The Best Small Towns In Arizona For A Weekend Retreat
The Southwestern state of Arizona provides visitors with stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant art communities to explore during a weekend retreat. Travelers can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and discover the western hospitality of Arizona’s small towns. From the historic mining town of Bisbee, nestled in the Mule Mountains, to the artistic hillside community of Jerome overlooking the Verde Valley, each town offers a unique and unforgettable experience. For those seeking outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, or simply a peaceful respite surrounded by scenic landscapes, these small towns in Arizona provide a memorable getaway.
Bisbee
Tucked away in the Mule Mountains, Bisbee is a charming town renowned for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture. Once a thriving mining town, it now offers a relaxed atmosphere ideal for a retreat. Stay at the historic Copper Queen Hotel located in historic downtown Bisbee. Built in 1902, the hotel is the oldest continuously running hotel in the state and offers old-world charm along with a pool, saloon, and restaurant.
The hotel is also an excellent base for exploring the charming town. Stroll along Brewery Gulch for a pint at Old Bisbee Brewing Company or to view art along the Bisbee Art Wall. Visitors can also visit the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum to discover the town's rich mining heritage. Take a Copper Queen Mine Tour of the former mine for an underground adventure. The town also offers unique historical tours, such as the Old Bisbee Ghost Tour, which provides a walking tour of the town’s haunted history.
Prescott
A weekend retreat in Prescott provides the perfect blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and vibrant culture. Known as "Everybody's Hometown," Prescott boasts picturesque landscapes of pine forests, granite boulders, and serene lakes. Surrounded by the Prescott National Forest, nature enthusiasts can hike and mountain bike along various trails or fish in the Forest’s four lakes or the Verde River. Closer to downtown Prescott is Watson Lake, the perfect weekend getaway spot for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing.
In town, visitors can stay at the historic Hassayampa Inn, offering a cozy retreat experience in the heart of downtown. Guests can stroll the Sharlot Hall Museum to explore Arizona's territorial days and experience a living history adventure of Arizona from 1863 to 1912. Nearby, the town's vibrant culture comes alive along Whiskey Row, lined with lively bars, shops, and art galleries. Discover local artwork at Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery, then enjoy a drink and live music at the Bird Cage Saloon.
Sedona
Known for its breathtaking Red Rock formations and eclectic art community, Sedona is a haven for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation during a weekend getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts can take scenic hikes along the iconic red rock trails at Red Rock State Park, with views of awe-inspiring vistas and tranquil surroundings. For incredible views of wildlife, take a trip to Sedona Wetlands Preserve. Depending on the season, bird watchers can see blue herons, mallards, snowy egrets, and American coots in the marshes and ponds.
Beyond its scenic outdoor adventures, the town's vibrant arts scene adds another dimension to the experience. A trip to Sedona is not complete without visiting the many shops and galleries at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Explore Western art at the Mountain Trails Gallery and the Navarro Gallery. Enjoy a delicious Southwestern-style meal that fuses both Mexican and Native American food at El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano. After exploring the town and the natural beauty of Sedona, stay at L'Auberge de Sedona for a luxurious retreat, complete with a spa, cottages, and breathtaking sunset views.
Cottonwood
Situated in the Verde Valley, Cottonwood offers a blend of historic charm, outdoor recreation, and wine-tasting experiences. For those looking to stay in the heart of downtown, the Tavern Hotel is a boutique retreat in a historic building from 1925. Around the corner is Main Street, where visitors can enjoy local shops, galleries, and wine-tasting rooms, including Tantrum Wines. Be sure to visit Cartwheels for local artisanal gifts and jewelry by local artist Jennie Mellon Burnap.
The town is also a perfect weekend getaway for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. The town’s rich history is on display at the Clemenceau Heritage Museum, where visitors can view an early 20th-century home, schoolroom, and mining artifacts. For those looking for outdoor adventures, the Verde River offers serene kayaking and paddleboarding trips. Dead Horse Ranch State Park also provides scenic views of nature along hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails that lead to the Coconino National Forest.
Benson
Benson is a tranquil retreat surrounded by picturesque desert landscapes and mountain vistas in the San Pedro Valley southeast of Tucson. The town offers a memorable weekend getaway for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A visit to Benson must include a trip to Kartchner Caverns State Park to marvel at stunning underground formations. Just be sure to book your spot to tour the limestone since reservations are required. The town is also a gateway to the Coronado National Forest, where nature lovers can view stunning Saguaro cacti, hike along scenic trails, and enjoy birdwatching.
For those visiting the charming town, stay at the Hacienda del Sol Bed and Breakfast for a cozy southwestern experience. Explore the quaint downtown area by starting the day with a savory cup of coffee at Mad Mule Coffee Company, followed by a trip to the Benson Museum. Afterward, enjoy a taste of authentic Mexican food at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant, which is worth the wait for a table.
Payson
Situated in the heart of Arizona's Rim Country, Payson offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush forests, rugged mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. Stay at the Majestic Mountain Inn for comfortable accommodations with scenic outdoor views of the surrounding pine trees and majestic mountains. Explore the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park to see the world's largest natural travertine bridge at 183 feet high, then hike the picturesque trails of the Mogollon Rim. This area is one of the stops on the 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail, connecting the state’s southern border with Mexico to Utah.
More outdoor adventures await at Green Valley Lake, where nature enthusiasts enjoy boating, fishing, and strolling along the waterfront. In town, visitors can explore Payson’s western heritage during a weekend getaway. Discover the area’s history at the Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin, a replica of the author’s cabin that was built in the 1920s.
Jerome
Perched on a hillside overlooking the Verde Valley, the charming town of Jerome boasts a rich history, artistic charm, and stunning views. Explore the town's mining past at the Jerome State Historic Park, which features the historic Douglas Mansion, the mining museum, and the picnic areas. The town is also said to be “The Wickedest Town in the Past” due to the town’s greed and violence during the copper mining boom in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In town, visitors can experience the town’s eclectic past on a haunted history tour with Jerome Ghost Tours. For another paranormal experience, enjoy a bite and possible ghost sighting at the Haunted Hamburger.
Jerome is also home to several art galleries, including Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery and Pura Vida Gallery. For a memorable retreat, stay at the historic Jerome Grand Hotel, a previous hospital from the 1920s that now offers charming rooms and panoramic views of the valley below.
These seven towns in Arizona provide travelers with incredible outdoor adventures, relaxing nature retreats, and diverse cultural heritage to explore. From soaking in the stunning Red Rocks and natural beauty of Sedona to enjoying Prescott’s Whiskey Row, these small towns provide lasting memories. Whether escaping to the mountain town of Payson or discovering the eclectic history of Jerome, Arizona provides an authentic Southwestern experience for all visitors.
