8 Most Unconventional Towns In Arizona

There are so many places to visit where unconventionality takes control, and just when you think you have found the strangest location, another one appears. Arizona is rich in diverse natural landscapes, rare wildlife and plant species, prosperous heritage, and fascination to be had. If you like to travel off the beaten path, Arizona delivers. From local folklore, haunted history, and untrodden desert landscapes, there are ample opportunities to capitalize on. We have meticulously sifted through towns in Arizona and put together the eight most unconventional towns for you to explore. Here are their stories.

Bisbee

Historically founded as a copper, gold, and silver mining town, Bisbee, Arizona, is modernly known for its bustling arts scene. The town offers an eccentric mix of history, evolutional cultural practices, and natural beauty wrapped up in a welcoming atmosphere. The Mule Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the town, including hiking trails that give bird-eye views of the surrounding desert landscape. The historic district of the town is constructed of narrow maze-like streets and colorful architecture, and it is full of undiscovered opportunities to visit local boutiques, eateries, and galleries. The Copper Queen Mine Tour invites visitors deep into the tunnels of one of Arizona's most productive copper mines—a brief insight into the town's past. Previously a separate town, Lowell is now an extended neighborhood of Bisbee, preserving 1950s features such as vintage cars and retro diners—currently a popular photography location for visitors.

Jerome

Founded in the late 19th century in the Black Hills of Yavapai, Jerome was once a high-functioning mining town historically but is now one of the most unconventional towns in Arizona—an artistic hub with a delicate balance of intrigue and creative energy. The town is on Cleopatra Hill, providing awe-inspiring views of the Verde Valley, which is ideal for sunrise or sunset photography. Unique by location and well-equipped to retell mining history, Jerome State Historic Park is housed in a former mansion, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. Jerome Grand Hotel resides in a restored mission revival style architecture building and is an ode to the bygone days of Jerome's past—known for its haunted history, the hotel offers an unconventional mix of spooky tales and luxury stays.

Tubac

Tubac is a former Spanish presidio that has morphed into a modern arts colony, providing over 100 studios to discover—showcasing local and regional artists. Tubac carefully combines creative inspiration with a rich sense of here and now. The Santa Rita Mountains are the fourth-highest mountain range in Southeastern Arizona, surrounded by pine forests and a long list of rare and exotic plants to find. The visitors' center can be found at the base of the mountains, and tours of the observatory are available. The Santa Cruz River offers a lush hiking environment and seamless opportunities for twitching. To dig deeper into Tubac roots, visit Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, which was established in 1752. There, you can view the oldest Spanish fort in Arizona, preserved adobe buildings, and educational exhibits keeping history alive.

Patagonia

Patagonia is a nature lovers paradise about an hour south of Tucson within a lush valley surrounded by rolling hills. The Patagonia Museum is in the historic and recently restored 1914 Grammar School, and it captures the town's heritage story through artifacts, photos, and engaging exhibits. Patagonia is iconic for outdoor adventure and exploration; the Patagonia Lake State Park provides a tranquil retreat for fishing, kayaking, and guided birdwatching walks. Patagonia sits on prime bird migratory paths, dubbing it a hot spot for twitching enthusiasts. Sonoita Creek Preserve offers scenic hiking trails with rich opportunities to spot rare birds and other wildlife—as the preserve primarily focuses on riparian zones to help the local biodiversity thrive.

Cottonwood

Within the heart of Arizona wine country resides Cottonwood, a town full of historic charm and modern amenities. Cottonwood is a wine lovers' paradise, a history buff playground, and an outdoor enthusiast's newest adventure. The Tuzigoot National Monument is what Cottonwood is most famous for. It is a well-preserved hilltop pueblo, displaying the region's ancient Native American heritage. Town heritage can be found in Old Town Cottonwood; revitalized throughout the years, the area is full of boutiques, wine-tasting rooms, historical tours, and antique stores. Along the Verde River, Dead Horse Ranch State Park allows you to reconnect with nature through camping, hiking, and fishing. Multitudes of wildlife can also be viewed at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, where a diverse mix of mammals, reptiles, and birds make homes in the persistent dry climate.

Oracle

Oracle is a hidden gem along the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, combining scientific curiosity, natural beauty, and a tight-knit community. Elevated to 4,500, Oracle is a top-tier spot for stargazing. Oracle State Park is known as an International Dark Sky Park, providing the perfect backdrop to view the stars. The park also offers scenic hiking trails through high desert terrain. Full of “if you know, you know” hot spots, secluded on 21 acres of land is Oracles El Rancho Robles is a historic boutique hotel that offers a glimpse into Arizona’s cowboy heritage, providing horseback riding opportunities and a diverse range of flora and fauna to be seen. For those fascinated by science, Biosphere 2 is an iconic research facility where you can explore ecosystems and understand the impact of climate change and sustainable solutions.

Superior

An outdoor adventurer’s dream destination, Superior’s history is one of wonder, rugged beauty, and botanical marvels. Formerly a mining hub, Superior is home to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden, which showcases desert plants from around the world and offers tours, classes, and events to connect people with the idea that we run parallel to the plant kingdom. Superior would not be on our list of one of the most unconventional towns without a local legend tied to it—Apache Leap Mountain is a natural landmark that provides stunning views of the town and is also comprised of local folklore native to the Apache Indians. Reflecting Superior’s mining history is the Magma Hotel, a cozy place to rest for the night and has been carefully restored to its former glory days in recent years.

Ajo

Inspire your imagination in the Sonoran uplands and unspoiled desert landscape of Ajo, Arizona. What was once a thriving copper mining town is now harnessing its Spanish colonial charm and transforming into an emerging arts community. The Curley School is a historic school that has been repurposed into art studios and galleries, transpiring into an artist community. The heart of the town is Ajo Plaza, which is surrounded by a lush central park. Spanish colonial architecture blankets the town as the vibrant community atmosphere shines through. Desert enthusiasts are drawn to Ajo due to the twelve million acres of public and tribal land. The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge is a desert expanse ideal for those in need of reconnecting to natural surroundings and unplugging.

Step Out of the Box in Arizona's Unique Small Towns

And there we have it—eight of Arizona's most unconventional towns in all of their out-of-the-box glory. Each of these eight towns offers niche learning, unforgettable experiences, and chances to reconnect with the natural world. From Bisbee's unmatched history and guided mining tours, Tubac’s location, and the Santa Rita Mountains to Oracle's hidden treasure, El Rancho Robles, there is a vocation for everyone. If you are in need of disappearing into the desert landscape, unplugging in one or more of these eight towns will fill your cup with outlandish activities, expanding your point of view and memories for a lifetime.