The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Arizona’s Most Charming Small Towns

I love a good road trip. Sometimes, I will take a spur-of-the-moment weekend day trip with my kids, and the trip usually includes a stop at several small towns along one specific route. This road trip will take you to some of the most charming small towns in Arizona. You can either make this one in a day, which is what my kids and I do, or choose to spend the night in one of the towns.

At 123 miles and just over 2 hours of driving time, this small-town road trip can be done in a day. However, if you prefer to take this Arizona road trip at a slower pace, I have an accommodation suggestion at the end, which you can book and turn this trip into a weekend getaway. For your convenience, use this Google Maps link to guide you on the route. Feel free to customize it as needed.

1. Fountain Hills

Now, I live in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, so when I embark on this road trip, I take Shea Blvd. all the way until it terminates at the Beeline Highway in Fountain Hills. Oftentimes, I will stop in Fountain Hills to explore. I especially love seeing the town's famous fountain, which sends water into the air up to an impressive 560 feet. Aside from the fountain, there are also restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries to browse. Fountain Hills is a charming town for an Arizona day trip.

2. Payson

Our next stop is Payson, and to get there, we will take AZ-87 N, also known as the Beeline Highway. This is one of my favorite scenic drives. It seems as though the further north you go, the prettier the landscape becomes.

Upon arrival in Payson, I usually grab a bite to eat at the Beeline Cafe. This mom-and-pop-style diner is cash only, and the food and service are oh-so-good! Get a slice of the diner's famous pie if you have any room left after your meal. Another stop I try to make when I'm in Payson is Water Wheel Falls, where you can go for a short hike and take a dip in any number of small waterfalls or pools along the way. Make sure to bring water shoes or hiking boots for this stop, along with a bathing suit and a towel if you plan to swim. Visit Payson and see why it's one of my favorite Arizona small towns.

3. Pine

The next town to the north of Payson is Pine. Here's where you'll find Tonto Natural Bridge, known as the largest known travertine bridge in the world, as well as Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm, where you can shop for a variety of goods made with lavender. Pine offers such remarkable scenery and that charming small-town Arizona feel that many of us love.

4. Strawberry

Continuing along the Beeline Highway, you can stop in the adorable town of Strawberry. Among the sites you can visit in this ultra-charming town are the historic Strawberry Schoolhouse and Fossil Creek Falls. (Note: A permit is required to visit Fossil Creek Falls between April 1 and October 1.) If you're hungry during your stop in town, PIEbar is the most popular restaurant in one of Arizona's most charming towns.

This may be a great place to spend the night if you don't want to continue any further. I highly recommend making a reservation at the highly-rated Strawberry Inn.

5. Camp Verde

The last stop on this charming small-town Arizona road trip is Camp Verde, where you'll find endless things to do. Time your visit right, and you can visit the Verde Valley Farmers Market to find fresh produce and goods from local farms. In town, you can find several vineyards, breweries, the Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Fort Verde State Historic Park, and Montezuma Castle National Monument. If you wish to spend the night here, reserve a room at Fort Verde Suites, which is conveniently located along Main Street in Camp Verde.

Are you ready to explore some of the most charming small towns in Arizona on a road trip? This may be my personal favorite Arizona road trip route of all time, as it encompasses a little bit of everything — iconic spots, natural wonders, dining, scenic views, and small-town charm. While you can complete this trip in a day, you can certainly spend a weekend taking your time and traveling slowly.

Before you hit the road, make sure you check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for all you'll need for a lengthy ride in the car.