As winter officially begins on December 21, many Americans living in the North will seek warmer destinations to escape the cold for a few weeks, if not longer. Fortunately, the United States offers plenty of options, with Arizona standing out as one of the warmest states. The Valentine State is home to several parks with breathtaking views, including iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon. More than that, though, it offers several peaceful parks, lakes, and hospitable towns with well-maintained spaces for outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a retreat with plenty of sunshine.
More in ArizonaExplore 7 slow-paced towns to visit in Arizona.
Bullhead City
People have been drawn to this town and its surrounding area for generations thanks to its fertile soil and abundant resources. The earliest people to settle in the area were the Mojave people, who leveraged the waters of the Colorado River. The same waters continue to flow today—and residents in Bullhead City enjoy it year-round settings like like Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area, a 2,100-acre park consisting of a sandy beach, picnic spots with charcoal grills, and inviting waters for a rejuvenating swim. For adrenaline junkies hoping to elevate their adventure, fuel your adventure by renting jet skis for an action-packed ride. If you're in town over the holidays, the fourth annual Christmas on the Colorado event is set to kick off on December 21, featuring a lively Christmas market, live music, Santa, and plenty of other family-friendly fun! One of the festival's main highlights, the parade, will launch at 5:30 pm from the public boat launch at Bullhead Community Park. Bullhead City is also a brief 57-minute drive away from Mojave National Preserve, spanning 1.6 million acres. Not only is the vast desert a great way to acclimate to Arizona's climate, but it also presents a fun opportunity to camp out beneath the stars and enjoy scenic hiking opportunities.
San Luis
Love Mexican food? You'll love the delectable Mexican dining options that await you in the border town of San Luis. Among the many excellent restaurants to choose from, Tortas Mexico, La Malquerida, and Panchita's Restaurant all offer flavorful options to rock your tastebuds. Located a 40-minute drive away lies the East Wetlands Park, a serene natural habitat area perfect for enjoying some sunshine while getting some fresh air. Parkgoers here can also break a sweat by biking along well-maintained paths and observing wildlife animals from afar, including bobcats, coyotes, turtles, and more. For a more gentle activity and a free and educational experience, check out the Cocopah Museum—a hidden gem that features curated displays of artifacts related to the Cocopah tribe, as well as a quaint gift shop for taking a few souvenirs home to remember the trip and gift your loved ones.
Somerton
This lively city will make you forget all your winter blues with its joyful festivities, held year-round. One event to watch for is the annual Somerton Tamale Festival, scheduled for December 21, 2024. The annual event draws roughly 30,000 visits annually and will feature cultural dances, music, and, best of all, food—lots of it—namely tamales, a Mesoamerican dish made with chicken, beef, and other delectable toppings. And since getaways are best enjoyed together, consider taking your family to the Wild River Family Entertainment Center. This enormous indoor venue offers a variety of engaging and mentally stimulating activities, such as laser tag, a fun bowling session, and a spacious arcade to play numerous games. While the establishment is family-friendly, it also provides a lounge area for adults, offering a vibrant atmosphere to kick back, relax, and forget your worries.
Parker
Parker is an outdoor lovers paradise. Start your adventure at the beautiful River Island State Park, one of the most mesmerizing landmarks in Arizona. The park provides direct access to shimmering blue waters, perfect for a refreshing swim. Other activities include fishing, kayaking, and boating. With so many activities available, though, one day may not suffice. But fret not! The park features RV and tent campsites for those wishing to stay the night, with stunning views of the Colorado River available from the comfort of your windows. There are numerous amenities such as electricity, clean restrooms, and shower stalls to maximize your visit. And canine lovers can also rejoice with a dog park for their furry little friends to run around. Another prominent outdoor option includes trekking the scenic Emerald Canyon Golf Course, offering well-maintained fairways and challenging courses to test your skills. Best of all, though, you'll enjoy unparalleled views of Arizona's natural features with towering mountains, valleys, and the desert surrounding you as you take a swing.
Safford
Once a bustling hub for trade for the Apache Native people, Safford is one of many unique towns located in an area with diverse landscapes, ranging from desert terrain to mountainous areas, all within close proximity to each other. A short hour's drive from town lies Mt. Graham, a majestic mountain summit with wooded trails, camping spots, fishing opportunities, and, best of all, panoramic vistas of the surrounding area. This park is also an excellent spot for stargazing—with minimal light pollution, high elevation (6,500 feet), and a remote setting, the secluded area's night sky reveals a dazzling array of stars and planets that will leave you in awe. On the same topic, the Discovery Park Campus provides public tours of the Mount Graham International Observatory from mid-May through October, where you can further observe the galaxies with highly advanced telescopes and learn about the mountain's geographical features, history, and wildlife. Another prominent landmark is Roper Lake State Park, located conveniently a short 11-minute drive south of town. The park is small relative to most state and national parks, but its crystal-clear lake, breathtaking mountain views, and recreational opportunities make it a perfect getaway spot to escape the hustle and bustle of towns. Whether your forte is swimming, hiking, or boating, the park has you covered. Best of all? You'll have a cozy cabin to sleep in, making it a perfect opportunity if you have yet to experience glamping.
Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu City is one of the most popular towns in the state of Arizona. Not only is it a cultural powerhouse, being featured in several films and shows like Pirhana 3D or MTV's Spring Break—but it also houses multiple lighthouses by Lake Havasu, a 19,300-acre reservoir engineered through the Parker Dam. While all the lighthouses are worth exploring, Lighthouse Replica, situated on Pittsburg Point Island, is particularly notable for granting stunning views (especially during dusk and dawn). And unbeknownst to most, Arizona also has beaches! Valentine State is indeed landlocked. However, tourists can enjoy Lake Havasu State Park's soft sandy beaches, designated swim areas, and idyllic hiking trails. And don't forget to visit the state's second most popular visitor destination, the London Bridge, located near the intersection of AZ-95 and McCulloch Blvd N.
Eloy
Residents of this town love their warm weather and their skies—Eloy dubs itself as the top sky skydiving capital of the world. To experience the sensation of jumping through the clouds, take to the skies with Skydive Arizona, an independent business operating since 1978. For a modest fee of $259, you'll be able to witness the mesmerizing landscape of Arizona at 13,000 feet in the air. The trip is supervised by a network of experienced and professional skydiving enthusiasts who will be present to ensure your adventure is as optimal as possible. For those who are risk averse, Picacho Peak provides equally stunning desert views from 3,374 feet above the landscape. The peak, located in Picacho Peak State Park, draws 95,000+ outdoor lovers yearly who flock to witness its majestic views over the terrain. And take advantage of the nearby Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, situated a brief 19.4 miles away from Eloy. The ancient site has incredible structures, including the esteemed "Big House," which was built all the way back around 1300 CE, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see how people lived back in the day.
Final thoughts
To summarize, these Arizona towns not only offer the warmth you need to get you through the next couple of frigid months but also experiences to remember for a lifetime. The charming towns of Bullhead City, San Luis, and Eloy offer something for everyone—from outdoor adventures, delectable dining options, and rich cultural experiences that you'll find only in Arizona. Remember to embrace the sunshine as you immerse yourself in these vibrant communities.
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