9 Charming Arizona Towns For The Perfect Getaway

Arizona personifies the American Southwest. The red rock desert landscapes that make up this striking state never cease to amaze visitors. Places like the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend bring in millions of tourists annually. Stunning contrasts of color line horizons throughout the state. The historic culture of the Old West and Native American heritage draw visitors to smaller towns and communities. Delve into charming communities like Sedona and Winslow and uncover the perfect getaway.

Sedona

Sedona is iconic for its hiking trails. With over 400 miles of trails to choose from, hikers will get their fill. Visitors can head to the Hike House before hitting the trails for footwear, clothing, and the best advice from expert locals. The town is also well known for its spiritual side. Travelers can expect many offerings of holistic healing, wellness services, and alternative readings.

Take a scenic tour and meditate at a vortex to uncover all the secrets of the universe. Intermediate mountain bikers will find their thrills on Bell Rock Pathway. For a luxury experience, book a stay at L’auberge de Sedona. They have accommodation packages with spa treatments and special experiences that cater to events like guest anniversaries or honeymoons.

Prescott

Sitting at 5,200 feet in elevation, Prescott is a breath of fresh air. It has four distinct seasons, unlike much of the state. Whiskey Row, a street lined with saloons from the early 1900s, is a perfect way to spend a day exploring this era. Saloons like Whiskey River Tavern and Matt’s Saloon host live music throughout the week. Prescott Pines Inn is a wonderful bed and breakfast for a quiet stay, a mile away from downtown. Exhibits and museums to check out while in town include the Sharlot Hall Museum, Western Heritage Center, and the Museum of Indigenous People.

Winslow

Along the historic Route 66, Winslow, Arizona, is such a fine site to see (as the Eagles would describe it in “Take It Easy”). There is a bronze statue resembling Jackson Browne (who wrote the song with Glenn Fry) at Corner Park. Visitors can take a picture “standing on the corner of Winslow, Arizona”. La Posada Hotel is a must-stay with a classic southwestern style. Most rooms are adorned with handmade Ponderosa pine beds and original mosaic-tile baths. It was built in 1929 and has 12 acres of gardens, a museum, and a restaurant. Plan a visit to the Hopi Cultural Center, 75 miles north of Winslow, to experience a museum and the traditions of the Hopi tribe.

Tombstone

Immerse yourself in cowboy western history in the southeast corner of Arizona. Tombstone is a transport back to the frontier with live re-enactments of shootouts, preserved saloons, and landmarks turned museums like Wyatt Earp’s home. Stop into The Bird Cage Theatre or Big Nose Kate’s Saloon for authentic 1800s ambiance with staff that dresses the part. Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park features the original jail, sheriff’s office, and courtrooms. The Sagebrush Inn is the oldest motel in Tombstone. Fully renovated in 2022, the Inn is an affordable spot to stay overnight.

Bisbee

About 90 miles southeast of Tucson, Bisbee sits near the Mule Mountains at 5,538 feet. The Carrick Bisbee Suites Hotel in the heart of town is an excellent, contemporary choice for visitors to base out of. Take a guided tour of the Copper Queen Mine and learn more about Bisbee’s copper mining history at the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum.

Stop in for a drink at the Bisbee Social Club after a long day of climbing the random maze of staircases found throughout town. For a local breakfast favorite, head to Bisbee Breakfast Club.

Cottonwood

Home to the Verde Valley Wine Trail, wine enthusiasts will fall in love with Cottonwood. Old Town is the main attraction with over 60 storefronts dedicated to local flavor, style, and culture. Grab a classic burger at Bing’s Burger Station or taste samplers of brews at Belfry Wood Fired Grill & Brewery. Shopping at Bananas in Old Town provides travelers with unique souvenirs. Visitors can stay close to all the action of Old Town at The Tavern Hotel. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is only two miles away from the old town. Visitors can hike, fish, or bird watch.

Oatman

The burros are waiting for you in Oatman! This small town in western Arizona is world-famous for its beloved wild burros. Visitors will encounter the small donkeys along the main road; they are incredibly friendly and welcoming to visitors. Route 66 runs through the middle of Oatman. Travelers can witness the Oatman Ghost Rider Gunfighters' re-enactment of a heist. Post a dollar bill on the walls of The Oatman Hotel saloon and visit the museum upstairs featuring the Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymoon suite. Most visitors opt to stay in Laughlin as it has a broader selection of hotels. Check out the Aquarius Casino Resort for a fun stay while you visit Oatman during the day.

Carefree

Get carefree in Carefree, Arizona! Civana Wellness Resort & Spa is the perfect relaxing getaway for all the senses. They offer state-of-the-art spa treatments, fitness classes, nourishing meals, and relaxing rooms to all guests. Carefree is in the heart of the Sonoran Desert with incredible views. Hikers, bikers, or horseback riders will enjoy the challenging Go John Trail. The Carefree Desert Gardens is another spot to visit with beautiful desert blooms and various cacti. The Carefree Sundial is a historic attraction for visitors. It is one of the largest sundials in the US.

Jerome

Between Prescott and Flagstaff, Jerome is a historic copper mining town full of old-west lore. In the 1920s, Jerome had a thriving population of 15,000; now, it is home to around 450. Visitors can delve into the history of Jerome at the Gold King Mine, Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum, or Jerome State Historic Park.

The town has become a hub for artists in recent years and has artsy attractions like the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery and The Raku Gallery Glassblowing Studio. Stay in the Jerome Grand Hotel and enjoy the award-winning dishes at Asylum, the hotel's restaurant.

Natural desert beauty is enough reason to visit the depths of the Grand Canyon State. Whether you are looking for an adventurous getaway with historical Western activities or a relaxing contemporary reprieve, Arizona delivers. The impressive desert landscapes, with their contrasting colors, are sure to take anyone’s breath away. The Native American culture meshed with the Old West history of Arizona makes it a unique state to wander. Any one of these towns will offer a brilliant night sky and entertaining days that make for a memorable vacation.