Best Small Towns To Visit In Arizona On Your Next Trip

Arizona, known for its deserts, canyons, and bustling cities like Phoenix and Tucson, is also home to numerous charming small towns. These little gems offer visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. 

If you’re looking to escape the touristy areas and delve deep into the heart of the state, here are the five best small towns in Arizona that should be on your list.

Five Amazing Small Towns To Visit In Arizona

Bisbee

Bisbee, once the heartbeat of Arizona’s copper mining industry, has gracefully transitioned from a bustling mining town into a quirky artistic enclave. Located nearly 6,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by the picturesque Mule Mountains, Bisbee offers visitors an atmospheric blend of its illustrious past and vibrant present.

What Makes It Special: 

Bisbee’s architectural landscape is a visual testament to its prosperous mining days. The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, offers interactive exhibits detailing the town’s role in Arizona’s mining history. Not to be missed is the Queen Mine Tour, where you can don a hard hat and lantern to venture deep into one of the state’s oldest copper mines.

Over the decades, artists have been drawn to Bisbee’s historic charm, resulting in a thriving arts scene. Stroll down Main Street and discover a myriad of art galleries, studios, and murals that reflect the town’s creative spirit. Events like the Bisbee After 5 Artwalk, held on the second Saturday of each month, showcase the works of local artists, offering music, entertainment, and special promotions.

Where To Stay:

An ideal resting spot for travelers, Queen Mine RV Park not only offers full hook-ups but places you right in the heart of Bisbee. This proximity allows visitors easy access to the town’s historic sites, shops, and dining establishments.

Jerome

Perched high on Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Sedona, Jerome boasts stunning panoramic views of Arizona’s Verde Valley. Once a roaring copper mining town and famously dubbed the “Wickedest Town in the West” during its heyday, Jerome has reinvented itself over the decades. 

Today, it stands as a beacon for artists, history buffs, and those seeking tales of the paranormal amidst the charm of a mountainside town.

What Makes It Special: 

The elevation of Jerome offers a unique vantage point. Overlooking the Verde Valley, with the red rocks of Sedona in the distance and the San Francisco Peaks looming beyond, the town provides photo opportunities galore. The Jerome Historical Society’s Mine Museum also provides a glimpse into the town’s rich past.

Where To Stay:

Located in nearby Cottonwood, a mere 20-minute drive from Jerome, Dead Horse Ranch State Park is an excellent base for RV travelers. The park provides RV sites equipped with electric hookups and access to amenities like fishing lagoons, hiking trails, and equestrian facilities.

Sedona

Sedona, with its fiery red rock formations and clear blue skies, has long captured the imaginations of travelers, artists, and spiritual seekers. Though it boasts a larger population than many of the “small towns” in Arizona, Sedona’s essence lies in its intimate connection with nature, its distinct energy vortexes, and its reputation as a spiritual and wellness sanctuary.

What Makes It Special: 

Sedona’s iconic red rock formations are not just visually stunning but are also home to numerous hiking and biking trails. Two must-visit trails are the Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock pathways. Each provides unique challenges and vantage points, but all reward with breathtaking views. For photographers, the golden hours of sunrise and sunset turn the landscape into an ethereal wonderland.

Due to its low light pollution and clear desert skies, Sedona is a designated Dark Sky Community. This makes it an excellent place for stargazing. The Milky Way, constellations, and meteor showers are all brilliantly visible, and guided night tours provide deeper insights into the cosmos.

Where To Stay:

Perfectly positioned amidst the sycamore trees along the banks of Oak Creek, Rancho Sedona RV Park provides a serene setting for travelers. The park offers full hook-ups, ensuring modern conveniences amidst nature. Its central location means popular spots, be it hiking trails or Sedona’s vibrant uptown, are just minutes away.

Patagonia

Tucked away near the Mexico-Arizona border, Patagonia exudes a rustic charm that belies its importance as a hotspot for ecological diversity and conservation. With its captivating blend of old-world ranching heritage and rich natural offerings, Patagonia is a haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

What Makes It Special:

The Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is the crown jewel for bird enthusiasts. The riparian habitat, one of the rarest and most threatened in the U.S., has drawn over 300 species of birds, making it one of the most diverse birding spots in the country. Key species to look out for include the Gray Hawk, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, and the elusive Elegant Trogon.

Beyond birdwatching, Patagonia Lake State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. The 265-acre man-made lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and even swimming. The park also offers numerous trails for hiking and horseback riding, with the chance to spot wildlife like deer, javelinas, and myriad bird species.

Where To Stay:

Conveniently situated within the town’s limits, Patagonia RV Park provides a cozy base for exploration. With essential amenities and easy access to the town’s attractions, it’s a prime choice for those traveling in RVs. 

Tubac

Nestled along the Santa Cruz River, Tubac stands as a testament to Arizona’s multifaceted heritage. Founded in 1752, this vibrant village seamlessly marries its historical significance with its modern identity as a thriving arts and crafts center. A visit to Tubac takes one on a journey through time, from its ancient indigenous roots to its Spanish colonial past and its contemporary artistic spirit.

What Makes It Special: 

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park is the cornerstone of Tubac’s historical attractions. As Arizona’s first state park, it protects the ruins of the Spanish colonial Presidio San Ignacio de Tubac and showcases a timeline of five centuries, complete with archaeological exhibits and a furnished 1885 schoolhouse.

Today, Tubac is synonymous with art. With over 100 galleries, studios, and specialty shops, the village offers a diverse range of art—fine art paintings, indigenous crafts, handcrafted jewelry, and unique Southwestern souvenirs.

Where To Stay:

For RV travelers, the nearby De Anza RV Resort in Amado is an excellent choice. Just a short drive from Tubac, this resort provides full hook-up sites, modern amenities, and recreational activities, ensuring a comfortable base from which to explore Tubac and its surroundings.

Final Thoughts

Arizona is not just about its iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon. Dive deep into its heart, and you’ll discover small towns, each with a unique flavor and charm, waiting to be explored. So, the next time you’re planning a trip to this southwestern state, consider adding these five destinations to your itinerary. Safe travels!

PS: don’t forget to secure your RV rental for Arizona today!