9 Towns in Arizona With the Best Downtown Areas in 2026

In Arizona, mining paydays and courthouse squares laid out the blocks, and the streets kept their purpose long after the booms faded. In Bisbee, for instance, stair-stepped lanes and Victorian storefronts climb the Mule Mountains, turning a quick walk into a tour of copper-era architecture. Prescott’s Whiskey Row sits beside the courthouse lawn, where festivals, patios, and live music keep the town’s old grid busy day and night.

Across the state, these centers reward slow wandering in shaded arcades and market stalls on weekend mornings. Desert light shapes every storefront corner. The nine towns below show how Arizona’s history still shapes where people gather today!

Bisbee

This picturesque community in southeastern Arizona's Mule Mountains harbors a rich mining heritage. Founded in 1881 as a mining center, Bisbee hosts a quaint old town district with a collection of Victorian-era buildings that take you back to its heyday. A wander downtown Bisbee is an immersive historical experience that exposes you to local treasures. The Bisbee Restoration Museum and Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum highlight the town's copper mining past and other landmark events. Tourists get an authentic experience with the Queen Mine Tour, which takes them on a remarkable underground journey inside a preserved mine site.

Every Saturday, the Bisbee Farmers Market brings the town to an exciting standstill, offering guests a prime opportunity to personally interact with the townsfolk as they comb through their fresh farm produce and unique crafts.

Tombstone

Tombstone's laidback downtown oozes Wild Western vibes with its red-brick storefronts and tales of outlaws and renegades written throughout its landmark structures. A former silver boomtown, this town notably hosts O.K. Corral, the original site of an infamous gunfight between the Earps and the Calnton-McLaury gangs. Visitors can visit the site and even watch reenactments of the legendary conflict. The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park offers a window to the town's frontier eras in a 19th-century structure predating the town's famous gunfight.

Touring the Gunfighter Hall of Fame provides a unique perspective of Tombstone's Wild West heritage through a vast collection of original firearms used by outlaws. Finally, the town promises more distinct historical experiences at the Bird Cage Theater, a brothel and gambling hall from 1881.

Prescott

This central Arizona community and former territorial capital charms first-timers with a vibrant downtown hosting some of the state's best-preserved historical landmarks. Walking down Whiskey Row allows you to discover a vibrant mix of pubs, bars, and music venues representing Prescott's outgoing personality. With this, the area houses one of the United State’s most heralded museums.

Visiting Sharlot Hall Museum offers a delightful perspective of the town's history as experienced by the pioneers. Meanwhile, the Museum of Indigenous digs deeper into Precott's past by documenting the Native American communities initially inhabited the land. Beyond the history, visitors can look forward to soothing retail therapy opportunities at Bashford Courts.

Jerome

This 19th-century mining town in central Arizona has a small population of less than 500 but attracts visitors with its charming downtown, which features a mix of museums and galleries amid scenic natural surroundings. The area is filled with historical markers that revive the town's mining heritage. You can begin your visit at Jerome State Historic Park, which displays a part of local mining history and includes the well-preserved Douglas Mansion. Another notable site is Jerome's Sliding Jail, famous for revealing the town's history. For a deeper understanding of Jerome's past, the Jerome Historical Society offers more detailed insights. After exploring its history, enjoy browsing impressive art collections at Raku Gallery to add a touch of modern flair.

Sedona

This artsy community in the Arizona desert is known for its scenic surroundings, punctuated by dramatic red-rock formations and stunning canyon walls. Sedona is one of the most artistic towns in Arizona, evidenced by numerous galleries occupying every street corner. The Sedona Arts Center is a worthwhile point of interest, introducing guests to different forms of art by local creatives, from photography and jewelry to fiber arts. The art scene takes a broader and more modern look inside Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art, which showcases a world-class collection of fine art pieces.

Tourists can combine their love for the arts with a need to shop at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. However, those who need a break from the arts can stop by the Sedona Heritage Museum to explore the town's culture and history at an old farmstead.

Tubac

Situated south of Tucson, this Santa Cruz County community has a lovely downtown district with diverse attractions hinting at its profound Spanish influences. Art is a significant aspect of local culture, evidenced by a rich cluster of galleries. Visitors can admire local creations and even shop for artsy souvenirs at Tubac Arts and Gifts. Additionally, the Cobalt Fine Arts Gallery doubles down on Tubac's artsy prowess with an impressive collection of some of the best contemporary art pieces in the region.

The Tubac Center for the Arts is a must-visit if you're interested in exploring more of the town's culture. However, when you need an alternative, the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park Museum delivers an immersive journey through the annals of history, exploring Spanish, Native American, and American Southwest history.

Wickenburg

Set in the northern section of the Sonoran Desert, Wickneburg is steeped in rich history and unique Western heritage. The town’s vibrant downtown area is loaded with points of interest, but historians will want to check out the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. This fine facility documents Wickenburg's Western heritage through a fine selection of historical and cultural exhibits. At Sage Gallery, you can examine beautiful jewelry art, including pieces from Native American tribes like the Navajo and Zuni.

Meanwhile, Silver Screen lovers can head to the Saguaro Movie Theater for a classic movie experience. The rustic venue stages family-friendly flicks inside a beautiful atmosphere at budget-friendly ticket prices.

Cottonwood

Cottonwood's charming downtown seamlessly blends the historic with the modern, featuring attractions that switch between old landmarks and contemporary entertainment venues. There's something to appeal to everyone—whether you're a history enthusiast, culture lover, foodie, or shopper. Those interested in history will enjoy the Clemenceau Heritage Museum, which evokes the past with its collection of antique exhibits. Meanwhile, art lovers can connect with fellow enthusiasts at the Old Town Center for the Arts, where live theatrical performances await. For more active pursuits, the Cottonwood Recreation Center is a great choice. This impressive facility offers a variety of recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, gymnasium, basketball courts, weight room, and more.

Willcox

This hidden gem in Arizona's Sulphur Springs Valley is surrounded by the picturesque peaks of the Pinaleno and Chiricahua Mountains. While it stands out for the sublime natural landscapes, it also boasts a pleasant downtown region with enough attractions to fill your itinerary. Notable points of interest include the Rex Allen Arizona Museum, which pays tribute to a celebrated son of the town by showcasing his legacy in the movie, music, radio, and rodeo world. You will also encounter the Chiricahua Regional Museum, home to an exciting collection chronicling the rich culture and heritage synonymous with Willcox.

Away from history, Willcox Historic Theater has a wonderful atmosphere for fans of the Box Office looking to catch the latest Hollywood productions. Finally, consider sampling tasty local wines at Keeling Schaefer Vineyards Willcox Tasting Room before leaving the town.

Final Thought

If you're uncertain about which towns in Arizona to visit, exploring the diverse highlighted downtown districts offers a great way to experience everything the state has to offer. Whether they are reinvented from historic roots or carefully developed anew, these main streets reflect each community's unique character through art, food, outdoor areas, and local businesses. Picking from the range of town centers provides memorable entry points into the Southwest's natural beauty and a glimpse of the United States' rich cultural diversity.