What would we do without the most charming small towns in Arizona? From Flagstaff to Jerome, these towns give our state character and are adored by locals and tourists alike. Historic town squares with quaint shops and restaurants, kitschy diners filled with Route 66 memorabilia … these little blips on the map are what Arizona is all about and life just wouldn’t be the same in their absence.
- Flagstaff
ChrisBoswell / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Every Arizonan’s favorite mountain town was an obvious addition to this list. Flagstaff is a nature lover’s dream, with endless opportunities to get out there and explore. From leaf peeping in the fall to skiing at the Arizona Snowbowl during winter to enjoying the cooler weather and verdant landscape in the spring and summer, you’ll never run out of things to do. Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Winslow
DOUGBERRY / E+ via Getty Images Get your kicks on Route 66 when you visit Winslow! This charming small town harkens back to the heyday of the Mother Road, and the most iconic spot in town (pictured above) served as inspiration for the famous song ‘Take it Easy’ by The Eagles. Winslow is also home to a world-class hotel, La Posada, whose roots can be traced back to the height of the railroad industry. Winslow, AZ 86047, USA
- Jerome
FiledIMAGE / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Any mention of Arizona small towns worth visiting should always include Jerome. Once dubbed “The Wickedest Town in the West,” this hilltop gem is a bucket-list-worthy destination for history buffs and ghost hunters alike. Learn about the origins of Arizona’s rich mining history, then spend the night in the infamous Jerome Grand Hotel…if you dare. Jerome, AZ 86331, USA
- Seligman
VictoriaWeber / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Another former Route 66 town, Seligman is quirky as can be. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you see all the kitschy diners and quaint shops, and you could easily spend all day poking around. It doesn’t get much more classic Americana than this! Seligman, AZ 86337, USA
- Bisbee
DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images Perhaps the most eccentric town in America, Bisbee’s vibrant cultural scene is a breath of fresh air. Between the unique buildings, gorgeous scenery, and friendly locals, you just might want to pack up and move here after visiting. Make sure to tour the Queen Mine - you get to ride in a real mining car as you descend over 1,500 feet below the surface and learn about an integral part of Arizona’s past. Bisbee, AZ 85603, USA
- Williams
Flickr/Mike McBey Of all the Route 66 towns on the list, Williams is arguably the most quintessential of them all. The entire downtown area looks like a scene straight out of the Disney movie Cars, from the retro diners with flashing neon signs to the classic cars everywhere you look. Williams is also known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” so it’s a great basecamp for exploring the world-famous national park. Williams, AZ 86046, USA
- Globe
Wikimedia Commons/David Quigley If you love visiting towns with lots of local history, Globe is the place for you. Another former mining camp, the town is loaded with old buildings whose walls harbor centuries of fascinating history. Globe also has some of the best Mexican food in Arizona! Globe, AZ, USA
Which of these charming small towns in Arizona is your favorite? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!
ChrisBoswell / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Every Arizonan’s favorite mountain town was an obvious addition to this list. Flagstaff is a nature lover’s dream, with endless opportunities to get out there and explore. From leaf peeping in the fall to skiing at the Arizona Snowbowl during winter to enjoying the cooler weather and verdant landscape in the spring and summer, you’ll never run out of things to do.
Flagstaff, AZ, USA
DOUGBERRY / E+ via Getty Images
Get your kicks on Route 66 when you visit Winslow! This charming small town harkens back to the heyday of the Mother Road, and the most iconic spot in town (pictured above) served as inspiration for the famous song ‘Take it Easy’ by The Eagles. Winslow is also home to a world-class hotel, La Posada, whose roots can be traced back to the height of the railroad industry.
Winslow, AZ 86047, USA
FiledIMAGE / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Any mention of Arizona small towns worth visiting should always include Jerome. Once dubbed “The Wickedest Town in the West,” this hilltop gem is a bucket-list-worthy destination for history buffs and ghost hunters alike. Learn about the origins of Arizona’s rich mining history, then spend the night in the infamous Jerome Grand Hotel…if you dare.
Jerome, AZ 86331, USA
VictoriaWeber / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Another former Route 66 town, Seligman is quirky as can be. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you see all the kitschy diners and quaint shops, and you could easily spend all day poking around. It doesn’t get much more classic Americana than this!
Seligman, AZ 86337, USA
DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
Perhaps the most eccentric town in America, Bisbee’s vibrant cultural scene is a breath of fresh air. Between the unique buildings, gorgeous scenery, and friendly locals, you just might want to pack up and move here after visiting. Make sure to tour the Queen Mine - you get to ride in a real mining car as you descend over 1,500 feet below the surface and learn about an integral part of Arizona’s past.
Bisbee, AZ 85603, USA
Flickr/Mike McBey
Of all the Route 66 towns on the list, Williams is arguably the most quintessential of them all. The entire downtown area looks like a scene straight out of the Disney movie Cars, from the retro diners with flashing neon signs to the classic cars everywhere you look. Williams is also known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” so it’s a great basecamp for exploring the world-famous national park.
Williams, AZ 86046, USA
Wikimedia Commons/David Quigley
If you love visiting towns with lots of local history, Globe is the place for you. Another former mining camp, the town is loaded with old buildings whose walls harbor centuries of fascinating history. Globe also has some of the best Mexican food in Arizona!
Globe, AZ, USA
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