Phoenix

Arcosanti is one of the best small towns in Arizona to visit

By Judy J. Beasley


Posted in Arizona
Attractions
February 03, 2022
by Katie Lawrence


If you’ve ever wanted to step into a sci-fi movie, now’s your chance. Arcosanti is an experimental utopia in Yavapai County – the first of its kind in the world. The community has less than 100 permanent residents, but the camaraderie, focus on sustainable living, and beautiful architecture make it a great place for a weekend getaway. In our opinion, this is one of the best small towns in Arizona to visit!

In these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list at a later date.

Located about an hour north of Phoenix, Arcosanti is an experimental town that seeks to blend the worlds of architecture and ecology.

Arcosanti was founded in 1965 by Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri, and it is the first such community on earth.

Although more than 50 years have passed since its creation, Arcosanti is only 5% complete.

As a result, the city looks a bit like something out of a dystopian movie, with an array of uniquely shaped buildings in various stages of construction.

Although unfinished, Arcosanti is far from abandoned.

More than 60 people live in the town and all work together to contribute to the development of the community.

Tourists are welcome all year round – Arcosanti is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Residents lead tours of the grounds, showcasing the most impressive aspects of the architecture. Plus, guests can gather and relax at the Visitor Center for free.

Café Atmosphere, the on-site restaurant, offers sustainable cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients.

The views are almost as amazing as the food – the cafe overlooks the Valletta Canyon to the south and provides a great vantage point to watch the sunset.

If one day is not enough to fully appreciate Arcosanti, do not hesitate to extend your visit by one night.

Several different accommodations are available, including primitive campsites, bed and breakfasts in greenhouses, and Airbnb suites.

The two Airbnb suites are the most popular accommodation choices because they offer a completely immersive experience.

Built on the main site of the community, the rooms have many modern amenities, as well as stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. You can even catch a live show from the comfort of your private balcony, as the outdoor amphitheater sits just below.

Overnight guests are also welcome to use the pool, which is open seasonally.

What a perfect way to spend a weekend – don’t you think?

Visit the Arcosanti website Where Facebook page for more information, such as room rates and amenities, and/or to book your stay.

Have you ever been to Arcosanti? If so, we would love to hear all about your visit! Tell us in the comments. For more on the best small towns in Arizona to explore, check out our previous article.

Address: Arcosanti, AZ 86333, USA

Judy J. Beasley
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