If the best things in life are free, then we bet you are going to fall in love with the places on this list! You’ll find incredible views and fun experiences – all for free – at some of the best hidden gems in Arizona. Keep reading for details – you never know what’ll catch your eye! How many of these hidden gems in AZ have you already been to? Let us know.

1. Grand Falls
Grand Falls, Arizona, Arizona 86035, USA
Nick Allen/Flickr
Sometimes referred to as Arizona’s Chocolate Falls, Grand Falls offers an impressive sight several times each year. After the monsoons and snow melt, you’ll get to see roaring, milk chocolate-esque waters running in this remote location between Flagstaff and Leupp.

Location: Google Maps
2. Hackberry General Store
?????????, 11255 AZ-66, Kingman, AZ 86411, USA
Shane Burkhardt/Flickr
Located in the teeny, tiny town of Hackberry, just off Route 66, you’ll find a relic of the recent past at this gas station turned general store. It's known as the Hackberry General Store, and it's a delight. Cars, souvenirs, and plenty of other collected items create an eccentric place that is worth the stop!

Location: Google Maps
3. Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona 86040, USA
Jeff/Flickr
Aside from a humble sign and a dozen or so parked vehicles in a parking lot off Highway 89 from Page, you can easily pass by this hidden gem. Here, you’ll get to see one fantastic view that is striking both on camera and in person. Not to mention: it's ICONIC Arizona. Once you've seen Horseshoe Bend in person, you'll find yourself hoping to return.

Location: Google Maps
4. Hubbell Trading Post
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, 1/2 Mile W, Hwy. 191, Ganado, AZ 86505, USA
Dirk Hoffman/Flickr
Located on the Navajo Nation in Ganado, you’ll find the incredible Hubbell Trading Post, which dates to 1878. A walk through the trading post, visitor center, and grounds is free but if you want to tour the Hubbell House, there's a very small fee.

Location: Google Maps
5. Lava River Cave
Lava River Cave, 171B Forest Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
The Lava River Cave is more than 700,000 years old, but you will be astounded at just how incredible the lava ripples along the cave walls still appear after all these centuries. Located off the road between Flagstaff and Valle, you’ll find this chilly cave is perfect for all the geology lovers in your party.

Location: Google Maps

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6. Little Painted Desert County Park
Little Painted Desert, Painted Desert Rim Dr, Winslow, AZ 86047, USA
Monica D. Spencer/Flickr
This little overlook at the Little Painted Desert County Park offers some of the prettiest views you will ever lay your eyes on, all without having to spend a dime (aside from gas money, that is). Enjoy a quiet environment and beautiful views at this park near Winslow.

Location: Google Maps.
7. Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit
Navajo Code Talkers Exhibition, US-160, Kayenta, AZ 86033, USA
Melanie Wynne/Flickr
A fast food joint is probably the last place you would expect to find a small museum exhibit but that’s exactly what you’ll find at this Burger King in Kayenta. The personal collection of this franchise owner, the Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit offers a side of history with your burger.

Location: Google Maps
8. Rose Garden at Mesa Community College
The Rose Garden At MCC, w, 1833 W Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202, USA
Mesa Community College/Facebook
If you’re looking for a quiet place to walk during the cooler months, you will love visiting the Rose Garden at Mesa Community College in Mesa. Most people don’t realize this garden is home to over 9,000 rose bushes, making it one of the largest in our part of the country.

Location: Google Maps
9. Roy Purcell Murals
Chloride Murals, by artist Roy Purcell, Murals Rd, Chloride, AZ 86431, USA
CEBImagery/Flickr
Chloride is one of the quirky desert towns out in Arizona’s rural regions that often gets passed up for bigger attractions. However, definitely make a stop in town to see these murals in the foothills of the Cerbat Mountains.

Location: Google Maps
10. St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery
Saint Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery, 4784 N St Joseph's Way, Florence, AZ 85132, USA
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery is located outside Florence in a quiet, rural desert setting. Here, you’ll find a peaceful area for walking, contemplation, and enjoying some beautiful art and architecture.

Location: Google Maps

Craving some food during your trip? Check out some of our favorite roadside dining options at these Roadside Restaurants In Arizona. You’re going to love them! And if you need somewhere to stay along the way, check out the offerings from our friends at VRBO.

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More to Explore

Hidden Gems in Arizona

Tori Jane | December 09, 2023

What are some of the best hidden gems in Arizona?  

Arizona is an absolutely incredible state that simply doesn’t get enough credit for its beauty and wonder. Everyone knows about the Grand Canyon and the red rocks of Sedona, but there are a number of lesser-appreciated hidden gems in AZ that are totally worth checking out, such as: 

  • Sonoita and Elgin – These two sister towns are located in the heart of Arizona’s amazing wine country – and yes, that’s a thing.  
  • Saguaro Lake – This incredible lake is surrounded by canyons and desert life for a landscape truly unlike any other.  
  • Secret Canyon – This canyon is an awesome secret indeed; it looks just like the famous Antelope Canyon, but without the crowds.  

Learn more about some of our favorite hidden gems in Arizona.  

What are some other must-see Arizona hidden gems?  

Of course, the list of awesome hidden gems in Arizona doesn’t start – or end – with the above items; there are so many hidden places here that one could make a whole life out of exploring them. Some other Arizona hidden gems worth mentioning are ones like: 

  • Bisbee – This weird little mining town is now an artist town full of quirks, restaurants and shops. It’s perfect for a day trip.  
  • Strawberry – This tiny town is the closest town to the amazing Fossil Creek, and it’s definitely worth checking out while you’re here.  
  • Wickenburg – This old western town is delightful for history buffs and shoppers. There are a few excellent restaurants, too!  

Learn about even MORE awesome AZ hidden gems. 

What other things to do in Arizona are there?  

What’s the opposite of a hidden gem? The popular spots! If you’ve never been to Arizona and you’re curious about what else there is to do NOT off the beaten path, a couple of must-do bucket list items in Arizona are:  

  • The Grand Canyon – This one is obvious. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is truly a one-of-a-kind natural masterpiece that everyone should do at least once.  
  • Arizona Snow Bowl – Tucked up in Flagstaff, Arizona’s favorite ski town, is this amazing resort complete with all the skiing, snowboarding, and sledding you could ever dream of.  
  • Phoenix Zoo – One of the best zoos in the world is right here in Arizona, and it’s the Phoenix Zoo. 

Learn more about must-do bucket list items in Arizona.  

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