This Quiet Arizona Town Is An Underrated Gem For 2026

2026 is the year to visit those undiscovered destinations within your state. And if Sonoran Desert hikes, plateau mountain trails, and prickly pear festivals sound like your kind of adventure, then Superior, Arizona, is the town for you. Located just an hour east of Phoenix, this town of 2,500 is rich in mining history and has a spectacular variety of restaurants for its size. Its location near the state’s largest arboretum and Picketpost Mountain makes it a haven for hikers, as well. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be ready to pack your bags and experience the magic of Superior for yourself!

Exploring the Sonoran Desert

The landscapes that surround Superior are unlike any other. Travelers wanting to explore this beautiful area can begin their adventure at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Sitting on 372 acres of upland Sonoran Desert, this gem is the oldest and largest botanical garden in the state. In addition to the native plants you’ll see, you can also appreciate desert species from across the US, Mexico, South America, Australia, Madagascar, India, and more, totaling over 20,000 plants! Five miles of hiking trails meander through the gardens for you to enjoy.

For even more hiking, check out the Legends of Superior Trails, or LOST. This network features 11.65 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails that wind through the Sonoran Desert, connecting the Arizona National Scenic Trail all the way to the rugged Queen Creek Canyon. If you’re up for a more challenging excursion, you also might enjoy hiking the Picketpost Mountain Trail, a short and strenuous climb that leads to the top of a 2,000-foot plateau. Early travelers, miners, and even the US military have all climbed the notable landmark over the years.

A Trip Through A Historic Mining Town

Originally a mining settlement, Superior has preserved its history through its murals, museums, and restored hotels. Begin your journey through the past with a stroll through town, where more than 20 outdoor murals illustrate the evolving story of Superior. The Bob Jones Museum is another great place to learn about the town’s past, filled with local memorabilia that delves into its mining history. If you are looking for a place to spend the night, check out the Historic Hotel Magma. First opened in the early 1900s, this landmark was meticulously renovated after years of neglect, and since its grand reopening in 2019, visitors can once again book a room or dine at its signature restaurant, The Ladle.

Local Flavors

The culinary scene in Superior is every bit as unique as the terrain that surrounds it. To fuel up for the day, consider stopping by Juan’s Central Bakery. This family-owned landmark has been a local favorite since 1957 and is famous for its wide variety of breads. For a rooftop meal and a juicy burger, look no further than Porter's Saloon & Grill, which serves all sorts of hearty pub fare on a rooftop patio with sweeping desert views. Bellas Cafe on Main Street is another great spot to grab a bite in a retro-inspired restaurant that serves scratch-made dishes like salmon, flatbreads, pork chops, and more. Wine lovers, meanwhile, should set aside an hour or two for the Bruzzi Vineyard Tasting Room to enjoy a glass or a flight of locally grown Arizona wines.

A Quirky, Event-Packed Calendar

If you have some flexibility over your travel dates this coming year, you might consider planning your trip during one of Superior’s eccentric festivals. March offers the chance to attend the Apache Leap Mining Festival, an entertaining event that celebrates the town’s history through parades, carnivals, educational mining activities, and even chihuahua races.

The Prickly Pear Festival is another highlight, taking place each August with the goal of educating attendees about the edible plants of the Sonoran Desert, along with showcasing the health benefits of the Prickly Pear. Art, food, music, cook-offs, and foraging are just a few of the activities. This coming fall, burros will take over downtown for the annual Burros on Main event! Teams of runners and burros flock to Superior to race through the town streets and rugged trails, while a beer garden, live music, and local vendors round out the festive atmosphere.

Continuing Your Adventure

When you inevitably find that you aren’t quite ready to head back home, you’ll be glad to know that Superior has some great neighboring towns to visit. The first is Globe, which sits about half an hour northeast of Superior. This town similarly has an old-world atmosphere, filled with a historic courthouse, jail, and 20th-century churches. Here, you can step back in time at the Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum, which features an expansive, partially reconstructed pueblo village that the Salado people occupied between 1225 CE and 1450 CE.

Head about a half hour southwest of Superior, meanwhile, and you’ll find Florence, a historic town defined by Victorian houses and adobe structures that date back to the 19th century. While the Pinal County Historical Museum preserves this town’s heritage, the annual Florence Junior Parada has truly put it on the map as the home of the oldest sanctioned youth rodeo in the country.

Your Superior Adventure Awaits

If you already have your mind set on an adventure this year, Superior is definitely a place you’ll want to keep on your radar. Its proximity to Phoenix makes it a strong contender for your next road trip, especially since it’s so easy to venture out to other nearby destinations from there. And if you plan your vacation at the right time of the year, you might be able to attend an exciting festival as well! All that’s left to do is set the dates and have a great time.