The Top 5 Hidden Tourist Gems Only Arizona Locals Know

My mom grew up in another country but always dreamed of coming to America. She often talked about reading books about the American West and made a list of places she wanted to visit if she ever got the chance to travel to Arizona.

Naturally, iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon were featured near the top of her list. She'd read books about the romantic landscape around the Painted Desert and Vermillion Cliffs and dreamed of seeing it all for herself.

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When she married my dad and moved to the United States, she was sure she'd get to visit the places she'd dreamed of for so long. When I was a young teenager, she finally got to see the storied landscapes she'd dreamed of with her own eyes.

Falling in Love with Arizona

She loved every moment of our week-long visit to the West, and I fell in love with the beauty of Arizona right along with my mom. It's no surprise that a few short years later, I moved to Arizona, and I've lovingly called it home for decades now.

While I love the places and locales known worldwide, I have a soft spot for little-known, underrated places that don't make splashy headlines.

Whether you've lived in Arizona your entire life or just planned a short visit, here are five underrated gems worth exploring. It could have you rebranding the "Grand Canyon State" to the Grand Canyon...and also state.

Arizona's Most Underrated Tourist Spots

Here are five of the most underrated tourist locations in Arizona:

1. Tumacácori National Historical Park

Tumacácori National Historical Park // Credit: Canva

Tumacácori National Historical Park is located in the Santa Cruz River valley. Get a glimpse of a cultural crossroads where the O’odham, Yaqui, and Apache people crossed paths with European missionaries. The ruins of this historic mission ruins and serene surroundings make it a must-visit.

2. Bisbee's Queen Mine Tour

Bisbee Mine Tour. // Credit: Canva

Take a trip below the earth in Bisbee’s Queen Mine Tour. Visitors will see and learn about Arizona’s mining history in this underground adventure, and learn a lot about Arizona's copper mining heritage.

3. San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

The San Pedro Riparian Area. // Val Davidson/TSM

The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area attracts bird watchers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. This unique area offers over 40 miles of riparian habitat, making it the perfect spot to hike and observe nature.

4. Peach Springs

Peach Springs, Arizona. // Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, by Marine 69-71 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

You'll find Peach Springs on historic Route 66. Peach Springs is close to the Grand Canyon but a respite from the crowds. It's a less touristy Grand Canyon experience, near the gateway to the Grand Canyon Skywalk and Colorado River Rafting.

5. Jerome

Jerome. // Credit: Canva

Jerome was once a booming mining town, much like Tombstone or Bisbee. Jerome is now a charming ghost town with a rich history. While you're there, explore the Jerome State Historic Park and envelope yourself with the stunning views of the Verde Valley.

Sources: Tumacácori National Historical Park | Queen Mine Tour | San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area | Visit Arizona

Image of Peach Springs, Arizona: Wikimedia Commons, by Marine 69-71 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0