For visitors, there is a strange fascination in comparing the stark landscape with busy urban areas. Perhaps the travel industry takes some of the blame by showing how easy it is to enjoy nature with all the benefits of urban living. However, most of us know that if you’re looking to get a taste of true desert life, visit the small towns, so here are some of the most beautiful towns in Arizona.
Listing each amazing town in an article would be nearly impossible since we have such a long list of them. Here are a few favorites with a population under 15,000 that encapsulate the quaint charm people love about small towns.
- Bisbee
Mr.TinDC/Flickr With a population estimated at 5,300, Bisbee is a quintessential small town that beautifully blends old and new. Many of the Victorian buildings survived demolition and continue to enjoy new life as art galleries and bookstores.
TJfromAZ/Flickr One of the aspects that continually draws people to small towns across the country are the picturesque main streets. Bisbee is no different. The Victorian-style architecture, bright colors, and walkable streets add charm when the ghost town vibe dies down.
Richard Bonnett/Flickr
- Clarkdale
Allen/Flickr
Finetooth/Wikimedia Commons
- Cottonwood
Finetooth/Wikimedia Commons
turcottes78/Flickr The down-to-earth vibe is what really brings out the charm in this small town. Cottonwood has been slowly growing over the years and currently has a population just over 11,000. The historic area is a treat to see but also be sure to check out the antique stores and wineries.
- Jerome
David/Flickr Talk about a small town with a big reputation! The total population has lingered under 500 for more than half a century after the mining bust but part of its continued life can be contributed to preservation efforts.
turcottes78/Flickr Although the city endured four fires in its early history, it still manages to show off the classic Victorian era architecture from the city’s founding. This and the town’s history as a violent, potentially haunted place contributes to its charm.
- Pine-Strawberry
Ryan Franklin/Flickr
Alan Levine/Flickr These two little towns tend to get lumped together but with views like these, who’s complaining? Together, the two towns have a population of almost 3,000. The area is a great place to escape the summer heat from hotter parts of the state, to check out the seasonal foliage changes in fall, and to experience snow in the winter. If you visit, be sure to check in advance of any festivals, like their annual fall festival in mid-October.
- Sedona
Kayla Sawyer/Flickr It’s not just the beautiful red rocks that draw people but also the nice small town vibe it possesses. With a steady population of approximately 10,000, the town has a strong arts, food, and tourist scene that keeps it alive and plenty of attractions that mark up its beauty and quirkiness.
Ayrcan/Flickr Just an example of the beautiful sights you’ll see in the town.
If you’re from a small town, what do you love about it compared to the cities? Which of these most beautiful towns in Arizona is your favorite – or did we miss one?
Mr.TinDC/Flickr
With a population estimated at 5,300, Bisbee is a quintessential small town that beautifully blends old and new. Many of the Victorian buildings survived demolition and continue to enjoy new life as art galleries and bookstores.
TJfromAZ/Flickr
One of the aspects that continually draws people to small towns across the country are the picturesque main streets. Bisbee is no different. The Victorian-style architecture, bright colors, and walkable streets add charm when the ghost town vibe dies down.
Richard Bonnett/Flickr
Allen/Flickr
Finetooth/Wikimedia Commons
turcottes78/Flickr
The down-to-earth vibe is what really brings out the charm in this small town. Cottonwood has been slowly growing over the years and currently has a population just over 11,000. The historic area is a treat to see but also be sure to check out the antique stores and wineries.
David/Flickr
Talk about a small town with a big reputation! The total population has lingered under 500 for more than half a century after the mining bust but part of its continued life can be contributed to preservation efforts.
Although the city endured four fires in its early history, it still manages to show off the classic Victorian era architecture from the city’s founding. This and the town’s history as a violent, potentially haunted place contributes to its charm.
Ryan Franklin/Flickr
Alan Levine/Flickr
These two little towns tend to get lumped together but with views like these, who’s complaining? Together, the two towns have a population of almost 3,000. The area is a great place to escape the summer heat from hotter parts of the state, to check out the seasonal foliage changes in fall, and to experience snow in the winter. If you visit, be sure to check in advance of any festivals, like their annual fall festival in mid-October.
Kayla Sawyer/Flickr
It’s not just the beautiful red rocks that draw people but also the nice small town vibe it possesses. With a steady population of approximately 10,000, the town has a strong arts, food, and tourist scene that keeps it alive and plenty of attractions that mark up its beauty and quirkiness.
Ayrcan/Flickr
Just an example of the beautiful sights you’ll see in the town.
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Address: Bisbee, AZ 85603, USAAddress: Clarkdale, AZ, USAAddress: Cottonwood, AZ, USAAddress: Jerome, AZ 86331, USAAddress: Pine, AZ 85544, USAAddress: Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Beautiful Towns In Arizona May 29, 2020 Leah Which hidden gems in Arizona should I visit? You can discover the best places to visit in Arizona that you might not have known about before. While many people know about the Grand Canyon, not as many have heard of the Sycamore Canyon in Verde Valley. This lush, green place has one of the next largest canyons in the state, and there are trails and campgrounds to make a visit here ideal. A perfect little town to visit is Chloride, a true hidden gem that more people should know about. It’s full of murals, yard art, and a charming community of around 400 residents. Need a quiet retreat? Try the Enchantment Resort in Boynton Canyon. It’s lesser-known and just what you need for a peaceful vacation. What is the smallest town in Arizona? Of all these charming small towns in Arizona, there is only one that can be considered the smallest of them all. If you’re counting census-designated places, Willow Canyon in Pima County would be the smallest by population. Only one person lives there. When talking about actual towns, Winkelman would take the throne for this title. It has a population of about 350 residents and is primarily located in Gila County, though part of it does lie in the neighboring Pinal County. The name Winkelman comes from a cattle rancher who was part of the community. There are some historic buildings there that have been around for over 100 years. What is the most naturally beautiful town in Arizona? When deciding what places to visit in Arizona, you might want to consider this stunning spot. Prescott, AZ is known as one of the most picturesque in the state. The natural scenery surrounding the town includes pine forest, rocky terrain, canyons, lakes, and just about everything there is to love about Arizona landscapes. Plus, the town itself is full of postcard-worthy Victorian homes and historic buildings. There is plenty to see and do here - hiking the trails of the surrounding forest or kayaking the stunning Granite Dells, for instance - and it’s definitely a lot of people’s favorite places for a retreat, adventure, and more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Beautiful Towns In Arizona
May 29, 2020
Leah
Which hidden gems in Arizona should I visit? You can discover the best places to visit in Arizona that you might not have known about before. While many people know about the Grand Canyon, not as many have heard of the Sycamore Canyon in Verde Valley. This lush, green place has one of the next largest canyons in the state, and there are trails and campgrounds to make a visit here ideal. A perfect little town to visit is Chloride, a true hidden gem that more people should know about. It’s full of murals, yard art, and a charming community of around 400 residents. Need a quiet retreat? Try the Enchantment Resort in Boynton Canyon. It’s lesser-known and just what you need for a peaceful vacation. What is the smallest town in Arizona? Of all these charming small towns in Arizona, there is only one that can be considered the smallest of them all. If you’re counting census-designated places, Willow Canyon in Pima County would be the smallest by population. Only one person lives there. When talking about actual towns, Winkelman would take the throne for this title. It has a population of about 350 residents and is primarily located in Gila County, though part of it does lie in the neighboring Pinal County. The name Winkelman comes from a cattle rancher who was part of the community. There are some historic buildings there that have been around for over 100 years. What is the most naturally beautiful town in Arizona? When deciding what places to visit in Arizona, you might want to consider this stunning spot. Prescott, AZ is known as one of the most picturesque in the state. The natural scenery surrounding the town includes pine forest, rocky terrain, canyons, lakes, and just about everything there is to love about Arizona landscapes. Plus, the town itself is full of postcard-worthy Victorian homes and historic buildings. There is plenty to see and do here - hiking the trails of the surrounding forest or kayaking the stunning Granite Dells, for instance - and it’s definitely a lot of people’s favorite places for a retreat, adventure, and more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
You can discover the best places to visit in Arizona that you might not have known about before. While many people know about the Grand Canyon, not as many have heard of the Sycamore Canyon in Verde Valley. This lush, green place has one of the next largest canyons in the state, and there are trails and campgrounds to make a visit here ideal. A perfect little town to visit is Chloride, a true hidden gem that more people should know about. It’s full of murals, yard art, and a charming community of around 400 residents. Need a quiet retreat? Try the Enchantment Resort in Boynton Canyon. It’s lesser-known and just what you need for a peaceful vacation.
What is the smallest town in Arizona?
Of all these charming small towns in Arizona, there is only one that can be considered the smallest of them all. If you’re counting census-designated places, Willow Canyon in Pima County would be the smallest by population. Only one person lives there. When talking about actual towns, Winkelman would take the throne for this title. It has a population of about 350 residents and is primarily located in Gila County, though part of it does lie in the neighboring Pinal County. The name Winkelman comes from a cattle rancher who was part of the community. There are some historic buildings there that have been around for over 100 years.
What is the most naturally beautiful town in Arizona?
When deciding what places to visit in Arizona, you might want to consider this stunning spot. Prescott, AZ is known as one of the most picturesque in the state. The natural scenery surrounding the town includes pine forest, rocky terrain, canyons, lakes, and just about everything there is to love about Arizona landscapes. Plus, the town itself is full of postcard-worthy Victorian homes and historic buildings. There is plenty to see and do here - hiking the trails of the surrounding forest or kayaking the stunning Granite Dells, for instance - and it’s definitely a lot of people’s favorite places for a retreat, adventure, and more.
