8 Picture-Perfect Towns in Arizona
There is a harshness to the desert. The exhausting dry heat of the day and lack of abundant water supply make it difficult for life to take hold, and yet there is a beauty to the desert’s simplicity. In flat, open spaces, the sky seems boundless, and at night, the stars fill the dark, mysterious canvas, giving one a glimpse of how vast our universe is. Since deserts are not as developed as coastal regions and urban environments, there is a timeless quality to them. A serenity in the stillness.
In states like Arizona, there are striking rock formations and craggy mountains to entice the eye and cool rivers to beat the heat. There is even something admirable about how humans have harnessed technologies like drip irrigation to water deserts and build flourishing communities, manicured green lawns, and golf courses, turning areas that were once largely uninhabitable into resort destinations.
Fill up your Stanley tumbler with some cold, clear agua, turn on your mental AC, and join us on a tour of eight of the most picture-perfect small towns in the state of Arizona. Each one of these towns has unique landmarks, attractions, and natural beauty that one will not want to miss. If one’s bones are in need of some healing, dry heat, and weary bodies could use some cool sleeping weather, discover all that Arizona has to offer.
Jerome
Situated in the heart of the state and roughly 27 miles southeast of Sedona is the town of Jerome. The mountain town is more than 5,000 feet above sea level in the Black Hills of Yavapai County. Looking out from the town, one’s eyes are greeted with views of Sedona’s red rocks, the Mogollon Rim, and Flagstaff’s peaks. Once a mining town of copper and ore, Jerome was known as “The Wickedest Town in the West” because of the gambling and drinking habits of its residents. At one point, it even had the status of a ghost town after the mining slowed down. However, today, it is known for its historic buildings and beautiful views and as a center for art and wine. Be sure to visit the Jerome State Historic Park, which displays the town's mining history. Consider stopping by the Douglas Mansion and enjoying its panoramic views. Audrey Headframe Park is another worthy view site with historical significance.
Bisbee
The well-preserved historic downtown of Bisbee with its colorful 19th century buildings, gives one a glimpse into its Wild West and mining past. Today the town is known for its street art, gardens, Victorian architecture, and narrow streets. Located in the Mule Mountains it is only 11 miles from the US/Mexico border and boasts lovely vistas of the surrounding rolling hills. The well-known Copper Queen Mine offers underground tours. Near the mine is the Lavender Pit, a former open-pit copper mine. Be sure to explore the Smithsonian’s Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, which not only covers the town’s mining exploits, but dives deep into its cultural history.
Sedona
The town of Sedona has become known as a center for New Age spiritualism. People from all over the world come here for yoga and psychic guidance. With that comes many shops selling crystals, healing stones and incense. For those seeking a more traditional Catholic experience or simply architectural lovers, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must-see landmark. The chapel has won architectural awards and is admired for the way its cross-shape blends into its surroundings and how the cross’s windows form the character of the chapel’s sanctuary. Other tourists visit Sedona for the thriving art scene and the natural beauty. Sedona is worth visiting year-round, but seeing its red rock formations, blanketed with snow, is truly something to behold. At 5,000 feet up, Sedona is one of few Arizona towns that sees snowfall during the winter months. The Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is reminiscent of a traditional Mexican village and should be on the list to explore. The Native American cliff dwellings found at the Palatki Ruins are not to be missed, either.
Cottonwood
The river town of Cottonwood offers some unique terrain to the rest of Arizona. Located on the Verde River, near Sedona and Jerome, Cottonwood is green and lush, in contrast to the arid desert to its south. Like many Arizona towns, Cottonwood was once a mining town, and its Old Town historic district deserves a stroll to experience the past and what the present has to offer with boutique shopping and a culinary scene. Pizzeria Bocce Patio Bar has good food and an outdoor fire pit. The Tavern Hotel is a renovated period building that deserves a visit. The town has become known as a hub for wine. The Pillsbury Wine Company and Oak Creek Vineyards are two spots to sample some of the local wines. To get in touch with nature, a hike on the Jail Trail is populated by tall cottonwood trees along the banks of the river. Or experience local wildlife at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Clarkdale
The mining town of Clarkdale has more than just a rich Wild West history, it is blessed with picturesque outlooks and distinctive features. The town is surrounded by red rock formations and mountains. The downtown has a mixed suburban and rural feel. Founded in 1912 by the United Verde Copper Company, the historic Main Street will take one back in time. Make sure to visit the Clark Mansion, the Arizona Copper Art Museum, and the Tuzigoot National Monument, near the pueblo ruins. Further, the Verde Canyon Railroad offers a lovely train ride through Verde Canyon to see nature from the comfort of the cabin.
Williams
Located in northern Arizona, the town of Williams is likely best known as a gateway to the historic Route 66. The town is bursting with six-blocks of 1900s Americana charm, from Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station to Buck’s Place with its traditional cowboy boots and hats to Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe, an all-American dinner. This is the place to pick up some Route 66 memorabilia. The town also serves as a gateway to the Grand Canyon with access to the Grand Canyon Railway, which transports visitors to Grand Canyon Village. Williams is enveloped by pine forests and surrounded by stunning mountain views. The Bearizona Wildlife Park has a drive-through wildlife experience with bison, bears, mountain goats and birds.
Payson
The town of Payson is a gateway to the Mogollon Rim, a geological marvel with sedimentary volcanic and metamorphic rocks and endless views of pine forests. Fossil Creek Canyon and Pine Canyon are marked by high cliffs of lime and sandstone. Payson boasts mountain views and miles of trails to get up and close views of wildlife. The town is known for its events including the Mogollon Monster Mudda, the Old Time Fiddlin’ and their Annual World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo. The Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, with the largest natural travertine bridge in the world, deserves a visit. Tour the Zane Grey Cabin, which is the former home of the well-regarded Western author. Rim County Museum offers a walk through the past.
Tombstone
Every Wild West fan, history-buff and movie-lover needs to see Tombstone, at least once in their life. The iconic town was once home to the likes of Wyatt Earp and his brothers and with the help of Earp’s best friend, Doc Holliday, they faced down the Cowboy gang at the now famous OK Corral. It was truly a gun battle for the ages, remembered in books, movies, and western lore. With the arid desert landscape as a backdrop, the town has a well-preserved historic district with wooden boardwalks and period architecture. The tourist attractions include live outdoor performances that re-enact the famous 1881 gunfight near the OK Corral. Be sure to visit the Bird Cage Theater and see and touch the bullet holes that mark the town’s dangerous past. The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park has a replica gallows and the Boothill Cemetery from 1878 is the final resting place of many outlaws.
Scenic Small Towns of Arizona
Each town on this list serves for a picture-perfect tourist experience in the state of Arizona. Prized for their natural beauty, rich historical sites and attractions, these towns are sure to please and warrant a spot on everyone’s travel bucket list.
