7 Charming Small Towns in Arizona

Sprawled out cacti & palm tree loaded metropolises like Phoenix and Tucson usually come to mind first when most of us picture Arizona. While these 2 massive metros area take up the majority of the Southern portion of the state, there is another side that many non-locals are unaware of. Many years ago I drove through the nortion portion of the state on a roadtrip for the first time. I was shocked as the landscapes transformed from cacti to pretty pine trees. Later on, I relocated to Flagstaff, a beautiful mountain town just 2 hours north of Phoenix.

I began exploring all the natural wonders and small towns that populate northern Arizona. Many of these quaint cities are popular vacation destinations for Phoenix locals fleeing the summer heat and looking for snow in the winter. Their popularity as 2nd home residences continues to grow as well due to the attractive seasonal climate and close proximity to many natural wonders.

For anyone seeking a more relaxing getaway in the state, this guide is for you. I have featured 7 small towns which offer quaint Main Streets, local dining and shopping options, as well as access to breathtaking lush natural landscapes which are just not found in the Sonoran desert.

Note: I would rank Flagstaff first, Sedona second, and Prescott or Jerome a distant third in terms of must-visit destinations if you are limited on time. On a side note, I do love the natural desert landscapes and hiking in both Phoenix & Tucson but it is just too hot during the summer to enjoy anything outdoors related!

Sedona

It’s hard to believe that at one time Sedona was a sleepy one stoplight town with nothing more than neverending views of the gorgeous red rocks. Fast forward a few decades and Red Rock Country has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Southwest. Many restaurants, resorts, spas, and tour companies have set up shop here, and it seems there is no end in sight. Regardless, there is still plenty of charm and it’s way more laid-back than Phoenix. Plenty of local restaurants to support, scenic drives to take, and stunning trails to hike.

The highlight here is Oak Creek Canyon, a breathtaking 14 mile drive which connects Flagstaff and Sedona. This drive is just jaw dropping as you being near ponderosa pine forests and end near towering red rock formations.

Sedona draws in a really diverse crowd which includes photographers, hikers, nature lovers, couples seeking a romantic getaway, those seeking a little R&R via a luxury spa weekend, and even families seeking a non traditional vacation destination that offers something a bit different than a typical go-to pick like say Orlando. Spiritual seekers and the New age crowd see the area as a place of healing and enlightenment. The city is now a spiritual escape with many healing providers in various modalities setting up shop.

This is an awesome place to hike and the trail options are endless. There are too many too list so I will refer you to my guide of my favorite easy-mod red rock trails. For those not into hiking, there are restaurants with beautiful patios facing the red rocks, the scenic Red Rock Scenic Byway, and the beautiful Chapel of the Holy Cross lookout. Check out my non hiking activity guide for more details.

• Where to stay: The gorgeous Enchantment Resort
• Where to dine: Indian Gardens (great breakfast + espresso), Cucina Rustica (upscale Italian), and The Hudson (American food + an awesome view). For great views, plan for breakfast at Che-Ah-Chi in the Enchantment.
• What to do: Check out my ultimate first timer vacation guide for further details.

Prescott

Prescott, a.k.a. “Everybody’s Hometown,” is a laid-back town in the north central portion of the state known for its’ historic charm and unique cowboy ambiance. The slogan “Everybody’s Hometown” arises from the assumption that people from all over the world should be able to find something here that reminds them of home. The city is well known for its’ traditional Christmas festival which includes a spectacular display of over a million lights in the historic Yavapai County courthouse square. Prescott is referred to as “Arizona’s Christmas City.”

The highlight here, and the reason this city draws so many tourists despite its’ small size, is the old-fashioned Main Street district. The city’s claim to fame is Whiskey Row, named as so for the large number of saloons located on the same block (at one point in history, 40 saloons existed!). Today, the streets of downtown are lined with pretty Victorian homes & businesses, local restaurants, and cowboy western themed shops, with the beautiful historic courthouse as the centerpiece.

The mild 4 season climate allows you to enjoy the outdoors almost all year with seasonal changes adding a bit of variety. Dozens of hiking trails within the Prescott National Forest (I love the intense trek up Thumb Butte), 4 gorgeous lakes, and a wonderful lakeside bike path known as the Peavine Recreational Trail, make the area popular with all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Even though I enjoyed the many trails in Flagstaff, I frequently daytripped here to enjoy this gorgeous bike trail – really, it is so beautiful!

Prescott offers just enough amenities for a nice weekend trip, yet not enough to overwhelm and stress you out. And you cannot beat the “rare-for-AZ” 4 season climate. I’ve seen this city listed on many “best 4 season climate” lists and I have to say I agree.

• Where to stay: Prescott Resort and Conference Center (great views and nice amenities)
• Where to dine: Papa’s Italian & Rosa’s Pizzeria (2 local Italian gems) Bistro St. Michael (great location downtown)
• What to do: There’s lots to do here to justify a weekend daytrip. Check out my visitor guide for full details.

Flagstaff

Although Flagstaff technically would not be considered a small town with a population of over 70,000 and millions of tourists visiting each year, it is quite small in comparison to the mega metro areas of Tucson and Phoenix. To anyone visiting from these busy cities, this small mountain town feels like a quaint little escape in comparison. There is a cute downtown with many local businesses. I love all the local coffeeshops and restaurants with outdoor patios.

Flagstaff is just 2 hours north of Phoenix with considerably cooler summers. At an altitude of 7000 feet, the weather is at least 30 degrees cooler. The distinct 4 season climate includes mild summers rarely topping 85 degrees, a spectacular fall foliage season, and very snowy winters. Fall is by far the most gorgeous time. Honestly, I’ve seen more incredible fall foliage here than when I lived in Massachusetts.

While the town itself is great, the prime benefit is its’ convenient central location for exploring many of the Southwest’s most stunning natural wonders. Of course, the most notable destination is the Grand Canyon, and Flagstaff attracts millions of tourists each year due to this fact. At the South Rim, you can enjoy the scenery in a variety of ways including: overlooks, guided mule rides, rafting, and my personal favorite – hiking with the canyon.

Besides the token Canyon daytirp, the city also lies within a half day’s drive to many other wonderful places. My top picks if you are up for a drive include: Walnut Canyon (20 min), Zion National Park (4 hrs), Horseshoe Bend (2hr), and Sedona (30 min). Overall, it is just the perfect place to begin all your outdoor adventures in the Southwest as it is never too far away from these natural wonders, and yet is also home to a number of amenities on its’ own. You can read more about each of these wonders and many more in my full N Arizona guide.

Most of all, I love the lively Main Street where there is almost always something going on. Compared to the highly suburban southern cities, Flagstaff feels a bit more local with more independent businesses and restaurants. It’s easy to get around town and there are not a million chains crowding the streets. There are numerous small town events during the year including a hometown 4th of July Parade, pumpkin patches, farmers markets and art fairs, music fests, and much more. The coffee shops here are really great and there are many to choose amongst. Late for the Train is a wonderful local roaster with a convenient location downtown.

Hiking a beautiful high altitude trail in the pines should be #1 on your must-do list. The beautiful mountain scenery, cool weather, and beautiful pines and aspens lining the trails make the experience so different to hiking in the Sonoran. There are a number of wonderful trails around town. Here a rea few of my favorites (with options for everyone) to get started.

The top recreational hotspot is Arizona Snowbowl, one of the state’s only ski resorts and also a prime place to hike. There are 3 trails at Snowbowl, all of which are great for year-round use. From cool hiking in the summer, to fall leaf peeping in the autumn, to snowshoeing in the winter, you will never get bored.

Whether you are looking to escape the brutal heat of the desert, seeking a beautiful autumn getaway, looking to rent a cabin in the snowy pines, or simply looking for a great base to explore the natural wonders of the Southwest, Flagstaff is a destination worth checking out.

• Where to stay: Little America, Doubletree, Drury Inn & Suites. Unfortunately, there are not many resorts or mountain style lodging options. Some cabin rentals are available in Kachina Village (I lived here – it’s a nice quiet alternative).
• Where to dine: Delhi Palace (best Indian food anywhere), Salsa Brava (long running Mexican favorite featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives on Rt. 66), Oregano’s (Chicago style Italian food in a fun setting).
• What to do: Hiking, Day trips to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, & national parks, stroll around the historic downtown.

Williams

Williams, whose claim to fame is being the last Rt 66 town to be bypassed by I-40, is a popular tourist destination in the summer months due to the close proximity (just an hour) to the Grand Canyon. I like Flagstaff better, but many tourists stay here to take a popular train ride known as the Grand Canyon Railway.

This is a convenient, albeit a bit overpriced, alternative mode of transportation to this natural wonder. In fact, the town’s slogan is “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” This little community tends to get super busy at 2 times of the year: summertime Grand Canyon season and during the winter when the seasonal Polar Express train ride (based on the children’s holiday classic) opens up.

The rest of the year, the city is a pretty quiet, laid-back place to enjoy nature and Rt 66 nostalgia. Like Flagstaff, the town is conveniently located within a short drive to many wonderful natural attractions. Being that it is nestled in the high altitude ponderosa pine forest, there are plenty of great hikes within the Kaibab National Forest to enjoy (I recommend Kendrick Mountain and Keyhole Sink).

Other must-do’s include visiting Bearizona (a top rated drive-thru wildlife park), exploring Rt 66 memorabilia shops, and dining at themed cafes.

Overall, Williams is a great base for exploring the many national parks and monuments scattered all over the region. For those seeking quiet, Williams is much less hectic that the more popular alternative, Flagstaff. Williams is also closer to the Grand Canyon.

• Where to stay: Grand Canyon Railway Hotel for easy access to the train ride
• Where to dine: Red Raven Cafe, Pine Country diner
• What to do: Drive around one of the country’s best wildlife parks, hike in the Kaibab Forest, take the train to the canyon, watch a wild west shootout (shows run during the summer months)

Payson

Payson is a tiny little community of just 5000 or so in the central portion of the state, about an hour and a half north of Phoenix. It is located in the heart of scenic Rim Country, surrounded by the beautiful Tonto National Forest. Thus, there is plenty in the way of outdoor recreation.

Payson’s motto is “Arizona’s coolest mountain town.” Due to the high elevation (5000 feet), Payson sees a pleasant 4 season climate, with temps rarely reaching the 100’s like Phoenix, and occasional snow, although it melts pretty quickly. This attractive climate makes it a popular vacation destination for desert dwellers fleeing the summer heat, as well as those seeking some traditional winter snow & a more rustic ambiance.

The highlight in this region is Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, a gorgeous underrated gem which is home to the world’s largest natural travertine bridge and a natural waterfall. Other things to do include: visiting the small Mazatzal Casino, browsing antique shops, hiking within the Tonto National Forest, stargazing, leaf peeping in the fall, and checking out local restaurants, shops, and galleries.

A drive along the scenic Mogollon Rim featuring dramatic panoramas of ponderosa pine trees is a much – check out the section between Strawberry and Payson. If you happen to be visiting around the holidays, Payson puts on a number of festive events including a great Electric Light Parade.

Payson is a nice destination to rent a cabin and get away from it all for a while. You won’t find as many tourist crowds here. It’s still within an easy drive to many natural wonders (Grand Canyon, Sedona, Flagstaff, Petrified National Forest, Walnut Canyon). The advantage here is that you have a quieter base to return to.

• Where to stay: Cabins on Strawberry Hill
• Where to dine: La Sierra Mexican Restaurant (a colorful local gem), Fargo Steakhouse (country western vibe)
• What to do: Visit Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Hike the Horton Creek Trail, antique shopping, a scenic drive along the Mogollon Rim

Jerome

Jerome is often referred to as the “largest ghost town in America.” This is because it was once a thriving copper mining town, however, the Great Depression led to mines closing. Thus, a population which once topped 15,000 dwindled down to almost nothing, hence the nickname. Today, the population sits at approx. 400, although it is a thriving tourist town due to its’ gorgeous location atop Cleopatra Hill overlooking the beautiful Verde Valley.

Other highlights include a thriving arts community (over 20 galleries!), close proximity to natural attractions, well regarded vineyards and wine tasting rooms, and long paranormal history/festive Halloween celebrations. The New York Sun once referred to Jerome as “the Wickedest town in the West,” due to the area’s reputation as being a gambling and prostitution hotspot- today you will find that the area is much different.

The most interesting aspect of the town is the long history of paranormal occurrences. Legends of ghost hauntings go back decades and still continue today! At one point, the town even published a Jerome Ghost Post. The community center is nicknamed Spook Hall due to the repeated number of strange occurrences over the years. A ghostly cat has been sighted by numerous guests at the Mile High Inn. As someone who loves anything to do with the paranormal, I had to plan a trip here around Halloween. No, I didn’t see any ghosts (thankfully!).

The ghost of miner “Headless Charlie” who died in a gruesome accident is said to still roam the area. According to the Jerome Grand Hotel, once an asylum, this place is so haunted that guests often end up sleeping in the lobby! You can take a ghost tour anytime of the year, although it is more fun around Halloween! You’ll learn more about all the ghostly sightings and even get to test out ghost hunting equipment.

The town goes all out for Halloween with a number of events. If visiting in October, do check out the crazy decorations at the Jerome Grand Hotel/Asylum Restaurant.

This is a town rich in history, with beautiful old architecture and an artsy vibe. While here, you can stroll around and enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the Verde Valley, learn about the town’s history at Jerome State Park, dine at the beautiful Asylum Restaurant, enjoy local wine at one of the many tasting rooms, check out local art galleries (a popular Art Walk is held the 1st Sat of each month), and browse around independent shops.

• Additionally, Jerome is located just a short drive from Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff. If visiting, you can easily check out all the great attractions in these areas as well.
• Where to stay: The Jerome Grand Hotel
  Where to dine: Asylum Restaurant (great views + great food), Haunted Hamburger
  What to do: Ghost tour at the Jerome Grand Hotel, Visit Jerome State Historic Park, Wine tasting at Cellar 433

Strawberry/Pine

Pine and Strawberry are 2 tiny communities in the north central portion of the state. These tiny towns are becoming more and more popular with 2nd home owners seeking a quiet escape in the countryside. This is especially the case as Flagstaff and Sedona get pricier and more crowded by the year. There isn’t as much to do here, but it’s a great pick if you love hunting for old antiques.

As the elevation varies between 5000-6000 feet, the summer temps stay much cooler than Phoenix. No surprise that it is a popular weekend summer weekend destination. Both towns are part of the gorgeous Mogollon Rim Country area, which is located within a large ponderosa pine forest.

Antique shopping is what draws me here. You will not find a lot of big box stores nor chains here, thus the basis of its’ appeal for those seeking a laid-back day trip/vacation. There are a few cute local restaurants like The Randall House which features a nice shady outdoor patio. A stop at Pine Creek Fudge and Ice Cream is a must and they are also one of the few places serving espresso drinks (sorry, no Starbucks here!).

Strawberry is home to the oldest schoolhouse in Arizona, founded in 1885.

The Tonto National Forest surrounds both areas, so there is plenty of trails for outdoor enthusiasts to take advantage of. And of course, you must visit the gorgeous Tonto Natural Bridge State park, located just a short drive away in Payson. Enjoy the small town ambiance of these 2 cute towns by renting a rustic cabin in the woods or spend the night in a cozy bed and breakfast.

• Where to stay: Cabins on Strawberry Hill
• Where to dine: Randall House (great food and a cute patio)
• What to do: Antique shopping (check out Moose Mountain Gifts & Antiques), Hike at Fossil Springs, Pick up some local honey at The Honey Stand