10 Greatest Small Cities in Arizona

Arizona is usually outlined by its icons, together with the Grand Canyon and the Phoenix sprawl. However the essence of the state is simply as alive in its smaller cities. Tucked into its huge canyons, deserts, and excessive plateaus are small communities that carry the tales of the Indigenous communities, miners, artists, and ranchers who formed the area.

These small cities, which vary from just some hundred to virtually 10,000 individuals, every supply one thing totally different. The steep, colourful streets of Bisbee are full of galleries and cafés, whereas the city of Winslow alongside Route 66 preserves a slice of midcentury Americana, full with neon indicators, diners, and roadside curiosities. Down south, close to the Mexican border, is the tiny city of Tubac, a beloved artwork and tradition hub brimming with adobe storefronts set in opposition to the backdrop of the Santa Rita Mountains.

I’ve visited or pushed by way of many of those small cities from my dwelling state of Colorado and have chosen just a few that stood out—together with communities identified for his or her historic relevance, artwork, and entry to nature. Sure, the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and Scottsdale are value a go to, however for vacationers keen to look past Arizona’s landmarks and cities, these small cities supply a quieter type of discovery, usually paired with wide-open area and scenic views.

Bisbee

With slightly below 5,000 individuals, Bisbee could also be small, however the city has a vibrant arts scene and a cool character you gained’t discover anyplace else within the state. The scenic setting and charming, walkable downtown full of galleries and occasional outlets do not harm both.

​“Bisbee is surrounded by the Mule Mountains, providing loads of alternatives for climbing, mountaineering, and tenting. The close by Sabino Canyon Recreation Space has scenic climbing trails and gorgeous views,” stated Renee Harper, a Bisbee native and spirit advisor at Outdated Bisbee Ghost Tour.

​However past the artwork and sweetness lies an extended, fascinating historical past as a copper mining city—you may get a way of this heritage from the realm’s former miners’ cabins and a powerful underground tour of the Queen Mine.

Tombstone

The city of Tombstone, which sits within the southeast nook of the state, has leaned into its Wild West origins. It will possibly really feel kitschy at occasions, however if you happen to embrace it, you’ll be in for a boot-stomping good time.

​The city’s most important sights embody a reenactment of a 1881 gunfight on the O.Okay. Corral on historic Allen Avenue, a trolley tour, and some haunted areas—together with The Fowl Cage Theatre, which is legendary for its bullet hole-riddled partitions from gunfighters of the American frontier.

Winslow

Winslow, which has simply over 8,300 individuals, is on the verge of being too populated for this small-town checklist, however we included it due to its plain Route 66 attraction. You may discover it proper on the historic freeway, which is celebrating its one centesimal birthday in 2026, and continues to supply a wholesome dose of nostalgic Americana.

Right here you will discover traditional diners with neon indicators and kitschy roadside sights, together with the long-lasting “Standin’ on the Nook” statue, in-built honor of the well-known Winslow point out within the Eagles tune, “Take It Straightforward.” It’s value making a cease at La Posada Resort, which opened in 1930. Designed by trailblazing architect Mary Jane Colter, the property was one in all entrepreneur Fred Harvey’s chain of accommodations constructed alongside the Santa Fe Railroad within the late Nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

​The Winslow space can be dwelling to historic Hopi ruins and excavated Anasazi dwellings and petroglyphs.

​Jerome

Jerome is the place historical past and pure magnificence—to not point out native lore—merge into one enrapturing small city expertise. Like Bisbee, the central Arizona city is a former copper mining group turned arts and tradition hub. And sure, there are many eating places, outlets, artwork galleries, and wineries. However what actually makes Jerome stand out is its popularity as a “residing ghost city,” a spot that was virtually abandoned, however managed to dwell on. And it’s a title that the residents of Jerome appear to embrace.

Past the humanities, buying, and ghosts is a shocking panorama. The city is constructed into the facet of a mountain overlooking the Verde Valley and is close to Lifeless Horse Ranch State Park and Tuzigoot Nationwide Monument, which preserves an historic hilltop pueblo.

​Wickenburg

For a Wild West really feel, head to Wickenburg, a city the place cowboys and horse fanatics coalesce in an outdated mining city that’s lengthy been identified for its connection to the gold rush. Within the historic downtown, there are murals and sculptures, whereas guests can discover additional afield through Jeep excursions or climbing trails. There’s nice climbing on the close by Hassayampa River Protect, which is owned by The Nature Conservancy.

A number of dude ranches within the space embody the favored Rancho de los Caballeros on the sting of city. To dive into the city’s gold mining historical past, e-book a tour with Vulture Metropolis Ghost City, the place you possibly can discover greater than a dozen unique buildings.

Globe

This small Arizona city is probably greatest identified for its spectacular historic ruins. The stays of a giant pueblo village constructed by the Indigenous Salado individuals is protected as a part of the Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum. There are additionally a number of remnants of Globe’s Nineteenth-century roots as a mining city, together with the previous Mine Rescue Station now dwelling to the Gila County Historic Museum.

Past its human historical past, Globe is situated inside Arizona’s magnificent Tonto Nationwide Forest and is famend for its Mexican meals and vintage outlets, together with the Pickle Barrel Buying and selling Publish.

​Sedona

Sedona will get fairly a bit extra consideration than different cities on this checklist, however a “greatest small cities” roundup simply wouldn’t be proper with out it. Why? As a result of it is simply one of the crucial stunning spots in Arizona—to not point out its ample actions and sights.

As Brett Briseno of Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo instructed T+L, “Whether or not it’s the power of the land, the real hospitality of its individuals, or the cultures that coexist in concord … there is no denying this place feels totally different than anyplace else.” It’s the type of place that begs you to get out and discover—the panorama is stuffed with purple rock buttes, there’s nice climbing, and the night time skies are identified for his or her readability. Plus, there’s an amazing wellness tradition and artwork scene.

Tubac

South of Tucson, not removed from the U.S.–Mexico border, is the tiny city of Tubac, which has turn out to be a primary vacation spot for artwork and tradition in Arizona. The tiny city boasts greater than 100 eclectic outlets, usually that includes regionally made items, and a handful of galleries.

​Tucked across the city are colourful artwork items and sculptures, solely surpassed by the gorgeous sunsets and views of the Santa Rita Mountains, which rise practically 6,000 toes from the encompassing desert flooring.

​Portal

Portal, Arizona, is so small that most individuals miss it, however for many who like nature, bird-watching, and stargazing, it’s unparalleled. The city is situated in southeastern Arizona close to the state’s border with New Mexico and is a famend birding scorching spot—preserve an eye fixed out for species just like the elegant trogon, Mexican jay, and the broad-billed hummingbird.

​One of the best time to see quite a lot of fowl species is within the spring, with plenty of sightings at Cave Creek Canyon, nicknamed the “Yosemite of Arizona.” It is also an amazing spot for climbing alongside towering rock formations.

​Sonoita

It’s shocking {that a} city thus far south and so near the U.S.–Mexico border would have a burgeoning wine scene—however Sonoita breaks the mould and has turn out to be one in all Arizona’s first federally acknowledged wine-growing areas. In style tasting rooms embody Dos Cabezas WineWorks and the off-grid Rune Wines.

​Simply quarter-hour south of Sonoita is the neighboring small city of Patagonia, a detailed runner-up for this checklist. It is identified for its water recreation and climbing at Patagonia Lake State Park, and in-town bird-watching alternatives on the Paton Middle for Hummingbirds.