9 Towns in Arizona With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
Arizona is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from the deserts of the Sonoran to the dramatic red rocks of the northern plateau. Scattered across these varied ecosystems are numerous municipalities whose downtown districts have flourished in recent years within the United States. Whether retaining their historic frontier spirit or cultivating a contemporary renaissance, Main Streets across the Grand Canyon State are now teeming with local commerce, culture and community activities.
The following towns in Arizona have the finest downtown centers revitalized for the modern age. Within their pedestrian-friendly cores, visitors experience local flavor through shops, restaurants, and public spaces. A stroll through their distinctive hearts offers insight into each region's rich heritage amid the natural splendor of the American Southwest.
Bisbee
This picturesque community in southeastern Arizona's Mule Mountains harbors a rich mining heritage. Founded in 1881 as a mining center, Bisbee hosts a quaint old town district with a collection of Victorian-era buildings that take you back to its heyday. A wander downtown Bisbee is an immersive historical experience that exposes you to local treasures. The Bisbee Restoration Museum and Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum highlight the town's copper mining past and other landmark events. Tourists get an authentic experience with the Queen Mine Tour, which takes them on a remarkable underground journey inside a preserved mine site.
Every Saturday, the Bisbee Farmers Market brings the town to an exciting standstill, offering guests a prime opportunity to personally interact with the townsfolk as they comb through their fresh farm produce and unique crafts.
Tombstone
Tombstone's laidback downtown oozes Wild Western vibes with its red-brick storefronts and tales of outlaws and renegades written throughout its landmark structures. A former silver boomtown, this town notably hosts O.K. Corral, the original site of an infamous gunfight between the Earps and the Calnton-McLaury gangs. Visitors can visit the site and even watch reenactments of the legendary conflict. The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park offers a window to the town's frontier eras in a 19th-century structure predating the town's famous gunfight.
Touring the Gunfighter Hall of Fame provides a unique perspective of Tombstone's Wild West heritage through a vast collection of original firearms used by outlaws. Finally, the town promises more distinct historical experiences at the Bird Cage Theater, a brothel and gambling hall from 1881.
Prescott
This central Arizona community and former territorial capital charms first-timers with a vibrant downtown hosting some of the state's best-preserved historical landmarks. Walking down Whiskey Row allows you to discover a vibrant mix of pubs, bars, and music venues representing Prescott's outgoing personality. With this, the area houses one of the United State’s most heralded museums.
Visiting Sharlot Hall Museum offers a delightful perspective of the town's history as experienced by the pioneers. Meanwhile, the Museum of Indigenous digs deeper into Precott's past by documenting the Native American communities initially inhabited the land. Beyond the history, visitors can look forward to soothing retail therapy opportunities at Bashford Courts.
Jerome
This 19th-century mining town in central Arizona might have a modest population of under 500 but charms visitors with its quaint downtown area, which includes a mix of museums and galleries surrounded by picturesque natural beauty. The district is chock full of historical markers that bring the mining heritage back to life. You can start at the Jerome State Historic Park, which preserves a slice of local mining history and a well-preserved historical homestead, Douglas Mansion. Jerome's Sliding Jail is another prominent point of interest for visitors, known for uncovering the town's past.
However, the Jerome Historical Society offers a more comprehensive perspective of Jerome's bygone eras. After you've taken in enough of its rich history, break the monotony by browsing fabulous art pieces at Raku Gallery.
Sedona
This artsy community in the Arizona desert is known for its scenic surroundings, punctuated by dramatic red-rock formations and stunning canyon walls. Sedona is one of the most artistic towns in Arizona, evidenced by numerous galleries occupying every street corner. The Sedona Arts Center is a worthwhile point of interest, introducing guests to different forms of art by local creatives, from photography and jewelry to fiber arts. The art scene takes a broader and more modern look inside Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art, which showcases a world-class collection of fine art pieces.
Tourists can combine their love for the arts with a need to shop at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. However, those who need a break from the arts can stop by the Sedona Heritage Museum to explore the town's culture and history at an old farmstead.
Tubac
Situated south of Tucson, this Santa Cruz County community has a lovely downtown district with diverse attractions hinting at its profound Spanish influences. Art is a significant aspect of local culture, evidenced by a rich cluster of galleries. Visitors can admire local creations and even shop for artsy souvenirs at Tubac Arts and Gifts. Additionally, the Cobalt Fine Arts Gallery doubles down on Tubac's artsy prowess with an impressive collection of some of the best contemporary art pieces in the region.
The Tubac Center for the Arts is a must-visit if you're interested in exploring more of the town's culture. However, when you need an alternative, the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park Museum delivers an immersive journey through the annals of history, exploring Spanish, Native American, and American Southwest history.
Wickenburg
Set in the northern section of the Sonoran Desert, Wickneburg is steeped in rich history and unique Western heritage. The town’s vibrant downtown area is loaded with points of interest, but historians will want to check out the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. This fine facility documents Wickenburg's Western heritage through a fine selection of historical and cultural exhibits. At Sage Gallery, you can examine beautiful jewelry art, including pieces from Native American tribes like the Navajo and Zuni.
Meanwhile, Silver Screen lovers can head to the Saguaro Movie Theater for a classic movie experience. The rustic venue stages family-friendly flicks inside a beautiful atmosphere at budget-friendly ticket prices.
Cottonwood
Cottonwood's charming downtown balances the new and the old, with attractions alternating between historical markers and contemporary entertainment venues. There is something for everyone, whether a history buff, culture vulture, foodie, or shopaholic. The historically inclined will feel at home inside Clemenceau Heritage Museum, which brings back memories of the old days with a library of antique exhibits. Meanwhile, art connoisseurs can find a community of peers at the Old Town Center for the Arts, an invitation to watch live theatrical performances.
The Cottonwood Recreation Center is an excellent stop if you crave more activity in Cottonwood. This remarkable facility hosts various recreational amenities for a wholesome experience, including an indoor pull, gymnasium, basketball hoops, weight room, and more.
Willcox
This hidden gem in Arizona's Sulphur Springs Valley is surrounded by the picturesque peaks of the Pinaleno and Chiricahua Mountains. While it stands out for the sublime natural landscapes, it also boasts a pleasant downtown region with enough attractions to fill your itinerary. Notable points of interest include the Rex Allen Arizona Museum, which pays tribute to a celebrated son of the town by showcasing his legacy in the movie, music, radio, and rodeo world. You will also encounter the Chiricahua Regional Museum, home to an exciting collection chronicling the rich culture and heritage synonymous with Willcox.
Away from history, Willcox Historic Theater has a wonderful atmosphere for fans of the Box Office looking to catch the latest Hollywood productions. Finally, consider sampling tasty local wines at Keeling Schaefer Vineyards Willcox Tasting Room before leaving the town.
Final Thought
If you are unsure which towns in Arizona to visit, exploring the diverse downtown districts highlighted provides a wonderful sampling of all the state has to offer. Whether reimagined from historic beginnings or thoughtfully cultivated anew, these main streets showcase each community's local character through art, cuisine, outdoor spaces, and local enterprises. Choosing from the variety of town centers offers memorable gateways into the natural wonders of the Southwest and a taste of the United State’s varied cultural heritage.
