8 Best Downtowns In Arizona
Arizona's downtown districts tell the story of the American West while also offering up modern culture and commerce. From preserved Wild West streetscapes to sophisticated urban plazas, these eight downtown areas showcase the state's diverse character. Each district brings its own personality to the table, offering visitors and residents an engaging mix of history, dining, shopping, and entertainment in The Grand Canyon State.
Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale masterfully blends Western heritage with contemporary sophistication. The district's nine walkable neighborhoods each carry their own character, from the gallery-lined Marshall Way Arts District to the boutique-filled Fifth Avenue Shopping District. At the heart of it all, the recently expanded Scottsdale Fashion Square has transformed into a luxury shopping and dining destination that attracts a crowd.
Brown Avenue's Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West captures the area's frontier history through interactive exhibits and an impressive collection of Native American art. The weekly ArtWalk turns Thursday evenings into a cultural celebration, with galleries staying open late and street performers adding to the festive atmosphere. The Entertainment District pulses with energy after dark, as rooftop lounges and craft cocktail bars draw a sophisticated crowd. Civic Center Plaza offers a peaceful counterpoint with its manicured gardens and public art installations, including the iconic LOVE sculpture. Local favorite FnB Restaurant showcases Arizona's agricultural bounty through its award-winning wine program featuring exclusively Arizona vintages.
Prescott
Courthouse Plaza anchors one of Arizona's most authentic downtown districts, where historic architecture frames a fun community gathering space. Unlike many western towns that modernized their historic districts, Prescott preserved Whiskey Row's Victorian-era buildings, transforming former saloons into charming shops, restaurants, and bars. The town is known for a few historically significant bars that still serve drinks across century-old mahogany counters.
The Palace Restaurant and Saloon, Arizona's oldest frontier saloon, still operates at its original 1877 location, featuring period furnishings and stories of Doc Holliday's gambling adventures. The Courthouse Plaza hosts over 130 events annually, including summer evening concerts and the area's largest crafts festivals. Antique shops on Montezuma Street display treasures from the region's mining and ranching history, while modern galleries feature contemporary Southwestern art. The Prescott Center for the Arts, located in a former Sacred Heart church, offers year-round theatrical productions in one of Arizona's most unique venues. The renovated Hassayampa Inn welcomes visitors to its Peacock Room, where Art Deco style blends with modern cuisine, evoking the glamour of 1920s Arizona.
Jerome
Clinging to Cleopatra Hill, Jerome's downtown defies typical main street conventions with its switchback layout and historic mining-era architecture. This former "wickedest town in the West" has reinvented itself as an artistic haven, where century-old buildings house galleries, wineries, and quirky boutiques. The steep streets and historic staircases create an atmosphere more reminiscent of a European hillside village than a typical Arizona town.
The Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery is housed in the town's old hotel building, displaying works by over 35 local artists across three floors. Spook Hall, once a JC Penney, hosts community events and ghost tours that highlight the town's lively spirit. The Mine Museum offers insights into Jerome's remarkable architecture through exhibits focused on its copper mining peak. Local favorite Haunted Hamburger provides stunning views and inventive cuisine from its vantage point above the Verde Valley. The Jerome Winery tasting rooms have repurposed historic storefronts into elegant spaces where visitors can enjoy Arizona wines alongside breathtaking, million-dollar views.
Tombstone
Dubbed "The Town Too Tough to Die," Tombstone's downtown district delivers an immersive journey into America's Western heritage. Allen Street, preserved to reflect its 1880s appearance, captures the authentic character of frontier Arizona better than any Hollywood movie set. Unlike typical tourist towns, Tombstone maintains its historic integrity while offering modern amenities that keep the experience engaging for visitors of all ages.
The O.K. Corral Historic Complex recreates the famous gunfight with daily reenactments at the actual site where the Earps and Doc Holliday confronted the Clanton gang. The Bird Cage Theatre has remained almost unchanged since 1889, offering guided tours of what was once called "the wildest, wickedest night spot between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast." Every part of the preserved downtown tells a story, from the volcanic rock sidewalks to the original bar inside Big Nose Kate's Saloon. The Crystal Palace Saloon, restored to its territorial splendor, serves contemporary visitors from its original 1879 bar and provides some of the area's best dining experiences in a historic setting. If you're visiting Arizona and are interested in the American West's history, Tombstone is a must-see.
Lake Havasu City
Downtown Lake Havasu City creates an unexpected English-Arizona fusion, centered around the world-famous London Bridge. The Bridgewater Channel District has evolved into a busy waterfront promenade where desert meets lake culture. Unlike most Arizona downtowns that focus on historic preservation, Lake Havasu embraces its unique identity as a waterfront playground with a distinctly British twist. There really is no other town quite like it in the USA!
The English Village preserves its Tudor-style architecture while housing modern shops, restaurants, and waterfront bars. The Channel Walk offers a scenic mile-long path connecting downtown attractions, with regular water taxi service adding to the distinctive transportation options. During the winter months, the Winter Street Market transforms McCulloch Boulevard into a festive celebration of local artisans and performers. The newly developed Rotary Beach Park anchors the downtown waterfront scene with its swimming beach, picnic areas, and popular weekend concerts. Local favorite Shugrue's Restaurant and Brewery offers panoramic bridge views alongside fresh seafood, a rarity in desert Arizona. If you're looking for a unique vacation spot for your family, be sure to check out Lake Havasu City.
Bullhead City
Along the Colorado River, Bullhead City's downtown district creates a unique blend of waterfront activity and desert town charm. Unlike many river towns that restrict waterfront access, Bullhead City's downtown embraces its riverside location with a series of connected parks and pathways that make the Colorado River an integral part of daily life. The Community Park anchors the district with its newly developed riverwalk, dotted with palm trees and desert landscaping.
Bullhead City is a true pedestrian-friendly destination. If you want to leave your car behind for a day, this is the perfect place to do so. The Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park and Trails weave through downtown, linking various viewing platforms and recreational spots. Local eateries have developed popular outdoor dining areas that offer scenic views of the river and desert sunsets. The Riverside Drive corridor showcases a diverse range of shops and services, while the weekly Desert River Farmers Market gathers regional farmers and artisans each week.
Flagstaff
Historic Route 66 forms the backbone of Flagstaff's downtown, where mountain town culture meets railroad history and university energy. Unlike the desert communities to its south, Flagstaff's downtown benefits from its pine forest setting and four distinct seasons. Heritage Square serves as the cultural heart of the district, hosting everything from summer movie nights to winter holiday celebrations beneath the town's signature mountain backdrop.
The restored Orpheum Theater, dating from 1911, anchors the entertainment scene with live music and film screenings in a spectacularly preserved setting. Locally owned brewpubs like Historic Brewing and Mother Road occupy historic buildings, creating eccelctic spaces that honor the town's railroad past while serving contemporary tastes. The First Friday ArtWalk transforms downtown into an open-air gallery, with artists and performers taking advantage of the district's walkable layout. Diablo Burger exemplifies downtown's farm-to-table dining scene, serving locally sourced ingredients in a space that captures Flagstaff's casual mountain town vibe.
Williams
The last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40, Williams maintains one of Arizona's most intact historic downtown districts. The Grand Canyon Railway Depot anchors the west end of Route 66, where vintage trains still depart daily for the South Rim. While many Route 66 towns struggle to maintain relevance, Williams manages to balance tourist appeal with authentic small-town character.
The historic district extends across six blocks of original brick buildings, now featuring a diverse array of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Pete's Route 66 Gas Station Museum showcases the golden era of the mother road with its collection of vintage cars and memorabilia. Since 1912, the Sultana Bar has preserved its original tin ceiling and long mahogany bar, serving as a living testament to Western saloon culture. In summer, cowboy action performances entertain visitors on the street, and numerous downtown dining options are available. The Williams Depot attracts train enthusiasts year-round with its restored platforms and vintage rolling stock. It is one of the few fully restored historic train depots remaining in the USA, contributing to Williams' overall charm and character.
From Scottsdale's sophisticated arts scene to Williams' Route 66 nostalgia, Arizona's downtown districts show off the state's western cultural heritage. Each area maintains its distinctive character while offering an engaging mix of history, dining, shopping, and entertainment. All eight downtown districts prove that Arizona's urban spaces are just as compelling as its natural wonders. Don't forget to pack your camera and comfortable walking shoes when you make plans to visit these endearing, historic and fun-filled western downtowns.
