The 10 Best Small Towns in Arizona

The 10 Best Small Towns of Arizona

I have lived in Arizona for over 10 years, so I’ve had plenty of time to discover the best small towns in Arizona. There is so much more to this state than Phoenix and Tucson! In fact, there’s also more than cacti, the Wild West, and delicious Mexican food – though we have all of that, too.

Keep reading to discover the 10 best small towns in Arizona.

#10 – Tombstone, Arizona

There’s a reason that Tombstone is included as one of the best small towns in Arizona.

Some locals will say that it’s too touristy and not worth visiting. I tend to have my interest piqued by a place that has millions of visitors each year!

Best Months to Visit: Early March to early June, or from mid-September to mid-November.

Hotel / Accommodations / Lodging rates: $50-$100 nightly (hotels and B&Bs), $30-$70 nightly (AirBnB). If you’re heading to Tombstone, get your accommodations taken care of at Booking.com.

Best Restaurants: Puny John’s BBQ, Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, Crystal Palace Saloon. I’d say the food at Kate’s and Crystal Palace wasn’t the best compared to some restaurants in Tucson, but the atmosphere was great fun.

Sweet Treats: Tombstone Sarsaparilla, Grandma Fudpucker’s/Fallen Angel Sweet Sin Parlor and Tombstone Sweet Memories. All of the ice cream we had was really good, and my husband loved the fudge at Fallen Angel Sweet Sin Parlor.

Best Places for Drinks: This is one of those places where you’ll have the most fun walking Allen St. and just stopping in on saloons. Part of the magic is discovering for this place, so I’ll leave this one for you to decide!

Must See Attractions: Silver Strike Winery, Good Enough Mine Tour, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park (for my fellow history-lovers!), Bird Cage Theater and the street shoot-outs. The Bird Cage Theater was a must for me, because I love going inside old buildings to daydream about what life was like then. The pick-up walking tours are also great. They’re informative, fun, and free, save for a small tip to the tour guide. And of course, you can’t go to Tombstone without seeing a shoot-out!

Nearby Attractions: Kartchner Caverns, Biosphere 2 and Mt. Lemmon are all must-sees if you enjoy nature. I tend to gravitate toward places with good brews and beautiful views. Tombstone fits the bill perfectly. You can use it as a base-camp for hiking and exploring nearby, or you can stay in town.

My husband and I visited Tombstone on a somewhat impromptu trip. We went during a long weekend in February, and it worked well for us.

The weather was near perfect. It was cloudy and cool, with misty showers sprinkled throughout the weekend. The low-hanging clouds made the Dragoon Mountains look magical!

We’d both seen the movie Tombstone a long time ago, and we wanted to fully appreciate the town. If you’re planning a trip to Tombstone, I highly recommend that you watch the movie before you arrive! It made the location much more fun. As of April 2020, it’s only $2.99 on Amazon.

Though the town is loosely based on the way of life in the Old West, the big focal points of the town are really made more meaningful by watching the movie.

Heading to Tombstone? Use this search bar to book your tour.

#9 – Bisbee, Arizona

It’s a wonderfully weird place. I think of Bisbee as the lovechild of Portland, Oregon and Globe, Arizona.

Globe didn’t make it on this list, but it’s definitely one of the best small towns in Arizona. It just came in at #11, so I’ll be sure to cover it in the future. 😉

Best months to Visit: mid-October through mid-November, March-April

Hotel / Accommodations / Lodging Rates: $50-$100 nightly (hotels), $30-$70 nightly (AirBnB).

Looking for a place to stay in Bisbee? Check out what’s available during your dates of travel on Booking.com.

Best Restaurants: Tough question – this is a foodie’s paradise! Baller option, Cafe Roka. For mid-range/vegan, Poco. For budget lunch, Jimmy’s Hot Dog Company. If brunch is your thing, Bisbee would need a separate category for that since there are so many options!

Sweet Treats: Chocoláte (of course!), and Ana’s Seasonal Kitchen (for sweet breakfasts). I’m a bit of an ice cream snob (yes, I’m THAT person), but if you’re not, you might want to check out Bisbee Scoop! Many people love their ice cream.

Best Places for Drinks: For such a small town, there are coffee houses GALORE. Check out Old Bisbee Roasters, Bisbee Coffee Company and Bathtub Coffee if you have a chance! Flying Leap Tasting Room is great if you like wine. The St. Elmo Bar has a fun yet relaxed feel, with affordable drinks. Locals hang out here; it’s a lovable dive bar. Patrons suggest bringing cash, so consider doing that!

Must See Attractions:  Bisbee is just a neat place. Since all of Arizona is known for it’s copper mining, you’ll see quite a few options for mine tours – and they can be really fun! The Bisbee Seance Room is a unique experience if you’re into that.

Nearby Attractions: Bisbee is actually a half-hour away from Tombstone, so it would be doable to both in one weekend if you wanted to – or even in a day if you’re doing an Arizona blitz!

Bisbee is definitely starting to get the love and attention it deserves! In 2016, USA Today named it as the number one historic small town in America! And for good reason, too. It’s one of the great mining ‘boom-towns’ of the West. It’s stayed popular due to it’s beautiful, Victorian-era architecture and laid-back vibes. I’m sure the variety of brunch places and coffee shops doesn’t hurt, either!

If you’ve been to the Natural History Museum at the Smithsonian, you might have noticed that Bisbee is a big contributor. Though this could be said about Arizona in general, Bisbee in particular has been a hotspot for mining and minerals for many years now.

Since Bisbee is so close to Tombstone (and as a result, close to the other neighboring areas around Tombstone), they could be done together in one weekend road trip. It’s an easy drive from Tuscon, Arizona (1.5-2 hours), and just a bit more of a drive from Phoenix, Arizona (just over 3 hours).

Staying in Bisbee? Search for your next tour, activity, or booking here:

#8 – Williams, Arizona

The people of Williams have worked hard to maintain this historic town. It has rightfully earned a top ranking spot as one of the best small towns in Arizona.

Best Months to Visit: Crowds-wise? March-May. Weather-wise? September-early November. Summer is the most popular time, but it can be pretty hot in the bottom if you’re camping (in the high 90s and even up to the 110s, sometimes!).

Hotel / Accommodations / Lodging Rates: Varies greatly depending on when you go (and how you like your lodging), but there are a ton of options! Here are a few of them:

Staying in Williams? You can compare all kinds of lodging options at Booking.com.

Best Restaurants: Red Raven serves up typical New American fare – steaks, pasta dishes, burgers, and the like. It’s an unpretentious, small-town diner that keeps guests happy. The Little Chicken Spot is also sooooo good!! It cannot be missed. You know you’re supporting a small business from the minute you walk in, since the service is excellent. They’re truly grateful that you’re there. Bayou By You has delicious cajun and creole food, and The Italian 66 Bistro has a great meatball recipe (that’s something I look for with Italian restaurants!). If you’re looking for a casual pizza and bear, the Grand Canyon Brewing Company + Distillery will meet your needs.

Best Places for Drinks: Williams has it’s fair share of dive bars. The Sultana Bar, the Canyon Club, and the Long Horn Saloon can’t be missed if dive bars are your thing. Spencer’s Pub is the best-kept secret – as it’s a great little place inside of the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel. If you’re looking for a fancier experience that delivers good food, craft beers and premium wines, check out South Rims Wine and Beer Garage. Don’t let the name fool you! This place is quality.

Going to Williams? Start your search using the search box below.

#7 – Jerome, Arizona

There are so many reasons why Jerome is one of the best small towns in Arizona. And yet, it gets looked over way too often.

I will say that it’s not the most Instagram-friendly destinations on this bucket list, but it’s still worth the visit.

If you love paranormal activity, ghost towns, mining history, the Wild West or American history, check this one out! If nothing else, it’s a great day trip from Phoenix, Sedona or Williams.

Best Months to Visit: May-November. Note though, that we get some pretty intense monsoon storms throughout July, August and sometimes September!

Hotel / Accommodations / Lodging Rates: $80-$200 nightly (hotels), $100-$150 nightly (AirBnB), $50-$150 (Beds & Breakfasts – varies greatly according to time and amenities).

If you’re looking for a place to stay, start your search at Booking.com. I always find all kinds of deals there!

Best Restaurants: The Mine Cafe is great! They have a day-drinking happy hour from 12pm-2pm – beers for $3, mimosas for $4, and craft cocktails for $5! Their vibe is really fun, and their food is very healthy and fresh. I’m not the biggest fan of deli sandwiches – but if that’s your thing, Hilltop Deli is reasonably priced, and has some spectacular views of the plateau. If you’re craving barbecue, head to Bobby D’s – and if you’re craving the diner feel, Mile High Grill & Inn has some really good food!

Sweet Treats: Bordello Sweets is the real deal! This place is ran by a pastry chef who chose to move to this quirky, little town. Check out the fresh, homemade cookies! If you’re looking for a dessert wine, check out Passion Cellars. Flatiron has great coffees and bites too – and they have a pretty decent lunch menu, as well.

Best Places for Drinks: Wicked City Brew has a dive feel to it, yet it’s warm and cozy, if that makes sense! The Spirit Room is described by others as a “clean, friendly biker bar.” It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the history of the place is very neat. Paul & Jerry’s Saloon is a place with some history where locals hang out.

Must See Attractions:  Jerome is known for it’s old mines and ghost stories/tours. Check our a walking tour of Jerome’s haunted spots. This little town is also surrounded by beautiful scenery, so there are several trails to check out!

Nearby Attractions: Gold King Mine and Ghost Town is a short drive away, and is worth the drive through if you have the time. If you’re combining a trip to Jerome with Sedona, visit the Tuzigoot National Monument on your way to Sedona from Jerome!

If you’d rather stay in a bigger town, consider adding Jerome on as a day trip. So many people miss it, and that’s unfortunate, because it’s such a unique place!

#6 – Sedona, Arizona

Sedona has an unmistakable skyline, and it’s notorious. It’s no wonder that Sedona made it on the list of the 10 best small towns in Arizona.

This is one place that continues to grow in popularity, yet it’s not overhyped.

I’ve been to Sedona several times over the past 10 years, and it never grows old. I always discover something new when I’m there.

Best Months to Visit: Honestly, Sedona is magical in winter when the snow dusts the top of the deep red mountains, and it’s gorgeous in fall when the aspens and oaks are changing. But if I had to choose, and if you can only go once, visit between March and May. The weather is warm, but not too hot – and all of the wildflowers are in bloom!

Hotel / Accommodations / Lodging Rates:  Sedona is definitely one of the pricier options on this list, as far as hotels are concerned. But if you’re willing to be flexible with your lodging, Sedona can be affordable! There aren’t hostels here, but if you’re creative (and patient), there are a TON of artists retreats, trade-stays, and things of that nature here. There are also several campsites nearby.

If you’re not camping, accommodations can get very expensive in Sedona. Luckily, there really are options for all budgets there. Start your search at Booking.com to compare all of your options!

Best Restaurants: It’s virtually impossible to list the top contenders here. There are SO MANY quality restaurants in Sedona! I can tell you that a few that are tried and true are Tamaliza, The Hudson, Momo’s Kitchen, Hideaway House, Elote Cafe and Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante (if you’re craving Italian food!).

Sweet Treats: Creekside Coffee and Bakery can be both your sweet tooth and coffee fix! It’s very cute. If you’re craving a healthier kind of sweet, Berry Divine offers all kinds of Acai bowls, while Local Juicery offers, well local juices! Sedonuts is super unique, and is exactly what it sounds like! Red Rock Gelato is hot and new. Though it’s opened right before our “cooler” months (though I know that term is very relative, considering the wintery north and northeast!), it’ll be much busier come March or April.

Best Places for Drinks: While Sedona isn’t exactly known for it’s nightlife, it does have a few neat bars and wineries. Dellepiane has a bar/night club scene in the evenings. The Art of Wine is a fairly popular tasting room, as is Vino di Sedona. The Sundowner is what you want if you’re looking for an American dive bar feel, and Saltrock will be your go-to choice for a lounge. If you’re into beer, check out Oak Creek Brewing Company and/or Sedona Beer Company.

Must See Attractions: This section could be it’s own guide within itself. There is SO much to do and see in Sedona! To really, truly enjoy a place, I think it’s important to know what kind of recreation you’d enjoy. Then, you can narrow it down to the options in those categories.

Nearby Attractions: Sedona is especially great due to where it’s located! It could easily be combined with other towns and areas on this list for a long weekend, or it could be visited quickly from Phoenix for a nice day trip. Jerome is 45 minutes away, Montezuma’s Castle is about 50 minutes away (on the way down to Phoenix), and is DEFINITELY worth at least an hour or two! If you have kids with you (and/or if you enjoy fishing), a visit to one of the few local hatcheries (Page Springs, Sedona’s Rainbow Trout or Sterling Springs) may be worth a visit, as well.

Slide Rock State Park is home to a natural, rock water slide that cools you off well during the summer, and that’s only 15 minutes away from Sedona off the 89A (on the way to Flagstaff). In fact, it would be relatively easy to start in Prescott, then visit Jerome, then see Sedona en route to Oak Creek and/or Flagstaff en route to Williams!

Heading to Sedona? Lucky you! There’s a ton to see and explore.

Get your planning started by exploring tours in Sedona!

#5 – Flagstaff, Arizona

Ahh, Flagstaff.

One of my personal favorites. Honestly, it’s even hard to rank the 10 best small towns of Arizona, because I love them all for different reasons.

I should start with a disclaimer that, as a Lumberjack myself, I’m a bit biased when it comes to this being on the list! It’s for good reason, though. While it may not be very affordable to live in Flag these days, it can definitely be a budget vacation destination.

I also have to mention that there’s been some contention over whether or not Flagstaff should count as a small town. I say it does! If the university population doesn’t count, there aren’t many people who live here year-round.

Best Months to Visit: I can truly say that anytime is a great time to visit Flagstaff; it just depends what you’re after!

You want Fall colors, and to participate in the local tradition known as ‘Tequila Sunrise?’ Come in October.

Do you ski or snowboard? Visit January-March.

‘Summer’ is a short season here, but it’s relatively warm June-August, with the exception of occasional monsoon storms. Unless you’re visiting specifically for someone’s graduation, avoid May, as lodging jumps during that month.

Hotel / Accommodations / Lodging Rates:  Lodging is what will get you in Flagstaff! Thankfully, there are ways to save here.

If you’re already ready to book, check out the options available at Booking.com. Otherwise, keep reading ways to save on your stay in Flagstaff!

Best Restaurants: Flagstaff is another foodie paradise! New restaurants are opening all the time there. Nomads Global Lounge is really nice if you want to treat yourself. If you’re craving Chinese, though it may not look like much, check out Hot Wok. Their recipes are just SO good and it’s really affordable! Karma Sushi is fun if you like maki sushi that’s experimental fusion. My go-to for Japanese is Teppan Fuji. I went there once a week and could still never be sick of that place! If you’re vegan or vegetarian, Flag is a great place to be because there are Thai, Indian and other fusion places everywhere.

Sweet Treats: Admittedly, my favorite place in Flagstaff for dessert is… Cold Stone. I know, not as intriguing as the little places! I also frequented the various frozen yogurt places as a student. I’ll also say that Flagstaff is a very health-conscious town, so you won’t see as many sweet shops as you would in other small towns.

Best Places for Drinks: Breweries abound! The Lumberyard was my go-to. They have free line-dancing lessons, country swing classes and of course it’s even just fun to watch the really skilled dancers do their thing! The mixed drinks are good, and well-priced. They have great specials, too. Also check out Hops on Birch, Historic Brewing Barrel + Bottle House, Mother Road Brewing Company and Dark Sky Brewing. There are also a TON of coffee places if you’re into that! I’d usually get my coffee at Macy’s, then join friends at Biff’s Bagels.

Must See Attractions: So much to see and do! There are endless opportunities for the outdoors enthusiast. Humphreys, the tallest peak in Arizona, is a challenge visitors love to take on. Sunrise Ski Resort welcomes all kinds of snow play up a the top, and if you’re visiting during summer, you can still take the ski lift up for amazing views.

If you’re into the night sky, go to one of the star parties or other events at Lowell Observatory (great date idea!). If you visit while the aspens are turning, leaf peeping is best at Aspen Loop. The Galaxy Diner has a fun mid-century feel, and offers swing dancing lessons! There are always local events and festivals going on, so if you’re heading to Flag, keep an eye on the city’s website for their cute, kitchy events and festivals! Northern Arizona University (NAU) also has a busy activities calendar, as they often put on concerts and events that attract people from everywhere – so keep an eye on those, as well!

Nearby Attractions: Sunset Crater Volcano is pretty amazing; worth the short drive, in my humble opinion. If you like road trips, head east on the I-40 toward Holbrook, and enjoy the sprawling views of the Painted Desert. It’s one of my favorite views in the world. Of course, Flagstaff is also on the Historic Route 66 – so if you’re doing that awesome road trip across America, be sure to add it on your stop list. It’s worth it!!!

I lived in Flagstaff for years, so I obviously love it. However, it truly does make for a great launch point to explore northern Arizona!

It can get busy during summer, so be sure to plan any tours, accommodations and activities ahead of time!

#4 – Prescott, Arizona

Pronounced press-kit. I’m not joking! Locals will correct you!

Prescott has definitely earned it’s spot as one of the top 10, best small towns in Arizona.

Prescott is such a unique place. There are still legitimate, cattle-driving cowboys here. It is not uncommon to see people carrying guns on their hip. Yet, there’s a very strong liberal, hippie presence, as Prescott College (a local liberal arts university) gains more popularity. It’s also home to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – so you might be drinking with our next generation of rocket scientists, astronauts and/or engineers!

This would be a great place to include on your northern Arizona road trip, as Jerome, Sedona, Flagstaff, Williams and Grand Canyon can all be reached starting from here.

Hotel / Accommodations / Lodging Rates:  First, let me say that Prescott Valley is definitely set apart from Prescott proper. The actual down is what you want to visit for all of the old-timey, western Arizona charm.

If you already know what you’re looking for as far as accommodations, check out what’s available during your stay on Booking.com. Otherwise, keep reading to explore alternative options for lodging.

Best Restaurants: Papa’s Italian Restaurant and Farm Provisions are great options. If you just want a casual lunch, The Local is one to consider as well.

Sweet Treats: Now, THIS town loves it’s desserts. Rustic Pie, Marino’s Mob Burgers & Ice Cream, Shannon’s Gourmet Cheesecakes, and Frannie’s are all solid spots for sweets. Outlaw Donuts is a dessert option as well, but note that they close early (4pmish).

Best Places for Drinks: The Superstition Meadery is very different. I loooove mead, so I’ll pretty much try mead wherever I go! Granite Mountain Brewing, The Point Bar and Lounge, Lyzzard’s Lounge, and Coppertop Ale House are other options. Honestly, the most fun way to experience the ‘Whiskey Row’ of Prescott is to walk up and down the main streets, and to just pop in and out of the bars. If you’re looking for coffee, you have quite a few choices; Fresca Cafe, The Lone Spur Cafe, Wild Iris Coffee House, Cupper’s Coffeehouse, and Method Coffee. If you want a chain, they have Dutch Bros.

Must See Attractions: Prescott is where you enjoy country music, open scenery and the Wild West culture. Watson Lake Park, Thumb Butte Willow Lake and Peavine Trail are solid options if you want a day hike, bike ride or picnic. The nightlife is fun here, as it’s a mix of a college town and retirement spot. Matt’s Saloon considers itself to be ‘one of the last true honkytonks.’ It’s like having a bit of Texas in northern Arizona.

Nearby Attractions: If you’re based in Prescott, Arcosanti is just under an hour out and is worth the visit. It’s a uniquely structured town based on the concept of ‘arcology,’ which combines architecture and ecology.

Ready to explore Prescott (remember, it’s press-kit – not press-cott!)?

Start planning today!

#3 – Payson, Arizona

I’ve spent two summers here, as I worked at a summer camp closeby. It has that perfect balance of being a pretty small town, with all of the conveniences and comforts you’d find in a city.

It has definitely earned being on the list of the 10 best small towns in Arizona.

Payson has some amazing views in areas surrounding the town. Since it’s right on the Mogollon Rim, photographers will love the panoramic views. Storm-chasers will especially love this location since Payson gets the brunt of the summer monsoon storms. People who are more accustomed to cities will love that this small(ish) town has almost anything a visitor could want or need to be comfortable, along with a few extras and surprises.

Hotel / Accommodations / Lodging Rates:  There are so many ways to stay in Payson. Many people choose to camp, or to stay at cute little bed and breakfasts. It really is a “choose-your-own-adventure” kind of destination.

If you already know what you’re looking for as far as accommodations, check out everything that’s available during your stay at Booking.com.

Best Restaurants: Ayothaya has reeeeally good thai food! In general, the highest-rated and most-frequented restaurants are the ones that serve burgers, sandwiches and fries. These include Miss Fitz 260 Cafe, Mogollon Moose Bakery, Mike’s Fish & Chips, and The 703 on Main.

Sweet Treats: Scoops is a great spot for ice cream and coffee. Country Charm Fudge, also known as Sweet Country Charm, always has a wide variety of sweets, and they’re ALL good.

Best Places for Drinks: Admittedly, I’ve only ever camped out in Payson, or have been there for the day – but I hear that in this town, there isn’t much of a drink-out culture. People usually have drinks or beers with dinner at Native Grill, or Chili’s, or at a restaurant like that.

Must See Attractions: The rim! It sounds a bit silly, but that’s the big draw. It offers an escape from the heat for Phoenicians, and beautiful hikes. I’m honestly surprised that Water Wheel Falls doesn’t have more people visiting it, because it’s a very relaxing spot. Monument Peak Loop Trail is a pet and kid friendly day hike,

Nearby Attractions: Geocaching is big in this area, and across northern Arizona, really. It might be a fun way to enhance your road trip and your stops through small towns! Note: digging or hunting for crystals used to be very popular in the Diamond Point area near Payson. Unfortunately, this has since stopped due to overuse. Don’t get caught doing this, or you’re pay quite the hefty fine!

Payson is a great choice if you’re spending most of your time in Phoenix. Millions of Arizonans go to Payson every year to escape the heat and enjoy the mountains.

Ready to see visit the mountain gateway of Arizona? Start your trip planning and search here.

#2 – Page, Arizona

Page has made it on this list since it technically is in Arizona, but note that it’s also on the Navajo Nation. Still, it deserves it’s spot as one of the best small towns in Arizona.

Page is a unique spot on the Navajo Nation, right where Utah and Arizona meet. It’s such a unique and beautiful place, one that doesn’t get nearly enough love and attention! If you’re planning a Southwest or Four Corners trip, definitely consider including this one!

Best Restaurants: Birdhouse is where it’s at for fried chicken. El Tapatio has decent Tex-Mex, and if you’re looking for a burger or sandwich, Slacker’s is a great option.

Sweet Treats: This one’s tough. It’s a bit of a toss-up with the places here, but it’s always worth a shot for something cheap. Canyon Crepes offers, well, crepes – and Big Dipper Ice Cream & Yogurt has some basic options.

Best Places for Drinks: When I’ve been to Page, it’s been for camping or church retreats. This means we either didn’t drink, or we bought our own stuff locally. So, while I can’t speak personally to the local bars, here are some options to consider, based on friends’ recommendations:

Must See Attractions: Page is a great base location for exploring the canyon lands! There is literally SO much to see nearby. As you may have inferred from the lodging names, Page is VERY close to Lake Powell – less than 10 minutes away, depending on where you are! It’s a very unique lake. It’s shared by Utah and Arizona, and it just makes me think it’s what the Grand Canyon would look like if the water was higher. There are quite a few marinas if you’re into boating or water sports, and the camping panoramic views are just phenomenal.

Surely, you’ve seen the swoon-worthy photos of Antelope Canyon. Page is 15-20 minutes from the canyon, so it’s a must-see! Note that, since it’s on the Navajo Reservation (and due to visitor usage among other factors), you MUST be part of a tour from one of the local organizations to visit Antelope Canyon.

If you try to without a guide and are caught, you can be fined heavily. It’s also heavily looked down upon, as the Navajo Nation is a sovereign nation – and as a guest, you’re breaking their house rules. Paying for a tour is so worth it, though!

This one may not be for everyone – but the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook is pretty impressive. It’s a very pretty view into Glen Canyon, and it’s just interesting to think of how dams have changed the physical and political landscape of the region. It’s worth the stop if you’re around.

Another popular photo and selfie spot is Horseshoe Bend. This is a very popular stop along the 89 between Flagstaff and Page. It provides an amazing view into the canyon, and of the Colorado River. It’s about 10-15 minutes before you get to Page.

Since Page is right by the border of Arizona and Utah, I’d recommend using this as a base area to explore the local parks and national monuments if you have the time! The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument isn’t often talked about, but it should be considered for your itinerary. If you’re into geology, there are so many different rock formations there, and it’s just neat to see history in the environment. And of course, it’s just so pretty!

Nearby Attractions: There is sooooo much to explore if you’re willing to drive an hour or more away from Page! One stop that doesn’t get enough attention online is Vermilion Cliffs. It has some of the same, amazing rock that Antelope Canyon does, but it doesn’t get nearly as much traffic. Another really neat thing about the location is that it’s on the way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from Page, so it could easily be added as a stop.

And since Vermilion Cliffs is on the way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, I would be remiss to not recommend it! As mentioned earlier, the North Rim doesn’t see as much traffic. This is a plus if you want to get away from people, but it’s a drag if you prefer to have more amenities, restaurants and etc. nearby. I’ve personally backpacked the Kanab Wilderness, and it’s absolutely STUNNING. If you have a chance and you’re in good shape, absolutely do it!

#1 – Greer, Arizona

You know, I almost didn’t want to include this one on the list.

It’s the travel blogger’s dilemma, isn’t it? Include the location, and everyone flocks to it. The charms you appreciate might disappear.

But when you love helping others to travel farther and more often, you can’t help but share about what you love!

It’s hard to really rank these places among each other, but Greer definitely has earned it’s spot on the list of the absolute, top 10, best small town sin Arizona.

When I think of “Hygge,” the Scandinavian concept of “cozy fun,” Greer comes to mind.

So many Phoenicians (residents of Phoenix) escape from the heat to Greer during the summer, and they visit during winter for the amazing landscapes. Despite the 4-hour drive each way, people just love it! And I do, too.

Even though Pinetop-Lakeside is fairly up there in elevation, and has forests full of Ponderosa pines, there’s just this change in the air when you get up towards Greer. The skies fill with firs and spruces; you’re surrounded by a natural, never-ending Christmas tree farm! I might be partial since I LOVE Norway and Switzerland – and this area just gives me those Nordic vibes.

Best Months to Visit: Summer for fishing and hiking, winter for snow fun, and Fall for leaf peeping!

Hotel / Accommodations / Lodging rates: $70-$300 nightly (big range, I know!), $100-$200 nightly (AirBnB)

For stays in Greer, I highly recommend booking accommodations through Booking.com. You’ll find the best deals there.

Best Restaurants: Like I said – Nordic vibes! Restaurants are few and far between, and EXPENSIVE. This is a place where you rent a cabin with a kitchen, load up at Wal*Mart or a health food store, and cook while listening to music and dancing around the kitchen. If you’re looking for a trip where you can have a few zero/pajama days, this is your spot.

Sweet Treats: S’mores or home-baked cookies in your kitchen! Seriously. Save your money for activities here. =)

Best Places for Drinks: Can you guess what I’m gonna say? Yup! Your favorite bottle of wine from a local winery, or Safeway. I recommend stopping at the Safeway in Lakeside on your way there (50 minutes west on the 260). If you wait until you get closer into town, stores are spread apart and way more expensive. Quality also gets spotty since there seem to be fewer shipments out there.

Must See Attractions: Sunrise Ski Resort is obviously a huge draw here. I am probably the least athletic person ever, but even I was able to figure out some bunny slopes (sorta, kinda!) by the time I left. If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your speed, there’s a solid hill for tubing, which is really fun!

The Butterfly Lodge Museum is an interesting, kitschy spot if you walk in with an open mind. It’s also a beautiful location for a wedding! Aside from that, this place is really for people who enjoy the great outdoors. Bring your fishing gear, hunting equipment, kayaks, canoes and hiking boots! Seriously. You’ll forget that you’re in Arizona.

Nearby Attractions: The drives along these roads are activities within themselves. It’s worth it to explore the nearby towns of Alpine, Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low. Northern Arizona is full of volcanic fields if that’s your thing, and you’ll definitely see extinct volcanoes all over the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

I won’t reveal the location on here, but there are several “secret” spots where you can find fossils, if you’re into that! Antique stores are a big thing here on the mountain, so if you’re looking to decorate your house or cabin, you can find some really neat stuff up here if you’re willing to dig. Also, if you find (or have) antlers, you can make a few hundred dollars at the right places! There’s nothing like MAKING money on vacation!

Heading to the White Mountains? Nice choice! This is my home, and I love it here.

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The list I compiled is my own opinion on the best small towns in Arizona.

Have you visited a great, small town in Arizona that I didn’t mention? Share it in the comments below! Help another teacher out. 🙂

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Have you visited a great, small town in Arizona that I didn’t mention? Share it in the comments below! Help another teacher out. 🙂