These 9 Towns In Arizona Have The Best Main Streets
Maintained and loved by native populations for generations, Arizona has always been recognized for its natural grandeur. As pioneers began to settle into the southwest, the endless potential of this land started to reveal itself through copper mining, citrus groves, and other bountiful ventures. Over time, new settlers began to build up various cities across the diverse biomes of the state. Although Arizona was one of the last territories to be considered a state in the mainland United States, joining on Valentine’s Day in 1912, the residents have built up beautiful and historic main streets over the past century for all to enjoy. For those planning to pass through Arizona, here are 9 of the best small-town main streets to admire.
Prescott
Tucked off the I-17 highway in central Arizona is the flourishing city of Prescott. This small town has slowly been gaining more attention over the past few decades, both in terms of residents and new businesses alike. Regardless of the city’s expansion, the downtown has remained the heart of the community with its walkable streets, welcoming locals, and innovative business owners. The scenic main street of this town, known as Gurley Street, is set apart from others with its vast blue skies, encircling mountain ranges, and vibrant local culture. One shop that celebrates the deeply ingrained native culture of Arizona is Black Arrow Jewelry & Art. For over thirty years, the Hoffman couple has built a platform that helps Native artists keep their traditional arts alive by highlighting traditional sculpting, silversmithing, jewelry making, painting, and more.
Also located on Gurley Street is The Peacock Dining Room. This multifaceted restaurant serves an assortment of fine foods and live tunes. By offering three different ambiance under one roof, The Peacock Dining Room is built to fit any mood from brunch at the Territorial Cafe to live performances at the Glass Bar. The beautifully remodeled shop even offers afternoon tea times monthly or by reservation. Another aspect that sets Gurley Street apart is the Superstition Meadery. Rather than the traditional wine tasting experience, Superstition Meadery specializes in flavorful meads and ciders. With options such as Blueberry Spaceship Box, a top-rated blueberry cider, or Dune Bloom, a sparkling prickly pear mead, patrons can taste some of the most unique drinks on the market.
Bisbee
Nearly at the southern border is the artistic town of Bisbee, Arizona. With a comfortably small population of nearly five thousand residents, the local community works hard to maintain a colorful and art-filled city. Although the Bisbee Art Wall deserves an honorable mention, it is the town’s main street that brings together the best elements of Bisbee. In early 2024, a fire roared through Main Street and took out a handful of local shops along the way. By the end of the year, the community had rebuilt what was lost even better than it was before. Now, visitors and locals can roam the picturesque street and visit shops like Divine Teas & Novelties. While in the store, patrons can discover teas and spices sourced from local growers and from all across the globe. The store’s collection expands past just herbs and includes teapots, teacups, and other admirable novelties.
In addition to the exquisite teas, those visiting Bisbee can find new items for their wardrobe at Classic Rock Couture. Founded by a community self-titled as “the wild children of the funkiest little desert town you’ve never heard of”, this collection of creatives takes pride in bringing bright colored fashion to the desert. Garnering an Instagram following of 168k with their groovy designs, this small shop’s passion expands beyond the city limits by providing the trendiest items to admirers across the world. However, stopping by the remodeled antique building in Bisbee is a complete experience of its own that is worth a visit. Another artistic community unique to Bisbee can be found at Chimera 27. This self-described “confluence of art, events, community, food, and fun” provides a space for creatives to flourish amongst like-minded people. Featuring a variety of specialized events, patrons can explore a rotating selection of gothic, paranormal, folkloric, and many other styles of vendors.
Jerome
Once a central mining town in the mineral-rich mountains of Arizona, the town of Jerome now serves mostly as a tourist attraction. This compact town is built almost entirely on the side of a mountain top. The 89A highway brings visitors to the continuously connected by the one main road in and out of the city that winds down the mountain. This unique mountain-side layout has parking lots both at the top and bottom of the town for those who wish to explore the antique buildings on foot. Rickeldoris Candy & Popcorn is one of the many local shops that keep Jerome’s history alive. This colorful candy store serves as a reminder of why old-fashioned classics never go out of style. While visiting, any sweet tooth can find satisfaction amongst the gourmet truffles, candy, chocolate, popcorn, and other antique treats.
Besides the incredible mountain side views, Jerome is also made unique by its role in the creation of the wild west, which predates Arizona’s statehood. One place that has maintained the local history is The Clinkscale Bar + Grill on Main Street, which was built in 1899. Featuring a ground-level bar and grill, this hotel offers an unparalleled lodging experience that takes full advantage of the views and reported hauntings. That’s right; this hotel boasts its haunted status, even going as far as including a haunted penthouse amongst its reservation options. If ghosts weren’t mind-bending enough, consider stopping by Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes. Amongst the collection of artistic and optically fascinating kaleidoscopes, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of ethereal colors. Beginning the collection in 1969, this shop has an impressive variety of kaleidoscopes for customers to explore.
Cave Creek
When it comes to the southwestern lifestyle, nowhere does it quite like Cave Creek. Colloquially referred to as Frontier Town due to the pioneer aesthetic, there is nearly every type of store imaginable. From the Native and country-inspired jewelry to the live bull riding events, Cave Creek Road allows visitors to take a step back in time. While the population remains relatively small, just above five thousand people, the abundance of tourists keeps the city lively throughout the year. The Buffalo Chip Saloon is perfect for anyone who would like to add “this ain’t my first rodeo” literally to their list of catch phrases. At Buffalo Chip, patrons can have dinner and a show, watching the live bull riding on Wednesday and Friday nights. Those who wish to be involved with this country community can participate in square dancing lessons or take a mechanical bull for a ride themselves!
For those who appreciate the artistry that goes into perfecting a personalized motorcycle, consider visiting the Cave Creek Annual Biker Week. As of 2025, the bike week has been celebrated every spring for 27 years, making it one of the most notable events in Cave Creek. It is always an astonishing sight to see the main street flooded from top to bottom with incredibly designed bikes, some of which are more comparable to a work of art than a vehicle. As for art local to the southwest, Mexicana Rose has it all. Entering the shop is akin to a rustic paradise with the seemingly boundless aisles and rooms to explore. Focusing on home decor and furnishing, this store highlights the local culture that the Arizona desert is known for. The vast collection celebrates all of the different aesthetics that coexist within the southwest, such as the beautiful Native, Mexican, and country cowboy cultures.
Williams
Williams, Arizona, was put on the map by the iconic Route 66. Known as the “gateway to the Grand Canyon”, the small town can feel overshadowed by all of its well-known neighbors, like Flagstaff and Sedona. However, Williams set itself apart from other small towns by building the ideal tourist stop for long road trips, especially for those with kids or a whimsical heart. Like many other rural towns, most of Williams is spread out along the country roads, but with a petite downtown bringing it all together along Route 66, it serves as the perfect pit stop. The downtown consists of two parallel streets, Railroad Avenue serving as the notable main street, which is packed full of artisan treats and novel finds. Start off strong at the Visitor Center and learn Williams’ curious story through a historic walking tour. Or, simply gain a better perspective on the town with the Williams Historic Photo Project.
Once familiar with Williams thanks to the informative visitor center, stop in to grab a bite and have some fun at Frontier Family Fun. Staying true to their name, Frontier Family Fun caters to both adults and kids alike to ensure everyone can have an enjoyable experience. With a vast menu of kid-approved meals plus the locally sourced wines and beers, anyone can find something that works for them. Beyond the inclusive menus, there is also the Frontier Beer Garden, which invites adults and kids to be playful amongst the giant Connect 4 boards, ping pong tables, gem mining, a gamified shooting range, and other games. For anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind history lesson, consider walking down to the Poozeum, a museum like no other. The Poozeum is dedicated to coprolites, more plainly known as ancient fossilized poop! Visiting this free attraction combines laughter with education for an unforgettable experience for all ages. As another honorable mention, Bearizona is a nature park unlike other wildlife reserves. At Bearizona, visitors drive straight through the habitats in their own car where they wander the trail around bears, wolves, goats, bison, and other animals native to northern Arizona.
Sedona
Sedona is well-renowned for its towering red rock mountains, cultural importance, and small artisan shops. With the city’s main roads doubling as an intersection for the 89A and 179 highways, it is easy for visitors to cruise throughout the extraordinary red desert. Due to Sedona’s ever-increasing tourist traffic, the main street was built in Uptown Sedona along the 89A as it leads into a scenic route out to Slide Rock and Flagstaff. The highway is slowed to a crawl as both sides are lined with beautifully designed shops that play off the natural landscape’s colors. Behind the eastern shops is a drop off into the luscious Oak Creek valley, which allows for an unobstructed view of the vibrant red mountains that can feel surreal at times. Local artisan shops fill the storefronts, allowing patrons to find their perfect style amongst the abundance of different artists, such as Jenny from Gypsy Jenny’s. Jenny contributes incredible wearable art to the world that works towards sustainability one piece at a time.
Similarly, It's Made In Sedona highlights pottery, southwestern decor, handcrafted jewelry, and more that were created by local artists in Sedona. With so many other stores that source items from around the world, It's Made In Sedona proudly displays how Sedona is home to some of the most creative minds around. To find even more creatives, pay a visit to the Sedona Arts Center on the corner of 89A and Art Barn Road. This arts center spares no expense to fulfill its mission of educating and enriching its community. With both traditional exhibits and special exhibit galleries, patrons can admire one of the largest collections of local artists. Or, become an artist yourself by attending workshops for ceramics, art history, framing, mixed media, and nearly any other medium amongst their exhaustive catalog. As one last additional note, check out the Sedona Trolley Tours, where guests are given a tour of Sedona before returning to the main street shopping where it began.
Tombstone
When traveling to southern Arizona, consider venturing into the classic western town of Tombstone. The old-fashioned ambience allows visitors to take a step back into a simpler time. With a limited population of hardly a thousand residents, this quiet town demonstrates that newer isn’t always better when it comes to main street charm. Allen Street serves as an anchor for the rural desert town, where locals and tourists alike can enjoy the preserved architecture with modern amenities. Lean into the antique environment by getting photos taken at Can-Can Old Time Photos on the corner of 4th and Allen. Playing off of the bold and playful cancan dance from 19th-century France, this photography studio lets you join in the fun with costumes and old western sets. Saloon, parlor, poker room, and. old corral are all options afforded to patrons who try this unforgettable, both in memory and film, western experience.
Carry on the wild west experience with a stroll to Four Deuces Saloon just down the main street on 3rd and Allen. This southwestern saloon offers a break from the desert heat with its cold drinks and welcoming staff. With the indoor and outdoor seating areas all adorned in western decor, patrons can put a pause on the rush of modern life and enjoy the slow life of Tombstone. For a modern touch on the town, visit Shady Lady’s Closet for the latest trends in casual, western, and business attire. This woman’s boutique was designed with a feminine flair and eye-catching decor that is the perfect backdrop for photos capturing a brand new outfit. Taking advantage of this flattering setting may even earn your photo a spot on the picture wall that celebrates customers who support small businesses.
Carefree
Carefree, Arizona, is hidden past Cave Creek, even further north into the desert. With the sparse layout of the town, it is clear that its main street is encapsulated on Easy Street within an area known as Spanish Village. Considering there is no entrance or exit without passing the Spanish Village, it is certainly worth the time to explore. Circling Easy St are dozens of artisan shops centered around a plaza with meandering paths and art tucked away into every corner. Featuring both an outdoor mall layout and an indoor mall, visitors can make a day out of admiring the local artists. In addition to the artists, patrons can enter a fantastical world of sweet aromas and bountiful flowers at the English Rose Tea Room. When enjoying the formal afternoon tea, guests can indulge in petite sandwiches, scones, and other tea-time treats. Spending an afternoon simply enjoying the small delights at the English Rose Tea Room is the perfect mental reset from the modern world.
Along the paths through the central plaza is the Carefree Desert Garden. This surprisingly intricate area has been designed to include art in every detail. From perfectly sculpted memorial ponds to the larger-than-life statues that decorate the walkway, there is always something to admire within sight. Also on Easy Street is the Native American Gallery, established in 1979. Alex and Pete Akkurt work alongside gallery mascot Sedona to bring authentic Native American jewelry to Carefree. Featuring well-renowned jewelers such as the Navajo artist Herbert Begay allows this shop to shine a spotlight on the traditional styles of the land. Lastly, Carefree and the Spanish Village serve as the last commercial stops on the route to the Horseshoe Reservoir. This vast body of water can be found by continuing north on the only city street until reaching the turn-off by the same name. If time allows, the mountainous drive down to the reservoir is a stunning example of the desert’s beauty. Eventually, the road leaves the rolling hills surrounded by the native Seussian-like plant life in exchange for a cinematic view of the blue waters.
Globe
To arrive in the small town of Globe, travelers must take a one-and-a-half-hour drive east out of Phoenix. However, this long road is worth the drive to experience one of the best main streets Arizona has to offer. The historic downtown district is centered around its main street, known as Broad Street. The town of Globe prides itself on the historic preservation maintained by the residents committed to keeping history alive. Some of the main preservation efforts can be witnessed at both the 1910 Gila County Sheriff’s Office & Jail and 1916 Railroad Museum. At these sites, visitors can admire the gorgeous station lobby used for events and the institutional foundations laid at the Sheriff’s Office & Jail. For those who are curious about the Native peoples who flourished in Globe before settlers, the Besh-Ba Gowah-Archaeological Park & Museum offers insight into ancient history. Thriving in the areas hundreds of years before Columbus, the remaining archaeological artifacts and ruins of the civilization provide insight to modern historians and tourists alike.
Although Globe has worked hard to maintain its historical sites, current residents have worked equally as passionately to bring new ideas into the town. Restaurants such as Bloom: An Asian Concept, where artisan asian cuisine is tastefully brought back to the basics. Emphasizing the necessary balance required both in life and in cooking, Bloom’s menu mirrors the Ying and Yang philosophy to bring together flavor and health with simplicity. Similarly, the Pretty Kind Boutique brings empowerment and compassion through clothing. The name “Pretty Kind” was inspired by the owners, Sarah and Mo, when they decided, “We get so worried about being Pretty. Let's be Pretty Kind. Pretty Funny. Pretty Smart and Pretty Strong”. These inspirational women have been building up their community one outfit at a time. Their shop is certainly worth a visit for your own confidence boost or to find an empowering gift for the women in your life.
Bonus Tips for Your Arizona Trip
Arizona is an incredibly beautiful state that stands out due to its bizarre natural features and lively culture. If you’re planning to drive through Arizona on a road trip, consider taking the 89A highway. This backroad highway connects most of the central and northern towns mentioned in this article. To see most of these main streets on a one-way trip, consider taking the 89A from the Grand Canyon down to Flagstaff, where Williams is only a thirty-minute drive west. After checking out the shops and Bearizona, head back to Flagstaff, where the 89A will take you down one of the most beautiful scenic routes in Arizona. The highway will take you through the transition from pine forests to the red deserts of Sedona, leading you directly to the main street of Sedona. Continuing down the 89A will lead you through Prescott and all the way down to Jerome. From Jerome, you’ll continue up the same route, which turns into a winding mountain top road through the Hull Canyon. Finally, you can depart from the 89 and follow the 74 all the way to Cave Creek and furthermore to Carefree, catching a handful of beautiful Main Streets in one go!
