8 Small Towns in Arizona to Visit for a Weekend Getaway

There’s something incredibly alluring about small-town getaways. Far from the noise and shining lights of places like Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona’s small towns are filled with natural attractions, historic landmarks, and memorable excursions. From the red sandstone formations in Sedona to the active cowboy scene in Cave Creek, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in the Grand Canyon State.

Cave Creek

A weekend getaway to Cave Creek, Arizona is more than a fun-filled excursion, it’s also a trip back in time to the Wild West. Known for its cowboy heritage, stunning desert parks, and active entertainment scene, there’s always something to do in Cave Creek. Settle in for the weekend at the Villas of Cave Creek which features a pool, arcade room, free Wi-Fi, and picturesque desert views. Next, spend time exploring Frontier Town where the Old West is alive and thriving. Here, visitors can see an old Boot Hill cemetery, enjoy a range of events, and browse for unique gifts in the Western-themed shops.

Those looking for dinner and a show should head over to The Buffalo Chip Saloon where patrons can enjoy delicious Texas-style BBQ and live Bull Riding on Friday nights. For the outdoor lovers, a visit to Cave Creek Regional Park is a must. The park boasts 11 miles worth of hiking trails and is an ideal spot for activities including camping, stargazing, and picnicking. Similarly, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area offers many of the same activities and is also worth a visit. For anyone looking to dive into the town's history, be sure to stop by the Cave Creek Museum as well.

Williams

A little further North of Cave Creek, travelers will find the activity-packed town of Williams, Arizona. Often referred to as “The Gateway to the Grand Canyon '' it is no surprise that this small town sees ample amounts of tourists each year. Those visiting Williams for the first time should plan to stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. The hotel offers easy access to the town's main attractions and is the home base for scenic railway tours of The Grand Canyon. Outdoor and animal lovers will have a blast at places such as the Grand Canyon Deer Farm and Bearizona–a drive-through wildlife park where visitors can admire bears and other animals in their natural habitat.

For hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities, head over to the Williams Ranger District of Kaibab National Forest. Williams also offers easy access to the famous Route 66–a perfect area to explore for any history buffs in your group. If traveling with kids then a visit to Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is a must.

Sedona

Sedona, Arizona is the perfect spot for anyone looking to unwind and reset. From sipping drinks at local wineries to hiking through the red sandstone that Sedona is famous for, travelers will have no trouble setting their minds at ease in this unique desert town. Start things off right with a rejuvenating getaway at The Red Agave Adventure Resort. Here, guests will have incredible views of red rock formations and access to on-site amenities including private trailhead access, firepits, swimming pools, and hot tubs. After settling into the resort, spend some time with wildlife at Red Rock State Park. The 286-acre nature preserve features hiking trails, meadows, creeks, and plenty of cute animals.

Or for something mildly challenging but abundantly beautiful, take a hike at the nearby Devil’s Bridge Trail–a 1.8-mile loop which leads to the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. Another beautiful place worth visiting is the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park where travelers can admire Stupas and other Buddhist architecture. Vino lovers will want to book with Wine Tours of Sedona for a private, curated tour of local wineries.

Camp Verde

Roughly 30 miles outside of Sedona, travelers will find the equally peaceful town of Camp Verde, Arizona. The town is situated in the flourishing Verde Valley and is home to an abundance of outdoor activities and rushing rivers. One of the main attractions here is the Out of Africa Wildlife Park where visitors can participate in safari tours, feed the animals, enjoy zipline rides, and take in special shows.

Those who prefer historically rich outdoor adventures will want to visit the Montezuma Castle–a famous archaeological dwelling with roots dating back to AD 1100. Another historic site in town is Fort Verde State Historic Park which highlights the town’s Indian Wars era. Those planning to stay for a few days should book accommodations at Cliff Casino Hotel where they will find a range of activities from gambling to arcades and bowling alleys on site.

Page

Tucked along the shores of the Colorado River, not far from the Arizona-Utah border, sits the small town of Page, Arizona. An ideal spot to set up basecamp, Page is conveniently located near several natural attractions including the scenic Lake Powell and the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Page may be a small town, but it offers plenty of big outdoor adventures. 

For example, hikers can spend an afternoon trekking the 1.5-mile trail around Horseshoe Bend. Here, visitors will find a lookout point that offers unbeatable views of one of Arizona’s most sought-after natural features. While in town, a tour of Waterhole Canyon or Antelope Canyon is a must as well. As far as accommodations go, travelers will find a range of campsites and hotels from known brands such as Holiday Inn.

Patagonia

Calling all bird watchers! Located next to towering mountains and a popular avian migratory path, Patagonia, Arizona is an ideal spot to sit back, relax, and watch hundreds of different bird species soar by. Two of the best areas in town for birders include Sonoita Creek Natural Area and Patagonia Lake State Park–both of which also offer hiking trails and an abundance of natural beauty to soak up.

For a more education-based bird outing, head over to the Paton Center for Hummingbirds where over 252 bird species have been spotted. Of course, there’s more to this town than the wild birds who call Patagonia home. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping for local goods at the Patagonia Trading Post where the shop owner’s cat Oreo is always waiting for pets. Or head over to the Patagonia Museum–an old one-room schoolhouse packed with history. Those looking for a unique place to stay in town should check out the Stage Stop Inn– a historical and boutique hotel that will have guests feeling like they’ve traveled back in time to the old West. 

Pine and Strawberry

Pine, Arizona and its sister town, Strawberry, Arizona are filled with fun family outings, sprawling lavender farms, and natural attractions making them both ideal destinations for a peaceful weekend away. Set up base camp at The Strawberry Inn–a boutique hotel that also offers airstreams and cabins and is conveniently located near local hiking trails. Speaking of hiking, advanced hikers will want to tackle the challenging Bob Bear Trail which winds through the Tonto National Forest. Next, head out on the trails at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park where hikers will find the natural bridge, a lookout point, and a waterfall along the way. For an equally beautiful but less physically demanding outing, visit the Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm. On the weekends, visitors can wander the Pine-Strawberry Farmers Market to find an array of local goodies.

The small towns in Arizona all have something unique to offer, but one thing remains the same: travelers are sure to have a fun and memorable experience, no matter which town they end up in. Between the intriguing rock formations and stunning desert landscapes, natural beauty is in no short supply here. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or historic outings, find it all in Arizona.