10 Serene Arizona Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Home to natural treasures like the Grand Canyon, the red rocks of Sedona, and the world-famous saguaro cacti of the Sonoran Desert, it’s no surprise that Arizona is a perennially popular state for travelers. But with additional hidden gems like homegrown wines, riverfront beaches, and cool mountains that soar high above the desert floor, there’s more to Arizona than meets the untrained eye. And, of course, throughout Arizona, it’s possible to kick back and enjoy this state’s iconically serene Southwest scenery.
Whether you can use a leafy mountain escape, a soothing spa weekend, or some other interesting ways to relax, here are ten serene Arizona towns for a weekend retreat.
Kayenta
Located on Navajo Nation tribal lands in northeastern Arizona, Kayenta is the closest town to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. At the park, take the scenic loop drive and take in the views of the valley’s sandstone rock formations that soar as high as 1,000 feet above the desert floor. On the way to or from town, stop to appreciate the otherworldly beauty at the otherworldly Agathla Peak, which consists of the remains of a volcano that existed here 25 million years ago. And when you can use some time to stretch outside, hike the Wildcat Trail at the park for even more incredible Monument Valley scenery.
Since Kayenta and Monument Valley sit on tribal land, this is a great place to learn more about Navajo history and culture. In town, stop at the Navajo Shadehouse Museum to check out a traditional shade house. At the park, visit the Trading Post for a wide selection of authentic indigenous-made art, jewelry, home furnishings (including rugs), and memorabilia. If you want to spend more time exploring the park and the Trading Post, check into The View Hotel. (Yes, the views are really that good!)
Page
Nestled by the Glen Canyon Dam that makes this corner of the Colorado River into Lake Powell, Page is a pleasant town with ample opportunities for incredible adventures. For one of the most filmed and photographed spots on the river, do the 1.5-mile hike to Horseshoe Bend and feast your eyes on this iconic spot where the river winds its way through the desert. Just to the southwest of Page, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument has even more spectacular scenery to discover, including the mighty red rock formations and sandstone arches at Paria Canyon.
Of course, no visit to Page feels complete without a tour of the lake, and Antelope Point Marina makes the perfect launchpad to sail away and see more of the lake. (They even offer boat rentals right at the marina.) And for a cozy “base camp” in town, it’s hard to beat the lovely digs at Grandview Inn B&B.
Grand Canyon Village
Typically, when visitors make their way to the Grand Canyon, they stop here at Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. As the central hub for Grand Canyon National Park, this is where you will find the greatest concentration of key attractions like the 1905 Hopi House that offers plenty of authentic Native American artisan goods, the Yavapai Museum of Geology, and the South Rim Trail that makes it possible to do accessible walks to reach some of the best vantage points to see the canyon.
Over the years, the Grand Canyon has become a very popular destination for United States and international travelers, so prepare for the potential of big crowds at the village. If you’d like to ditch the crowds and see more of the canyon, it’s still possible to hike the South Kaibab Trail for a shorter half-day journey into the canyon or the Bright Angel Trail for a much more challenging excursion all the way down to the Colorado River and the desert floor. No matter how easy or difficult you want to make your Grand Canyon getaway, you will likely enjoy your stay at the historic El Tovar Hotel, which has welcomed guests to the canyon since 1905.
Sedona
Perched right where the Verde Valley hits the Mogollon Rim, the town of Sedona has become world-renowned for its red rock sandstone formations and its quirky New Age vibes. For some incredible red rock vistas and maybe the best sunset in town, hike the Merry Go Round Rock trail and continue onto the connecting Hangover and Munds Wagon Trails for longer hikes. When you fancy a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Oak Creek, head up Highway 89A to Slide Rock State Park for Sedona’s most fun swimming hole and most promising spot for trout fishing.
Much has been said over the years about Sedona and its vortexes, which New Age enthusiasts claim have natural healing energy. Even if New Age spirituality doesn’t interest you, these vortexes nonetheless provide incredible red rock, pinyon pine forest, and oak grove scenery that might help you feel better. Boynton Canyon is most certainly a vortex that abounds in natural beauty, and it’s where you will also find the Enchantment Resort and Mii amo boutique spa resort that offer premier spa treatments, year-round wellness activities, and luxurious casitas that are mere steps away from the canyon’s walking and hiking trails.
Clarkdale
Founded by mining magnate and politician William Clark in 1912, Clarkdale began as a mining-focused company town. At the Arizona Copper Art Museum, discover a fascinating homage to the area’s copper mining heritage with a wide array of copper art housed in the town’s former high school. Just steps away, the Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum lets you dig deeper into this town’s rich past.
For an even deeper journey into Clarkdale’s past, visit Tuzigoot National Monument and tour a 1,000-year-old, 110-room indigenous-built pueblo that existed long before white colonists built copper mines in this part of Arizona. For a taste of what’s growing in Clarkdale now, stop at the tasting rooms for Chateau Tumbleweed and Merkin Vineyards to try some real and reputable Verde Valley wines. Once you’re done exploring around town, settle down and kick back at the Taawaki Inn, which features genuine Hopi indigenous-made art, contemporary-forward rooms and suites, and a convenient location near the monument.
Lake Havasu City
About 155 miles southeast of Las Vegas (Nevada), Lake Havasu City offers a distinctly Arizona take on riverside beach life. Lake Havasu State Park offers an easy and convenient point of entry to this end of the Colorado River for prime boating, bass fishing, and river swimming. If you prefer a more California-style sandy beach, Lake Havasu has that, too. Go to the London Bridge Beach, which has a designated swimming area, a launch area for kayaks and paddleboards, and great views of the famed London Bridge that was imported to town in 1971.
If you’re more inclined to play on dry land, book a tee time at Bridgewater Links for up to 27 holes of golf with phenomenal views of the bridge and the river. Right by the golf course, London Bridge Resort has, even more, to see and do, including a connected marina, on-site bike, and paddleboard rentals, an expansive pool area, and spacious condo-style suites.
Paradise Valley
Though it’s surrounded by the much larger and bustling cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale, the town of Paradise Valley makes for a refreshing oasis in the Valley of the Sun. At the south end of town, you can access the hiking trails at Camelback Mountain, one of the United States’ top hiking destinations, and a special slice of Sonoran Desert wilderness tucked near the heart of the city. There are even more world-class hiking trails awaiting your discovery at the nearby Piestewa Peak and Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
Beyond the trails, it’s also possible to enjoy the desert and mountain views from the expansive greens of The Phoenician Golf Club, an 18-hole course that offers up to four sets of tees and plays to a par 71. When you can use some rest and recovery after all that activity outside, treat yourself to Spanish-style luxury at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia and indulge in the sumptuous amenities and treatments at their full-service Joya Spa.
Globe
Just around 88 miles east of Phoenix, Globe offers authentic indigenous history, mining town heritage, and mountain scenery within easy reach of the city. At the north end of town, the Gila County Historical Museum has a thorough collection of mining records, archives, and artifacts housed inside a 1920 mine rescue station. Right across the highway from the museum, the Old Dominion Historic Mine Park (ODMP) lets you tour a (now retired) 1880 copper mine that still has vintage mining equipment that’s visible from the park’s trails. And for even more opportunities to hike the mountain wilderness, check out Round Mountain Park in town and the Pinal Mountains to the south.
While in Globe, don’t miss out on the Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum, a rare preserve of a 13th-century Salado indigenous pueblo. And if you’d like to stay in town for the entire weekend, check into the Chrysocolla Inn for a historic boarding house that’s now a cozy bed-and-breakfast.
Summerhaven
It might seem strange to imagine an alpine village that’s 42 miles northeast of Tucson, but Summerhaven is very real. With a base elevation of around 8,200 feet above sea level, it’s the perfect place to escape the scorching summer heat of the desert below, and Ski Valley Mt. Lemmon offers the closest ski area to Tucson during winter. Speaking of Mount Lemmon, you will also find plenty of hiking trails here, including the eponymous Mount Lemmon Trail to the summit (at 9,159 feet above sea level) and the nearby Mint Spring Trail.
When you need to stock up on supplies and/or load up on gifts for friends and family, stop at the Mt. Lemmon General Store and save room for some of their homemade fudge. For ample room to roam during your time on the mountain, book a spacious cabin at the kid and pet-friendly Mt. Lemmon Hotel.
Bisbee
About 11 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border sits the one-time “Queen of the Copper Camps.” Bisbee began attracting prospectors in 1877, the Copper Queen Mine produced all the way to 1975, and now visitors can sign up for a tour of the mine to explore this critical corner of Arizona history. For an even deeper dig into Bisbee’s mining history, find out about Bisbee’s special role in the United States’ industrial development at the Smithsonian-affiliated Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum.
Though mining long ago ceased to power Bisbee’s economy, the town gained a new lease on life when artists and hippies began to seek refuge in the 1970s. Since then, Bisbee has evolved into a thriving artists’ colony, and the Central School Project is now dedicated to preserving the local artistic spirit with a full calendar of workshops and community art-making events, as well as their Gallery 32 featuring works by local artists. To complete your ultimate Bisbee getaway, book a suite at The Carrick to experience a vintage 1903 gymnasium that recently enjoyed a full renovation into a top-shelf boutique hotel.
The Copper State Sets the Gold Standard for Serenity
Arizona may be home to some of North America’s hottest and driest desert environments, yet this state also offers plenty of serene landscapes and amenities that make for the perfect weekend retreat. At Grand Canyon Village, stay at the center of the action and walk to enjoy views of one of North America’s most famous natural landmarks. At Paradise Valley, experience some of Central Arizona’s most beautiful landscapes and sumptuous luxury resorts within a short drive of Downtown Phoenix. And at Summerhaven, escape high into the mountains while staying close to everything else that Tucson has to offer. However you like to spend a long weekend, Arizona provides plenty of inviting and relaxing options.
