8 Quintessential Arizona Towns
An important cultural and economic hub of the Southwestern United States, Arizona has rightfully earned its place as one of America’s favorite vacation destinations. Indeed, the “Grand Canyon State” is unlike any other, and guests here will find loads of scenic and special desert ambiances and special historical charm that will create memories for the young and old alike. From the awesome views of the Grand Canyon and the Sonoran Desert to former mining towns and ranching centers, Arizona has something to offer everyone. Although the major cities of Phoenix and Tucson remain the best known, the State is also home to a number of smaller yet equally captivating towns. In fact, it is these places that can be said to truly capture the essence of being in Arizona, and any visit here will definitely leave a positive impression. So come the “Grand Canyon State” through an exploration of these smaller yet quintessential towns that define the spirit of Arizona!
Payson
Due to its location in the center of the State, the town of Payson is also lovingly known as the “Heart of Arizona.” Beautifully surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, this Gila County town can trace its modern history to the 1880s when it was established as a logging, ranching, and mining community. Today, the home of just over 16,000 inhabitants, Payson remains one of Arizona’s finest destinations for enjoying the outdoors in a climate that features very hot summers and warm winters. With the aforementioned Tonto National Forest in close vicinity, awesome opportunities to go hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and camping are always popular. One can even go rock collecting and find such special minerals like quartz and onyx, and perhaps even a prehistoric fossil!
In addition, Payson’s cultural and historical scene make it an endearing place to visit. Enjoy such annual events like the “World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo” held since the 1880s, and the Fiddle and Food Truck Festival in the Fall. Meanwhile, historic buildings like the Sidles Mud House (1882), the Pieper Mansion (1893), and the Ox-Bow Inn and Saloon (1933) transport guests to the Old West, creating a unique Arizona experience.
Bisbee
The town of Bisbee serves as the seat of Cochise County in southeastern Arizona, near the border with Mexico. Established as a gold, silver, and copper mining center in the 1880s, today, just under 5,000 people call this most charming place home, which is scenically located within the Mule Mountains. Featuring warm, dry winters and hot and arid summers, the unique ambiance of the desert is on full display in Bisbee, and outdoor-minded tourists will certainly enjoy time spent here and in the area. Go hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and camping while admiring such native plant life as cactus and cypress, yucca, and sycamore trees help to create a perfect postcard image of the American West. Meanwhile, for the very active visitor, be sure to try the famed 1,000 Stair Climb Challenge, where runners must face a four-mile course running through town that passes over 1,000 stairs.
Finally, the historic character of Bisbee cannot be ignored, and visitors will quickly notice the assortment of preserved landmarks in town. Many of these reflect Victorian style design and bring guests back to the bustling days of the late 19th century. Amongst the sites of note include the County Courthouse (from the 1910s), the Copper Queen Mine (1885), and the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum (1895), amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a mine tour or simply stroll through the downtown, when in Bisbee a nostalgic sojourn will be sure to follow.
Tombstone
Known as the site of the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881, the town of Tombstone is a historic delight to visit, where guests can truly get the feeling of stepping into the Old Wild West. Established in 1879 as a mining camp, today, just over 1,300 call the community home in southeastern Arizona. Stroll the downtown Historic District, where many 19th-century storefronts and saloons populate the landscape while costumed historic interpreters welcome guests to this living time machine. One can even take a ride on a horse-driven stagecoach! Add in cute novelty shops like Lilly’s Tombstone Memories and the Silver Hills Trading Co., and one can bring home a piece of this most charming town. Meanwhile, with a climate that is known for its warm winters and very hot summers, those looking for an authentic desert experience will not be disappointed.
Wickenburg
Wickenburg was established in the 1860s as a gold mining town and was named after a German-born prospector. Home to a modern population of just under 8,000 residents, this historic town straddles the border of Maricopa and Yavapai Counties, and while its gold rush days are behind it, guests can still appreciate a special 19th-century character here. Explore the historic district and its assortment of preserved landmarks, which include the Vulture Gold Mine, the Santa Fe Railroad Depot (1895), the Eller General Store (1864), and the famed Jail Tree, amongst many others that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In addition, Wickenburg styles itself as the “Dude Ranch Capital” of Arizona, and the outdoors enthusiast can certainly appreciate the town’s offerings. Take in the hot desert sun and awe-inspiring vistas while fun opportunities to go camping, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and even horseback riding are always in demand. And with the city of Phoenix just an hour’s drive away, Wickenburg is indeed a great pit stop for anyone visiting the capital and its surrounding area.
Williams
Affectionately named the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”, Williams lies along the route of the famed Route 66 Highway, where no better sense of Americana can be met. The town, which is home to just over 3,000 people, was established in 1881, and it continues to maintain a special charm of days gone by. Visit the Williams Historic Business District and marvel at the assortment of late 19th and early 20th-century landmarks, many of which are also listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Amongst those of note include the Fray Marcos Hotel (1908), the Rittenhouse Haberdashery (1910), and the Duffy Brother’s Grocery (1912). In addition, the special Williams Depot Train Station (the departure point for the Grand Canyon Railway) is a cannot miss, while an afternoon at the Route 66 Gas Station Museum delights all ages with its collection of cars and other memorabilia dedicated to the open road.
And with hot summer and cool winter temperatures, there is never really a poor time of year to visit Williams. Amongst the special outdoors excursions in town, be sure to visit the Bearizona Wildlife Park where no matter what the season exciting opportunities to get up close with local wildlife never disappoint!
Tubac
Tubac was founded back in the 1750s as a Spanish colonial presidio (or fort), and the history-minded tourist will definitely not want to miss out on a visit to the special Presidio State Park. Established in 1782, today, this immersive museum site transports guests back to the early days of Spanish rule in the region through recreated buildings, interactive exhibits, and even costumed interpreters. Amongst the buildings of note to explore are the Captains Quarters and the Tubac Schoolhouse (1885).
Outside of its alluring historic character, the modern Tubac is a quiet and inviting place with a population of just under 1,600 residents. Known for its local arts and crafts scene, some of the best in Southwestern art can be found, and shoppers can browse through a fine collection of locally made items across many stores, such as Country Shop and the Happy Saguaro. Find some great leather products, decorative frames and statues, beautiful jewelry, and other souvenirs that will generate discussions for years to come and always be a reminder of that special little Arizona place called Tubac.
Camp Verde
Founded as a military post in the 1860s, Camp Verde grew steadily in the following decades as a reliable place for farming and ranching. Today just over 12,000 residents call this Yavapai County locale home, where enjoying the great outdoors is always a delight. Featuring warm winter and hot summer temperatures (frequently above 100 degrees F), opportunities to go camping, biking, hiking, fishing in the Verde River, and even horseback riding are perennial favorites for tourists and residents alike.
Furthermore, for the history-minded guest, be sure not to miss the Montezuma Castle National Monument, built by indigenous peoples nearly 1,000 years ago, and the Fort Verde State Historic Park. Here, preserved landmarks like the Commanding Officer Quarters (1871) transport visitors to the 1880s while costumed interpreters dot the landscape. And do not forget about the Out of Africa Wildlife Park, where you can have the chance to see wild animals in Savannah! Finally, when visiting Camp Verde, be sure to take in the tastes and smells of the annual Corn Festival, where the best locally grown foods are a treat for all ages.
Winslow
Named for a railroad executive, the town of Winslow was founded in 1900, and today, just over 9,000 call it home. Like many other Arizona places, visitors can expect to encounter warm winters and very hot summers here, and an appreciation of a desert town can certainly be appreciated. Browse through local shops like Arizona 66 Trading Company and enjoy an authentic Western meal at the Turquoise Room and the Root Beer Stand, the unique charm of small town America is on full display in Winslow.
Meanwhile, an afternoon at the Old Trails Museum makes for a most fascinating outing, where an impressive collection of Native American artifacts and other historical items lovingly celebrate the region’s past. And for the outdoors lover, do not forget about the Clear Creek Reservoir, where kayaking, paddle boarding, and even jet skiing are awesome ways to enjoy nature. Finally, back in town, one cannot overlook the very special Standin’ at the Corner Park. Named for one of the lines in the hit Eagles song “Take It Easy” (1972), one can pose with the statue of the guitarist and can also sing proudly that they were “Standin in the corner in Winslow, Arizona”!
Arizona is a can-not-miss destination for anyone visiting the Southwestern United States, and its special cultural, historical, and natural character will surely delight all ages. Also known as the “Grand Canyon State”, while such major centers like Phoenix are always top of mind, there are a great number of smaller towns in the State that are every bit as worthy of discovery. Filled with dramatic desert landscapes and fascinating historic ambiance, these smaller towns reflect some of the very best of Arizona and are indeed quintessential examples of what makes it such a wonderful place to experience. From the Old West mining communities of Tombstone and Bisbee to the stunning panoramas of Payson and Wickenburg, these splendid towns are veritable jewels that travelers with a wide array of interests can appreciate. Come and see Arizona, then explore these charming and quintessential towns and learn why the “Grand Canyon State” has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the finest destinations in the country.
