Check out Old Town and the Arts District for some history and fun shops to poke around in. 8 Cutest Small Towns in Arizona. If you want to return to the days of gold mining, head to Wickenburg on the Colorado River on the northern edge of the Sonoran Desert. Travelers throw their coins in and if they hit the toilet, their wish comes true (we didnt hit the toilet). any airport, zip code, or tourist landmark. Planning a trip to SoCal? If youre lucky, youll meet Angel Delgadillo, the man responsible for having Route 66 declared a historic highway, in the gift shop. If you flew into Phoenix airport then checking out Scottsdale is a must. Lake Powell is one of the best lakes in Arizona to enjoy all sorts of water adventures, from boating to canoeing, kayaking, and more. Across the street in Locomotive Park train geeks will love the ogling historic old steam engine #3579. However, all those storefronts with potential couldnt stay empty for long! If you are arriving from Phoenix, follow the I-17 to exit 298 and continue 14 miles west, past the Village of Oak Creek. Sedona / sdon / is a city that straddles the county line between Coconino and Yavapai counties in the northern Verde Valley region of the U.S. state of Arizona. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. There is water running from a local underwater spring and a pond with seating all around. Sedona, a small town located in Red Rock Country, is well known for its stunning red rock formations, lovely canyons, and thriving arts scene. Youll find a TON of charm, and maybe even include a ghost town! Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. One of the most popular small towns in Arizona is Sedona, located amidst Coconino and Yavapai, known for the spectacular red rock sandstone formations. There are many things to do in Camp Verde besides all things wine. Some of the most haunted places with bizarre and sad histories include the Ghost City Inn, Mile High Grill & Inn, a former brothel, and the Conner Hotel. Known for being one of the prominent gold mining towns in the state with a rich history of the old Wild West, Bisbee, located in Cochise County, is also known for the pleasant weather all year round. Then head upstairs to check out the haunted theater full of skeletons, old movie paraphernalia, and other quirky stuff you have to see! The views along this route are spectacular, and this is one of the many reasons why you should add Page to your bucket list. Weve included it below in our list of 18 favorite Arizona small towns, along withpractical info to help you as your plan your trip. Bisbee became one of the richest mineral sites in the world, producing gold, copper, silver, and zinc, producing almost a quarter of the worlds copper. One of the popular day trips from Phoenix, Tubac, located only about 45 minutes from Tucson, is worth visiting over a weekend as this pretty town on the Santa Cruz River offers plenty of things. Im Shannon, Im a gluten-free digital nomad, and Im on cross country roadtrip with my dog, Tink. Historic sights include the Birdcage Theater and Tombstone Courthouse. After the mines flooded in 1886, Tombstone was headed for its grave but it hung onto life as a Wild West ghost town, eventually becoming a popular historic attraction. This unique wishing well consists of a vintage outhouse in the basement of the ruins. It wouldnt be surprising to see Marty McFly zipping by in his SteamPunk DeLorean.) Apple orchards in Arizona are one of the indispensable things when fall colours paint landscapes. We went for the white flight. Arguably the most famous of Arizona's small towns, Sedona is known for its hiking trails, spa retreats, and stargazing from wilderness areas. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. It was founded in 1912 to houseemployees ofa large copper smelter. 6 Small Towns With The Best Town Squares In Arizona - Only In Your State And check out these other things to do in Winslow Arizona. PRO TIP: Go retro in Northern Arizona! If you have time to hike, check out the Lava Flow Trail. The Gunfight at the O.K. Great for: Lake activities, hiking, families, retirees. The last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by I-40, Seligman served as the inspiration for Radiator Springs in the animated movie Cars. Stop by Delgadillos Snow Cap Drive-In to see cars in the parking lot painted as the characters from the movie, or drop in at the Route 66 Gift Shop & Visitor Center for souvenirs. The Local has amazing gluten-free pancakes. Check out my post Three SoCal Adventures Plus Budget-Friendly Travel Tips. We'd always heard that the hiking there was great, and we weren't disappointed. This mining town, established in the 1900s, was a thriving mining centre with thousands of inhabitants settling there. Page Springs is located on the spring so you can sip your own sitting near the water. 18 Charming Arizona Small Towns for your next Road Trip You can enjoy splendid views of the white mountains, skiing, snow-shoeing, and more. This central Arizona small town is equidistant from Phoenix and Tucson and makes a nice day trip or weekend destination. Page is a relatively new community, established in the late 1950s to support workers building the dam. Theatre enthusiasts should visit Schieffelin Hall. 1. Sedona, discovered by two Spanish mining prospectors in 1583, was originally a ranching and farming settlement. Plus, there are many stunning lakes in the valley of the Little Colorado River near Greer where you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and boat trips, or enjoy relaxing picnics admiring the blissful views. This can help in planning a trip or just learning more about a 5 Small Towns in Arizona to Put Down Roots In - Movoto by OJO Williams is also the town nearest to the main entrance of Grand Canyon National Park (about 50 miles due north), which makes it a great base for exploring the area. . Credit: Alan Levine via Flickr. This little hamlet, bypassed by Interstate 40, preserved the Route 66 legend. Its also home to the Tuzigoot National Monument, an ancient pueblo that unfortunately we didnt have time to explore. Because of its location along the Santa Cruz River, it was a settlement for native tribes. At the same time, shoppers have plenty of boutiques, galleries, and antique shops. 9 Unique Stops From Sedona To The Grand Canyon | TravelAwaits a flatbed Ford. Or better, how about camping overnight? But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Bisbee Mr.TinDC/Flickr With a population estimated at 5,300, Bisbee is a quintessential small town that beautifully blends old and new. The food is great! Corral in the 1993 movieTombstone. Jerome provides easy access to groceries, coffee shops, public parks and schools within a few miles of most properties in the small town. You can also change some of your preferences. Weve explored the state from tip to toe to find the best to see and do. The Oak Creek Canyon, a magnificent canyon with breathtaking waterfalls and sparkling, clear pools, is another jewel in Sedona. The Top 10 Things to Do Flagstaff, Arizona, Los Angeles to San Francisco on US Highway 101, Weather in Arizona: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature, Chiricahua National Monument: The Complete Guide, Planning Maps of the Southwestern United States, Kartchner Caverns State Park: The Complete Guide, How to Travel From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Car, Plane, and Helicopter, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. We recommend staying in one of the cute Bed & Breakfasts (or the allegedly haunted Jerome Grand Hotel). Clarkdale, one of the small towns near Sedona, Arizona, attracts visitors from across the world for its rich heritage, thrilling activities, and unrivaled natural beauty. Page was founded in 1957. The cute main street has a midcentury feel. There was everything that a tourist could want. It is located along the historic Route 66 and has unique stores and restaurants where you can easily spend a few hours poking around. As of the 2010 census, its population was 10,031. The town features everything from museums and art galleries to metaphysical shops and energy vortexes. 3 hours or As a digital nomad, I am lucky enough to travel across this great nation of ours. The tour guides will tell unbelievable stories and grim events in these spots. These six small towns have the best town squares in Arizona, and you'll want to explore each and every one. Andsome have. After your immersive experience, make your way downtown to learn even more about mining at the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum or, if you've had enough, drop by the Old Bisbee Brewing Company for a cold pint. It makes an elegant old-world stopover while cruisin Route 66. Enjoy the best varieties of wine as Willcox is home to many vineyards, especially award-winning family wineries. The cool multi-purpose Powerhouse Visitor Center is in an old converted power station. Located in Jerome, overlooking the Verde Valley, Sedona and Flagstaff areas. Skiing at nearby slopes! What a fun little town! Visit the Colorado River State Historic Park to learn about the importance of the crossing throughout the past few centuries. They highlight the Southwest Native American cultures in a way that makes this definitely worth a visit. I also toss the charcoal air freshenerinto the drawer to keep my clothes fresh. All rights reserved. The mining museum contains many excellent artefacts, photographs, and ancient equipment belonging to the miners, giving glimpses of the past of the mining town. Aruined building stands sentry over a glass blowers studio. Greer boasts of excellent weather, especially during the summer as the weather remains pleasant due to its proximity to the mountains. Peonies And The Super-Simple Way That I Extended Their Blooming Season. Another thing that made Tombstone attract tourists happened after being the filming venue showcasing the infamous gunfight at O.K. I loved this location because the traffic was not as bad as uptown and West Sedona. Today, Williams is the best destination if you are looking for small towns in Arizona with a perfect blend of history and plenty of outdoor activities, ranging from hiking to fishing and camping. This post contains affiliate links. Three Small Towns Near Sedona - My Sweet Cottage These days, artists and ghosts live side by side. Its golf course was featured in the 1996 Kevin Costner movie, "Tin Cup.". Alcantara Vineyards is located in Cottonwood, so its a bit more of a drive but it was gorgeous! It was the largest town in the Southwest between St. Louis and San Francisco. There's a vibrant cultural scene here, with artists and craftspeople peddling their wares in the town's boutiques, plus a slew of restaurants and bars for post-hike refueling. Sedona would be considered to be a small town as it has a population in excess of 1000 but smaller than 10,000 Sedona Radius Area Usage Examples You can specify minimum and maximum distances up to 999 miles and you can change the distance radius to any number below this. Patagonia is known for its stunning natural beauty and is the hub of Mexican, Native American and Western American cultures. We hiked the beautiful red hills that surround the town. The mines near Jerome were rich in copper rather than silver, with the mines producing 3 million pounds of copper per month, and during its peak time, the town inhabited over 15000 people. I found 5 really cool small towns near Sedona, AZ that would make a great day trip. Located near Flagstaff and the famous Grand Canyon National Park on Route 66, Williams is one of the best small towns in Arizona. The Wigwam Motel is the place you can spend the night in a tepee! cities close to Sedona, AZ. Visit the Gila County Historical Museum, the Old Dominion Historic Mine Park, and the Besh-Ba-Gowa Archeological Park and Museum to learn about Globes history dating back over 900 years. You must add these beautiful Arizona small towns to your itineraries for diverse experiences, ranging from desert and red rock country to forest-covered mountains and alpine lakes, and even thegold rush towns that are now some of the top ghost towns of AZ. If you're a fan of the Eagles the band, not the football team you might recall a lyric from "Take It Easy" that mentions "standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona." But Carefree's biggest claim to fame and we mean that literally is what's claimed to be the largest sundial in the United States. Nicknamed the Heart of the Verde Valley and the heart of Arizona wine country, Cottonwood located east of Jerome and Woodchute Mountain is one of the beautiful small towns in Arizona worth visiting. Page serves as the gateway to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which includes such attractions as Lake Powell and the famous Horseshoe Bend. To recapture the glory days of the Mother Road, continue driving west on Route 66 towards Kingman, passing the occasional souvenir shop, roadside attractions like the Keepers of the Wild animal sanctuary, and abandoned gas stations on your way to Kingman. Situated along the old Route 66, Oatman is now a living ghost town with many residents and one of the most-visited Arizona ghost towns, with nearly half a million visitors visiting to relive the golden days yearly. Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450. Check out these places when youre visiting the small town of Prescott, AZ near Sedona. Though 450 people live here now, Jerome's ghost town days aren't over some say this is one of Arizona's most haunted destinations. . 12. Dont miss Jerome State Historic Park, where you can learn about the communitys mining past.