9 Adorable Small Towns In Arizona

Once home to raucous cowboys and indigenous tribes who enjoyed a lifestyle of freedom and spontaneity, Arizona’s colorful landscapes and wild scenery often leave first-time visitors completely blown away. Its small, charming towns, each wildly different, seem torn between the romanticized past and the chic look of the contemporary age. From Sedona and its red rocks to Oatman, where donkeys are said to outnumber human beings, discover below 9 adorable small towns in Arizona to visit.

Winslow

If you enjoyed The Eagles’ hit song “Take It Easy,” which was inspired by Winslow and catapulted the town to fame, you will want to visit this small Arizona jewel and get a feel of it for yourself. Once a dusty railroad hub, Winslow has today transformed itself into a much sought-after vacation destination, partly because of its strategic location along the iconic Route 66. Standin’ on the Corner Park and statue commemorates The Eagles’ hit song and is often the centrepiece of any visit. According to one popular account, Jackson Browne wrote the song after car trouble stranded him in Winslow. In keeping with the theme, Winslow hosts the Standin’ on the Corner Festival, typically the last weekend of September, so you will want to plan accordingly. Ensure you drop by the Arizona 66 Trading Company, a cool little store that keeps a huge inventory of rock and roll, Route 66 items, and a huge number of other interesting knick-knacks. If you enjoy dipping your feet in fascinating local history, the Old Trails Museum explores the history of Winslow and the surrounding area through free exhibits and public programs. The trick is to start at Sipp Shoppe, a retro-style stop that serves delicious sandwiches alongside several other yummy bites.

Bisbee

Bisbee is a storybook town of about 5,000 residents surrounded by rolling hills just over 10 miles from the Mexican border. Its charisma and unusual architecture have earned it the famous moniker “Mayberry on Acid.” Bisbee is known for its mining heritage, and Queen Mine, which operated from 1877 to 1975, was one of the region's most prosperous mines. Today, retired miners guide an enjoyable and nostalgic tour, demonstrating the operations of early 20th-century mining. There's the Screaming Banshee Pizza, a casual venue serving wood-fired pizza in a colourful industrial space with a bar, and the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, which offers extensive displays about mining and the history of the area. Remember to pass by the wonderful on-site gift shop to get a keepsake or a memento. Overall, the museum is a cool place to get a feel of what it was back in the day. Crown the day at St. Elmo Bar, which offers live music and dancing on weekends.

Tombstone

People know Tombstone as “the town too tough to die,” and the nickname itself will pique anyone's curiosity. You will enjoy the aura of the “Old West,” especially as depicted in old western films from the mid-1900s. Fun spots to check out include the iconic Saloon Theatre, which shows different historical gunfights written by historical researchers, and The Bird Cage Theatre, one of whose artefacts includes the poker table associated with the longest-running game in Arizona Territory. It also shows exciting nightly ghost tours that begin at 6:15 pm. You can then have a drink in Wyatt Earp's original gambling hall and chat with friendly locals, or opt for the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park, especially if tagging kids along. For perspective, this is Tombstone's longest-running professional gunfight show. No need to hurry things up; Tombstone offers a variety of unique lodgings.

Jerome

Jerome is a quirky town with artistic flair and a large biker presence, and is a fantastic place to just walk around, people-watch, or sight-see. Jerome is small but so full of colour and character. Haunted Hamburger has a name that should hold the attention of paranormal aficionados, although its yummy burgers are anything but spine-tingling. The truth is, this place delivers more than just a clever name. With its awesome jewelry selection and cute handbags, Firefly Gallery Jerome is a local favourite, especially if you want items for decorating your home. There's Jerome's Sliding Jail, a block or so off the main shopping area, that's a key historical component of Jerome's history and heritage. When here, ask about the strange runaway jail story because that is what gives the attraction its name. Still on history, the Jerome State Historic Park is a cool place to turn back the wheels of time.

Oatman

You are not prepared for the rugged town of Oatman, because where else in America are you greeted by the sight of wild burros that freely roam the streets, giving a fairytale look and a strange, back-in-the-day feel typical of some forgotten time capsule? But that's Oatman, the oldest continuously inhabited mining settlement in Arizona. The town is just off Route 66, and the souvenir shops that speckle it consistently remind you of that fact. There's the Oatman Hotel, Restaurant, and Saloon, where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard are rumored to have stayed after getting hitched in the nearby town of Kingman. If you want to stretch your legs and get a feel of the land, watch for Thimble Mountain to the west and Elephant's Tooth to the east. There's Sitgreaves Pass View Point, a phenomenal spot that makes you appreciate the astounding beauty of nature. Meanwhile, Cowboy Cabins & Horseback Riding is a hair out of town and offers everything implied in the name.

Cottonwood

It may not hold a candle to California's Napa Valley, but Cottonwood has steadily emerged as the capital of Northern Arizona’s fast-growing wine scene. Speaking to this, Cottonwood is home to Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, a family-owned establishment reputed to be the largest winery in Arizona. It was founded in 2007. Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room, which doubles as a hyper-local trattoria, is a great hangout at the top of the hill with fabulous views from the patio and a cool place to spend an evening. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Cottonwood’s proximity to the hiking trails of Coconino National Forest, one of the most gorgeous patches of forest in the United States. Meanwhile, Riverfront Park (notice the name) is a peaceful place to rest and people-watch and offers picnic tables and, best of all, river access.

Sedona

With its ruddy-hued peaks, Sedona deserves a spot on any listing of Arizona’s finest. Besides its well-established outdoor charm, Sedona’s culinary scene has blossomed and has many restaurants that will leave you grinning out the door. Mariposa, for instance, is known for upscale, Latin-inspired cuisine created by chefs who certainly know their stuff. Don’t dismiss the claim that views from Mariposa’s patios and dining rooms could be the finest on the planet. The Red Rock Scenic Byway, which you will cruise along as you get into town, is a scintillating attraction by itself. Slide Rock State Park is crisscrossed with picturesque trails, although in the fall, it transitions into a colorful apple-picking venue. Finally, whatever your religion, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built into the rocks in Coconino National Forest, can make for a memorable quick stop out of town.

Prescott

The area around Prescott is renowned for its awe-inspiring pine forests and laid-back, mellow atmosphere. Such an environment offers mental relaxation, although Prescott itself, which holds the distinction of being Arizona’s original capital, adorns a sleek look and bits of Western charm. So what should you expect here? People rave about the legendary Whiskey Row saloons, a famous block that once housed more than 40 saloons in its heyday. Pass by Palace Restaurant & Saloon, Arizona’s oldest frontier saloon with a history that goes back to the 1870s. More than that, it is where Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday once tipped their hats. If you want to wash your face in the fresh air or get a better feel of the lay of the land, Prescott Peavine Trailhead offers decent trails and epic views of Watson Lake and Granite Dells. The Courthouse Square in Downtown Prescott, anchored by the 1916 granite courthouse, is always a lovely area to just mill around.

Patagonia

Positioned about an hour’s drive south of Tucson, Patagonia is a small Arizona eye candy between the Patagonia and the Santa Rita mountains. The town is on Sonoita Creek, a tributary stream of the Santa Cruz River. Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is a pristine outdoor wonderland and the go-to spot for a remote Southern Arizona hiking, biking, or camping trip. If you are in the recreation area, a few more minutes will reveal another much-fancied pleasure spot: Patagonia Lake State Park. It has lots of trees, a sandy beach, a shimmering lake, and peaceful camp sites. For a flavorful veggie breakfast bowl to give you the much-needed kick for the day, work your way to Gathering Grounds, a cozy cafe known for organic coffee and homemade soups.

So, although California and Colorado give it serious competition, Arizona and its scintillating riot of desert oranges boasts a surreal, other-worldly landscape that almost looks contrived, not real. Dotting this vast outdoor wonderland are small, charming towns, many of which are delightful places to explore. You will find cowboy-era storefronts, iconic saloons and gambling halls, and iconic movie theaters that have been entertaining careworn miners for several decades. It is hard to hammer out a consensus; however, the above-mentioned towns are some of the most adorable in Arizona.