Veronica Samuels
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Underrated cities in Arizona – ever heard of ’em? Well, buckle up because we’re about to take you on a virtual road trip through some of the Grand Canyon State’s most unsung heroes.

You see, while the likes of Phoenix and Tucson hog the spotlight, Arizona is chock-full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered by intrepid explorers like yourself.

As a long-time Arizona resident and self-proclaimed “professional road tripper”, I’ve made it my mission to seek out the state’s lesser-known locales.

And let me tell you, these underrated Arizona cities do not disappoint!

From charming small towns nestled in stunning red rock landscapes to up-and-coming urban centres with vibrant arts scenes, there’s something for everyone in Arizona’s overlooked corners.

But don’t just take my word for it.

Join me as we explore the fascinating histories, unique attractions, and quirky local flavours that make these underrated Arizona cities true standouts.

Whether you’re a native Arizonan looking to mix up your weekend getaways or an out-of-towner seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this guide to Arizona’s hidden treasures has got you covered.

So grab your sunscreen, fill up the gas tank, and get ready to fall in love with a whole new side of the Grand Canyon State.

Trust me, once you’ve experienced the magic of these underrated Arizona cities, you’ll wonder why they’ve been flying under the radar for so long.

Let’s hit the road and discover the best that Arizona’s most overlooked destinations have to offer – the journey starts now!

MOST UNDERRATED CITIES IN ARIZONA YOU SHOULD VISIT

YUMA

Nicknamed “Gateway to the Great Southwest,” Yuma is probably one of the most underrated cities in Arizona.

Only three hours from the capital city, it is one of the preferred Arizona spring break destinations from Phoenix loved by families. 

Located on the banks of the Colorado River, the World’s Sunniest City, as mentioned on the Guinness World Records, is Yuma, one of the pretty small towns in Arizona.

Yuma is packed with a great mix of history, greenery, arts, culture, and shopping, making it a family-friendly small town in Arizona.

things to do in Yuma

Explore the well-kept Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens.

Plan a day or two at the massive Imperial National Wildlife Refuge home to mountains, wetlands, deserts, and plenty of hiking trails and camping opportunities for outdoor lovers.

If you are traveling with your kids, I highly recommend this scavenger hunt to walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges.

There are many famous breweries in Yuma waiting to be explored downtown, the best way to cool off after a day of wandering outdoors. 

Yuma deserves a weekend, and you will love visiting this charming town.

Check out 35 Best Things To Do In Yuma On a Weekend for all you need to know.

WHERE TO STAY IN YUMA AZ?

Home2 Suites By Hilton Yuma Pivot Point  Home2 Suites By Hilton Yuma Pivot Point is a 3-star property preferred by couples, known for spacious rooms and excellent breakfast. Find more details here to book.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Yuma – SpringHill Suites by Marriott Yuma features an outdoor swimming pool, with Imperial Sand Dunes only 10 minutes drive away. Check out their spacious rooms and more details here.

PRESCOTT

Prescott is unique in many ways, but it is so interesting because of its rich ancient history, indigenous culture, and stunning, vivid landscapes.

In about two hours, you can reach the Arizona town of Prescott from Phoenix for your weekend getaway. 

Surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, Prescott enjoys a cooler climate, sitting at around 5,400 feet, and is one of the best Arizona spring break destinations for families for pleasant, cold weather.

Prescott may be larger than the other old-west towns in Arizona, but there are plenty of places to experience the small-town charm and the old-west history.

Among the popular attractions to reminisce about the old west past is Whiskey Row. 

best weekend trips from Phoenix

Believed to be one of the haunted spots in Arizona, this comprises a series of buildings housing the oldest business in Arizona, many large historic saloons, the Palace Restaurant and Saloon. 

There are many tours to explore Whiskey Row and if you have time to visit only one historic spot to experience the old west history in Prescott, I would say this should be the one.

There are many fantastic things to do in Prescott no matter when you visit, so I recommend spending at least a week in this charming town.

The many pretty Prescott Lakes are the best respite from the heat, especially Watson Lake known for its spectacular views. 

It is a fantastic stop for a day trip to enjoy paddle board, kayaking, or canoeing to explore hidden coves.

You can join one of the many night tours in Prescott that will take you through its eerie past as you explore many haunted neighbourhoods filled with landmarks home to ghosts and grim tales.

WHERE TO STAY?

Hampton Inn Prescott – Hampton Inn Prescott is minutes from Buckey Casino and historic Prescott town centre.

Popular attractions, including Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monument, are within driving distance of the Prescott Hampton Inn. This hotel has hundreds of excellent reviews. Find more details here to book.

BISBEE

  • Best Time to visit – October through April, when the ghosts aren’t complaining about the heat
  • Where to Stay: Copper Queen Hotel – If walls could talk, this 1902 beauty would be a bestselling author. Each room has its own personality (and possibly its own spirit), but Room 315 is apparently the ghostly equivalent of front-row seats at a Broadway show.

Known for being one of the prominent gold mining towns in the state with a rich history of the old Wild West, Bisbee, located in Cochise County, is also known for the pleasant weather all year round.

Bisbee is about three and a half hours and is one of the best Arizona spring break destinations if you want to explore a city with a rich historical past.

weekend getaways in Phoenix az

Located southeast of Tucson, Bisbee, nestled in the rolling mountains, does not exude the typical charm of any Arizona ghost town, as the town is home to over 4000 residents.

But the rich past of Bisbee and its excellent location and all-year-round pleasant weather make it one of the best-underrated cities in Arizona.

Bisbee became one of the richest mineral sites in the world, producing gold, copper, silver, and zinc, producing almost a quarter of the world’s copper.

RECOMMENDED – 25 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN BISBEE, ARIZONA

Arizona Bucket List

It was the largest town in the Southwest between St. Louis and San Francisco.

Today, most of the rich historic past of Bisbee is well-preserved, thanks to the efforts of the residents, offering its visitors plenty of attractions and activities to give peeks into the golden past of Brisbee.

BEST TOURS TO EXPLORE BISBEE

Half-Day Arizona Wine Country Tasting Tour – I highly recommend this day tour for all wine lovers.

Taking a wine tour from Bisbee or Sierra Vista to Arizona’s picturesque wine country of Sonoita-Elgin makes a fantastic day. Read more details here to book.

Guided E-Bike Tour of Bisbee, Arizona (Rating – 🤩5/5, 30+ reviews) – Join a small group and ride around Old Bisbee to learn about the town’s history, art, and architecture with guides for 2 hours. Book here.

1-Hour Tour Old Bisbee City Cart (Rating – 🤩5/5, 40+ reviews) – This is an interactive 1-hour ride through Old Bisbee, highlighting the infamous and not-famous stories and sights that make Bisbee the charming beauty it is. Find more details here.

3 Hour Private Bisbee Pub Crawl(Rating – 🤩5/5, 10+ reviews) – Find out more here to book.

Walking through the old-fashioned downtown lined with whimsical art galleries, bustling shops, unique museums, cute cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Tour the museums of Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum and Bisbee Restoration Museum to get an in-depth look into the lives of miners and settlers back in the day.

Or, better, join the world-famous Queen Mine Tour, which takes you 1,500 feet underground to explore one of the abandoned mines. 

Ghost towns in Arizona

Here you will get your hands dirty wearing mining hats and slickers and riding the train deep underground to search for precious metals.

Stop at Central School and Lavender Pit, and for some spooky experiences, you can visit the Bisbee Seance Room, a Victoria parlour for the paranormal.

Join the Old Bisbee Ghost Tour strolling amidst ancient buildings and listening to the gory tales sending a chill down your spine.

Or spend overnight at the historic Copper Queen Hotel, dating back to 1902, which is rumoured to be haunted as well.

Halloween is one of the most popular times to visit Bisbee, as the whole town comes alive with many themed parties, haunted tours, and markets.

WHERE TO STAY IN BISBEE?

Eldorado Suites HotelEldorado Suites Hotel offers city views, this accommodation offers a balcony. The aparthotel provides rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi.

The aparthotel provides guests with a terrace, mountain views, a seating area, cable flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and a private bathroom with a bath and a hair dryer. Find more details here to book.

KINGMAN

  • Best Time to Visit – March to May and September to November (Route 66 road trip perfection)
  • Where to Stay – SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kingman Route 66 – Modern comfort meets retro Route 66 vibes. Bonus: You’re close enough to the Hualapai Mountains to smell the pine trees.

Last but definitely not least, Kingman is what happens when a historic Route 66 town refuses to become a cliché.

This overlooked Arizona destination is serving up small-town charm with a side of mountain views that’ll make your camera roll feel inadequate.

The Hualapai Mountains are basically nature’s version of a screensaver but in real life.

Hit up First Friday if you want to see how Kingman parties (spoiler: it involves art, music, and enough local food to make your diet cry).

And those Black Mountain scenic drives? They’re like therapy but with better views and no copay.

Best between March and May or September to November, when the weather’s perfect for exploring everything from AZ ghost towns (hello, Oatman!) to museums that make history feel like your favorite Netflix series.

COTTONWOOD

An easy getaway from Sedona(less than 30 minutes), Cottonwood is one of my favorite underrated cities in Arizona.

Nicknamed the Heart of the Verde Valley and the heart of Arizona wine country, Cottonwood is located east of Jerome and Woodchute Mountain.

It is one of the beautiful Arizona spring break destinations worth planning.

romantic day trips from Phoenix

Home to beautiful state parks, vineyards, and stunning trails winding alongside the Verde River, Cottonwood has retained its small-town charm despite getting popular and growing.

Here are some recommended tours you should join while exploring Cottonwood, Arizona.

PRIVATE Guided River kayaking on the Verde River Cottonwood, AZ (Private Group)(4.5/5 50+ reviews🤩) – Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour.

Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along the way.

Enjoy stops at several water holes to swim and cool off before heading back. Check out more details here.

Chuck Wagon Supper & Western Stage Show at Blazin’ M Ranch Ticket (4.5/5 300+ reviews🤩) One of the best tours for foodies and families for the ultimate wild west adventure.

This chuckwagon supper and western stage show attraction features a frontier town where museums, shops, vintage tractor rides, a live shooting gallery, ranch critters and ridin’ and ropin’ are all part of the fun. Check out more here.

Kayak Tour on the Verde River(5/5 400+ reviews🤩) – One of my favourite tours for adventure lovers, this 2.5-hour tour includes a relaxing paddle down a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of this river, and the chance to take on gentle mini rapids. Check out more here.

Wine lovers can experience the best specialities of Arizona wineries by hopping wine and spirit-tasting rooms on the Verde Valley Wine Trail.

At the same time, shoppers have plenty of boutiques, galleries, and antique shops.

WHERE TO STAY IN COTTONWOOD?

The Tavern Hotel 🏨 – The Tavern Hotel has a fitness centre, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Cottonwood.

With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is 38 km from the hotel. Check out more here.

DOUGLAS

  • Best Time to Visit – Mid-May to early July (before the sun goes full blast furnace)
  • Where to Stay – The Historic Gadsden Hotel – This 1907 beauty has hosted everyone from movie stars to cattle barons, and its marble staircase has probably seen more drama than a telenovela.

Sitting pretty on the Mexican border, Douglas is what happens when the American Southwest and Mexican culture decide to throw a party, and everyone’s invited.

One of the underrated cities in Arizona, this underrated treasure is serving up the kind of authentic Mexican food that makes your regular Taco Tuesday look like amateur hour.

With just 16,470 residents, Douglas is like that intimate dinner party where everyone ends up becoming friends.

The Gadsden Hotel isn’t just a place to stay – it’s basically a museum where you can sleep, and the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge is nature’s version of a greatest hits album.

Pro tip: Visit between mid-May and early July when the weather’s doing its best impression of perfect.

COOLIDGE

  • Best Time to visit – March, November, and April (prime ancient ruin exploration weather)
  • Where to Stay – Holiday Inn Express & Suites Coolidge – Okay, it’s not the Ritz, but it’s clean, comfy, and closer to Casa Grande Ruins than your own kitchen is to your living room.

If Indiana Jones had a favourite small town in Arizona, Coolidge would be it.

Home to one of the top Arizona national monuments, the Casa Grande Ruins (or Sivan Vahkih if you’re feeling historically accurate), this underrated desert diamond is what happens when ancient history gets its own national monument.

We’re talking the OG archaeological reserve here – it was before being historic was even cool (protected status since 1892, take that, mainstream tourism!).

The trails here are like a time machine with varying degrees of commitment: from the quick-and-easy Casa Grande trail (0.3 miles) for those who want their history in bite-sized pieces, to the Heartland Land Footpath (0.9 miles) for the “let’s make a morning of it” crowd.

Whether it is a quick stop or a weekend getaway, I highly suggest adding one of the most underrated cities in Arizona to your bucket list.

PEORIA

Think of Peoria as that friend who seems quiet at first but has a yacht (or, in this case, two marinas).

This underrated Arizona gem happens when someone says, “Let’s put a 23,000-acre lake in the desert”, and everyone agrees.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park, home to one of the best AZ lakes, is like an oasis that got carried away, turning the whole “water in the desert” concept up to 11.

Just 30 minutes from Phoenix (but worlds away from the tourist crowds), Peoria, one of the underrated cities in Arizona, rocks the whole work-hard-play-hard vibe with 36 neighborhood parks and a historic downtown that’s more happening than your favorite sitcom coffee shop.

Hit the Calderwood Butte Trail (1.5 miles) when you’re feeling outdoorsy, or catch a show at the Arizona Broadway Theater when you’re feeling fancy.

MORE UNDERRATED CITIES IN ARIZONA FOR YOUR ITINERARY

TOMBSTONE

  • Best Time to visit – October through March, when you can wear that black cowboy outfit without regretting all your life choices
  • Where to Stay – Tombstone Monument Ranch – Every room is themed after an Old West building, so you can sleep in the “Marshal’s Office” without worrying about actual outlaws. The sunsets here are so dramatic they deserve their own HBO series.

One of the AZ wild west towns, Tombstone is a pretty city close to Bisbee in Cochise County and shares a common past of the Wild West and origins, with Tombstone also being discovered in the 1880s.

I highly recommend adding one of these underrated cities in Arizona to your itinerary, especially combining a visit to Tombstone with your Bisbee trip.

Tombstone, famously nicknamed the “town too tough to die,” was one of the leading silver mines during the era.

Within two years of its establishment, Tombstone became one of the primarily populated towns.

It was home to more than a hundred saloons, over a dozen gambling halls, a bowling alley, many brothels, four churches, theatres, and large public office buildings. 

Tombstone was a haven for lawless gunslingers, smugglers, cowboys, miners, and immigrants.

It was abandoned in 1892 when the mines dried up.

Today, Tombstone is one of the most popular ghost towns in Arizona, receiving 400,000 tourists visiting each year.

RECOMMENDED – 35 Fantastic Things To Do In Tombstone, The Ghost Town In Arizona

Another thing that made Tombstone attract tourists happened after being the filming venue showcasing the infamous gunfight at O.K. Corral in the 1993 movie Tombstone

You can experience the old west architecture in Tombstone on one of the excellent guided tours.

Or hop on a horse-drawn wagon or stagecoach.

Or better, how about exploring the town on this historic Tombstone Trolley bus?

Admire the old-time saloons, restaurants, and shops lining the old town area, especially around East Allen Street, lined with boutique gift shops and eateries. 

Theatre enthusiasts should visit Schieffelin Hall. You can also attend one of the underground mining tours.

Join mysterious tours to feel spooky at Boothill Cemetery

Check out the iconic Bird Cage Theatre on Allen Street, a raucous saloon littered with bullet holes thanks to the infamous fight, where they regularly reenact the gunfight.

If you plan to stay overnight, I highly recommend staying at Tombstone Monument Ranch.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOMBSTONE?

Katie’s Cozy Cabins 🏨 – Located in historic Tombstone, this inn is 5 minutes’ walk from O.K. Corral and Big Nose Kate’s Saloon. This self check-in property features a porch with a swing with each bungalow.

There is a fully equipped kitchenette, a bathroom with a shower and a sofa bed in the living room of each accommodation at Katie’s Cozy Cabins. Find the reviews and book your details here.

GLOBE

With a perfect blend of history and the charms of a small town, Globe, located in the foothills between the Apache and Pinal mountains along Pinal Creek, is a unique town worth visiting.

Among the hidden gems, Globe is undoubtedly one of the most underrated cities in Arizona, and I recommend stopping by, even if it is a day trip.

Globe, nestling amidst the dense Tonto Forest Region, is one of the former mining towns in Gila County, and is one of the underrated cities in Arizona.

Globe has a rich and dark past of the Wild West, with the town home to robberies, Apache raids, cowboys, and outlaws.

Stroll through downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since the 1980s.

Stop at the Drift Inn Saloon, one of the iconic landmarks here that was a former brothel, also rumoured to be haunted.

Take a tour of the Gila County Courthouse and Jail, also home to the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts.

Visit the Gila County Historical Museum, the Old Dominion Historic Mine Park, and the Besh-Ba-Gowa Archeological Park and Museum to learn about Globe’s history dating back over 900 years.

Among the top activities enjoyed by families include driving to Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive which takes you through stunning landscapes around the town.

If you are feeling adventurous in Globe, try this popular Salt River Kayaking Tour with hundreds of five-star reviews, for a fun day out on the water with kids!

You can combine your visit to Globe by adding a stop at Payson, also in the Tonto National Forest with many campground options if you wish to explore further.

WHERE TO STAY IN GLOBE?

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Globe, an IHG Hotel – Offering an outdoor pool, this hotel is located in Globe.

Free WiFi access is available. Apache Gold Casino is 5 minutes’ drive from the hotel. A free breakfast is served to guests daily. Find more details here.

BENSON

Another 1880s boom town in southern Arizona, Benson is regarded as a living museum that showcases the history of the American Southwest.

Known for its railroad history, and a rustic filming location for many old-west and ghost-themed locations, Benson is worth a quick stop for including one of the underrated cities in Arizona.

Most people pass through Benson while accessing Kartchner Caverns, the magnificent huge underground caves, a popular tourist attraction. 

Az west towns

Still, I recommend also checking out Benson for a day as it has many things to offer.

Stop at the Benson Visitor Center for a quick introduction to the town, check out the famous Holy Trinity Monastery,.

Walk downtown to admire the historic buildings and taste delicious beer and food at one of the many restaurants and bars there.

WHERE TO STAY IN BENSON?

Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner CavernsJust 10 miles from Katchner Caverns State Park, this Benson hotel offers a hot continental breakfast.

Guests can take a swim in the outdoor pool. Each Southwestern-themed room includes free Wi-Fi. Check out more details here.

GLENDALE

  • Best Time to visit – November to March, when wearing a Cardinals jersey won’t result in heat exhaustion
  • Where to Stay – Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa – Positioned so perfectly near State Farm Stadium, you can practically hear the referee’s whistle from your pillow.

Want big city energy? Phoenix is your jam. But if you’re after that sweet spot where sports culture high-fives historic charm, Glendale is your ticket to Arizona authenticity.

Just nine miles northwest of Phoenix, Glendale is the unsung hero of Arizona’s urban scene, mixing sports swagger with small-town charm like a master bartender crafting the perfect desert cocktail.

Most underrated cities in Arizona

While tourists flock to the usual suspects, this Phoenix suburb is quietly crushing it, making it one of the underrated cities in Arizona.

State Farm Stadium stands like a giant silver spaceship that decided Arizona needed more architectural drama, hosting the Arizona Cardinals and enough game-day energy to power a small city.

Meanwhile, the Historic Downtown and Westgate Entertainment District serve up gallery-hopping and boutique-browsing with zero pretence and all the charm.

BULLHEAD CITY

Think of Bullhead City as Vegas’s more outdoorsy cousin – all the fun, half the chaos, and a river running through it.

Whether you’re here to play on the water, test your luck at the tables, or just escape the usual Arizona tourist traps, Bullhead City hits the jackpot every time as it is one of the underrated cities in Arizona.

Bullhead City is the desert’s best-kept secret that’s literally going with the flow – thanks to the mighty Colorado River running through its heart.

Sure, this sun-soaked slice of Arizona can get a tad toasty (and by “tad,” I mean your car’s thermometer might have an existential crisis trying to display triple digits).

But that’s where the genius of Bullhead City’s location comes into play.

While other Arizona towns are playing “How long can you stand on the sidewalk,” Bullhead City residents are living their best river life.

By day, you’re conquering trails in the Mojave Preserve, discovering ancient petroglyphs in Grapevine Canyon, or getting wonderfully lost in the Laughlin Stone Labyrinths.

Arizona off beat cities

By night, you’re testing your luck in nearby casinos or stargazing in some of the clearest skies this side of the Mississippi.

Float the Colorado River like it’s nature’s lazy river (because it literally is), or channel your inner speed demon with jet skis that make the river your personal playground.

Kayaking and paddleboarding for those who like their water sports with a side of-arm workout; Marina access at Katherine Landing when you’re feeling fancy

Historic Oatman is just a stone’s throw away, where wild burros roam the streets like they own the place (plot twist: they kind of do)

CHANDLER

  • Best Time to visit – Mid-October through April, when the weather’s doing its best California impression
  • Where to Stay – Holiday Inn Chandler by IHG – It’s like Silicon Valley had a baby with a luxury spa.

Want the Phoenix experience without the Phoenix crowds?

Chandler’s got you covered, with an extra sprinkle of tech campuses, a dash of historic charm, and yes, the occasional ostrich race.

It’s like someone took all the best parts of Arizona, added some silicon chips and prehistoric birds, and created the perfect desert city cocktail.

Chandler is basically Phoenix’s overachieving younger sibling who went to a tech school but still knows how to party.

I mean, where else can you watch ostriches race one weekend and explore a wetland preserve the next?

(Yes, you read that right – the annual Ostrich Festival is a thing, and it’s exactly as wonderfully weird as it sounds.)

Surprisingly, it is one of the most underrated cities in Arizona yet!

Veterans Oasis Park serves up desert views with a side of serenity, while the Riparian Preserve at Watercourse is like a desert wetland speakeasy where birds are the regular customers.

Underrated cities in Arizona

Visit Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center – because nothing says “beat the heat” like a lazy river that’s actually engineered for laziness; Pangaea: Land of the Dinosaurs – where kids can pretend they’re in Jurassic Park without the whole “running for their lives” part

The Chandler Museum isn’t just another building full of old stuff – it’s a time machine that takes you from ancient Hohokam settlements to modern-day tech ventures

Speaking of history, the San Marcos Hotel stands proudly downtown like that elegant grandmother who still throws the best parties.

Meanwhile, South Mountain Park’s trails are serving up views that’ll make your Instagram followers think you’ve hired a professional photographer (spoiler: it’s just that pretty).

ELOY

  • Best Time to visit – March to May (perfect skydiving conditions)
  • Where to Stay – Holiday Inn Express Eloy – Because after jumping out of a perfectly good aeroplane, you deserve a perfectly good bed.

Ever wondered what happens when you mix extreme sports with exotic birds?

Welcome to Eloy, the Arizona city that decided, “Why not both?”

This hidden gem, one of the underrated cities in Arizona, is basically what happens when an adrenaline junkie and a wildlife enthusiast plan a city together.

Arizona underrated cities

At Skydive Arizona, you can literally fall in love with the desert from 13,000 feet up (starting at $259 for your first dance with gravity).

And because one unique experience isn’t enough, the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch lets you hang out with nature’s most awkward supermodels.

WINSLOW

  • Best Time To Visit – October through April (when the corner-standing weather is just right)
  • Where to Stay – La Posada Hotel – Think “Grand Budapest Hotel” meets Route 66, minus the lobby boy.

Winslow is one of the fun, underrated cities in Arizona where Eagles Land and History Rock.

A notable stop on Route 66, one of the most iconic road trips in the United States, there is so much more to the city.

Ever stood on a corner in Winslow, Arizona?

If you haven’t, you’re missing out on what might be the most musically famous intersection in the Southwest.

This hidden Arizona gem has turned one Eagles lyric into an entire personality, and honestly, we’re here for it.

Standin’ on the Corner Park is like a real-life Instagram filter for your Route 66 dreams, complete with a statue that’s probably been photographed more times than your cousin’s wedding.

But before you write Winslow off as a one-hit wonder, let me tell you about Homolovi State Park, where ancient Hopi ruins and petroglyphs tell stories that make your high school history textbook look like a tweet.

And when the day’s done? La Posada Hotel isn’t just a place to crash – it’s a restored train station that’s basically what would happen if Wes Anderson designed a hotel in the 1920s.

APACHE JUNCTION

  • Best time to visit – March and November, when the sun decides to be a friend rather than a foe.
  • Where to Stay – Apache Junction Condo with Mountain Views -This boutique desert retreat sits at the foot of the Superstition Mountains, offering rooms that blend Southwest charm with modern comfort.

If Indiana Jones and a desert botanist had a baby, it would be Apache Junction.

This under-explored Arizona marvel sits at the foot of the Superstition Mountains, which, let’s be honest, sound like they were named by someone who really wanted to keep tourists away from their favorite hiking spots.

With 160,000 acres of volcanic terrain that looks like Mother Nature went through her artistic phase, you can plenty of things to do in one of these underrated cities in Arizona.

Underrated cities in Arizona

Time travel at the Goldfield Ghost Town (10 am to 5 pm; free) – where the Wild West is still wild and possibly running on Mountain Standard Time from 1893.

Get lost (intentionally) on the Treasure Loop trail (2.3 miles) – named after all the “I should have brought more water” moments.

Crash a Renaissance Festival that somehow makes perfect sense in the desert.

TEMPE

  • Best Time to Visit – March to May (perfect patio weather season)
  • Where to Stay – Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown -Rooftop pool views of “A” Mountain included, plus you’re stumbling distance from Mill Avenue’s best watering holes.

Think of Tempe as that artsy college kid who grew up to be surprisingly well-adjusted.

This overlooked Arizona hotspot is what happens when you mix university energy with desert wisdom and throw in a lake because why not?

One of the underrated cities in Arizona, there are plenty of fantastic things to do in Tempe on a weekend trip.

things to do in tempe Az

Nestled against Hayden Butte (which locals lovingly call “A” Mountain for reasons your GPS will never understand), Tempe is the kind of place where you can paddleboard in the morning and catch an avant-garde performance at the Tempe Center for the Arts by night.

The Desert Botanical Garden here is like a Coachella for cacti, while Tempe Town Lake is Arizona’s answer to the question “What if we put a beach in the desert?”

WINDOW ROCK

  • Best Time To Visit – September-October (crisp air, clear skies, perfect hiking weather)
  • Where to Stay – Quality Inn Window Rock – Simple but sweet, like that friend who always remembers your birthday.

Welcome to Window Rock, a place named after a stunning natural rock formation that resembles Mother Nature’s very own drive-through window!

This charming town is the heart and soul of the Navajo Nation, and it’s more than just a city—it’s like a living museum where every street corner tells a unique story.

Underrated cities in Arizona

The Tribal Council Chambers are not your typical government buildings; they’re more like the Southwest’s version of Capitol Hill but with incredible views and a history that’s truly fascinating.

Explore and soak in the rich culture and warm atmosphere at one of the most underrated cities in Arizona.

MESA

  • Best Time to visit – March to May and October to November (when the weather’s showing off)
  • Where to Stay – Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa – Swanky enough to impress your in-laws, close enough to walk to downtown Mesa’s attractions, and with a pool that’s basically Arizona’s answer to an oasis.

Just 18 miles from Phoenix, Mesa is like that relative who has all the same genes but somehow got all the good ones.

One of the underrated cities in Arizona, this underrated urban oasis takes everything you love about Phoenix and adds its own special sauce.

The Mesa Arts Center isn’t just a venue – it’s like Coachella met TED Talks and decided to settle down in the desert.

Underrated cities in Arizona

And don’t get me started on Organ Stop Pizza, where dinner comes with a side of “Wait, is that organ player actually performing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody‘?”

The Usery Mountains create a backdrop that makes your social media followers think you’ve mastered Photoshop, while the iPlay Museum proves that “interactive” and “educational” can coexist without causing childhood trauma.

UNDERRATED CITIES IN ARIZONA MAP

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