These are Arizona’s coziest towns. Why they are perfect for a getaway

Arizona is known for popular tourist attractions like the Grand Canyon and the state’s capital, Phoenix, but there is still so much going on in the shadows of small towns in Arizona.

Geography website World Atlas ranked the six coziest towns in the Grand Canyon State. These towns have a lot of unique elements to offer, like beautiful red rock formations, outdoor activities and unique things to do. All of these combine to give quintessential small-town vibes.

Here are six cozy Arizona towns to visit and what to do there, as recommended by World Atlas.

Sedona

Sedona is one of Arizona’s most popular tourist towns and for good reason.

It’s known for beautiful red rocks and powerful energy vortexes, which are said to bring peace and tranquility to those in the area.

There are also numerous stunning hikes to take in Sedona. One of the most popular is Devils Bridge, which is a 4.6-mile trail featuring the area’s largest sandstone arch, giving you amazing views of the surrounding area.

Sedona also has a unique shopping experience at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. It features art galleries with local artists, along with clothing and souvenir shops that allow you to bring a little piece of Sedona home with you.

Bisbee

Bisbee is one of Arizona’s oldest towns that’s still brimming with culture.

The small mining town has been around since the 1800s and is said to be home to many ghosts. The Old Bisbee Ghost Tour takes you through town and explores the sites of many paranormal experiences and stories.

Bisbee also has a thriving arts district with galleries and museums like the Artemizia Foundation museum and Bisbee’s iconic art wall.

There are several historic hotels with architectural charm, like the Bisbee Grand Hotel, but don’t be surprised if you’re visited by a ghost.

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Wickenburg

Wickenburg is the perfect small town experience if you’re looking to get out of the city.

The Flying E Ranch allows for a relaxing stay while being stimulated with outdoor activities like archery, horse penning and corn hole.

Get a taste of the town’s history and visit Wickenburg’s Jail Tree, a 200-year-old mangled mesquite tree that is believed to be a makeshift jail during the town’s Wild West days.

Need more of the Wild West? Visit Vulture City, the town’s earliest settlements, discovered by Henry Wickenburg. The town was discovered in 1863 and is now a look into life in Arizona’s early days.

Williams

Williams is one of the stops on the iconic Route 66 and a close destination to the Grand Canyon.

Williams celebrates its place in car culture. Each summer, it hosts a historic car show that showcases unique and exclusive historic automobiles.

While visiting, it’s also essential to visit Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum. The cute little gas station is a perfect photo-op and is filled with Route 66 memorabilia.

Stay at or visit Raptor Ranch for a chance to have an up close a personal interaction with a raptor. The ranch is conveniently located on the south rim of the Grand Canyon with camping, glamping and RV spots available for overnight stays.

Prescott

Prescott is the perfect little town to get away from the Phoenix heat, while still having so much to offer. It stays about 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix and has hiking trails and historic bars to explore.

Prescott is known for Whiskey Row, a stretch that boasts bars, shops and hotels that speak to the town’s Wild West character. The Palace Restaurant and Saloon is Arizona’s oldest frontier saloon, established in 1877, where infamous outlaws and lawmen were said to have visited.

Bashford Courts is a three-story antique mall filled with fine jewelry, boutiques and crafts. All the stores are small businesses. Bashford Courts is also a three-minute walk from Whiskey Row.

Watson Lake Park also has so many outdoor activities to offer, from hiking, fishing, paddleboarding and more.

Cottonwood

Cottonwood is the perfect destination for a chill weekend getaway.

The little town is right in the Verde Valley, giving close access to the Verde River with water activities like fishing and kayaking.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park has many walking and hiking trails right by the river for a relaxing walk.

Cottonwood is also in the heart of Arizona’s wine country and home to many wineries and tasting rooms.

March is when Cottonwood starts its farmers market back up, every Friday from 4-11 p.m. The market sells local and organic snacks and produce, accompanied by live music. It is located in Cottonwood’s Main Street plaza and is surrounded by restaurants and shops, making it the perfect Friday outing.