19 Best Towns in Arizona (According to a Local)
I’m an Arizona native, and I’ve spent over 25 years exploring the best towns in Arizona.
This comprehensive list features old western settlements, high mountain getaways, and popular destinations. I also lay out a few hidden gems that you won’t find on other guides — and trust me, they’re ones you won’t want to miss!
Without further ado, let’s get into the article.
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19 Best Towns in Arizona
Bisbee
A creative, historic mining town nestled in the Mule Mountains.
📍 Google Maps | Bisbee Website
Bisbee is one of my favorite small towns in America, not just Arizona. It’s built against the steep Mule Mountains just north of the Mexico border.
There’s plenty to do in this quirky place. Shop at vintage stores and peruse art galleries. See the Cochise County Courthouse, take a tour through the old mine, and check out haunted hotels. Bisbee is a wonderful escape from the heat and the busy buzz of nearby cities.
It’s a classic Arizona destination for lowkey travelers in search of a memorable getaway. You’re guaranteed to fall in love with this charming town.
🌼 Pro Tip: Visit during the spring to see the steep cliff sides painted with purple, yellow, and orange wildflowers.
Sedona
Wander red-rock buttes and the artistic community that makes up this incredible town in the Coconino National Forest.
📍 Google Maps | Sedona Website | Where to Stay in Sedona
Sedona is an iconic, must-see destination on your Arizona itinerary.
The stunning red rock formations surrounding Sedona will make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet. Families, couples, nomads, and everyone in between will be enchanted by this place.
Avid outdoorsmen, rejoice! Hike through otherworldly scenes and go cliff diving in Oak Creek Canyon. Take a horseback ride through the hills or take a helicopter tour to see the magnificent land from a unique perspective. You can also rent a Jeep for a thrilling rock-crawling experience. There are a lifetime of unforgettable activities to do in Sedona.
Page
The homebase for some of the most incredible sights in Arizona.
Page landed the #17 spot on our list of the top 50 places to travel in 2025!
This beautiful town is surrounded by some of the best places to explore in Arizona. You can see Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell all in one day when you stay here. The hiking trails in this area are second-to-none. Don’t miss your chance to explore these breathtaking sites when you find yourself in northern Arizona.
Accommodations and restaurants are limited given its population of just over 7,000. Visit during the off-season so you can enjoy the natural beauty without competing with thousands of other tourists.
Sonoita
Southern Arizona’s wine country is set in the rolling hills just north of the Mexican border.
📍 Google Maps | Sonoita Website
Calling all wine-o’s! Sonoita is a tiny town located just over an hour south of Tucson. This is the ultimate wine country in Arizona. Spend a day exploring over 15 vineyards and tasting rooms. The people are exceptionally friendly, and the wine is bound to impress. Don’t forget your designated driver!
Immerse yourself in nature before hitting the wineries. Mount Wrightson is just west of Sonoita in Madera Canyon. This is one of the most beautiful areas in the state, in my opinion. I highly recommend taking a scenic drive through the mountain pass before settling down with a glass of red or white. Talk about a perfect day!
👉 Don’t Miss: 22 Best Day Trips from Tucson
Tombstone
The American Wild West comes alive in this historic cowboy town.
📍 Google Maps | Tombstone Website
Tombstone is all things wonderful and western. It’s certainly a tourist destination, but the corny shootout reenactments and over-the-top street characters don’t detract from its rich history.
This rough-and-tough town used to be a haven for outlaws, bandits, cowboys, and criminals. The old saloons still display real bullet holes from shootouts, which were seemingly commonplace back in the day. Boot Hill Graveyard is full of obscurely-labeled headstones with eerie epitaphs labeling who killed whom and how.
Birdcage Theater is a spooky museum displaying the work of many famous western photographers. The museum also offers thrilling stories about the town’s past. You have to make your way to this real-life frontier town if you have any interest in the American Wild West.
Jerome
This central Arizona town is perched on a gorgeous hillside and is full of intriguing history.
📍 Google Maps | Jerome Website
Jerome is one of those places you won’t understand the hype about until you get there. It’s rugged and beautiful, built into a mountainside overlooking the valley just west of Sedona. It boasts haunted hotels, rich mining history, stellar views, and cozy shops. Jerome is a very mysterious yet endearing town.
This ghostly destination was once considered “the wickedest town in the West” due to its violent past. Jerome is only a short drive from Prescott, Flagstaff, and Sedona, and is one of the best day trips from Phoenix. You can easily visit other popular Arizona destinations near this scenic area.
Prescott
A historic high-desert town filled with mom-and-pop shops and a laid-back bar scene.
📍 Google Maps | Prescott Website
Prescott is a beautiful old town just an hour north of Phoenix. It’s famous for its great bars housed in historic buildings on Whiskey Row. It also offers incredible natural hotspots like Watson Lake and forested mountains. Mountain bike, go camping, boating, hiking, or horseback riding in the beautiful Prescott National Forest.
This is the perfect place to escape the heat in the valley during the summer. Enjoy shady walks downtown, quaint shops, and buzzing bars at night. Don’t miss its enchanting holiday light ceremony if you visit during the snowy winter. Prescott is a magical place to get into the festive spirit, especially with the little ones!
Williams
The “Gateway to Grand Canyon National Park” is filled with natural beauty and wine.
📍 Google Maps | Williams Website
Williams is one of the popular crossroads to visit on the way to the Grand Canyon. You can take the Grand Canyon Railway daily to this natural wonder of the world from here. I highly recommend this unique experience if you’re taking the family to the national park, especially if it’s your first time visiting.
Williams is also close to the Verde Valley wine country in northern Arizona. Spend a day sipping on local wines while overlooking the rolling hills in this high desert landscape.
Williams has tons of charm and plenty of quirky shops and restaurants. It’s a wonderful place to spend a few days away from the crowded cities. It’s an easy day trip from Flagstaff, located just over 30 minutes east!
🎒 Get Packing: Bookmark our Grand Canyon packing list if you’re planning a trip to this incredible destination!
Nogales
Go shopping for handcrafted gifts and indulge in delicious Mexican food.
📍 Google Maps | Nogales Website
Nogales is the best border town in Arizona – you can experience Mexico without even crossing. But I recommend walking over the border if you do have your passport on hand. The shops on the southern side of the border are worth exploring.
This colorful town offers some of the best Mexican food in the state. Order savory tamales from street vendors and enjoy fresh tortillas hot off the flat top. Nogales is one of the best places to visit in the Sonoran Desert if you crave culture and authentic Mexican cuisine.
Greer
A tiny mountain town perfect for those who prefer nature to people.
Welcome to the highest town in Arizona, elevation: 8,356 ft. Greer is home to just over 100 year-round residents, making it the smallest by population on our list of Arizona towns. It’s set in a green valley with the Little Colorado River running through the center. Beauty persists through the changing seasons in this quaint mountain paradise.
Go fishing in the nearby reservoirs and lakes during the summer. Grab your skis in the winter and head to Sunrise Park Resort, home to the best slopes in Arizona just 30 minutes from Greer. There’s plenty to do in the great outdoors with this gem as your home base. Escape from the big city crowds and tap into your quiet side in Greer.
Pinetop-Lakeside
Hit the ski slopes and unwind in the dense woods of this forested town.
📍 Google Maps | Pinetop-Lakeside Website
Pinetop-Lakeside is located less than 40 miles west of Greer, the big brother to the aforementioned woodland town. This is a great place to come for larger events like family reunions or retreats. It’s a beautiful town filled with picturesque cabins. You’ll also find cozy restaurants, ample entertainment, and plenty of outdoor fun.
Pinetop-Lakeside, like Greer, is only about 30 minutes from Sunrise Park Resort. Shred on the ski slopes as soon as the first snow falls for the best skiing and snowboarding in Arizona. Check out tons of nearby hikes if you long to immerse yourself in the pines.
Cottonwood
Boutique shops and fragrant vineyards make Cottonwood one of the best weekend getaways in Arizona.
📍 Google Maps | Cottonwood Website
Cottonwood’s mild climate and proximity to the Verde River make it ideal wine country. Check out 10 wineries along the Verde Valley Wine Trail and taste the flavors of homegrown Arizona grapes. You can also peruse antique and artisan shops, perfect for stocking up on holiday gifts (I check everyone off my Christmas list after visiting here).
Something about Cottonwood is so inviting and relaxing. This is one of Arizona’s most underrated towns. I encourage you to visit during the fall when the town’s namesake trees turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange.
Winslow
An adorable town built alongside the Santa Fe Railway and Route 66.
📍 Google Maps | Winslow Website
Does the Eagles song reference ring a bell? This tiny Navajo County town is less than 60 miles southeast of Flagstaff and loaded with charm and history. It was once a major player along Route 66, but is now a humble destination in the high deserts of northern Arizona. Truthfully, there isn’t a ton to do here, so it’s best suited for crowds who don’t mind a more lowkey trip.
Winslow is home to La Posada Hotel which was and still is one of the grandest trackside hotels developed alongside the Santa Fe Railway. This is one of my favorite historic resorts to explore in Arizona, both for its aesthetic beauty and historic displays. I highly recommend perusing the halls when you stop in this endearing town.
Patagonia
A hidden getaway on the way to the border.
📍 Google Maps | Patagonia Website
Patagonia is one of the smallest Arizona towns on this list, located just east of the beautiful Patagonia Lake. It offers an adorable community with breakfast joints and charming stores.
The lush desert comes to life with greenery in this river valley environment. Relax the days away beneath the shady walnut, mesquite, and willow trees that make this southern Arizona area so beautiful.
Patagonia is the perfect place to unwind in nature when you want to get out of Tucson for a bit. Check out my article on the best lakes in Arizona to read more about all that Patagonia Lake has to offer.
Payson
Explore the beautiful forest and lakes surrounding this cute mountain town.
📍 Google Maps | Payson Website
The “Heart of Arizona” is one of the most beautiful destinations in the state. Tonto National Forest turns electric green from summer monsoon rains. The surrounding rivers overflow into raging waterfalls.
Nearby Waterwheel Falls and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park are some of the most popular attractions around Payson. It’s also super close to the lush Four Peaks Wilderness. Geographically, this is one of the most diverse small towns in the state. It’s a great home base for outdoorsmen and retirees seeking a leisurely lifestyle.
Portal
The “Yosemite of Arizona” offers incredible sights and outdoor activities in a remote forest.
Portal is one of my favorite hidden gems in Arizona. It’s a gorgeous little town set against the steep east side of the Chiricahua Mountains. Some refer to it as the Yosemite of the state.
Tall pines and aspens grow dense in the valley, giving the place a lovely aroma of fresh air. There’s a myriad of outdoor activities to do in this picturesque community. Enjoy some of the best photography, hiking trails, and camping in Arizona when visiting Portal!
👉 Pro Tip: Visit during the fall to see the aspens shimmering in shades of orange, gold, and crimson.
Willcox
Pick apples and peaches at the orchard, then sip on local wine in this high desert setting.
📍 Google Maps | Willcox Website
The whole family will find something fun to do in this eastern Arizona town. Visit in May for the Willcox Wine Festival, or come late summer to early fall to pick fruit with the little ones. Apple Annie’s Orchard is a great place to pick apples and peaches with the family.
Late fall to early winter is best for festive holiday events like haunted corn mazes and Christmas markets. Willcox is easily one of the best Arizona small towns to visit for seasonal family fun.
Pine-Strawberry
A gorgeous woodland getaway in the middle of the state.
📍 Google Maps | Pine-Strawberry Website
Pine-Strawberry is a quaint community located at the base of the Mogollon Rim. It’s filled with beautiful pine trees, cozy shops, and friendly locals.
This is a wonderful getaway from the high temperatures down south. Enjoy summer days filled with hiking, fishing, and horseback riding near babbling brooks and reservoirs. End your nights with a pint at Sportsman’s Chalet, the roadside bar and grill. You can’t miss it!
The Mogollon Rim offers some of the best campsites in the state. You can also take a short drive to Sedona and Flagstaff from Pine-Strawberry. This is truly one of my favorite areas in Arizona!
Tubac
Visit Arizona’s first state park in this artsy, historic village.
Escape the urban scene when you enter this historic southern Arizona village. Tubac was home to a myriad of fascinating groups over the past centuries, from Native Americans to Spanish colonials. The remnants of its rich past can be explored at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. It’s the oldest of all the state parks in Arizona.
Tubac treasures creation, boasting handmade jewelry stores, crafts, and an annual arts festival. Peruse colorful stores, then enjoy lunch or dinner at a family-owned restaurant. This charming community prides itself on authentic cuisine and its endearing environment.
Stroll along the Santa Cruz River under canopies of desert willows and walnut trees. You can even splash in the water when the river is running, but be cautious after the monsoons. The flow can reach dangerous speeds after heavy rainfall!
👉 Pro Tip: If you want to see more beautiful missions and old architecture, check out nearby Tumacácori just 7 minutes down I-10. The museum there is a National Historic Landmark!
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I hope this guide inspires you to visit these enchanting small towns in Arizona. Check out my 7-day Arizona road trip itinerary if you want to hit a bunch of these spots in one go!
Happy exploring in the Grand Canyon State.
Hi Betty,
My wife and I will be coming to AZ for two weeks in October this year, ’25. There are so many things we want to see while there, but I don’t want to spend every night in a different place. We want to see the Grand Canyon (south rim), Petrified forest, Painted desert, Sedona, Zion National Park, Horseshoe Bend and other attractions in central, northeastern and northern AZ. I was thinking about staying in or near Flagstaff for a week and seeing attractions near there and then going up to Page for a week and seeing attractions up there. Does that sound like a good plan to you? We don’t plan to do a lot of hiking or boating or things like that. Obviously we’ll need to do some hiking to see the sites we want, but our intention is to not visit to specifically hike. I may take a couple day detour and drive up to Rachel NV to stay a couple days at The Little Aleinn as I’ve always wanted to visit that area. But that’s yet to be determined.
Just looking for advice on where the best areas would be us to stay at for a week each. Then I’ll make all my plans for places to visit once I nail down the actual towns.
Thanks for any advice you can give.
Hi Bill! First of all, your AZ trip sounds fantastic, and I’m jealous. I think you did a great job planning an itinerary with the best of the best AZ attractions. Honestly, I have no notes. One week in Flagstaff and one week in Page sounds perfect, considering the places you mentioned in your comment. Flagstaff will be your home base for day trips to the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park, Painted Desert, and Sedona since those spots are within 1 to 2 hours of town. Page is super close to Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell, and Zion is less than two hours away.
I’ve never been to Little A’Le’Inn, but gosh I love the name! It looks like a riot, and I hope you share your experience with me when you get home. Safe travels in Arizona, let me know if you have more questions before you go. Betty
I moved to AZ from CA 33 years ago and never looked back Betty
I agree with most of your choices, except I found Sedona a beautiful, magical place to visit, but as a single person with my own biz just couldn’t afford to live there.
However I lived in Cottonwood (quaint), making many day trips to Jerome and over Mingus Mountain to Prescott, and N to Flagstaff to cool off in the summer.
Have virtually explored the entire state; so glad you included both Bisbee and Patagonia, where little treasures are to be found
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Hi Mary, you’ve explored so many amazing Arizona destinations! I hope you keep discovering new hidden gems around the state (: Thanks for sharing!
Great suggestions!
Don’t forget about Flagstaff! Gateway to the Grand Canyon and tons of fun hiking, biking, shopping, outdoor concerts and festivals, and Lowell Observatory.
Hi Katie! I could never forget about Flagstaff, such a wonderful AZ destination! It’s actually part of my Best Cities in Arizona article, which you can find at the attached link. Thanks for looking out, I always appreciate comments like yours!
Thanks for sharing lovely place
Of course, I hope you found the article useful!
Parker? Along Parker strip is a great town!! More beautiful than Havasu and less people!
I haven’t personally been to Parker Strip but I have heard of it! One of these days I will make my way there and then I can accurately add it to this article (: Thanks so much for the suggestion, Linda!
I disagree about Bisbee. There’s one street with cafes, restaurants and pseudo art galleries (child’s drawings that pretend to be high art).
If you are from Europe, don’t go to Bisbee because all that you will see is junk.
There’s a myriad of world renowned artists in Bisbee. Having lived in Europe I know you have your own junk art for sale there. Bisbee is quaint, artful, fun!
It’s such a special place! So happy you appreciate the art and culture of Bisbee as well.
I think you should give it another shot! There are so many unique spots to explore within Bisbee. It’s certainly very different from any European destination as Southwestern Arizona can hardly be compared to an entire continent. Bisbee is a gem nonetheless! (:
I’m from San Francisco, and my family from Europe. My daughter moved into the Bisbee area, and I ADORE it. No, it’s not Europe, but it’s not supposed to be! Bisbee is its own unique place. And it gives off a lovely, special vibe, that this California girl, with European roots appreciates! 💕💕
Hi Jean, I’m so glad you appreciate the uniqueness that makes Bisbee so special!
Beautiful report and I totally agree with your choices as have spent time in every town. Since I live in Payson (22+years now), I’ve been blessed and love it here.
Thank you so much, Martha! I’m so jealous you get to live in Payson. Every visit there is a treat for me!!