9 Arizona Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets
While big cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale dominate the headlines with vibrant urban scenes, framed by towering skyscrapers, diverse cultural offerings, and gourmet dining outlets, a collection of quaint little towns remains underexplored in the Arizona backcountry. However, whatever they lack in hype, they make up for with pedestrian-friendly town squares teeming with authentic experiences. Together, they bring out the true character of the state without all the noise and commotion.
Some of these towns host adorable Main Street communities, where local commerce, history, and culture merge to create a vibrant corridor always teeming with activities. From discovering Bisbee's rich mining heritage to indulging in Sedona's captivating art scene, the following are Arizona towns with unforgettable Main Streets.
Tombstone
The American Wild West comes to life in this sleepy southeastern Arizona village, seemingly stuck in time. Tombstone promises guests a riveting journey through the annals of history, especially when exploring the main thoroughfare, East Allen Street. This notable avenue is lined with old-time landmarks and Western-themed hotels, starting with the O.K. Corral. Here, a legendary showdown between law enforcement officers and outlaws played out in 1881. The street also hosts the Bird Cage Theatre, a historical venue that operated in the late 19th century and is one of the most enduring original buildings in the town. Guests can savor an exotic dining and wining experience at Big Nose Kate's Saloon. This historic spot serves classic comfort food, draft beers, and cocktails in a rustic setting reminiscent of the Wild West days.
Prescott
Prescott is a historic community in central Arizona that intermittently served as the state capital between 1864 and 1889. Unsurprisingly, it has a mother lode of historical markers, including some of the best preserved in Arizona. The Sharlot Hall Museum is an excellent example, a premier heritage center with various artifacts about the culture and history of Arizona's central highlands. Furthermore, the Museum of Indigenous People delves deeper into the region's past by focusing on the different Native American civilizations that once inhabited the area.
Meanwhile, Whiskey Row is a must-visit in Prescott. It offers a vivid glimpse into the past with its well-preserved buildings along a block clustered with bars, music venues, and restaurants. At one point, gunslingers, cowboys, and outlaws made this corridor their playground.
Jerome
Steeped in mining heritage, Jerome is a shell of its former self, with the population paling in comparison to its 19th-century heyday. However, its downtown district is a stark reminder of the early years and harbors a fair share of notable historical sites and markers. Today, Main Street Jerome is dotted with art galleries, from Made in Jerome Pottery to Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery, pointing to a thriving art scene. Several quaint eateries ensure guests have something to tantalize their taste buds. You can pop into the Clinkscale for a fish taco or club sandwich before downing it with a mean margarita.
Jerome's mining history comes to life at the Jerome State Historic Park. This living history museum is home to the Douglas Mansion, which was built in 1916 and features several relics and memorabilia chronicling the mining days.
Tubac
Spanish and Mexican heritage collided in this artsy Santa Cruz County village, resulting in a culturally immersive experience for visitors. The downtown district boasts a busy central area with colorful shops and galleries. It is home to the Tubac Center of the Arts, which preserves the community's artistic identity and culture by hosting exhibitions, workshops, programs, and performance art. Meanwhile, Art Gallery H displays the intimate works of two talented local artists, Karl and Audrey Hoffman, and offers visitors a sample of the region's art scene.
On the nearby Burruel Street, the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park Museum presents a rare look into the region's dynamic history. This iconic site was Arizona's first fort and first European settlement. Its exhibits highlight a timeline of life through different periods in Tubac.
Cottonwood
Downtown Cottonwood is a delicate balance between the old and the new, with attractions ranging from historical sites to modern entertainment spots. You'll encounter this scenery along Main Street, home to Pizzeria Bocce. This pleasant eatery serves savory Italian cuisine, with a dynamic menu offering trademarks like ravioli salad and prosciutto. Nearby, the Old Town Center for the Arts connects the community with the arts in a lively events venue where everybody comes to watch dance concerts, music shows, comedy performances, and other entertaining presentations.
Historians will want to visit the Clemenceau Heritage Museum to understand the old days. This nostalgic facility exhibits a library of written, oral, and living artifacts inside a restored school building, highlighting mining, ranching, and agricultural heritage.
Bisbee
Bisbee's captivating mining heritage and thriving art scene interact in a vibrant old downtown district, putting it among Arizona towns with unforgettable Main Streets. The main thoroughfare is where you'll find the Bisbee Restoration Museum. This quirky venue displays a collection of mementos and memorabilia to highlight the community's heritage over the years. Elsewhere, the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum focuses on the copper mining peak using old photographs and artifacts to transport visitors back to the period.
Meanwhile, casual shoppers can pass by Panterra Galley to sort through a delightful display of art, clothing, jewelry, handbags, and accessories. Finally, don't leave without tasting Bisbee's tasty craft beers at the Old Bisbee Brewing Company.
Sedona
Between the New Age shops, colorful galleries in downtown Sedona, and picturesque red-rock formations and dramatic canyons that form its backdrop, Sedona oozes artistic charm at every turn. Main Street, locally known as Uptown Sedona, harbors a mix of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, culminating at Tlaquepaque Art & Shopping Village. Shoppers can look forward to gratifying retail therapy at the Sinagua Plaza, which houses many retail outlets and dining venues.
This also applies to Matterhorn Shoppes, a complex of over a dozen shops split into boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. In addition to shopping, you can enjoy mouth-watering hamburgers at Outlaw Grille.
Bullhead City
This riverfront community has a unique Main Street that seamlessly incorporates the Colorado River to be an integral part of the downtown experience. The walkable corridor enjoys a cool breeze from the water that keeps you at ease as you explore local history inside the Colorado River Museum. This is expressed in the form of historic photographs and area memorabilia. Guests will fancy reveling in the river scene at the Bullhead City Community Park, which presents a tranquil green spot for relaxation and a vantage point for admiring the winding waterway.
While chilling around the Community Park, you will come across Bullhead Belle, a romantic riverside restaurant cooking up delicious American fare. The diner boasts cozy outdoor seating where you can enjoy a pizza while staring at the river.
Payson
Considered the "Heart of Arizona," Payson's location at the state's geographical center makes it a popular jump-off base for exploring Arizona. It has a lively Main Street where history and culture interact in the form of galleries, restaurants, museums, and businesses. The Town of Payson Visitor Center is an excellent first stop for newcomers and provides all the information you need to create a perfect itinerary. If you enjoy the Silver Screen, Sawmill Theatres screens first-run films on a big screen in a family-friendly venue.
When you need something to eat, don't hesitate to stop by Rim Country BBQ & Wood Fired Pizza. This trendy dine presents the ultimate pizza-barbecue combo to ease your cravings. The dynamic menu features dishes like smoked brisket sandwiches and margherita pizza.
Final Thoughts
Whether planning your first trip to the United States famous Grand Canyon State or returning for "unfinished business," these Arizona towns with unforgettable Main Streets provide the perfect alternative to the busy scene in the city. Their uncrowded downtown districts allow visitors to explore at a comfortable pace, and friendly residents allow them to indulge in local offerings without fuss. Fortunately, there is enough to go around in the countryside, from Tombstone's Wild West history to Tubac's unique culture.
