unique slice of Arizona history their home today. Explore many abandoned buildings, including former mines, take a haunted ghost tour, and see unique landmarks like the Jerome Sliding Jail (1905. Gradually sliding down the mountain on which it was constructed, today, this stabilized remnant of the past remains one of Jerome’s most special links to its former glory days.

Such is Jerome’s unique character that it was named a National Historic Landmark. With many themed restaurants and shops, there is always something truly memorable for all ages to appreciate. Have a meal at the Haunted Hamburger or the Asylum Restaurant. At the same time, fine gifts await at the Laughing Mountain and the House of Joy shops, allowing many special stories to be recounted for years.

Payson

The largest town in Gila County and stunningly surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, Payson, or the “Heart of Arizona”, is a wonderful place to enjoy some of Arizona’s finest natural delights. Established in the 1880s as a ranching, mining, and logging hub, the Payson of today is home to some 16,000 people and continues offering residents and visitors excellent opportunities to explore the outdoors. Featuring hot summers and warm winters, activities like biking, hiking, camping, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more are always popular with Payson’s easy access to the Tonto National Forest. Admire dramatic desert landscapes in an isolated and relaxing ambience, perfect for those looking to escape the often hectic pace of big city life.

Payson’s historic character can also be experienced, and several preserved landmarks here are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Ox Bow Inn, Sidles Mud House, and Haught Cabin, amongst others. Add in extraordinary cultural events like The World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo (in operation since 1884) and the Fiddle and Food Festival (which takes place every September), and it's clear what makes Payson a genuine beating heart of the great “Grand Canyon State."

Tombstone

A true time machine-like destination in the Old Wild West, the charming town of Tombstone can create a sense of stepping into a cowboy-inspired fairy tale. Founded in the 1870s, Tombstone has just under 1,400 residents today and continues to fascinate all guests looking for an authentic glimpse into the turbulent days of the American West in the 19th century. Spend time in the Tombstone Historic District (named a National Historic Landmark), and tour wooden boardwalks, saloons, Western-themed eateries, and other novelty shops, and one could even feel as if they were on a movie set. Among the prominent local businesses are Big Nose Kate’s Saloon and the Silver Hills Trading Co., which create a special sense of time and place that the young and old alike can marvel at.

And as the site of the 1881 shootout at the O.K. Corral, visitors can learn more about Tombstone’s past and interact with many costumed historic interpreters and dramatic reenactments. Add the typical hot Arizona desert sun and its stunning rock geology, and Tombstone will quickly become a favorite destination for anyone traveling through the State.

Bisbee

Just some 23 miles south of Tombstone and the seat of Cochise County, the lovely town of Bisbee defines picture-perfect Arizona. Beautifully situated within the Mule Mountains and near the border with Mexico, a modest population of just under 5,000 call this historic town home, founded in the late 1800s. Established as a mining center, guests will love browsing through Bisbee’s pleasing architectural facades reflecting 19th and early-20th-century styles. Add in the framing of the Mule Mountains and the unique desert landscapes, and there is certainly never a shortage of photogenic moments in Bisbee.

Take a tour of the Copper Queen Mine, marvel at the natural wonder of the Lavender Pit, beat the heat at the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, and enjoy the fun of events like the Plein Air Festival and the Mariachi Festival, amongst others. Finish the day with a meal at The Copper Pig and browse for gifts at various cute local shops. The question will not be whether you will return to Bisbee, but when.

Winslow

Winslow was founded in 1900, and for anyone looking to get an authentic feel of small-town USA within a special desert setting, it is indeed the place to be. With a population of just under 9,000, Winslow is a welcoming community where the hot Arizona sun means summers are scorching and the winters are warm. Enjoy the outdoors at the Clear Creek Reservoir, where chances for rock climbing, hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing remain ever popular. At the same time, one can try to beat the heat at the Old Trails Museum and marvel at its impressive collection of Native American artifacts and other fascinating stories. From there, enjoy a great American-style lunch at the RelicRoad Brewing Company, while the perfect dessert gift awaits at the Arizona 66 Trading Company.

Of course, when visiting Winslow, one cannot miss the unique Standin’ on the Corner Park, commemorating the 1972 Eagles song “Take It Easy.” Pose with the statue of the guitarist and his iconic American flatbed truck, and visitors will be able to say they were “Standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona.”

The great State of Arizona is a stunning mixture of extraordinary desert landscapes and fascinating American frontier history, and guests travelling through the Western United States will not want to miss out on an exploration. Though it is natural to flock to such major cities like Phoenix, the state also boasts some smaller towns that create a fairy tale ambience that can be missed in a big city setting. From an immersion into the Old West in communities like Jerome and Tombstone, to close encounters with the state’s unique geographic features in Payson and Winslow, these awesome smaller towns are indeed gems of Arizona just waiting to be discovered. Wait no more and see this rich desert playground through a first-hand journey to many of its fairy-tale-like towns.