Arizona's Best Small Towns for a Weekend Escape

Located in the beautiful American Southwest, Arizona is part of the "four corners" region. The state of Arizona is diverse in many ways, from expansive deserts to sweeping mountain ranges and quiet hometowns and bustling cities. If you're traveling to Arizona, consider checking out one of its many charming small towns for a weekend escape that is either relaxing or adventurous, depending on what you desire.

Patagonia

The beauty and serenity of the desert surround the small town of Patagonia, which is situated in Arizona's Sonoita Valley. The eclectic town of under 1000 people is located just about 20 miles north of Mexico, so it's heavily influenced by the country's art, culture and food, making it a fun weekend destination to explore. Patagonia also has a strong Western feel due to its historical roots and architectural features.

If you're into nature, take a hike or bike ride on the 800-mile Arizona Trail, which runs near Patagonia and gives visitors an up-close look at local desert wildlife, flora, and fauna. The Tucson Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds is another popular attraction, and you can see the highest numbers of small birds between the months of March and May and August to October. The Patagonia Museum is housed in a school dating back to 1914 and gives an introspective look into the town's mining history. For the full Western experience, lay your head at the themed Stage Stop Inn.

Bisbee

Cute and quirky Bisbee is situated in the scenic Mule Mountains, and has a rich mining history and plenty of old-world charm. Modern day Bisbee is a place where arts and culture, a thriving nightlife scene and outdoor recreational opportunities meet, making it the ideal weekend getaway destination. Whether you're seeking adventure or a relazing retreat, you'll find it in charming Bisbee.

Check out the Miners and Merchants Antique Center, where you can find everything from vintage furniture and toys to rare retro toys. The Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum offers visitors a unique look into the town's copper mining history through pictures and artifacts. The Bisbee Restoration Museum offers a peek into the life of past residents through everyday items, such as school relics and clothing, on loan from local families. Bisbee is home to a variety of lodging options, including the Canyon Rose Suites.

Jerome

A unique copper mining history, a vibrant arts and culture scene, stunning desert scenery, and plenty of outdoor activities combine to make quaint Jerome the perfect weekend retreat. During its 19th Century mining heydey, Jerome was dubbed the "Wickedest Town in the West," but things have quieted down these days. Modern Jerome featured quaint streets filled with boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops, as well as wine-tasting rooms showcasing the vintages of the Verde Valley.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a ghost tour that explores Jerome's historic buildings, such as schools and hospitals, as you learn local lore. For a more serene experience, take a walk or bike ride through Jerome State Historic Park. The museum and visitor center is housed in a historic mansion and features exhibits depicting the town's exciting mining days. You'll find no shortage of convenient and comfortable accommodations, such as the Iron Horse Inn in nearby Cottonwood.

Kingman

Situated on historic and storied Route 66, charming Kingman is still draws in visitors from all over. If you love Americana and pop culture, there is no better place to explore it than in Kingman, which is home to museums, colorful murals and even monuments dedicated to the "Mother Road." The town also has more than 60 buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a fun weekend trip for history buffs.

An interesting place to start your exploration into the region's past is the Mohave Museum of History and Arts, which explores the life of early Mohave County settlers and residents. The area encompassed by the Kingman Bureau of Land Management, also known as Kingman BLM, gives visitors a chance to explore Arizona's diverse topography, from the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts to the Hualapai Mountains. Stop in the Kingman BLM Field Office, which is located in town, to get information before you head out to the backcountry. Kingman has plenty of lodging options, from chain hotels such as La Quinta and Best Western to mom-and-pop motels.

Williams

Williams is another small, quaint town that is situated on Route 66, and is filled with retro diners, coffee and antique shops, and boutiques worth exploring. Williams' charming downtown features six blocks of historic buildings that will transport you back to Mother Road's heyday. The town is also dubbed the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon" due to its easy driving distance and proximity to the world-famous state park.

Surrounded by the scenic and diverse Kaibab National Forest, Williams is the perfect weekend getaway destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Spend your time camping, fishing, hiking, bird- and wildlife-watching, biking, and a variety of other activities in the forest. If you're looking for a more strenuous experience, you can hike Bill Williams Mountain. Be sure to stop by the Williams Visitor prior to taking off on your adventure to grab a map. Williams features a mix of privately owned and chain accommodations, such as the Lodge on Route 66.

Cottonwood

The small town of Cottonwood is surrounded by natural beauty, from the giant red rocks to the Black Hills and Mingus Mountain. If you're looking for a serene, eye-catching destination to spend a weekend away from your everyday life, you can't go wrong with Cottonwood. The town is also adjacent to the Verde River, much to the delight of visitors who love to fish, kayak, canoe, and partake in other water-related activities.

Cottonwood is best known for the Tuzigoot National Monument, which is home to the Tuzigoot Pueblo, a native american village built about 1,000 years ago. You can take a self-guided tour through the Pueblo and enjoy the river views and the native wildlife around the Tavasci Marsh. History lovers will want to work a trip to the Clemenceau Heritage Museum into their weekend plans, as well as a stroll through the historic old town Cottonwood. The town has several quaint lodging options, including The Tavern Hotel and the Iron Horse Inn.

Whether you crave exciting mountain hikes or quiet days exploring unique shops or the desert landscape, you'll find it all in Arizona's small towns. There is enough to see and do in these quaint respites that you just might be trying to turn your weekend getaway into a week-long vacation. Pick your favorite fun-laden locale and pack your bags for the break you need from everyday life.