The southernmost region of the state is home to the historic copper mining town of Bisbee, Arizona. The town, which has a population of about 5,000, is renowned for its artistic and cultural scene. In addition, Bisbee is regarded as having a high concentration of businesses and organizations that support the LGBT community. When Bisbee was first established in 1880, it was a mining town. The Queen Mine, one of the biggest copper mines in the world, is located in the town, which is situated in the Mule Mountains. In its heyday as Arizona's largest city, Bisbee was incorporated as a city in 1902.

Nowadays, a lot of tourists travel to Bisbee to see the historic town and its copper mines. Numerous shops, eateries, cafes, and art galleries can be found in the town. In addition to numerous hotels and motels, Bisbee also has a number of bed and breakfasts. One of the biggest LGBT events in the state is the Bisbee Pride Festival, which takes place every September. A parade, live music, and a range of vendors are all part of the festival. The Copper City Queer Collective, a group that offers assistance and resources to the LGBT community, is based in Bisbee.

With vintage stores and eateries around every corner, simply strolling through downtown could be a full day trip. Try to set aside at least a few hours to aimlessly wander around; you never know what hidden gems you might find! The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum is definitely worth a visit if you enjoy history. At the Lavender Pit Mining Overlook, you can get up close and personal with the industry that made Bisbee famous. Without visiting the famous Queen Mine, which was founded in 1915 and produced more copper than almost anywhere else in the world, one simply cannot visit Bisbee.

Williams, known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon", is an hour's drive south of the park and is situated between Flagstaff and the park. Williams successfully combines early 20th-century history, a mid-century road-trip sensibility, and classic Arizona scenery. Williams is best known for being the location of the Grand Canyon Railway's southern terminus. The railway, which first operated in 1901, was constructed to carry visitors to the Grand Canyon's southern rim. As you travel to Grand Canyon National Park, you can view the desert scenery from some train cars that have observation domes. The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams is run by the same business. The refined, western lodge design of this close to 300-room resort can be found right next to the train depot.

A small, free museum called Pete's Gas Station recreates a typical gas station along the original Route 66. The vintage cars and relics will take you back to the 1950s. The main street is lined with gift shops, eateries, and hotels that cater to travelers looking for that genuine Route 66 atmosphere. There is also Bearizona, a wildlife park with a drive-thru feature, if the Grand Canyon and Route 66 aren't enough to keep you in town for a few days. View North American wildlife from the cool comfort of your car, including bears, wolves, and mountain goats! Additionally, there is a more conventional walking area with animals like otters, elk, and jaguars. In Williams, things are about to become even more daring. A mile-long track that lets users choose their own speed down a canyon will be available at Coaster Canyon Adventure Park when it opens in late 2021.

When you want a change of scenery but don't have the time for a lengthy vacation, day trips are ideal. Jerome, a former copper mining boomtown perched on a hilltop with a view of the Verde Valley, is one of the best day trips in Arizona. It's ideal for a quick visit because of its fascinating history, rumored hauntings, and abundance of charming shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Jerome, a former copper mining boomtown with a population of about 500, is regal perched atop Cleopatra Hill. It's a simple two-hour drive from Phoenix, making a day trip there ideal. Jerome is bursting at the seams with sights and attractions, despite being a modern-day ghost town.

The Douglas Mansion is located in Jerome State Historic Park, one of the most notable. The mansion, which is now a museum, describes the history of the region and displays gorgeous scenery. Audrey Headframe Park, which has a 1,900-foot-deep mining shaft with a glass covering that guests can stand on, is close to Jerome State Historic Park. A number of award-winning wineries and vineyards can be found in Jerome. One of them is Caduceus Cellars, a coffee shop and tasting room that offers some of the best wines from Arizona you've ever tasted. Stop in for a few drinks in the afternoon, then carry on the adventure as you continue to discover everything the town has to offer.

The Sliding Jail in Jerome, Arizona, which descended over 200 feet while staying intact, is arguably the city's most bizarre attraction. You can relive Jerome's mining days in the authentic machinery and automobiles at Gold King Mine Ghost Town. Jerome is the subject of many ghost stories, which is not surprising considering the fact that over 9,000 mine workers died on the job. You can take a somber stroll through the cemetery where many of the men are interred while experiencing the weight of such a great tragedy.

Santa Cruz County in Arizona contains the small town of Patagonia. 913 people were living there as of the 2010 census. In the middle of the 19th century, Patagonia expanded as a trading and supply hub for the nearby ranches and mines. One of Arizona's best-kept secrets, this tiny mountain town has fewer than 900 residents. The region is unique in the state because it combines the historic charm of the past with the mystique of ghost towns. The nearby mountain ranges are referred to as "Sky Islands" because they tower over the desert and are home to one of the most varied wildlife populations in the entire world. You can safely assume that the majority of the few people who visit Patagonia are ardent birdwatchers. The area is home to more than 300 species.

There are countless places to view wildlife, from hiking trails to sanctuaries. Even a whole center is devoted to hummingbirds only. Another excellent location for bird watching is Patagonia Lake State Park. There are many opportunities to celebrate the amazing creatures with like-minded enthusiasts through regularly scheduled guided hikes and pontoon boat tours. The park doesn't close until 11 p.m., so stay for a traditional Arizona sunset. It never gets old to watch the majestic Sky Islands change from day to night. Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is located nearby. In the spring, more than 20 miles of eminently accessible trails promise breathtaking scenery and up to 60 different bird species.

This is your chance to enter a science fiction film, if you've ever wanted to. The first experimental utopia of its kind in the world, Arcosanti is located in Yavapai County. Although there are fewer than 100 permanent residents, the community is a great weekend getaway because of the friendly atmosphere, emphasis on sustainable living, and stunning architecture. Arcosanti, which is about an hour's drive north of Phoenix, is an experimental community that aims to combine the architectural and ecological worlds. Italian American architect Paolo Soleri established the world's first community of its kind, Arcosanti, in 1965. Arcosanti has been around for more than 50 years, but it is only 5 percent finished.

As a result, the town has a number of oddly shaped buildings that are under construction and somewhat resembles something from a dystopian film. Arcosanti is not abandoned, despite being unfinished. The town is home to more than 60 people, and they all collaborate to support the growth of the neighborhood. Visitors are welcome all year long; Arcosanti is accessible to the general public every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents give guided tours of the property that highlight the most stunning features of the construction. Additionally, the Visitors Center is a free place for visitors to congregate and unwind. The on-site restaurant, Café Atmosphere, serves healthy food made with fresh, regional ingredients.

Whatever you want to call it, the feisty little town of Tombstone in southern Arizona exemplifies the spirit of the Old West. Every Arizonan should visit this town at least once for the history lessons and the entertainment that come along with it because it has more than 137 years of history that would make a good movie. As one of the last genuine frontier boomtowns in the American Old West, Tombstone was established in 1879 and quickly developed a thriving silver mining industry. The name of the town plays a significant role in its notoriety.

An Army scout who was looking for ore in the area was informed that his chances of finding any minerals were higher than meeting his own grave (or, in this case, tombstone). It has had a pretty bizarre history throughout the years, filled with violence, economic booms and busts, and some even claim hauntings. The claim to fame of Tombstone was probably made by this well-known group during the town's heyday, when it was also a notoriously lawless region. The battle at the O.K. Corral and the subsequent Earp vendetta ride solidified the town's (and Arizona's) standing in the annals of the Old West.

Although the famous gunfight near the O.K. Corral actually occurred closer to Fly's Photo Gallery, near Fremont and Third Street, the name endured over the years as a result of books, movies, and TV shows that depicted the event. For those seeking a glimpse into life during Arizona's territorial days, Tombstone is now a popular tourist destination. Some of the original structures can still be seen today, while others have been rebuilt following fires, and a few have even been virtually unaltered for decades after the town nearly perished. The town is full of history, but Allen Street, where most of the town's history, revelry, and violence took place, is the main destination for everyone.

Sometimes it's necessary to get away to a small town amid the daily commotion. That is precisely what Cave Creek provides, making it the best place in Arizona in secret. Spur Cross Stables, which is situated on the site of a gold mine from the 1870s, grants guests' priceless seclusion in the ethereal Sonoran Desert. Take a guided horseback ride or go hiking along miles of beautiful trails. Both novice riders and seasoned riders will enjoy themselves. One to four hours are allotted for excursions, which feature historical petroglyphs, Saguaro forests, and mesmerizing Arizona sunsets.

Numerous vintage stores can be found back in the city, selling everything from hats to Mexican pottery. Before stopping at Harold's Corral for a quick bite, browse the items and find a few treasures to bring home. Explore the history of the community at Cave Creek Museum. The Hohokam, mining, and ranching roots of the area are highlighted in exhibits that are excellent at transporting you back in time. There are quirky restaurants everywhere you look. Two patios outside, regional coffee, and fresh ingredients are all features of The Grotto Cafe. Every meal, from breakfast to dessert, is delicious. Would anyone be interested in a few hearty slices of French toast with fresh fruit and bacon?

You'll adore Greer, a small town in Arizona, if you love the outdoors. It's one of the smallest towns in the state, with a population of just 50. Greer, which is located at an elevation of more than 8,000 feet in the lovely White Mountains, is tucked away. It is entirely encircled by breathtaking natural beauty, from the high peaks to the luxuriant vegetation of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Greer, Arizona, is the ideal town for outdoor enthusiasts, with a ski park, a horse stable, a mountain lodge, and a ton of hiking trails. Greer, Arizona's White Mountains, is a small town with fewer than 50 permanent residents.

The town is everything a nature lover could want, sitting at an elevation of over 8,000 feet and surrounded by the lush vegetation of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Greer is best known for Sunrise Park Resort, the state's largest and most expansive ski resort. There are day passes and season passes available, and during the warmer months, mountain biking and ziplining are both available. The town's high elevation makes it the ideal haven from the oppressive Arizona summer heat. Cast a line in the crystal-clear cobalt waters of the 15-acre artificial lake Tunnel Reservoir. It is one of three artificial lakes in the region collectively referred to as the Greer Lakes.

At Snowy Mountain Stables, which is close to the Sunrise Park Resort's base, you can saddle up and take a horse ride. The stables, which are owned and run by Native Americans, provide everything from 30-minute rides to overnight excursions. In the winter, sleigh rides are available for $20 per person.

There are numerous natural wonders in the Grand Canyon State, but Payson has the highest concentration. This modest town of slightly more than 15,000 people is a hidden gem in Northern Arizona, home to a 300-million-year-old fossil site and the enchanted Mogollon Rim. The most well-known natural wonder in Payson is without a doubt the Mogollon Rim, an escarpment that spans 200 miles across the geographic center of Arizona. The rocky landscape, which started forming 600 million years ago, is covered in forests and grassland. Take a hike, ride a bike, or drive along one of the many trails while taking in the astounding variety of both plant and animal life. You'll pass by Tonto Natural Bridge State Park just before you get to Pine.

With a height of 183 feet, this amazing formation is thought to be the world's largest natural travertine bridge. Four trails are present in the park, some of which enter the vast cavern visible here. This is a must-see when in Payson because it has a waterfall, boardwalk, and a ton of lush vegetation. Many different lakes, including Willow Springs, are well-liked locations for kayaking, fishing, and other water sports. It doesn't get much more serene than these true oasis in the middle of the wilderness. Payson is one of only three places on Earth with a pure ozone belt, and it is situated at a height of more than 5,000 feet.

Small towns abound in Arizona, and one of them is perhaps best known for being referenced in a well-known classic rock song. Winslow, which is situated along Route 66, is a quaint little community rich in culture and history. Even better, just outside the city limits is the best-preserved meteor crater in the entire world. The Eagles' song "Take it Easy" made reference to the old railroad stop in Winslow, Arizona, which is now known as Route 66's most famous stop. Despite having fewer than 10,000 residents, Winslow experiences a sizable amount of tourist traffic. Travelers have been known to make a detour through the town just to have their photo taken at this park, which honors the classic rock song Standin' on the Corner.

Visit the Old Trails Museum while you're here to brush up on local history. The museum, which is located in the center of downtown Winslow, is open to the public and provides enlightening exhibits about Winslow's history and culture. Homolovi State Park, which protects over 300 ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites, is another destination for history buffs. Homolovi, which means "place of the little hills" in Hopi, is Winslow's traditional name. Just a mile north of the town is where you'll find the park, which features camping, hiking trails, historical exhibits, and interpretive programs. The Meteor Crater at Barringer Space Museum, located about 18 miles west of Winslow, is the world's best-preserved meteorite impact site.