9 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In Arizona

The Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Sedona Red Rocks are the natural wonders that bring tourists to Arizona. However, if you want to experience the true spirit of this beautiful state, you’ll find it in strolling the main streets of its charming towns. They are rich in wild west history, art, stunning landscapes, and a strong sense of community. Here are 9 picture-perfect main streets in Arizona that will leave you with lasting wanderlust memories.

Tombstone

Tombstone is one of the most iconic of the Old West, but even though its glory days are far behind it, its main street, Allen Street, is a portal that will transport you back to the Wild West. Allen Street is lined with original storefronts from general stores, saloons, and gun shops. It’s easy to be spoilt for choice, especially if you’re a Wild West enthusiast, but the best place to start is the location of the O.K. Corral, the site of one of the Old West’s most famous gunfights.

The Bird Cage will also get you into the spirit of the Old West, as it’s renowned for its continuous 24-hour poker games minus the gunfights. You’ll also be treated to several saloons, such as the Crystal Palace Saloon, and Tombstone Epitaph Museum, which showcases the oldest running newspaper in the West, offering historic insight into Tombstone through its archives and exhibits.

Bisbee

The narrow winding streets, architecture, history, and a thriving artistic community in Bisbee’s Main Street offer visitors a unique Arizona experience. Its narrow streets feature cobblestone pathways and hidden courtyards, lined with art galleries, such as Belleza Gallery and the 55 Main Gallery, that exhibit the works of local artists.

Main Street is also the home of the Bisbee Restoration Museum, where you can learn how this little town in the Mule Mountains became a haven for copper, gold, and silver miners. If you’re an architecture aficionado, you will marvel at the wide array of architectural styles on Bisbee’s Main Street. Buildings like the Hanniger Johnson Building are iconic landmarks that are definitely worth a visit and a few photos.

Tubac

Artsy Plaza Road is the main Street in this former Spanish colonial town, where visitors can find original paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and pottery. The Tubac Center of the Arts is Tubac’s main hub for artistic works, featuring exhibitions and workshops. Plaza Road is also the heart of southern Arizona’s longest-running art Festival, the Tubac Festival of the Arts, which is held every February, attracting over 250 artists and craftsmen.

But besides being an art haven and a time machine into colonial Spanish America, Plaza Road is also known for its restaurants. If you can’t resist Mexican cuisine, Elvira’s Restaurant will leave you satisfied after a fulfilling day perusing through this artsy town in the desert.

Ajo

The historic Ajo Plaza is a one-of-a-kind main street in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. The focal point of Ajo’s main street is the Ajo Train Depot, featuring Spanish colonial revival architecture with rows of symmetrical arches. Originally intended to be a point of arrival for visitors, it now houses the Ajo District Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center and Gift Shop. The Ajo Train Depot is also surrounded by the beautiful and lush Ajo Regional Park, creating an oasis atmosphere in the middle of the town.

Ajo Plaza is also host to numerous community events. The Artisans Mercado from October to March showcases the artwork of local artists and craftspersons, but the plaza’s main event is the International Day of Peace Celebration, featuring colorful multicultural parades, food vendors, and live musical performances.

Jerome

This former mining town is the perfect destination for those who love the atmosphere of ghost towns and haunted historical tours. The heart of Jerome is Hull Avenue, which offers stunning views of the Verde Valley and the surrounding Black Hills mountain range. It’s also home to unique storefronts that house unique businesses like the House of Joy, The Blazing Owl, and Ghost Town Gear.

Jerome is, of course, a great staging area for ghost town and historical tours. But before embarking on these adventures, it’s highly advisable to learn about the town’s rich history at the Jerome Mining Museum at the corner of Main Street and Hull Avenue. It’s a great launching point before hearing the spooky tales that have enriched the history and mystique of this former Wild West town.

Prescott

This is another Arizona town that will transport you back to the Old West. Its main street, Whiskey Row, is home to iconic bars and saloons that offer a combination of rustic ambience, live music, and western themes. You can’t go wrong by visiting The Point Bar & Lounge, built in 1887, and Matt’s Saloon, known for its live music.

However, you can’t leave Whiskey Row without stepping into The Palace Restaurant and Saloon. It’s Arizona’s oldest business and saloon, and has seen the likes of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday walk through its storied doors. And if you’re looking for a keepsake to remember a visit to this historic town, there are plenty to choose from in Whiskey Row, such as the Whiskey Row Mercantile.

Globe

Globe’s main street is Broad Street, and it’s definitely a reflection of the town’s identity as a mining town forged by the lawless days of the Wild West. One of the street's most beloved establishments is the Drift Inn Saloon, which has stood the test of time, becoming a popular gathering place for locals and visitors.

Broad Street is also part of the town’s historic district, featuring buildings like the Globe Theatre. Nearby, you can visit the the 1910 Gila County Jail. The latter was a former county jail that is open to the public on the second Saturday of the month. Apart from history and entertainment, Broad Street is also home to the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts. The center showcases art exhibits, hosts events, and provides information about the region's local history.

Cottonwood

If you like a little bit of everything in your main street, you will love Cottonwood’s Main Street, which is part of Old Town Cottonwood. You can enjoy a little bit of art, savor the taste of local restaurants, and find unique souvenirs at boutique shops. Cottonwood may be a small town, but it has its fair share of artistic talent whose work can be seen in galleries like the Hart of AZ Art Gallery or the Old Town Center For The Arts.

You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants in Cottowood, but if you’re into a wide selection of local brews with fine dining, you can’t go wrong with the Belfry Wood Fired Grill & Brewery. And when it’s time to leave this charming town, you have to visit the Simply Amazing Marketplace, where you can find unique furniture, trinkets, and artwork to remember your time in Old Town Cottonwood.

Williams

Williams is known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, but it also boasts one of the best-preserved sections of the iconic Route 66, which runs through the town, serving as its main street. Even if you’re only stopping over, you will be charmed by Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum, where you can step into a well-preserved gas station from a time when the “Main Street of America” was young.

Or you can stop by for a beer at the Historic Barrel + Bottle House or sample some wine at the Grand Canyon Wine Company. And if you wish to stay a little longer for some history, you’ll find it in Williams’ oldest building, the Cabinet Saloon, which was built in 1895.

Charming Main Streets in Grand Canyon State

Arizona is one of those American states that seems untameable. However, there were pioneers who braved the harshness of the desert to build communities that not only overcame the elements but thrived. The stories and communities of these picture-perfect main streets still carry the spirit of the courageous pioneers of the Wild West, helping us understand that the beauty of travel is found in the simpler things, such as how community is built and history is preserved.