Summary
Bullhead City offers riverfront charm, outdoor adventures, and affordable living.
Kingman provides Route 66 nostalgia, scenic hiking, and historical attractions.
Somerton offers cultural richness, a quieter atmosphere, and outdoor activities.
From the most popular attraction in the US, the Grand Canyon, to rugged desert landscapes and bustling cities, the state of Arizona has everything to lure visitors. Phoenix, the capital of the Grand Canyon State, is a magnet for its sunny weather and beautiful landscapes.
With unique museums, wonderful attractions, mouthwatering cuisine, and endless outdoor opportunities, Phoenix offers plenty of bucket-list-worthy things to do and see. However, with over 20 million visitors each year, Phoenix can become quite crowded and expensive.
For those seeking a less-crowded and affordable alternative to Phoenix with similar vibes, there’s no lack of underrated Arizona cities that are just as exciting as the state’s capital city with similar vibes (that are sometimes even better), each offering incredible experiences, vibrant cultures, rich history, and natural beauty. Here are seven of these underrated gems, perfect substitutes for Phoenix without the throngs of visitors and hefty prices.
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7 Bullhead City
Escape Phoenix and explore riverfront charm and outdoor adventures sans crowds
Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bullhead City, Arizona
Bullhead City, located along the Colorado River, is a stunning Arizona city with low monthly rental costs and a low cost of living (it’s actually one of the Arizona cities with the cheapest rent prices, unlike Phoenix!). It is a paradise for adventure seekers, with a variety of water activities such as boating, canoeing, fishing, and kayaking.
Nearby desert landscapes are ideal for hiking and off-road activities, making the city the ideal place for outdoor fun. From the thrill of off-roading across the desert to the historic petroglyphs in Grapevine Canyon and the excitement of Laughlin’s casinos nearby, the city offers year-round fun. Compared to busy Phoenix, it’s an idyllic escape with riverfront charm, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Population
41,593
Popular Attractions
Colorado River Museum, Laughlin casinos, Grapevine Canyon
Best Time to Visit
April and October for mild weather and outdoor activities
Why a good alternative?
Serene riverfront setting, outdoor recreational opportunities, relaxed atmosphere, local events and festivals, proximity to Laughlin’s entertainment
6 Kingman
Drop Phoenix for Route 66 nostalgia and scenic hiking in tranquil surroundings
Kingman has a lot to do and see amid magnificent desert surroundings, yet it is among the many affordable Arizona cities cheaper than Phoenix. Visitors can explore the Mohave Museum to learn about the city’s rich history, or the Arizona Route 66 Museum to learn about the historical route.
There are also numerous possibilities for outdoor activity nearby, such as horseback riding, biking, and hiking, as well as the charm of Beale Street’s antique stores, boutiques, cafés, breweries, and wineries, all of which add to the fun factor of the trip.
The city’s laid-back atmosphere, historic Route 66 charm, and low prices make it an excellent alternative to Phoenix yet with similar vibes, providing everything a visitor could want for an unforgettable trip.
Population
33,052
Popular Attractions
Historic Downtown Kingman, Historic Route 66 Museum, Mohave Museum
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall for mild temperatures and outdoor activities
Why a good alternative?
Tranquil atmosphere, Route 66 nostalgia, scenic hiking trails, quaint downtown charm, accessible outdoor recreation
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5 Douglas
Enjoy cultural richness, laid-back charm, and affordability away from Phoenix’s crowds, plus American and Mexican influences since it’s near the border
Douglas is a small mountain city in Arizona that draws tourists with its vibrant cultural scene and Old West charm. It’s close to the Mexican border, meaning it has a unique cultural dimension with both American and Mexican influences. With its low cost of living, it is also considered one of the many affordable small towns to live in Arizona.
The town’s historical structures and cultural attractions, such as the Douglas Mining Museum, reflect its mining past. Tourists can take in the lively arts scene at local theaters and galleries or learn about the rich past in the Douglas Historic District.
With its rich history, culture, and picturesque mountain backdrop, the city makes a fantastic yet similar alternative to Phoenix—all without the crowds and high price tags.
4 Coolidge
Avoid Phoenix’s crowds and experience diverse historical, cultural, and scenic experiences
Coolidge is renowned for having a flourishing educational environment. However, there is more to it than just academic institutions. The city has a rich history and culture, and it is home to the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, an important archeological site that provides an insight into Arizona’s past.
Coolidge is noted for having a very low cost of living, making it a desirable substitute for Phoenix to live in or indeed for vacationers on a budget. The city is also dotted with many local shops, eateries, and museums, as well as hosts a number of community events that are fun to attend. In addition, adventurers can go hiking and camping in the adjacent desert landscapes.
3 Somerton
Skip Phoenix to enjoy a calm ambiance, rich culture, and an affordable vacation
Somerton, located near the US-Mexico border, is an ideal escape from Phoenix’s high prices and swarms of tourists for those seeking a quieter destination that’s just as exciting. Teeming with a rich cultural heritage (American and Mexican influences), vibrant festivals, delectable food, and a welcoming community, this city is an appealing vacation destination to skip Phoenix for.
Located along the Colorado River, the city has excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, as well as hiking and camping in the nearby Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. It is among the various Arizona towns known for hosting unique festivals, like the Somerton Tamale Festival. Somerton is undoubtedly a wonderful place to visit for those interested in discovering a different side of Arizona.
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2 Holbrook
Avoid Phoenix for unique attractions, historical sites, and fewer tourists at this iconic Route 66 stop near excellent national park sites
Holbrook, one of the most iconic stops on Route 66, has a traditional American charisma and charm that appeals to tourists. This Arizona city is a great alternative to the hordes of Phoenix, home to attractions like the 1950s Wigwam Motel, sights of the vintage cars of that era, and the natural splendor of the nearby Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Parks.
The city has a small-town vibe and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich past with its well-preserved historical buildings and Route 66 nostalgia. Additionally, the annual Route 66 Festival also attracts visitors to experience the area’s cultural heritage and community spirit.
With affordable lodging, welcoming locals, and a relaxed pace, Holbrook is a fun substitute for the bigger, busier Phoenix.
1 Willcox
Swap Phoenix for a charming small-town vibe, a rich history, and scenic landscapes
Willcox, one of Arizona’s more affordable small vacation towns, is a great alternative to Phoenix for its historic downtown, wine-tasting experiences, and natural landscapes. Aside from all of this, what makes the city more enticing is its small-town charm and fewer people.
Situated in the Sulphur Springs Valley, the city captivates tourists with its breathtaking views of the mountains and desert, and its historic downtown is dotted with well-preserved buildings, lovely shops, and local eateries.
In addition, visitors can explore unique rock formations and caves at Chiricahua National Monument and can also sample local wines in nearby vineyards and tasting rooms. All in all, this small city has a lot to fill a vacation with cherishable memories.
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Publish date : 2024-06-30 11:00:00
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