8 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Arizona

Arizona’s small-town long weekends often come with Route 66 storefronts and Old West main streets that lead straight into pine forest or open desert. Williams makes planning easy; browse the main drag, then ride the Grand Canyon Railway from the historic depot for a simple, day-filling highlight. Bisbee offers a totally different vibe, with hillside streets and immersive mining history through museums and underground tours. Payson trades neon for nature, pairing quick access to trails and scenic overlooks with the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo, a signature experience that can shape an entire long weekend on its own. Here are 8 towns that are sure to fill your weekend itinerary with plenty of fun!

Williams

Williams is located along the famous Route 66 Highway and is nicknamed the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”. Situated in Coconino County, northern Arizona, this town of just over 3,200 residents can trace its roots to the 1880s, and it remains an ideal community for a weekend escape. The town offers a traditional small-town atmosphere, with local shops, restaurants, galleries, and motels that serve Route 66 travelers. These include the Addicted to Route 66 Souvenir Shop and Miss Kitty’s Steakhouse & Bar, serving fine American cuisine.

Then there is the historic Williams Depot Train Station (1908), which also serves as the departure terminus of the beloved Grand Canyon Railway, which first opened in 1901. The Route 66 Gas Station Museum adds another layer of roadside history, celebrating the highway and life on the road through nostalgic memorabilia and vintage artifacts. Finally, some nice accommodations await at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and the Ellsworth Hotel.

Bisbee

The seat of Cochise County in southern Arizona (near the border with Mexico), Bisbee is a historically fascinating and scenically beautiful town situated in the Mule Mountains. Founded as a gold, silver, and copper mining center in the 1880s, Bisbee today is home to nearly 5,000 people, and the town maintains a special old-world ambience that pairs well with the natural scenery. Main Street features buildings in the architectural styles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, set against the region’s typically warm climate. With the Mule Mountains in the background and wide desert vistas beyond, Bisbee is one of Arizona’s more photogenic towns.

Among the notable attractions for a weekend visit are the Lavender Pit (a former copper mine), the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, and the former Copper Queen Mine, which offers special underground tours. End the day with some shopping at the Mercantile on Main and some tasty American-style dishes at eateries, including Bisbee Badassery and Café Roka. And for some great lodging in an old west ambience, consider a stay at the Bisbee Grand Hotel and the Copper Queen Hotel.

Tombstone

A vivid trip to the Old Wild West awaits when visiting the town of Tombstone, where the feeling of time travel is sure to be felt. Established in 1879, this once-booming mining community today boasts a population of just over 1,300, but for what it lacks in size, it makes up for with big-time attractions. For a glimpse into life in the 19th-century American West, a weekend in Tombstone provides a vivid historical setting. The Historic District, listed as a National Historic Landmark, features saloons, wooden boardwalks, cowboy-themed diners, and period-style shops that reflect the town’s 19th-century roots.

Notable businesses here include Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, The Longhorn Restaurant, and the Silver Hills Trading Co., among others. And of course, as the site of the infamous shootout at the O.K. Corral in 1881, which involved such figures as Wyatt Earp, guests can even see reenactments and costumed interpreters that further help set the mood. Finally, with its typically hot Arizona climate and unique desert setting, natural beauty can be enjoyed in town, with welcoming spaces such as Tombstone City Park and the special Old Tombstone Western Theme Park, which even features gunfights! If spending a weekend, consider a stay at the Tombstone Lookout Lodge or the Inn History.

Payson

Payson is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest (which covers 2.8 million acres) and is affectionately known as the “Heart of Arizona” due to its central location in the State. A scenic destination with roots in the 1880s, this historic community of just over 16,000 residents offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Like many Arizona settings, Payson is known for its warm winters and hot summers, and activities like camping, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, and even horseback riding are very popular. With easy access to the Tonto National Forest, the surrounding desert landscape is readily accessible to visitors. Visitors can take in the rugged rocky landscapes and distinctive arid terrain while stepping away from the pace of city life.

There is also historic intrigue to be enjoyed in Payson, and many 19th- and early-20th-century landmarks continue to help create a distinct sense of time and place. Amongst the properties also listed on the National Register of Historic Places are the Sidles Mud House (1882) and the Ox Bow Inn and Saloon (1933). There is also some cultural fun for all ages at The World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo (dating to 1884) and the Payson Fiddle and Food Festival. Some accommodation options in Payson include the Majestic Mountain Inn and Kohl’s Ranch Lodge.

Tubac

For a weekend getaway centered on living history, Tubac offers a strong sense of place. Founded as a Spanish Presidio (or Fort) in 1752, this historic town in Santa Cruz County and near the Mexican border also lies beautifully along the Santa Cruz River, where a modest population of about 1,300 resides today. Explore the site of the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and learn more about daily life in a Spanish colony, including interactions with costumed interpreters in character. There are also nice picnic and barbecue sites on location, making for a perfect afternoon outing.

Additionally, explore many historic landmarks here, including the Spanish Captain’s Quarters, the Tubac Schoolhouse (1885), and St. Ann’s Catholic Church, built 1910-1912 on the site of an earlier chapel built in 1767. Tubac also maintains a lively arts scene, with a collection of galleries and boutiques that reflect its regional character. Shop for handcrafted southwestern souvenirs and other gifts at welcoming businesses such as Old Presidio Traders and La Entrada de Tubac. Indeed, everything from jewelry to fine leather can be found, making for quite a unique keepsake of time spent in southern Arizona. If spending the weekend here, some great lodging options include Valle Verde Ranch and the Tubac Country Inn.

Camp Verde

A wonderful road trip from Phoenix, Camp Verde is ideal for those seeking outdoor adventure. Featuring the typically hot year-round temperatures of the desert, especially in summertime, visitors to this town of 12,000 will find many chances to go camping, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, riding, and horseback riding. Framed by the Prescott National Forest (which spans over 1.2 million acres), many of the aforementioned activities can be enjoyed here, perfect for amateur and experienced adventurers alike.

There is also historic allure in Camp Verde, and amongst the landmarks of note are the Commanding Officer’s Quarters (1871), the Clear Creek Church (1898), and the George Hance House (1917), which today functions as a museum. Montezuma Castle National Monument further highlights the area’s preserved Native American heritage. Community events such as the summer Corn Festival and lodging options like the Cliff Castle Casino Hotel round out the town’s weekend appeal.

Winslow

Some 9,000 residents call Winslow home, a welcoming example of small-town USA with a desert ambience. Situated in Navajo County in eastern Arizona, the community was incorporated in the year 1900, and visitors can enjoy outdoor fun here as well as fascinating regional history. Relax at Clear Creek Reservoir and enjoy activities like cycling, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and swimming under the Arizona sun. Spanning some 45 acres, amongst the fish species popular with anglers here are rainbow trout and largemouth bass.

From there, escape the heat and explore the Old Trails Museum, which lovingly commemorates the area’s original settlers and Native American peoples through a specially curated collection of artifacts and memorabilia. And admission is free! Standin’ on the Corner Park remains one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks, opened in 1999 to commemorate the 1972 Eagles song ‘Take It Easy.’ Take photos with the flatbed truck and the statue of the guitarist, and you too can say you were “Standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona.” Comfortable accommodations in Winslow include the La Posada Hotel and Earl’s Route 66 Motor Court.

Carefree

Carefree’s name says it all, and if you are looking to truly leave your worries behind, then perhaps a nice weekend spent in this planned community will do the trick. Founded in the 1950s by land developers, Carefree was specifically designed as a leisurely place of refuge away from the big city, while still conveniently located to take advantage of many amenities. Indeed, about 30 miles from Phoenix, visitors and residents are in the Goldilocks zone, not too close but not too far from major attractions. Home to around 3,700 residents, guests can browse numerous shops and restaurants on Easy Street, like Venues Café, while a number of spas, tennis courts, and parks, including Desert Gardens, make a stop here very low-key.

Also, the Carefree Sundial sculpture, a copper landmark dating to 1959, still functions as a working sundial. Finally, a restful overnight stay in Carefree can be enjoyed at the Hampton Inn in the town center, near some golf courses and other local sites.

A wonderful weekend getaway awaits in the great State of Arizona, a treasure of the Western United States. Renowned for its special desert climate, hot weather, and unique settler past, Arizona has long been a popular destination for those looking to escape the cold weather and experience a different cultural ambience. These towns highlight Arizona’s range, from the historic settings of Tombstone and Tubac to the outdoor landscapes of Camp Verde and Payson. Together, they offer varied options for a relaxed long weekend beyond the state’s largest cities.