7 of the Quirkiest Towns in Arizona
Arizona is quirky without trying, with small towns that turn roadside stops into full experiences. Tombstone brings the O.K. Corral and old shafts you can walk into, while Gila Bend leans into retro space-race style with its classic lodge. Along the way, you’ll spot petrified wood, vintage motels, Route 66 photo ops, and shops packed with one-of-a-kind finds. Come along for desert scenery, odd museums, and plenty of souvenir shops—perfect for a road trip that stays fun from the first mile to the last.
Gila Bend
In this unlikely location, generations of farmers have successfully raised cows, cultivated thousands of acres of land and now raise shrimp! (For the latter, tour West Valley Farms.) The famous metalwork dinosaurs still stand around the Shell station at the intersection of Highway 85 and Highway 10. Feel the 1960s space race come to life at Stovall’s Space Age Lodge where visitors can eat or stay the night. A pair of Vietnam-era fighter jets sit quietly on Highway 85 at the entrance of an abandoned airfield. Rare celestial bodies, constellations, meteor showers and planets show themselves in the dark skies above this destination.
Holbrook
Located in the Painted Desert, one of the most unique stops here is in the Petrified Forest National Park. The 28-mile road offers many opportunities for close-up views of ancient trees that have turned to multi-colored quartz over the eons. Pueblos, petroglyphs and paleontological animal skeletons complete the journey back into prehistoric times. The Wigwam Village Motel welcomes visitors to 1950s roadside teepee accommodations. Wild Bill, the 2.9-million-year-old alligator, is on display along with the opportunity to purchase souvenirs at Jim Gray’s Petrified Wood Company. Take a tour at the 1898 courthouse museum to hear creepy stories and see the spooky jail cells.
Quartzsite
This small town is a well-known destination for RVers and boasts more spots to park them than there are houses. It is known as “The Rock Capital of the World.” Surrounded by thousands of acres of desert classified as public lands, thousands of campers and vendors make their way here for several famous gem shows and swap meets throughout the year. On display are sculptures repurposed from scrap metal at Hassler’s RV Park and the “World’s Largest Belt Buckle” at the Main Trading Post. The name of the town is spelled out in rocks 100 feet long, supposedly as a directional aid to early pilots. And, near downtown, Joanne’s Gum Gallery displays the owner’s collection of more than 4,000 packs of gum.
Sedona
Located in Red Rock Country, Sedona and its surrounding landscapes are best appreciated from above. Helicopter and hot air balloon rides provide unique views of the stunning formations, including landmarks like Cathedral Rock, Seven Warriors, Coffee Pot, Snoopy (sleeping on his doghouse), and others. Enjoy a meal at the only McDonald’s worldwide with teal green arches. Just south of downtown, you'll find vintage signs, kitsch, and alien-themed items available for purchase. Spend the night here and keep an eye on the skies for visitors from space.
Seligman
No trip to Arizona is complete without stopping at the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66," where locals fought to preserve this legendary highway. On the longest remaining segment, take photos at the Copper Cart and Route 66 Motoporium, which opened in 1952. Angel and Vilma’s Route 66 Shop, formerly a barbershop, now serves as a museum and souvenir store, founded by the first president of the Historic Association of the Mother Road. Travelers can enjoy ten sets of historically themed Burma-Shave signs along the route. Be sure to stop and support Keepers of the Wild, an organization that rescues and rehabilitates exotic animals. You can also hike, horseback ride, or fly to nearby Supai village for waterfalls and swimming at this remote, lesser-known destination.
Tombstone
Besides the famous gunfight in American history, this site features several quirky attractions. Stroll through the streets of the O.K. Corral and interact with actors portraying Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and others. Visit the Boot Hill cemetery in the morning for photo opportunities. The “World’s Largest Rose Bush” is thriving, blooming thousands of white flowers each spring. The Bird Cage Theater Museum, a 19th-century saloon with bullet holes in the walls, eerie displays, and possibly some ghosts, is a popular attraction. Take a tour of the Good Enough Mine to see what life was like underground for those seeking silver riches.
Winslow
Standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona, is a popular activity! At the intersection of 2nd and Kinsley, a bronze statue, a sign, and a mural featuring a flatbed Ford make for a perfect photo opportunity. Nearby is the Tiny Church of the Mother Road—the “world’s smallest” worship building. The 9-11 Remembrance Garden displays a prominent sign and two towers crafted from salvaged girders from the original site. Visitors can explore the planet’s best-preserved meteorite impact site via guided tours of Meteor Crater. Since 1974, a 30-foot sculpture of a skinny Indian head by renowned artist Peter Toth has stood in excellent condition, enduring the desert climate.
There are as many reasons to visit these seven unique small towns in Arizona as there are attractions to see. This list of favorite spots and sites including a silver mine and historic gunfight in Tombstone, a song lyric in Winslow, desertscapes in Sedona, gemstones and petrified wood in Quartzsite and Holbrook, dinosaurs and celestial bodies in Gila Bend and The Mother Road in Seligman are mere samplings. For the attentive traveler, more discoveries await across this state rich with history, beauty, adventure and quirky fun.
