10 Best Small Towns in Arizona to Visit in 2024

Life in big metropolises like Phoenix and Scottsdale can sometimes take a toll on one’s mental peace. Bumping into bodies while navigating the city or getting caught up in traffic are some of the low points of city life. Every once in a while, it helps to venture into the smaller, often underexplored towns to experience the slower and more quiet side of the Grand Canyon State. Towns like Bisbee, a former mining settlement renowned for its Victorian architecture, and Tombstone, famous for its Wild West frontier days, offer a taste of history.

Together, they showcase aspects of Arizona that you may not find in the big city. From their unique traditions and hidden histories to undiscovered natural treasures, the best small towns in Arizona 2024 present a fresh and eye-opening experience that will leave first-timers craving more.

Bisbee

Rooted in mining heritage, this historic boomtown in the Mule Mountains tells its captivating story through well-preserved landmarks scattered across the town. The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum documents the town's copper mining history through different artifacts and archives. The Queen Mine Tour delivers a more hands-on experience as visitors embark on an underground adventure to explore over a century of mining history in a defunct mine. Beyond this history, travelers can shop at the Bisbee Saturday Market for a feel of local culture through fresh agricultural produce and unique handmade crafts.

Tourists might also want to sample the town's craft brews with a tour of the Old Bisbee Brewing Company. Or, for a more fun time, visit on November 2nd, 2024, for the 9th Annual Bisbee Mariachi Festival, an excellent time to experience the town's Mexican heritage.

Tombstone

Discover rich Wild West history featuring outlaws, gunfights, and vintage landmarks in this captivating southeastern Arizona town. Walking around downtown Tombstone is an immersive journey back in time, bringing to life landmark events that gained national attention. The O.K. Corral is an excellent example, the site of the notorious Wyatt Earp's gunfight, which vacationers can tour to watch reenactments. The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park also looks into the frontier era in a 19th-century structure with related exhibits.

Tombstone's Wild West reputation comes into perspective at the Gunfighter Hall of Fame. This remarkable facility houses a diverse collection of gunfighter memorabilia, collectibles, and relics of the Old West, featuring a vast firearm exhibit. Do not miss out on "Showdown in Tombstone," scheduled for August 31st, 2024, for a fun spectacle about Tombstone's wild past.

Patagonia

This desert oasis in Santa Cruz County delights tourists with a combination of relatable history, wild hiking, and a charming wildlife haven. Patagonia's history comes alive at the Patagonia Museum, a time capsule chronicling significant happenings in the town over the years through exciting artifacts and relics.

The outdoors is more impressive in Patagonia, which features a beautiful wilderness area with plenty of recreational opportunities. Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve hosts a blend of habitats with scenic nature trails that you can hike to admire a delightful hummingbird population. The same applies to the Paton Center for Hummingbirds, which invites visitors to explore various species in a serene, green atmosphere. If you fancy more secluded wilderness adventures, you can get lost in the 90,000 acres of the San Rafael Valley in the San Rafael State Natural Area.

Tubac

Situated just north of the Mexico border, this tiny village of Santa Cruz County demonstrates its deep Hispanic heritage through an impressive cluster of galleries spread across the quaint downtown region. Tourists can expect an engrossing journey when exploring local arts at Cobalt Fine Arts Gallery and Cactus Wren Art Gallery & Nest. The Tubac Center for the Arts is also an excellent stop, hosting a fascinating collection portraying the town's artistic heritage.

For the complete experience involving the local art scene, schedule your visit to coincide with the Tubac Festival of the Arts, when over 200 crafters and artists congregate to mark southeastern Arizona's oldest art festival. If you’re hungry, Tubac's Mexican heritage means you cannot miss the sumptuous traditional flavors served at Habanero's Mexican Restaurant.

Wickenburg

Gold mines, cowboys, and Western heritage summarize the experiences to look forward to in the Dude Ranch Capital. Wickenburg's Western history is palpable at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, whose exciting exhibits chronicle the town's rich past. First-timers in Wickenburg always make a point of visiting the Jail Tree, a city mainstay. This old mesquite tree has intrigued tourists for over two centuries and symbolizes the community's enduring spirit.

Wickenburg beckons golfing enthusiasts to test their swing on the lush greens of Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club. Rolling landscapes surround the immaculate course, which has a tranquil environment to ensure maximum concentration from players. If you fancy further exploration, you can venture into the Hassayampa River Preserve to discover native plants and wildlife.

Payson

Arizona's vast desert landscape becomes a green oasis in this beautiful Gila County community. Payson is often called the "Heart of Arizona" due to its central location in the state. Unlike much of the territory, it is riddled with green spots and lush landscapes, best embodied by the Green Valley Park. This 13-acre waterfront reserve harbors lovely picnic spots with enough shade and a pristine fishing lake. Those who crave more activity can pack their hiking shoes for a remarkable adventure along the Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail, culminating in gorgeous waterfall vistas.

In addition to the pleasant outdoors, newcomers will want to explore Payson's background at the Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin. Similarly, those visiting in 2024 can look forward to numerous festivals, and one of the best ones to attend is the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo, held every August at the Payson Event Center.

Cottonwood

Cottonwood is one of Arizona's best towns to visit if you are all about wine tastings and outdoor adventures for your vacation. This Yavapai County village is dotted with vineyards and wineries, promising oenophiles exciting wine-sampling experiences. You can tour the nearby Alcantara Vineyards and Winery to taste the region's award-winning varieties. Cottonwood hosts the Dead Horse Ranch State Park, a hub for outdoor enthusiasts where adventurers gather to enjoy everything from fishing and camping to hiking and swimming.

History and culture buffs can spend quality time uncovering Cottonwood's rich heritage at the Clemenceau Heritage Museum, which chronicles the community's history—meanwhile, the Old Town Center for the Arts stages invigorating stage performances in a friendly atmosphere.

Jerome

Jerome has an exciting mining history that saw a barrage of speculators flocking to the town during its peak eras. While fewer people reside in the town today, the memories remain alive through the many well-preserved historical landmarks. The Jerome State Historic Park hosts a modest museum depicting the town's past and the 1916 Douglas Mansion, which offers a vivid window into the past periods. The Audrey Headframe Park is another popular stop that preserves one of Arizona's remaining wooden mine frames.

For a more modern take on Jerome’s culture, visitors can check out its distinct brand of art at various galleries, including Raku Gallery. The venue displays different works by Southwestern artists, from sculptures and paintings to ceramics and jewelry.

Prescott

Prescott delivers a holistic tourist experience due to its varied attractions, ensuring everyone has something to look forward to. A rich museum mix gives guests a fascinating history lesson about the community. Prominent among these is the Sharlot Hall Museum, which displays diverse artifacts, including Native American relics, in an ex-governor's mansion. Strolling the historic Whiskey Row transports you to the Gold Rush era, with old-world saloons and storefronts housing a vibrant selection of pubs, bars, and restaurants.

At Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, visitors can enjoy amazing encounters with rare species from different regions, including hissing roaches and tarantulas. If you are a fan of festivals, one of the best times to visit is during the Prescott Rodeo Days Arts and Crafts Show.

Williams

Williams is best recognized as the gateway to the Grand Canyon. It rewards visitors with numerous exciting adventures, such as taking thrill rides at the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park. The town also lies along historic Route 66, and tourists can explore rare history across six blocks of antique structures with relics and memorabilia. Pete's Route Gas Station Museum is a great place to start; it features authentic gas pumps and other original memorabilia from the landmark pathway.

Vacationers who enjoy wildlife interactions can encounter cute species at Bearizona Wildlife Park, including grizzlies, wild cats, and buffalo. Finally, be sure to enjoy a remarkable adventure into the surrounding desert wilderness by booking a tour with Grand Canyon UTV Tours.

Final Thought

If you want to dive deeper into the Grand Canyon State in 2024 beyond the major metro areas, exploring the mentioned small towns in Arizona will give you a more well-rounded view of the state's diverse treasures. Communities like Bisbee, with its well-preserved historic atmosphere, and Patagonia, surrounded by stunning outdoor spaces, are perfect weekend getaways. Whether looking to spend a short stay or planning a month-long vacation, Arizona's small towns have the charm and charisma to make your experience unforgettable.