If there’s something Arizona doesn’t have a shortage of, tiny towns would have to sit near the top of the list (along with sunshine and heat, of course). Let’s take a look at nine of the best small towns in Arizona that are the perfect places to visit, no matter the time of year!

1. Ajo
Ajo, AZ 85321, USA
M3house.org/Flickr
Did you know Ajo was named one of the best small towns in the USA? This mining-town-turned-burgeoning artist community has historic buildings, delicious restaurants, and beautiful scenery.
2. Chloride
Chloride, AZ 86431, USA
Jake Slagle/Flickr
Mistakenly called a "ghost town" by way too many writers and adventurers, Chloride is a sleepy little town sitting just off Highway 93. It’s actually a great hidden gem with tasty restaurants, hidden murals, loads of interesting yard art, and quite a bit of history nestled in the foothills of the Cerbat Mountains.
3. Crown King
Crown King, AZ 86343, USA
curtis roberts/Flickr
Tucked away in the rugged Bradshaw Mountains, Crown King has a population of just 133. It takes one looooong drive to get to this town, but you’ll love how secluded it feels. While you’re here, you can enjoy some hiking, pay a visit to the old general store, and check out a saloon that dates back to 1910.
4. Jerome
Jerome, AZ 86331, USA
Daniel Greene/Flickr
Jerome is one of Arizona’s most popular small towns for day and overnight trips thanks to its historic buildings and top-notch restaurants. Oh, and we can’t forget that Jerome has gained a reputation for reportedly being one of the most haunted towns in the state! Who knows? You may end up sharing your room with a ghost. Adventure if you dare!

Can't make it up the mountain yourself but still want to check it out? This awesome walking tour of Jerome is in 4k!

Related Stories

This Is The Most Arizona Sound You'll Ever Hear, And We Can't Stop Listening To It

This Is The Most Arizona Sound You'll Ever Hear, And We Can't Stop Listening To It

 Your Dog Will Be Living Their Best Life At This Pet-Friendly Airbnb In Arizona

Your Dog Will Be Living Their Best Life At This Pet-Friendly Airbnb In Arizona

 This Speakeasy Hidden In An Office Building In Arizona Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Speakeasy Hidden In An Office Building In Arizona Is Perfect For A Date Night
5. Oatman
Oatman, AZ 86433, USA
Thomas Hart/Flickr
Located along a secluded portion of Route 66, Oatman has been enjoying a bit of a comeback after some rough years following the closures of mines and a re-routing of the major highway. However, you can stop by and check out the town’s "Old West" atmosphere, and make sure to feed the wild burros that wander into town!

Check out this fun drive-along adventure through Oatman and the surrounding mountains:
6. Seligman
Seligman, AZ 86337, USA
Paul Gorbould/Flickr
Another cool little town on Route 66, Seligman isn’t afraid to show off its quirky side. You’ll find a number of shops and restaurants that proudly tout the highway’s historic influence on the town, and there are some truly tasty restaurants that have long since become Route 66 icons.
7. Strawberry
Strawberry, AZ 85544, USA
Alan Levine/Wikimedia
Strawberry has been steadily growing over the years, but you’ll find it still embraces its tiny-town roots. You’ll love the scenery; it's perfect for all the outdoor activities you’ll want to do, and it's also got some cool historic spots to check out.
8. Summerhaven
Summerhaven, AZ 85619, USA
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Located at the very top of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Summerhaven certainly lives up to its name during the warmer months. It's ideal for hiking and camping! The town also shines in winter, when the mountain is coated in snow and you can enjoy an afternoon skiing adventure either solo or with friends. Summerhaven is a heavenly spot all on its own.

See for yourself just how breathtaking Summerhaven is:
9. Tortilla Flat
Tortilla Flat, AZ 85119, USA
Jasperdo/Flickr
Once a popular stagecoach stop and campground for prospectors, Tortilla Flat has become known for its remote location on Apache Trail, near Roosevelt Lake. It is barely considered a "town" - it has a population of just 6 people and maybe a dog - but it still has a post office. The major attraction here is the restaurant, where you can dig into tasty chili or a burger that you won't find anywhere else.

Are there any other little towns that you would include in this list? Let us know which towns you would recommend and your favorite things to do there! Arizona is home to plenty more tiny towns, too! You can read about even more of our favorites in small towns in Arizona where everyone knows your name.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Small Towns in Arizona

Tori Jane | July 23, 2021

What are the tiniest towns in Arizona? 

There are several towns that one could probably classify as “tiny”, and for this set of examples, we’re assuming that this means a town with 500 or fewer residents. Amado, Arizona, is home to just 295 people, and Ash Fork is home to just 396. The almost-unheard-of town of Dragoon, in southeastern Arizona, is home to 209 people. Want more? Check out this list of ten tiny towns in Arizona you might have never heard of.  

Which charming small towns in Arizona should I add to my bucket list?  

Oh, goodness, where to begin! Arizona is full of adorable, charming little towns that you’ve got to see to believe. Sedona is definitely a bucket-list-worthy destination, with breathtaking red cliffs and some of the most incredible sunsets you’ve ever seen. The charm is off the charts! Wickenburg is another great small town with a lot of western charm, and it’s a gateway to Kingman, to the north, and Las Vegas, to the northwest. Payson is a beautiful small town surrounded by ponderosa pine forest (and there’s a really cool natural bridge nearby there, too). Prescott is famous for its Whiskey Row, a popular portion of downtown famous for...well... whiskey bars.  

What are some of the most interesting day trips in Arizona to take? 

The most obvious answer is probably the Grand Canyon – and that’s one of those places where you can spend a whole day or a whole week. However, there are plenty of other ideas you can use as well, like taking a haunted Jerome ghost tour in the fall. You can make an entire day out of a visit to Sedona, where the quaint local shops are in the center of an incredible set of canyons, mesas, buttes, and cliffs – most of which are brilliant red. You could take a tour of old mining towns, making it a goal to visit several in one day. You could even put together an ice cream road trip, wherein you visit all the best shops in the state. The possibilities are endless!  

Related Articles