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9 Most Picturesque Small Towns in Arizona

Arizona ranks 6th on the list of largest states in the United States and is home to some beautiful towns. Especially since the 20th century, most areas have concentrated urban populations. This is when the state witnessed tremendous growth in urban and suburban areas. Arizona's neighboring states include Mexico, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Petrified Forest National Park and the Grand Canyon are major tourist attractions in Arizona, but they are also known for containing much of the lands of American Indian tribes. If you're interested in exploring Arizona, discover the nine most beautiful small towns in the state that are definitely worth a visit.

Bisbee

Street view of Bisbee, Arizona. Image credit Cheri Alguire (via Shutterstock.com)

Bisbee is a typical small town with a great blend of new and old. This town of about 5,300 people has some charming Victorian buildings that have been saved from demolition. Today, they are historic bookstores and art galleries frequented by tourists and locals alike. Popular accommodations in Bisbee include The Copper Queen Hotel, known for its great hillside location. The Inn at Castle Rock is another interesting property with Victorian nautical style suites.

Shopping in Bisbee is also a fun activity. This small town has some great vintage stores that sell antiques. Miners & Merchants Antique Center is one such store, with three floors of merchandise ranging from elegant leather chairs to dollhouses.

kingman

View of vintage station wagons and Mr. D'z Diner on Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona
Vintage station wagon and Mr. D'z Diner on Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona.Image credit Frank Fell Media via Shutterstock

Along Arizona's famous Route 66 lies the town of Kingman. The town has a typical retro feel, with a vibrant past. One of the things that makes this town so picturesque is its collection of walking trails. These include the Camp Beale Loop, Castle Rock Trail, Badger Trail, White Cliffs Wagon Trail, and more. In addition to these trails, Kingman has several scenic parks for family recreation, including Centennial Park and Cecil Davis Park.

For example, Centennial Park has a playground, pedestal grill, and designated picnic areas. For those who want to (really) get close to nature, I highly recommend a visit to Hualapai Mountain Park. This park offers some of the most spectacular views and a chance to see wildlife such as mountain lions, elk, mule deer, and all kinds of birds. Tourists can also rent cabins in the park and enjoy activities such as camping, biking, picnicking, and hiking.

jerome

The historic Conner Hotel on Main Street in Jerome in the Black Hills of Yavapai County
The historic Conner Hotel on Main Street in Jerome, Arizona. Image credit Nick Fox (via Shutterstock)

Situated on a stunning hillside, Jerome is a great Arizona tourist destination. It is an ideal vacation spot for those who want to discover the mines, ghosts, wine, and art of the Verde Valley. Located between Flagstaff and Prescott, near Cleopatra Hill, Jerome has an interesting history of copper mining. Once home to rich copper deposits that attracted merchants and miners, it was nicknamed “The Wickedest Town in the West.”

The streets of downtown Jerome are home to several bottle shops and tasting rooms showcasing Verde Valley viticulture. It is said that it was the craftsmen and artists who saved Jerome. Visit the Jerome Art Center, which operates as a working space for over 30 artists. The town is home to a number of galleries housed in former storefronts and homes, displaying jewelry, art, photography, furniture and more.

sedona

Mountain view of downtown Sedona.
Mountain range in downtown Sedona, Arizona. Image credit: Akane Brooks (via Shutterstock.com)

Located in the famous Upper Sonoran Desert, Sedona is a popular destination for day trippers and vacationers during the summer months. The main attraction at this particular time of the year is witnessing the accumulation of tall rock formations that appear a stunning orange color at sunrise. Popular outdoor recreational activities in Sedona include hiking, biking, and hot air ballooning. To enjoy these outdoor adventures, tourists can visit Red Rock Crossing and Slide Rock State Park, or sit atop Airport Mesa and watch the most dreamy peachy sunsets.

Wine tasting is also a popular outdoor activity among visitors to Sedona. Some of the most frequently visited vineyards include Page Spring Cellars, Alcantara Vineyards, and Javelina Leap Vineyard and Winery. There are several art galleries in and around Sedona where you can view beautiful works of art. These include Adonai Christian Fine Art Gallery, Gedion Gallery, Deserio Gallery, and more.

Prescott

A fall day in Prescott, Arizona.
A fall day in Prescott, Arizona.

The town of Prescott is a beautiful town located 5,200 feet above sea level and surrounded by many pine forests. The city is known for its wonderful climate and four distinct and beautiful seasons, making it a great place to vacation all year round. Prescott is distinguished by its breathtaking scenery, including lakes, rolling meadows, streams, and granite mountains.

The town enjoys 277 days of sunshine a year and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Visit the 1.2 million acre Prescott National Forest and explore without limits. For park lovers, the city of Prescott has 16 parks offering plenty of fun and relaxing activities. The town also has a historic downtown centered around the stately Yavapai County Courthouse. This area is a very lively and lively area as tourists as well as locals frequent it for shopping and dining.

Patagonia

Afternoon sunlight illuminates Patagonia's historic downtown core.
In the heart of historic downtown Patagonia, Arizona.Image credit: Matt Gush via Shutterstock

Patagonia is a town in southern Arizona with a rich history. Located more than 4,000 feet above sea level between the Patagonia and Santa Rita Mountains (32 miles off northern Mexico), Patagonia is known for its mining and ranching history and rich wine culture. His three ghost towns, Lochiel, Duquesne, and Harshaw, located along the Patagonia Mountains, are in close proximity. Interested in birdwatching? The conservation organization's Patagonia Sonoita Creek Preserve is home to more than 300 bird species.

Another great place to explore wildlife, camp, picnic, hike, fish, and waterski is Patagonia Lake State Park. A huge man-made lake (265 acres) is located within the park, where anglers can catch bluegill, catfish, crappie, and bass. For those who like to hike, there are beautiful trails throughout the park where you can spot birds such as the Indian dove, canyon towhee, and black vulture.

Wickenburg

Atop the Tegnerstrasse building is an old-fashioned faux water tower with the town's name and Est 1863.
Old-fashioned imitation water tower, Wickenburg, Arizona.Image credit: Rosemarie Mosteller via Shutterstock

For the most authentic Wild West experience, tourists should visit the town of Wickenburg, Arizona. A perfect blend of past and present, Wickenburg has a typical cowboy-his-town feel. The Desert Caballeros Western Museum is a great place to appreciate art, and his Del E. Webb Center is known for putting on great performances.

For history buffs planning a visit to Wickenburg, a historical tour through the revitalized downtown is highly recommended. Explore the outdoors at Hassayampa River Reserve, which is said to be home to around 300 bird species. For something a little more challenging, head across town and climb the famous Vulture Peak.

williams

Street scene with classic cars in front of a souvenir shop in Williams, Arizona.
Street scene with classic cars in front of a souvenir shop in Williams, Arizona. Image credit: Jordi C (via Shutterstock.com)

America's Route 66 was a historic route that symbolized the nation's spirit of adventure, risk, and perseverance. The road spanned 4,500 miles and helped transport Dust Bowl survivors to safer pastures. Located on what is now called Interstate 40, Williams is a small Arizona town about 30 minutes from Flagstaff. The town lives on as a paean to its historic streets and its 1950s cultural zenith.

Tourists can look forward to seeing some Instagram-worthy spots, including road signs and old diners, as they travel through Williams' well-preserved stretch of Route 66. One of Williams' main attractions is the access it provides to the Grand Canyon Railroad. The ride lasts about two hours and drops tourists off at the canyon's South Rim.

winslow

Winslow, Arizona has become famous for its eagle song. "calm down," It includes lyrics about standing on a street corner in Winslow, Arizona.
Downtown Winslow, Arizona. Image credit Michael Gordon (via Shutterstock.com)

One of Route 66's most beautiful stops, Winslow is very popular with motorcyclists and motorists. “I'm standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona…” are lyrics from a rock song by the band Eagles. A song that will continue to be close to the city. One of the many things that makes Winslow so historically beautiful is the Old Trails Museum, which displays memorabilia donated primarily by local residents.

For hiking enthusiasts, Homolovi State Park is a must-see. The park features beautiful trails that allow hikers to see archaeological sites as well as prehistoric rock carvings belonging to the ancestors of the Hopi people. A famous hotel in Winslow is La Posada. Regarded as one of the finest hotels along the railroad, La Posada was designed for the Santa Fe Railroad by architect Mary Jane Colter of Fred Harvey and her company. This masterpiece of historic hacienda style, with its red-tiled roof, public garden, and graceful arches, is exceptionally well preserved.

Arizona's jewel-like scenery

It's no exaggeration to say that Arizona is a unique state in terms of its climate, geography, weather, and towns and cities. The majority of this scenic state's population lives in the Tucson and Phoenix metropolitan areas, but outside of these densely populated cities there are also small, picturesque towns perfect for weekend getaways or extended vacations. There are dozens of them.

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