11 Overlooked Towns In Arizona Worth Visiting

Arizona is best known for landmarks like the Grand Canyon and its hot, dry climate. However, the state's real magic lives in its small towns. The pace slows and the small-town feel comes through in these tiny communities, which are away from the bustle of Phoenix and Tucson. Once you arrive, you will find historic spots like the Goldfield Ghost Town and locations along the Colorado River, such as Horseshoe Bend, each offering a unique experience away from the crowds. Arizona is hot, but these overlooked towns prove it is also full of adventure or relaxation. It has something for everyone, no matter how you want to spend your getaway.

Prescott

Prescott feels like the heart of small-town Arizona. It is north of Phoenix, in the Bradshaw Mountains, and is known for its lively downtown and frontier history, highlighted by Whiskey Row. In short, Whiskey Row is a section of Montezuma Street where bars like the Palace Restaurant & Saloon occupy 19th-century buildings. The area is also home to the Sharlot Hall Museum, where you can learn about Arizona's territorial days through historic homes and exhibits.

The Prescott National Forest has miles of hiking trails to explore and offers scenic views from the top of Granite Mountain. If you visit in June, you can check out the World's Oldest Rodeo, a Prescott tradition since 1888.

Bullhead City

Sitting right on the Colorado River, Bullhead City is perfect for travelers who love sun and relaxation. There is plenty to do outdoors in this community, as Bullhead City Community Park makes it easy to swim or jet ski on the water. You will feel like you have found an oasis in the middle of the desert. For a quiet evening, you can cross the Colorado River into Laughlin, Nevada, and stroll the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail. You can also try your luck or enjoy a riverside dinner at the Aquarius Casino Resort or Harrah's Laughlin. The latter is especially charming with a pool, casino, and various eateries to enjoy.

Apache Junction

Right by the Superstition Mountains, just east of Phoenix, is Apache Junction, a town that feels like the Wild West. Hikers love nearby Lost Dutchman State Park, named for the gold mine that is said to be hidden in the mountains. While it spans only 320 acres, this park boasts numerous hiking and biking trails for the adventurous. Speaking of brave, the nearby Goldfield Ghost Town offers a fun look back at Arizona's mining days, too, complete with old-west buildings and live shows.

For more local history, visit the Superstition Mountain Museum, where legends meet real-life adventure. In the evening, you can check out Barleens Dinner Show, which features a mix of variety shows and live music while you eat.

Florence

Florence is one of Arizona's oldest towns, and you can get a look at the area's mining and pioneer past at the Pinal County Historical Museum. From there, you can walk Main Street and try some authentic Mexican cuisine at Lidia's Cocina at Old Pueblo before admiring some classic 19th-century architecture.

Outside of town, you can take a short drive to Picacho Peak State Park, a popular hiking spot with a mountain peak that offers outstanding views of the entire area. The base of the peak once served as a Civil War campsite, and hikers today can still visit the historic marker near the trailhead alongside the sprawling 3,747-acre desert preserve. You can also try some wine at the Windmill Winery, a local favorite that frequently hosts concerts and other events.

Page

The area around Page is home to some of the most photographed places on Earth. Just a short drive from town is Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River curves dramatically through the red canyon walls. You can also go on a guided tour of Antelope Canyon, an incredible slot canyon carved by water, where light shafts create some of the most memorable natural light shows you will find anywhere.

For a bit of human engineering, visit Glen Canyon Dam and learn how it created Lake Powell, one of the best boating and kayaking destinations in the Southwest. The dam’s overlook platform offers a sweeping view of the gorge below, showcasing just how enormous this concrete structure truly is. You can also spend some time in town and check out the local dining scene, which includes the always popular BirdHouse restaurant.

Cornville

There is a surprising abundance of wineries in Cornville. Here, you will find tasting rooms like Page Springs Cellars and Oak Creek Vineyards, known for their relaxing patios and laidback atmospheres. You can also explore the Page Springs Fish Hatchery, where you will learn about local fish and see them up close before they are released into the wild. The hatchery’s nature trail follows the edge of the wetland habitat, giving visitors a chance to watch herons and migrating songbirds as they rest along the creek.

Windmill Park is perfect for a picnic or a lazy afternoon by the water, too, as there is a pond and plenty of covered tables. You can access Oak Creek and a hiking trail from the park if you want to experience more of what the community has to offer.

Village of Oak Creek

Just south of Sedona is the Village of Oak Creek, a community that gives visitors red rock views without the crowds. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are two of the area's most iconic hikes, and both are accessible right from town. The Village Gallery of Local Artists showcases regional art inspired by the landscape, making it well worth checking out during your visit.

Red Rock State Park is only a short drive away for outdoor adventure. The park also features an elevated overlook at Eagle’s Nest Trail, offering a sweeping view of the Verde Valley and the surrounding sandstone formations. For more trails, one can hike the nearby Turkey Creek Trail, allowing tourists to get out and explore some of the country's most rugged yet beautiful terrain.

Payson

Payson is surrounded by forests, making it a refreshing change from the desert that comprises most of the state. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is the town's crown jewel and is home to one of the world's largest natural travertine bridges, spanning over 150 feet in width. The park also features a viewpoint near the bridge that lets you look straight down into the gorge, providing an unforgettable photo stop.

Outdoor enthusiasts can also hike the Horton Creek Trail or explore waterfalls at Water Wheel Falls, two spots located just outside of town. Another spot worth visiting is the Rim Country Museum, which tells stories of the area's ranching and pioneer days. It is a nice break from the outdoors and provides wonderful insights into the area's unique history.

Camp Verde

Camp Verde combines archaeology and modern attractions in one easygoing community. Of course, the star attraction is Montezuma Castle National Monument, where ancient cliff dwellings sit above Beaver Creek. It is a must-see while exploring Arizona. Nearby, Montezuma Well offers another fascinating look into prehistoric life. The short trail to the Montezuma Well allows visitors to witness the limestone sinkhole, where groundwater forms a rare desert oasis that has flowed continuously for more than a thousand years.

For a more modern day in the outdoors, you can check out Out of Africa Wildlife Park, where safaris and animal shows bring the savanna to Arizona. From American black bears and black leopards to Burmese pythons and gray wolves, they have it all. You can also try your luck at Cliff Castle Casino, a popular location with restaurants and plenty of on-site entertainment.

Bisbee

Once a booming mining town, Bisbee has reinvented itself as a quirky, artsy town in the Mule Mountains, a short drive from the Mexican border. Here, you will want to wander through Old Bisbee, where Victorian buildings now house businesses like St. Elmo Bar. The Queen Mine Tour is another great attraction that takes visitors underground to experience what life was like for the miners who built the town. You will also not want to miss the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, which explores the town's rich copper history. In the evenings, tourists can check out the nightlife and live music at The Overlook Saloon in the historic Copper Queen Hotel.

Nogales

You cannot get much further south in Arizona than Nogales, which is located right on the U.S.-Mexico border. It is a lively town with plenty of culture and great food, making it worth a visit. For starters, the town is home to Cocina La Ley Restaurant, which serves authentic Mexican-style seafood. It is a little out of the way, but a great place to go for lunch.

Just north of town, Tumacácori National Historical Park preserves the ruins of a 17th-century Spanish mission and has some walking trails you can use to explore the property. You can also drive into the surrounding Santa Cruz Valley, which includes a hike you can take to the top of Mount Wrightson.

Get To Know The Real Arizona

Exploring Arizona's smaller towns reveals a side of the state that's often overlooked. It is located away from cities like Phoenix and major attractions like the Grand Canyon, offering a more comprehensive view of all the state has to offer. You can use your time in Arizona to chase red rock views and ghost towns or relax by the river or at a winery, as these destinations prove that Arizona has far more to offer visitors than its most famous landmarks.