This Is The Friendliest Small Town In Arizona
Around 100 miles north of Phoenix, Prescott is the perfect place to embrace a small-town atmosphere along with some of Arizona’s best natural surroundings and historic charms. This historic town contrasts the sprawling cityscape in more ways than one, but one of its best distinctions is its location. Prescott sits 5,400 feet above sea level in the Bradshaw Mountains, surrounded by Prescott National Forest.
Some suggest that the town’s friendliness stems from its locals enjoying a milder mountain climate. But in reality, Prescott residents have a far-reaching history of hospitality. If you are someone who appreciates a blend of historic and natural attractions, coupled with the warm welcome of a small-town feel, consider adding this central Arizona town to your travel itinerary in 2025.
Prescott: A History Of Hospitality And New Beginnings
Prescott shines as Arizona’s friendliest town, welcoming all who visit. The town’s motto is “Everybody's Hometown,” and previous guests of this west-central Arizona community can attest to its generosity and warmth. This sense of hospitality dates back to Prescott’s earliest days, when the Territory of Arizona (formerly part of the Territory of New Mexico) welcomed its first gold-mining settlers to the area in 1963. They were followed by additional miners, then farmers and cattlemen. By 1864, President Abraham Lincoln officially founded the town and named Prescott the territory's capital.
While this honor permanently went to Phoenix in 1889, today, Prescott’s true claim to fame is its history, nature, and kindness. Just as it embraced miners in search of a better life, present-day Prescott is just as welcoming, with an estimated 4% increase in locals from April 2020 to July 2023. The town’s good nature is even reflected in its name, honoring American historian William Hickling Prescott, despite having no physical connection to him. Whether visiting this Arizona town as a follow-up to Phoenix, centering your entire trip here, or even planning a move, you will always feel right at home.
Popular Events and Attractions in Prescott
World's Oldest Rodeo
Every year, Prescott welcomes around 27,000 spectators to their famous event, The World’s Oldest Rodeo. This record-breaking tradition began in 1888 when a group of Prescott locals organized what they called a “cowboy tournament.” These contests continued annually, eventually inspiring other towns and cities to follow Prescott’s lead. But the Arizona town stood apart and set the standard, never missing a year since its very first rodeo in 1988. While the modern arena setting of these “Cowboy Contests” has come a long way from their humble beginnings, the atmosphere and spirit remain largely the same. Every year, Prescott locals and visitors come together to connect over their shared love of this historic sport. If you are hoping to be in attendance at the 137th annual World's Oldest Rodeo, mark your calendars for June 30th to July 6th, 2025.
Whiskey Row
In July 1900, a relentless fire made its way through downtown Prescott, destroying everything in its path. The area’s hotels, saloons, and halls were engulfed by the unforgiving flames, which came to be known as “The Great Fire of 1900.” Luckily, no lives were lost in the disaster, and Prescott locals banded together to rebuild their downtown with brick and stone in place of the highly flammable wood. By 1901, structures like the Palace Saloon had already been rebuilt to their original glory.
Today, the Palace Restaurant & Saloon is the crown jewel of Whiskey Row, a nickname given to the street after the Great Fire due to the area’s volume of bars. As the oldest operating bar in Arizona, the Palace Restaurant & Saloon has since undergone modern updates. However, much of its original charms have been maintained, including the ornate Brunswick Bar which survived the fire thanks to patrons carrying it to safety. This camaraderie is embedded into the Palace Restaurant & Saloon and Whiskey Row as a whole, which is why it is one of the best places in Prescott to connect with locals. Other welcoming landmarks on Whiskey Row include the historic Grand Highland Hotel, Bird Cage Saloon, and Van Gogh's Ear Art Gallery, to name a few.
Willow Lake Park And Watson Lake
Getting outdoors is one of the best perks of living in Prescott, so if you want to mingle with locals while you visit this Arizona mountain town, its lakeside parks are your best bet. Just a few miles from downtown Prescott, Willow Lake Park is a beautiful space known for its 400-acre namesake. The lake’s rocky surroundings (the Granite Dells) provide a more rugged feel to the landscape, attracting nature photographers from all over Arizona. The park is also popular with boaters, kayakers, picnickers, and hikers looking to take on the 6-mile lake border trail.
A ten-minute drive from the park will bring you to Watson Lake, another reservoir in the Granite Dells. It shares much of the same pleasures as Willow Park, including boating, rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking paths like the Peavine trail. With the addition of a children’s playground and campground (available in the summertime), Watson Lake is a great alternative for families. It is also the setting of family-friendly events, like the Pure Imagination Music Festival, happening May 17, 2025. With the goal of “bringing the diversity of sound and culture to a picturesque, inspiring outdoor setting,” this eclectic event is another exciting way to embrace Prescott’s sense of community.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a new town to visit in 2025, consider Prescott, the friendliest small town in Arizona. Since its early days as a mining town, Prescott has embraced visitors and migrants with open arms. As it evolved into a popular tourist destination, the influx of people continued, and Prescott's warm welcome never wavered. Today, this spirit of hospitality is alive and well in “Everybody's Hometown,” whether you are visiting for the World's Oldest Rodeo, Whiskey Row, the stunning Granite Dells, or even contemplating making this Arizona town your true home.
