When you go on vacation, you want your memories to consist of cherished moments with the people you love most – not sitting in traffic or fighting your way through a sea of tourists. These seven small towns in Arizona are full of charm and perfect for a weekend escape (and, best of all, not overly crowded.)
- Williams
Flickr/Pony Rojo Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” Williams is a charming small town nestled along the iconic Route 66. It marks the southern terminus of the Grand Canyon Railway, which busses people to the world-famous natural wonder. While Williams is a tourist hub, it sure is delightful to visit. Williams, AZ 86046, USA
- Bisbee
Danny Lehman / The Image Bank Collection / Getty Images By far the quirkiest town in Arizona, Bisbee is home to just 5,000 people. This former mining town has become a haven for artists and other members of the counterculture movement, and you’ll see beautiful murals etched onto the walls of its historic downtown buildings. Shop, eat, take an underground mine tour, and spend the night in a vintage trailer park - there’s so much to see and do here! Bisbee, AZ 85603, USA
- Tombstone
Flickr/Anna Irene The site of the infamous O.K. Corral gunfight, Tombstone still looks like something straight out of a Western movie. You can visit the exact spot where it all went down on that fateful day, as well as tour the cemetery that serves as the final resting place for some of the gunslingers. Tombstone, AZ 85638, USA
- Winslow
Doug Berry / E+ Collection / Getty Images Another Route 66 town, Winslow was part of the Mother Road until it was rerouted in 1977. Despite no longer connecting to the most famous highway in the world, Winslow still sees its fair share of tourists - most visiting to have their picture taken on this very street corner. There, you’ll find a statue of a man with a guitar, paying homage to the song “Take it Easy” by The Eagles, which says “I was standing on a corner of Winslow, Arizona…” Winslow, AZ 86047, USA
- Carefree
Google/John Preston With a name like Carefree, it’s no wonder why this charming town earned a spot on the list. With the largest sundial in the country, ancient ruins, and a whimsical pumpkin festival held each fall, there are so many reasons why Carefree deserves a spot on your bucket list. Carefree, AZ, USA
- Jerome
FiledIMAGE / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images Nestled at the base of a lofty hill is Jerome, perhaps the most notoriously haunted small town in the state. It was a copper mining boomtown - but where there’s wealth, tragedy is often close behind. Many mineworkers perished on the job, and it’s said that their restless spirits linger all throughout the town. Jerome, AZ 86331, USA
- Prescott
benedek / E+ Collection / Getty Images Although slightly larger than some of the other towns on the list, Prescott is still charming enough to make the cut. Nestled in the mountains, this small city offers a much-needed escape from the unbearable Arizona summer heat. From boundless outdoor adventure to dining and shopping in the historic Whiskey Row, Prescott has a little something for everyone. Prescott, AZ, USA
How many of these Arizona small towns have you visited? Did we leave off your favorite? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below, then check out our previous article to learn more about Bisbee.
Flickr/Pony Rojo
Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” Williams is a charming small town nestled along the iconic Route 66. It marks the southern terminus of the Grand Canyon Railway, which busses people to the world-famous natural wonder. While Williams is a tourist hub, it sure is delightful to visit.
Williams, AZ 86046, USA
Danny Lehman / The Image Bank Collection / Getty Images
By far the quirkiest town in Arizona, Bisbee is home to just 5,000 people. This former mining town has become a haven for artists and other members of the counterculture movement, and you’ll see beautiful murals etched onto the walls of its historic downtown buildings. Shop, eat, take an underground mine tour, and spend the night in a vintage trailer park - there’s so much to see and do here!
Bisbee, AZ 85603, USA
Flickr/Anna Irene
The site of the infamous O.K. Corral gunfight, Tombstone still looks like something straight out of a Western movie. You can visit the exact spot where it all went down on that fateful day, as well as tour the cemetery that serves as the final resting place for some of the gunslingers.
Tombstone, AZ 85638, USA
Doug Berry / E+ Collection / Getty Images
Another Route 66 town, Winslow was part of the Mother Road until it was rerouted in 1977. Despite no longer connecting to the most famous highway in the world, Winslow still sees its fair share of tourists - most visiting to have their picture taken on this very street corner. There, you’ll find a statue of a man with a guitar, paying homage to the song “Take it Easy” by The Eagles, which says “I was standing on a corner of Winslow, Arizona…”
Winslow, AZ 86047, USA
Google/John Preston
With a name like Carefree, it’s no wonder why this charming town earned a spot on the list. With the largest sundial in the country, ancient ruins, and a whimsical pumpkin festival held each fall, there are so many reasons why Carefree deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Carefree, AZ, USA
FiledIMAGE / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images
Nestled at the base of a lofty hill is Jerome, perhaps the most notoriously haunted small town in the state. It was a copper mining boomtown - but where there’s wealth, tragedy is often close behind. Many mineworkers perished on the job, and it’s said that their restless spirits linger all throughout the town.
Jerome, AZ 86331, USA
benedek / E+ Collection / Getty Images
Although slightly larger than some of the other towns on the list, Prescott is still charming enough to make the cut. Nestled in the mountains, this small city offers a much-needed escape from the unbearable Arizona summer heat. From boundless outdoor adventure to dining and shopping in the historic Whiskey Row, Prescott has a little something for everyone.
Prescott, AZ, USA
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Address: Jerome, AZ 86331, USAAddress: Williams, AZ 86046, USAAddress: Winslow, AZ 86047, USAAddress: Carefree, AZ, USAAddress: Bisbee, AZ 85603, USAAddress: Prescott, AZ, USAAddress: Tombstone, AZ 85638, USA
