7 Serene Towns In Arizona For A Weekend Retreat

Different trips suit different mindsets. Sometimes, we want an indulgent beach vacation, and at other times, we seek out energizing festivals or theme parks. We might also simply need to go to a place where we can take a breath of fresh air, putter around pedestrian-friendly streets, and settle into a slower pace of life. Arizona has a slew of quiet communities that are spread across its colorful landscape.

From the tumbleweed towns of the Sonoran Desert to the mine and wine towns of Verde Valley to the snow-sprinkled reaches of the mountainous high country, uncover seven of the Grand Canyon State's most serene spots for a weekend retreat.

Sedona

Sedona is all about scenery, spirituality, and serenity. This quirky city in central Arizona is surrounded by the state's quintessential red rock landscape, which is not only soothing to look at but, according to some, emanates special healing energies. New Age enthusiasts will love the vortex meditation sites, yoga classes/retreats, and scores of local health & wellness shops/clinics. Sedona is also a slice of heaven for outdoor recreation nuts.

Climbers, mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers, and horseback riders will all be well-served by the 1.8-million-acre Coconino National Forests, four wilderness areas, and two state parks that encompass this unique community. Finally, Verde Valley (in which Sedona resides) was recently designated as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), so be sure to tour any of the numerous nearby wineries or simply order a local selection at one of the scores of eclectic restaurants in town.

Page

After starting out as a housing site for the Glen Canyon Dam construction workers, Page, Arizona, sure did morph into a pleasant and tantalizing place. Located next to the Colorado River and the southern aspect of the multi-state-spanning Lake Powell (one the largest artificial reservoirs in the world), this small Coconino County city is a perfect place to escape the summer heat. Page is also minutes from one of the state's most picturesque attractions: Horseshoe Bend. Follow the river south of town to where it carves a dramatic 180-degree bend around the pastel monument that's been slowly sculpted by erosion. Grab a spot on the viewing platform, join a rafting party to get up close and personal, or even take a flight tour to appreciate the full scale of the surroundings.

To round out the rest of the weekend, check out the petroglyphs on the north side of Horseshoe Bend and explore the sandstone slot passageways of Antelope Canyon (just east of town).

Williams

It has been a while since I feasted my eyes on the Grand Canyon, but I distinctly remember a rush of excitement followed by a sense of calm. The longest, widest, and one of the deepest canyons in the United States not only tranquilizes the senses, but the geological timescale (as evidenced by the differing layers of strata) really puts things in perspective. If a weekend at this UNESCO World Heritage Site/bucket-list attraction is on your horizon, then look to the small town of Williams as a base camp. Not only is it one of the closest communities to Grand Canyon National Park, but it also sits along Historic Route 66, aka "The Mother Road."

Plug into some Americana nostalgia by perusing the six-block National Historic District filled with vintage diners, shops, museums, etc. When you're ready to head to the park, consider leaving your wheels behind and instead take the Grand Canyon Railway - a 2.5-hour scenic train ride that begins in Williams and continues to the South Rim via Arizona's breathtaking high country.

Bisbee

Founded in 1880, the opulent aesthetic of the "Queen of the Copper Camps" has survived long after the last mine was closed. Here in downtown Bisbee, the auburn, crimson, and pastel buildings compliment the surrounding Mule Mountains. Enjoy a relaxing walking tour of Old Bisbee, with all its art galleries, themed heritage hotels, and personable antique, jewelry, souvenir, and book shops. Afterward, continue to the bungalow houses of the adjacent Warren district.

Next, why not delve into the mining history (literally) by joining the Queen Mine Tour some 1,500 feet below ground? If you're feeling zesty, climb some of the colorful staircases up to the historic residential zones and take in sweeping views of serene Cochise County.

Cottonwood

Some 19 miles or so southwest of Sedona, Cottonwood is another gem for a weekend retreat in the heart of Arizona. This small Yavapai County city sits in the state's Goldilocks climate zone - elevated above the (sometimes) stifling desert but beneath the chilly temperatures to the north. The artsy Old Town is where you'll find all the cool cafes, antique/collectible vendors, boutique hotels/inns, and seven wine-tasting rooms belonging to the Verde Valley Wine Trail.

Just north of town, visitors can explore the Verde River-adjacent Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the ancient hilltop Pueblo/Sinaguan Indian visitor center of Tuzigoot National Monument. However, one of the most satisfying experiences has to be the 4-hour round-trip journey aboard the vintage Verde Canyon Railroad - a trip that traverses Arizona's "other Grand Canyon." The depot can be found in neighboring Clarkdale.

Prescott

Just another 40 miles southwest of Cottonwood, on this continued diagonal tangent from Sedona, Prescott awaits. This seat of Yavapai County continues to enjoy a moderate climate, with four distinct but light-touch seasons. A rewarding weekend (and then some) could easily be spent wandering amongst the mountains and ponderosa pines of the 100,000-acre (including 950 miles of hiking trails) Prescott National Forest.

Another, albeit more contained, option with equally satiating scenery is that of Watson Lake, a local reservoir that is surrounded by rugged granite formations and a fair share of hiking trails. In the heart of town, Whiskey Row preserves many authentic saloons, distilleries, and microbreweries, as well as galleries, candy shops, and several engaging museums based around the region's Western and Native American history.

Ajo

This Mexican border town has a relaxed feel and gorgeous Spanish Revival aesthetic, and it is engulfed by 12 million acres of Sonoran Desert public and tribal lands. This region's Spanish colonial roots are on full display at Ajo's Historic District, most notably the train depot and palm-tree-dotted town plaza. This idyllic focal point is a great spot for casual commerce on any given day but also comes alive with frequent festivals that bring modern Arizonans, members of the indigenous Tohono O'odham Nation, and Mexicans together.

While in the area, make sure to visit the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (just 12 miles to the south), a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve. The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge is another calming atmosphere on Ajo's north side that protects many of the region's 1,000+ species of flora and fauna.

Now that spring has sprung, nourishing weekend trips are a regularly occurring possibility. Everyone unwinds in their own way: Some like to get out into nature, others enjoy taking scenic and informative tours, and plenty of people look forward to window shopping at mom n' pop retailers before settling down on a patio for a coffee or a pint. Arizona towns specialize in all three categories. So, if a serene retreat is what you seek this weekend, chart a course for these seven spots.