7 Best Towns in Arizona to Visit in 2024
Arizona, known as the Grand Canyon State, offers a spectacular visit no matter when or where you decide to explore. With friendly locals, exciting terrain, and a pleasant climate, these towns are as welcoming as meeting a new friend. Each town, unique in its own way, imparts knowledge and evokes emotions, much like the diverse walks of life found in humanity.
Beginning our list of the best with Camp Verde, a town unlike any other in the nation along the Verde River, it captures the essence of Arizona's varied and alluring landscapes. Read on to see which town resonates best with you, as they all eagerly await fresh faces in 2024!
Camp Verde
Camp Verde is an exciting small town that blends history with a Wild West rural character along the 18 miles of the Verde River within its limits. The lush Verde River Valley and the winding waterway are habitats for wildlife such as bald eagles, hawks, blue herons, beavers, and otters. Offering a secluded feel, set against both the Bradshaw Mountains and the Prescott National Forest, the spectacular scenery offers adventures in every direction! Activities like hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are abundant, with a variety of welcoming accommodation options available for a weeklong vacation.
The town is home to the unique Montezuma Castle National Monument, an American Indian ancient cliff dwelling built into a limestone wall, and part of the historic downtown along with Fort Verde State Historic Park. Camp Verde is a true Arizonian gem, offering a range of adventures including horseback riding, off-roading, and jeep tours. Families can enjoy the intimate Out of Africa Wildlife Park, facing the animals or experiencing thrilling views from a zip line.
Greer
Greer, one of the highest towns in the nation, offers scenic relaxation and high-altitude adventures. Nestled in a green valley along the Little Colorado River, it provides unbeatable views that are unmatched in Apache County. Visitors can enjoy easy access to the great outdoors, with numerous hiking trails extending from the riverside downtown area.
In summer, nearby lakes and reservoirs offer excellent fishing opportunities. The East Fork and Butler Canyon Trailheads provide beautiful hiking routes. Just 30 minutes away, Sunrise Park Resort offers some of Arizona's best skiing slopes. Sitting at 8,356 feet, Greer's high elevation makes it a top destination on Arizona's must-visit list. With only a hundred-some year-round residents, it offers a unique escape from everyday life.
Jerome
Have you ever considered how many ghost towns are revitalized? There aren't many, but Arizona's Grand Canyon State, a short drive from Sedona, boasts one of the best: Jerome. Once a thriving mining town in the 1920s, known for its production of gold, silver, and copper, Jerome was also infamously labeled "the Wickedest City in the West" due to its numerous bars and bordellos. However, after its resources depleted in the 1960s, leading to abandonment, Jerome experienced a revival. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1967, and today, it features shops, restaurants, and bars, maintaining its reputation as one of the state's most haunted destinations with a unique, gypsy-like ambiance.
With about 450 current residents, there's a belief that some former inhabitants—now deceased—still linger, according to eerie accounts from locals and tourists. Visitors can explore the Mile High Inn and old mine sites for a chilling experience, or enjoy local wine tasting and hiking at Jerome State Historic Park, which offers a less spooky atmosphere. Perched atop Cleopatra Hill, the charming town provides stunning views of the Verde Valley and Yavapai County. With historic buildings, barbecue joints, curio shops, museums, and art galleries, Jerome offers a whimsical personality complemented by scenic drives, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities, with Mingus Mountain providing spectacular views beyond Jerome.
Page
The picturesque town of Page is surrounded by some of Arizona's most stunning natural wonders. Offering easy access to famous sites like Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell, these attractions can be explored in a day, making Page a favorite destination for day trippers and weekend visitors. The town also offers excellent hiking trails that present breathtaking vistas. With a population of just over 7,000, visitors can enjoy the quaint downtown area, which becomes especially peaceful during the off-peak season, allowing for a serene exploration of the town's natural beauty without crowds.
Nestled alongside Lake Powell, Page offers opportunities for both relaxation and adventure, including kayaking, boating, and fishing. The surrounding mountains and state parks are home to landmarks like Horseshoe Bend, which offers sweeping views of the Colorado River winding around prominent red rocks. Antelope Canyon, known for its stunning rock formations and ethereal light beams, provides a transcendent experience. Additionally, the nearby Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers miles of trails and magnificent views, catering to various levels of outdoor activity preferences.
Prescott
Prescott, a charming old town about an hour north of Phoenix, offers attractions to suit every taste in every season. Renowned for its vibrant bar-hopping scene among historic buildings, this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what Prescott has to offer. For those feeling the call of nature or seeking to rejuvenate after a lively weekend along Whiskey Row, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Watson Lake and the forested mountains provide the perfect backdrop for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, camping, and scenic drives. In summer, the shaded trails, banks, and cool waters offer a respite from the heat, while horseback riding and boating in the tranquil Prescott National Forest are also popular choices.
Downtown Prescott, a delightful blend of historical significance and natural beauty, welcomes visitors with a variety of quaint restaurants and shops. By night, the area buzzes with lively bars. The town is also known for its historic structures, galleries, antique stores, and museums, contributing to its reputation for arts, culture, and year-round festivals and events. The enchanting holiday light ceremony, complete with winter snow, is a highlight for visitors of all ages. Don't miss the popular Prescott Peavine National Recreation Trail, the Sharlot Hall Museum, or the Phippen Museum of Western Art, which are perfect for any weather.
Sonoita
Located at the crossroads of US Highways 82 and 83, Sonoita may seem like just a speck amidst the expansive, rolling, verdant hills, cienegas, and open spaces under azure skies. With comfortable temperatures throughout the year, any time is a good time to visit Sonoita, even during the monsoon season, which is known for its dramatic storm photography opportunities. The area, often compared to Montana for its scenic beauty, is peacefully nestled within mountains surrounding a grassy valley, at an elevation of nearly 5,000 feet. Oak and pine forests adorn the higher elevations, adding to the town's picturesque setting.
Just over an hour south of Tucson, Sonoita beckons wine enthusiasts to the heart of Arizona's wine country. Home to friendly locals and a thriving wine scene with 15 nearby vineyards and tasting rooms, it's easy to understand why many visitors relax into 'siesta mode' here. For those seeking an adventure, Mount Wrightson, one of the most beautiful areas in the state, is a must-visit. Located just west of Sonoita in Madera Canyon, it offers scenic drives through mountain passes and various hiking trails to explore. The area's varied terrain and warm climate encourage year-round outdoor activities, including exploring the arroyos and wetlands.
Williams
Williams, known as the terminus of the Grand Canyon Railway and the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40, is both an exciting stop and a destination in its own right. This small town, with its enduring Wild West ambiance, has become one of Arizona's most popular destinations. Visitors can explore the town's unique history and landmarks that showcase its Route 66 heritage, including retro details along the historic highway such as street lamps and a museum housed in an old gas station. Family-friendly attractions abound, like the Route 66 Museum and the Red Garter Inn, a former saloon and bordello from 1897, offering a glimpse into the past.
Williams serves as an off-the-beaten-path gateway to the Grand Canyon, offering fewer crowds and more adventure compared to Grand Canyon Village or Tusayan. Families will enjoy the Bearizona Wildlife Park, where they can see bears, elk, bison, wolves, and other animals in their natural habitats. This town in Coconino County captures the essence of Arizona with entertainment, sites, and monuments to enjoy year-round, including the Elk Ridge Ski Area for winter activities. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the Grand Canyon Railway before boarding a train at the Williams Depot, which takes passengers from this small town to the Grand Canyon.
In Arizona, even ghost towns like Jerome get a second chance at life, blending a humble atmosphere with a quirky, gypsy character. Page is another must-visit destination in Arizona, distinguished by its unique natural attractions such as Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell.
There seems to be a theme with Arizona towns named after people, giving each a personality and vibe as if meeting an actual person. For truly spectacular views at over 8,000 feet in elevation, don't miss a visit to Greer!
