10 Best Small Towns in Arizona

Arizona is often defined by its icons, including the Grand Canyon and the Phoenix sprawl. But the essence of the state is just as alive in its smaller towns. Tucked into its vast canyons, deserts, and high plateaus are small communities that carry the stories of the Indigenous communities, miners, artists, and ranchers who shaped the region.

These small towns, which range from just a few hundred to almost 10,000 people, each offer something different. The steep, colorful streets of Bisbee are filled with galleries and cafés, while the town of Winslow along Route 66 preserves a slice of midcentury Americana, complete with neon signs, diners, and roadside curiosities. Down south, near the Mexican border, is the tiny town of Tubac, a beloved art and culture hub brimming with adobe storefronts set against the backdrop of the Santa Rita Mountains.

I have visited or driven through many of these small towns from my home state of Colorado and have selected a few that stood out—including communities known for their historical relevance, art, and access to nature. Yes, the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and Scottsdale are worth a visit, but for travelers willing to look beyond Arizona’s landmarks and cities, these small towns offer a quieter kind of discovery, often paired with wide-open space and scenic views.

Bisbee

With just under 5,000 people, Bisbee may be small, but the town has a vibrant arts scene and a funky personality you won’t find anywhere else in the state. The scenic setting and charming, walkable downtown filled with galleries and coffee shops don’t hurt either.

​“Bisbee is surrounded by the Mule Mountains, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and camping. The nearby Sabino Canyon Recreation Area has scenic hiking trails and stunning views,” said Renee Harper, a Bisbee local and spirit advisor at Old Bisbee Ghost Tour.

​But beyond the art and beauty lies a long, fascinating history as a copper mining town—you can get a sense of this heritage from the area’s former miners’ cabins and an impressive underground tour of the Queen Mine.

Tombstone

The town of Tombstone, which sits in the southeast corner of the state, has leaned into its Wild West origins. It can feel kitschy at times, but if you embrace it, you’ll be in for a boot-stomping good time.

​The town’s main attractions include a reenactment of a 1881 gunfight at the O.K. Corral on historic Allen Street, a trolley tour, and a few haunted spaces—including The Bird Cage Theatre, which is famous for its bullet hole-riddled walls from gunfighters of the American frontier.

Winslow

Winslow, which has just over 8,300 people, is on the verge of being too populated for this small-town list, but we included it because of its undeniable Route 66 charm. You’ll find it right on the historic highway, which is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2026, and continues to offer a healthy dose of nostalgic Americana.

Here you’ll find classic diners with neon signs and kitschy roadside attractions, including the iconic “Standin’ on the Corner” statue, built in honor of the famous Winslow mention in the Eagles song, “Take It Easy.” It’s worth making a stop at La Posada Hotel, which opened in 1930. Designed by trailblazing architect Mary Jane Colter, the property was one of entrepreneur Fred Harvey’s chain of hotels built along the Santa Fe Railroad in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

​The Winslow area is also home to ancient Hopi ruins and excavated Anasazi dwellings and petroglyphs.

​Jerome

Jerome is where history and natural beauty—not to mention local lore—merge into one enrapturing small town experience. Like Bisbee, the central Arizona town is a former copper mining community turned arts and culture hub. And yes, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, art galleries, and wineries. But what really makes Jerome stand out is its reputation as a “living ghost town,” a place that was almost deserted, but managed to live on. And it’s a title that the residents of Jerome seem to embrace.

Beyond the arts, shopping, and ghosts is a stunning landscape. The town is built into the side of a mountain overlooking the Verde Valley and is near Dead Horse Ranch State Park and Tuzigoot National Monument, which preserves an ancient hilltop pueblo.

​Wickenburg

For a Wild West feel, head to Wickenburg, a town where cowboys and horse enthusiasts coalesce in an old mining town that’s long been known for its connection to the gold rush. In the historic downtown, there are murals and sculptures, while visitors can explore further afield via Jeep tours or hiking trails. There’s great hiking at the nearby Hassayampa River Preserve, which is owned by The Nature Conservancy.

Several dude ranches in the area include the popular Rancho de los Caballeros on the edge of town. To dive into the town’s gold mining history, book a tour with Vulture City Ghost Town, where you can explore more than a dozen original buildings.

Globe

This small Arizona town is perhaps best known for its impressive ancient ruins. The remains of a large pueblo village constructed by the Indigenous Salado people is protected as part of the Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum. There are also several remnants of Globe’s 19th-century roots as a mining town, including the former Mine Rescue Station now home to the Gila County Historical Museum.

Beyond its human history, Globe is located within Arizona’s magnificent Tonto National Forest and is renowned for its Mexican food and antique shops, including the Pickle Barrel Trading Post.

​Sedona

Sedona gets quite a bit more attention than other towns on this list, but a “best small towns” roundup just wouldn’t be right without it. Why? Because it’s easily one of the most beautiful spots in Arizona—not to mention its ample activities and attractions.

As Brett Briseno of Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo told T+L, “Whether it’s the energy of the land, the genuine hospitality of its people, or the cultures that coexist in harmony … there’s no denying this place feels different than anywhere else.” It is the sort of place that begs you to get out and explore—the landscape is full of red rock buttes, there’s great hiking, and the night skies are known for their clarity. Plus, there’s a great wellness culture and art scene.

Tubac

South of Tucson, not far from the U.S.–Mexico border, is the tiny town of Tubac, which has become a prime destination for art and culture in Arizona. The tiny town boasts more than 100 eclectic shops, often featuring locally made goods, and a handful of galleries.

​Tucked around the town are colorful art pieces and sculptures, only surpassed by the stunning sunsets and views of the Santa Rita Mountains, which rise nearly 6,000 feet from the surrounding desert floor.

​Portal

Portal, Arizona, is so small that most people miss it, but for those who like nature, bird-watching, and stargazing, it is unparalleled. The town is located in southeastern Arizona near the state’s border with New Mexico and is a renowned birding hot spot—keep an eye out for species like the elegant trogon, Mexican jay, and the broad-billed hummingbird.

​The best time to see a variety of bird species is in the spring, with lots of sightings at Cave Creek Canyon, nicknamed the “Yosemite of Arizona.” It’s also a great spot for hiking alongside towering rock formations.

​Sonoita

It’s surprising that a town so far south and so close to the U.S.–Mexico border would have a burgeoning wine scene—but Sonoita breaks the mold and has become one of Arizona’s first federally recognized wine-growing regions. Popular tasting rooms include Dos Cabezas WineWorks and the off-grid Rune Wines.

​Just 15 minutes south of Sonoita is the neighboring small town of Patagonia, a close runner-up for this list. It’s known for its water recreation and hiking at Patagonia Lake State Park, and in-town bird-watching opportunities at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds.