The Small Town in Arizona That Comes Alive in the Fall Season

Everyone knows about certain towns in Arizona. Everyone knows about the beauty of Flagstaff, a small city within the world's largest Ponderosa pine forest, and everyone knows about the elegance of Sedona thanks to its incredible, world-famous red rocks. But all too many totally overlook - or simply assume that it's "just" a part of Sedona - the tiny little Village of Oak Creek, which just so happens to turn into a veritable paradise during the fall. Best of all, it's located arm-in-arm with Sedona, and it's not too far from a number of amazing attractions. Skip the crowds of Sedona and hang out at the Village of Oak Creek this autumn; you won't regret it! It makes for the perfect little town that comes alive in the fall in Arizona:

Just five miles south of downtown Sedona's always-bustling tourist district, the Village of Oak Creek is a census-designated place that's often overlooked. As of the 2020 census, its population was just over 6,300, and when we say it's the ultimate autumn town in Arizona, we mean it! The village gets its name from the stunningly beautiful Oak Creek, which runs right through town.

The best part about being so close to Sedona is that you're also super close to some of the best hiking in the United States, including the to-die-for West Fork Trail (pictured below).

Here, you'll find charming orchards, shops, and even wineries. Oak Creek Vineyards, for example, is famous for offering some of the best wines in the southwest desert. Who knew Arizona had a wine country? Now you do.

The homes and shops are all specifically designed to blend in with the red clays and rocks of the surrounding landscape. It's a truly unique place whose beauty is simply unrivaled, especially during the fall, when the trees and leaves are as vibrant as the cliffsides. The area used to be called Big Park, and it's obvious as to why.

Photographers will love the incredibly photogenic nature of this little township, and shop-lovers will delight in the various shopping opportunities here and in nearby Sedona. Plus, if you drive just a little further south on the US-89, you'll find Page Springs, which is also amazing in the fall. We really hope you love wine, because there's plenty to go around here.

The Village of Oak Creek is an amazing small town that comes alive in the fall in Arizona, filled with beauty and wonder. You'll wonder why you never visited before - or perhaps you have, and the place is so small you blinked and missed it! Either way, lovers of fall color ought to make a stop in the Village of Oak Creek on their way up to Flagstaff (and through Sedona, of course).

Check out more of the best places to visit in the fall in Arizona. And if you need something warm to wear while leaf-peeping, check out the offerings by our friends at The North Face for some great stuff!

Plan your own trip to the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.