8 Best Downtowns In Arizona
Arizona's downtown districts tell the story of the American West while also offering up modern culture and commerce. From preserved Wild West streetscapes to sophisticated urban plazas, these eight downtown areas showcase the state's diverse character. Each district brings its own personality to the table, offering visitors and residents an engaging mix of history, dining, shopping, and entertainment in The Grand Canyon State.
Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale masterfully blends Western heritage with contemporary sophistication. The district's nine walkable neighborhoods each carry their own character, from the gallery-lined Marshall Way Arts District to the boutique-filled Fifth Avenue Shopping District. At the heart of it all, the recently expanded Scottsdale Fashion Square has transformed into a luxury shopping and dining destination that attracts a crowd.
Brown Avenue's Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West captures the area's frontier history through interactive exhibits and an impressive collection of Native American art. The weekly ArtWalk turns Thursday evenings into a cultural celebration, with galleries staying open late and street performers adding to the festive atmosphere. The Entertainment District pulses with energy after dark, where rooftop lounges and craft cocktail bars attract a sophisticated crowd. Civic Center Plaza provides a peaceful counterpoint with its manicured gardens and public art installations, including the iconic LOVE sculpture. Local favorite FnB Restaurant showcases Arizona's agricultural bounty through its award-winning wine program featuring exclusively Arizona vintages.
Prescott
Courthouse Plaza anchors one of Arizona's most authentic downtown districts, where historic architecture frames a fun community gathering space. Unlike many western towns that modernized their historic districts, Prescott preserved Whiskey Row's Victorian-era buildings, transforming former saloons into charming shops, restaurants, and bars. The town is known for a few historically significant bars that still serve drinks across century-old mahogany counters.
The Palace Restaurant and Saloon, Arizona's oldest frontier saloon, continues to operate in its original 1877 location, complete with period furnishings and entertaining tales of Doc Holliday's gambling exploits. The Courthouse Plaza hosts more than 130 annual events, from summer evening concerts to the area's largest crafts festivals. Montezuma Street's antique shops display treasures from the region's mining and ranching past, while modern galleries showcase contemporary Southwestern artists. The Prescott Center for the Arts, housed in a former sacred heart church, presents year-round theatrical productions in one of Arizona's most distinctive venues. The renovated Hassayampa Inn welcomes visitors to its Peacock Room, where Art Deco elegance meets contemporary cuisine in a setting that recalls the glamour of 1920s Arizona.
Jerome
Clinging to Cleopatra Hill, Jerome's downtown defies typical main street conventions with its switchback layout and historic mining-era architecture. This former "wickedest town in the West" has reinvented itself as an artistic haven, where century-old buildings house galleries, wineries, and quirky boutiques. The steep streets and historic staircases create an atmosphere more reminiscent of a European hillside village than a typical Arizona town.
The Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery occupies the town's former hotel building, showcasing works from over 35 local artists across three floors of exhibit space. Spook Hall, the former JC Penney building, hosts community events and ghost tours that celebrate the town's spirited reputation. The Mine Museum provides context for Jerome's stunning architecture through exhibits detailing the town's copper mining heyday. Local favorite Haunted Hamburger serves up both spectacular views and creative cuisine from its perch above the Verde Valley. The Jerome Winery tasting rooms have transformed historic storefronts into sophisticated spaces where visitors can sample Arizona wines while enjoying million-dollar views.
Tombstone
Dubbed "The Town Too Tough to Die," Tombstone's downtown district delivers an immersive journey into America's Western heritage. Allen Street, preserved to reflect its 1880s appearance, captures the authentic character of frontier Arizona better than any Hollywood movie set. Unlike typical tourist towns, Tombstone maintains its historic integrity while offering modern amenities that keep the experience engaging for visitors of all ages.
The O.K. Corral Historic Complex brings the famous gunfight to life through daily reenactments staged in the actual location where the Earps and Doc Holliday faced the Clanton gang. The Bird Cage Theatre remains virtually unchanged since 1889, offering guided tours of what was once dubbed "the wildest, wickedest night spot between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast." Every aspect of the preserved downtown tells a story, from the volcanic rock sidewalks to the original bar inside Big Nose Kate's Saloon. Crystal Palace Saloon, restored to its territorial elegance, serves modern patrons from its original 1879 bar, while offering one of the area's finest dining experiences in a truly historic setting. If you visit Arizona and appreciate the history of the American West, you definitely won't want to miss Tombstone.
Lake Havasu City
Downtown Lake Havasu City creates an unexpected English-Arizona fusion, centered around the world-famous London Bridge. The Bridgewater Channel District has evolved into a busy waterfront promenade where desert meets lake culture. Unlike most Arizona downtowns that focus on historic preservation, Lake Havasu embraces its unique identity as a waterfront playground with a distinctly British twist. There really is no other town quite like it in the USA!
The English Village maintains its Tudor-style architecture while housing modern shops, restaurants, and waterfront bars. The Channel Walk provides a scenic mile-long path connecting downtown attractions, with regular water taxi service adding to the distinctive transportation options. During winter months, the Winter Street Market transforms McCulloch Boulevard into a festive celebration of local artisans and performers. The newly developed Rotary Beach Park anchors the downtown waterfront scene with its swimming beach, picnic areas, and popular weekend concerts. Local favorite Shugrue's Restaurant and Brewery offers panoramic bridge views alongside fresh seafood, whihc is a rarity in desert Arizona. If you're looking for a unique vacation spot for your family, be sure to check out Lake Havasu City.
Bullhead City
Along the Colorado River, Bullhead City's downtown district creates a unique blend of waterfront activity and desert town charm. Unlike many river towns that restrict waterfront access, Bullhead City's downtown embraces its riverside location with a series of connected parks and pathways that make the Colorado River an integral part of daily life. The Community Park anchors the district with its newly developed riverwalk, dotted with palm trees and desert landscaping.
Bullhead City truly is a pedestrain's dream, so if you'd rather ditch your car for the day, this is the place to do just that. The Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park and Trails system winds through downtown, connecting a series of viewing platforms and recreation areas. Local restaurants have created popular outdoor dining spaces that take advantage of river views and desert sunsets. The Riverside Drive corridor features an eclectic mix of shops and services, while the weekly Desert River Farmers Market brings regional growers and artisans together each week.
Flagstaff
Historic Route 66 forms the backbone of Flagstaff's downtown, where mountain town culture meets railroad history and university energy. Unlike the desert communities to its south, Flagstaff's downtown benefits from its pine forest setting and four distinct seasons. Heritage Square serves as the cultural heart of the district, hosting everything from summer movie nights to winter holiday celebrations beneath the town's signature mountain backdrop.
The restored Orpheum Theater, dating from 1911, anchors the entertainment scene with live music and film screenings in a spectacularly preserved setting. Locally owned brewpubs like Historic Brewing and Mother Road occupy historic buildings, creating eccelctic spaces that honor the town's railroad past while serving contemporary tastes. The First Friday ArtWalk transforms downtown into an open-air gallery, with artists and performers taking advantage of the district's walkable layout. Diablo Burger exemplifies downtown's farm-to-table dining scene, serving locally sourced ingredients in a space that captures Flagstaff's casual mountain town vibe.
Williams
The last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40, Williams maintains one of Arizona's most intact historic downtown districts. The Grand Canyon Railway Depot anchors the west end of Route 66, where vintage trains still depart daily for the South Rim. While many Route 66 towns struggle to maintain relevance, Williams manages to balance tourist appeal with authentic small-town character.
The historic district spans six blocks of original brick buildings, now housing an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Pete's Route 66 Gas Station Museum captures the mother road's golden age through its collection of vintage cars and memorabilia. The Sultana Bar, operating since 1912, maintains its original tin ceiling and long mahogany bar, serving as a living museum of western saloon culture. During summer, cowboy action shows entertain crowds on the street, and there are plenty of downtown dining options to choose from. The Williams Depot draws train enthusiasts year-round, with its restored platforms and vintage rolling stock. It's one of the few completely restored, historic train depots left in the USA, and adds to Williams' overall charm and character.
From Scottsdale's sophisticated arts scene to Williams' Route 66 nostalgia, Arizona's downtown districts show off the state's western cultural heritage. Each area maintains its distinctive character while offering an engaging mix of history, dining, shopping, and entertainment. All eight downtown districts prove that Arizona's urban spaces are just as compelling as its natural wonders. Don't forget to pack your camera and comfortable walking shoes when you make plans to visit these endearing, historic and fun-filled western downtowns.
