Arcosanti Is An Inexpensive Road Trip Destination In Arizona That's Affordable
By Katie Lawrence|Published November 28, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
One of the most unique places you can possibly go in Arizona is also an inexpensive road trip destination. Arcosanti, an experimental town with an emphasis on sustainable architecture, offers daily tours for just $15, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Nestled on a hilltop 70 miles north of Phoenix, Arcosanti is an experimental town whose vision can be accredited to the late Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri. He is the father of "arcology," a concept striving to design structures that leave the lowest environmental footprint possible for densely-populated areas.
Weekend tours are held for just $15 a person, making Arcosanti an extremely affordable day trip destination. Guests are also welcome to shop, peruse the grounds, and enjoy the Visitor Center free of charge.
You'll admire the iconic architectural elements, many of which are unique to Arcosanti. Art is imbedded in the paneling, structures are designed to absorb light and heat from the sun, and the overall layout is meant to foster lasting friendships.
The community does have permanent residents -- mostly employees, but interns and volunteers also live there. In total, there are about 70 full-time residents, who lead the tours so guests can truly get a feel for what Arcosanti life is like.
Outside of the daily tour, several additional experiences feature specific aspects of Arcosanti not otherwise accessible to the public. For $30 per ticket, you can learn about how exactly the unique buildings were constructed, the ideas of Paolo Soleri, and the varying sustainable technologies used in the city.
For an even more immersive experience, overnight guests are welcome at Arcosanti. Guest rooms, dorms, and suites are available, all with their own unique architectural design and minimalist furnishings that foster a sense of introspection.
