These 9 Towns In Arizona Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2025

Arizona is home to one of the most-ogled features on the continent: the Grand Canyon. But although the heart-gripping landmark evokes awe and wonder, and is a fine place to appreciate nature's force and fury, don't underestimate the slew of small towns that dot the state from one end to the other. You will find vibrant towns with Old West history, interesting ghost stories, and surreal, high-desert backdrops. From Wickenburg to Winslow, the following are the nine towns in Arizona that were ranked among the U.S. favorites.

Wickenburg

Wickenburg is a gorgeous, high-desert community just over an hour north of Phoenix, Arizona's largest city. There are spots where you will enjoy stunning views of the neighboring Weaver Mountains, as well as peaceful spaces, like the Hassayampa River Preserve, that will let you escape to a literal oasis in the desert. You can enjoy a well-organized rodeo at the Everett Bowman Rodeo Arena, a beautiful space backdropped by a magical desert scenery, or browse interesting historic exhibits at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, which doubles up as a fun place to learn about life in Wickenburg in its childhood years. If you love saddling up a horse and enjoying the surrounding scenery from an elevated position, Arizona Horse Company often provides informative and unforgettable experiences. If staying for the night, Best Western Rancho Grande is colorful and clean, and conveniently located steps from restaurants and local shops.

Bisbee

Bisbee is often touted as America's best small town for a desert vacation. The best part is that it is walkable, meaning you can drop your car at the hotel and just wander about on foot, popping inside restaurants and chatting up locals. You will get into beautiful, narrow stairways—although some have been repurposed into eye-catching, alfresco art galleries—and enjoy an adventure that will make you think you are exploring some neat, postcard town in Europe. Queen Mine, one of the richest copper mines in U.S. history, offers interesting tours of its expansive underground chambers. Keep in mind that Bisbee is surrounded by the Mule Mountains, so you can imagine the outdoor recreational opportunities it offers, whether hiking, rock climbing, or just plain old camping. Voted one of the top 10 ghost tours in the United States by USA Today for 5 years in a row, the Old Bisbee Ghost Tour is always a much sought-after highlight. Now that you are exhausted after a full day of fun and adventure, slide into some clean bedsheets at Gardens at Mile High Ranch, which has a screen door to make it feel like home, and chairs on the front porch to enjoy the nice weather.

Tombstone

Tombstone takes some effort to get to, but the payoff is immediate. Once an unruly outpost on the Western frontier patronized by outlaws and other ne’er-do-wells who drifted from scandal to scandal, Tombstone still retains elements of its glory days. Today, actors in period garb brush shoulders with visitors on beautiful wooden boardwalks and in saloons with creaky floors. At the O.K. Corral on Allen Street, talented stage artists acting as Earp, the Clantons, and Doc Holliday stage the most famous shootout in the Old West. Wyatt Earp was one of the most famous figures in the history of the American West and is best remembered for his participation in the notorious 1881 gunfight at the OK Corral. Today, you can visit Wyatt Earp’s home, now a great museum with a big collection of Earp memorabilia. The Bird Cage Theatre, associated with the longest poker game in history, feels like stepping directly into the 1880s. The air around the building carries the weight of the stories that shaped the American West. Stay at the Rosetree Suites, which has private access to the world's largest rosé tree.

Williams

Most people know Williams as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon," one of the most famous natural attractions in the world. But you can come to Williams and find such a wide variety of interesting sites and adventures, so that you don't even visit the region's most defining attraction. For example, the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park features thrilling coasters, exhilarating tube slides, and a nice bar to enjoy food and drinks. But better be sure you are not faint of heart. At the Bearizona Wildlife Park, you can see several fearsome animals up close, including grizzly bears, jaguars, and bison. Grand Canyon Deer Farm, located on a section of old Route 66, is an absolute animal wonderland that offers the opportunity to feed the deer right from your hands. Spend the night at The Lodge on Route 66, whose rooms are decorated with interesting Route 66 memorabilia and Southwest desert pictures that look awesome.

Jerome

Perched high on Cleopatra Hill, and on a spot that overlooks the picturesque Verde Valley, Jerome's setting is a foretaste of what it offers. There are a bunch of cool shops to explore here, including Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes, which stocks handcrafted kaleidoscopes ranging from simple to elaborate. The mind-rousing space showcases the work of over 100 artists, and reminds visitors that there’s still magic in the world. The Jerome State Historic Park, which hosts the 1916-built Douglas Mansion, is an interesting flashback into the town's early years. It has many artifacts to browse, and a quirky but informative video about the town. And the views are just as awesome. Jerome Grand Hotel, once one of the largest hospitals in the Western United States, today offers unique rooms with historic features and amazing hilltop views. The hotel’s mysterious past attracts history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts from every nook of the country. Don't forget to pass by Haunted Hamburger, just to enjoy the panoramic views from the balcony.

Prescott

The bragging rights that come with visiting Arizona's original capital cannot be parried away. But more than that, hidden in the pine-speckled forests between Phoenix and Flagstaff, Prescott is today one of Arizona’s most captivating towns. You will love its mellow, laid-back atmosphere, its great beer scene, and the variety of outdoor activities that it offers. For example, the scenic Watson Lake, just about 5 miles northeast of town, is a prime spot for fishing, kayaking, or just relaxing by the water and enjoying peaceful views. Prescott Elks Theater, an amazingly restored historic venue, is known for its fantastic productions and step-back-into-time feeling. You can also turn back the wheels of time at the Sharlot Hall Museum, and then spend a quiet night at Hotel Vendome, conveniently located near downtown and the epic Whiskey Row. The truth is that Prescott has a little bit of something for everyone.

Sedona

With its red-brick buttes, steep canyon walls, and sun-dappled forests, Sedona has always been a crowd puller. It is tucked away in Northern Arizona, just over 30 miles south of Flagstaff. While popular, Sedona’s famous Pink Jeep Tours do not offer an authentic interaction with the area's outdoor beauty. For this reason, you may want to explore the environment on foot, especially at places like Cathedral Rock, one of the most photographed locations in Arizona and a go-to spot for magical sunsets. If you have the nerve, slide down the town’s 80-foot-long natural water slide at Slide Rock State Park. If food is high on your list, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill is delicious and phenomenal in every way. The hotel's patio provides an amazing view of the surrounding mountains and is a cool place to watch a sunset. Stay at the Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit, an affordable place close to several trails in the area.

Cottonwood

Cottonwood is a small, charming community that takes its repose in the lush Verde Valley, surrounded by beautiful wineries and yummy views. First impressions are deceptive because at first glance, Cottonwood looks to be all about historic buildings (beautiful nonetheless) and tree-lined streets. However, if you linger a bit, you will discover an artistic soul with so much colour and character. From antique stores with interesting finds to vintage boutiques to tasting rooms serving local wines, there's a lot to see here and a lot to do. Dead Horse Ranch State Park, less than two miles from Old Town, has earned a reputation as a favorite fishing hole, a bird lover’s paradise, and a hiker’s dream. You can float down the Verde River, swing a driver at the Coyote Trails Golf Course, or stretch your legs at the swoon-worthy Riverfront Park, which also features a disc golf course. Just don't miss exploring the ruins at the nationally famous Tuzigoot National Monument. Take note that Tavern Hotel is cozy and comfortable and is within walking distance of everything in Old Town Cottonwood.

Winslow

Winslow has its own little charm and is an adorable tourist stop along the iconic Route 66. It has a gorgeous downtown park, a rich cultural heritage—thanks to Eagles’ hit song “Take it Easy”—and a decent slew of mind-rousing attractions. You will enjoy ambling through Standin’ on the Corner Park, with echoes of the Eagles’ song humming in your mind. A bronze statue of a musician from the Eagles stands on the corner. At the Western-themed Arizona 66 Trading Company, you will gasp at a huge inventory of rock and roll, along with a good mix of gimmicky and fun souvenirs to admire or buy. Of course, it has lots of Eagles memorabilia, because that's the band that brought fame to the area. Stroll through the Old Trails Museum, but for something more adventurous, hit the nearby Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, ostensibly the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth. As for spending the night, we recommend an advanced booking at the Earl's Rt 66 Motor Court. It's clean, peaceful, and pocket-friendly.

Small Towns, Big Arizona Charm

While Arizona’s outdoor scene is highly acclaimed—and rightly so—don't overlook the delightful array of small, charming towns that serve as jumping-off points to many of the state's world-famous outdoor attractions. You will find neat, charm-soaked streets, quaint shops with cowboy-era storefronts, and other boutiques, drinking holes, and restaurants with a rich Wild West heritage. In many places, it will feel like walking straight into the 1800s.