10 Towns In Arizona That Were Ranked Among US Favorites

A combination of nice, sunny weather, surreal desert-scapes, a relaxed culture, wide-open skies, and great food have made Arizona one of the most visited states in the nation. Granted, there is the Grand Canyon, a world-famous geological marvel that blows the mind; however, if there is one thing Arizona should be most famous for, it is its sunsets. Arizona is sprinkled with spots that provide some of the most magical sunsets in the world. With its lively cities (such as Phoenix), charming towns (such as Sedona), and mysterious ghost towns, first-time vacationers will have a blast. That said, the following are the Arizona locations that vacationers appreciate the most.

Patagonia

With a population of less than 1,000, Patagonia may not look like a place that would qualify as a U.S. favorite. Until you start to appreciate its peace and charm, its seclusion and character. And, of course, it's quiet beauty. Looking for a place to hit it off? It will have to be the Velvet Elvis Pizza. If you have not been a fan of calzones, it is because you have not been to Velvet Elvis Pizza. Concerning the Paton Center for Hummingbirds, another sought-after attraction in the town, it should be enough to state that this is the best bird-watching spot in southern Arizona. John Ward Ranch is a famous shrine and a weird roadside attraction that should not chop off more than 20 minutes of your time. Finally, now in its third decade, the Sky Islands Fall Artisan Market is an annual October event that showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of local artists, and hence, it is well worth checking if they are in the area.

Sonoita

Sonoita is remote. But far from being a frustrating downside, this is part of its appeal. Plus, it is just a heartbeat away from Patagonia, meaning one can hit both of them on a weekend. And that's a huge deal. So, what draws hordes of tourists here? First, there is the Meading Room, which you don't often find in any town. Great drinks. Great atmosphere. And one of the best views in Sonoita. A few steps away at the Arizona Hops and Vines, one can have a blast getting educated in viticulture and tasting different wines, the nectar of the gods, according to the ancients. Sonoita has an artsy side, of course, other than its landscape. Nizhoni Ranch Gallery, for example, has some of the most gorgeous, high-end Navajo weavings in the West. If you are spending the night and looking for a quiet, comfortable place to rest and perhaps do some star-gazing, Xanadu Ranch GetAway is what a well-meaning local will suggest.

Tubac

If you love San Francisco, you will have to love Tubac because the history of the two towns is intertwined. If you did not get the memo, Tubac was the starting point of the Spanish expedition — described as “tough but peaceful” — that went on to found San Francisco. From most spots in the town, one can inhale beautiful views of the Santa Rita mountains, a biodiversity hotspot. Wildlife still roams in the area, the sunsets are heavenly, and art thrives. In fact, Tubac is mostly known as an artists' colony. You can retrace the footprints of the town's founders at the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, rouse your senses at the Tubac Center of the Arts, and hit up beautiful trails at the Juan Bautista de Anza NHP Trailhead.

Arivaca

With the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge, which occasionally spots mountain lions, javelina, and even a jaguar, Arivaca Lake, and the Universal Ranch RV Village, an excellent campground with all necessary amenities, anyone's weekend would be well spent. But Arivaca still spices it up a bit with sites such as Cedar Creek, Arivaca Creek, and La Gitana Cantina & Café, a quaint bar in the middle of town with an endearing old-timey feel. There is a reason for the La Gitana Cantina’s retro ambiance. It is one of the oldest bars in Arizona. It is the place to be, especially if you want your mind to travel to Old Arizona, the one romanticized in Hollywood movies.

Bisbee

Once a dusty mining town, Bisbee morphed first into a hippie haven before transforming itself yet again into an arts and culture community. So, folks here are free-spirited but not in an outrageous sense. If you want to have a feel of life as a pioneer, a tour of the Copper Queen Mine should be on the cards. It takes an hour and reveals the hair-raising dangers that miners face. The Copper Queen Hotel, rumored to be haunted, can be a fantastic base. Alternatively, you can stay in a school bus at the Shady Dell. If seeking some retail therapy, Miners & Merchants Antique Center should suffice. Plus, Bisbee has a fun music festival called “Side Pony Express,” often held in November. So you may want to keep tabs on it. Then again, every April, Bisbee hosts the nation's most extreme 3-day cosplay event: Alice in Bisbeeland. And “epic” almost sounds like an understatement.

Jerome

First, the road to Jerome can scare the heck out of anyone. If you have a fear of heights, you will need nerve navigating it. But that is part of the thrill, part of the adventure. Think of winding switchbacks on a narrow two-lane road. The Wickedest Town in the West, as Jerome was once called, offers other attractions, some of which showcase the region’s wine-making tradition. Caduceus Cellars, for example, and Passion Cellars — are both right on Main Street. Even those who have lived in Italy will find these two spots exceptional. For art aficionados, Jerome has an intimate relationship with art. Spaces like Jerome Art Center and the many galleries tucked in storefronts speak to this fact. That said, Jerome is known for paranormal occurrences, best experienced during evening ghost tours. If wondering where to hit it off, Jerome State Historic Park can provide a fun, enticing backstory — and hence, is a fantastic Ground Zero.

Cottonwood

With all its wine-tasting rooms, Cottonwood easily earns a spot among Arizona towns ranked among U.S. favorites. Plus, the town has a fairly pleasant temperature, not too hot and not too cold. Arizona Stronghold Vineyards has a large outside patio, great flights, and is conveniently located on Main Street. It is the best spot to experience the town's wine-making heritage. A town that won the Governor's Tourism Award, however, still boasts many other enticing features, including the natural beauty of the surrounding area. For example, to the north are the red rocks of Sedona — while to the south is Mingus Mountain, which boasts some of the best-known exposures of Precambrian rocks on the continent. Dead Horse Ranch State Park, a beautiful, tranquil expanse with lakes and rivers, is enough reason to visit Cottonwood. Just don't miss exploring the Historic Old Town, a homey, charming stretch dotted with chic boutiques, inviting restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms. One can also enjoy hanging out with locals here, especially at the Old Town Center for the Arts, amid some epic live music shows.

Portal

Portal is barely a town. Its population is nothing to write home about. The scenery of the surrounding countryside, however, looks plucked straight out of a fairytale. It is just too good to be true. The town reclines at the foothills of the Dragoon Mountains and is an outdoor lover's paradise. Wondering where to start? It has to be at the Cave Creek Visitor Info Center, where visitors receive maps of walks and hikes and bits of other useful information about the area. Of course, Cave Creek Canyon is one of the premier birding spots in the United States. But even if the soaring of an eagle does not electrify your heart, the scenery here is to die for. There is the Sunny Flat Campground as well, the best campground for miles. In town, Portal Peak Lodge Store & Cafe is known for its exceptional burgers. So keep that in mind.

Globe

You will find nice, sunny-faced folks in Globe, cool, locally owned shops, and a fun, casual atmosphere. Just the kinds of stuff that make for a fantastic getaway. That said, Globe is like a Mexican food dynasty, and it will not take you long before realizing that the restaurants here whip up some of the best Mexican food in Arizona. But don't take our word for it. El Ranchito on Broad Street, Los Ronabertos on Ash Street — and La Luz Del Dia on Broad Street — will settle the matter. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Pinal Mountains offer a delightful range of recreational activities. Plus, there is the Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive, Besh Ba Gowah, an ancient ruin of the Salado people who lived there more than 600 years ago; and the many old buildings that line the charming Historic District.

Sedona

From hiking all day and night, Sedona can pack quite a lot into a single day or weekend. One can catch a glorious sunset at the outrageously breathtaking Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout, also known to provide fantastic views of the entire city; hike Devil’s Bridge, a photographer’s paradise that dabbles up as the largest natural sandstone arch in the town; or explore one of Sedona’s most underrated sides: Its retail scene. Speaking to this, there is no better place to enjoy high-quality retail therapy in Sedona than at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a beautiful, vibrant spot that features art galleries, ornate arches, cute craft shops, beautiful sculptures around the ground, fountains and flowers — and all kinds of knick-knacks. Elote Cafe, a culinary gem that locals love to bits, turns out mind-blowing Mexican cuisine. Remember to make reservations.

The Takeaway

Arizona captivates first-time vacationers with its beautiful desert views, mystifying ghost towns, globally acclaimed sunsets, lively cities, and unique geological marvels. The Grand Canyon, for example, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, draws close to 5 million visitors every year. Arizona is also star-studded with a delicious mix of small towns, some of which are the most unique in the country. From Sedona to Sonoita, Patagonia to Portal, those seeking Arizona towns ranked among the U.S. favorites have an excellent line-up to pick from.