Payson

This family owned and operated floral shop offers stunning arrangements. Their store also features various candles, gifts, and home decor pieces as well.

This annual car show features a variety of activities for car enthusiasts, including a cruise around town, food, and entertainment. Register your car, or just come to browse, eat, and dance! 

Stopping by the Candle Factory in the Swiss Village is a must! You'll find unique, handcrafted candles that have been making Payson bright since 1979!

Those looking to add unique pieces to their closet and jewelry collection should stop by Consign Your Design. With a rows and rows of clothes and accessories, designer items, and even some lotions and potions, you're sure to find some quality pieces at great prices!

Spend your summer time Saturday mornings at this farmers and artisan market with 50 vendors. Find fresh, local, organic produce, and enjoy live entertainment and activities for kids.

Take a walk around town to find several colorful murals painted by local artists and students. Take Instagram-worthy photos and share with the hashtag #adventurepayson.

First celebrated in 2005, this event has become a favorite of Southwestern and Canadian quilters. Enter your own work, or come to browse what others have created and check out a demo of this traditional, but still contemporary, craft. Keep an eye out for quilters’ retreats and other celebrations of this time-honored craft that happen throughout the year. 

Serendipity is defined as the phenomenon of finding happiness not sought for. That's exactly what you'll feel as you walk through this unique boutique! From handcrafted items, art, home decor, and more, you'll find plenty of items you didn't know you needed!

Bring your family, friends, and lawn chairs down to Green Valley Park to enjoy this fun summer tradition of music on the grass. Join locals and visitors alike for this free concert series Saturdays in June and July from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m..

Be sure to check out Westwood in the Swiss Village. Grab a picture frame to commemorate your trip or shop unique and handcrafted woodworking pieces. Either way, you'll be able to see why they describe this store as "where art meets wood"!

A trip to Payson wouldn't be complete without stopping by Pioneer Park! This park on Main Street offers and amphitheater, historic displays, and covered walkways.

Hashknife is the longest continuous pony express in the country, running for over 64 years! Plan your Payson trip accordingly to make this event typically happening in February.

Planning your trip around 4th of July? This hometown celebration offers traditional games and activities all day, blending nostalgic Americana fun with the spirit of a ‘Wild West’ Arizona community. At night, fireworks light up the sky over the expansive Green Valley Park. 

Dating back to 1882, this cemetery is a special piece of history where many pioneering families were laid to rest. If you’ve been tracking your own family’s genealogy and want to see if an ancestor could have been buried here, you can explore findagrave.com online. If you do visit, please be respectful and treat it like the resting place it is for loved ones and friends.

Those who love history and literature will want to stop by Rim Country Museum for “The Best Stories in the West.” Explore the area’s rich heritage at this charming museum and gift shop, which celebrates the life and writing of legendary author Zane Grey. Tours of his cabin are guided and scheduled, while you can explore the museum on your own. 

Have any questions or can't decide what to do first? Stop by Payson's Visitor Center to meet friendly faces that will help you make the most of your Payson trip!

Get a taste of Western heritage by visiting Payson’s famous rodeos! If you’re visiting in May you can plan your trip to make the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo. In August, you can plan to visit the Payson Pro Rodeo, the world’s oldest continuous rodeo!

Catch a movie and experience history! You can actually hear this history, with sawmill whistles going off at eight, noon, and five o’clock. These sounds used to signal breaks to the sawmill workers that were the backbone of the town of Payson. 

Step into the ancient past and discover the wonder and innovation of the indigenous peoples of the region. This site, believed to have been occupied A.D. 1000-1250, was a village that had a massive stone wall and dozens of rooms. 

This lively country-themed bar and grill serves a huge selection of pub favorites. Choose from their extensive burger list, or opt for a steak dinner with a baked potato, cowboy beans, and Texas toast. 

Enjoy exceptional coffee, tea, and freshly baked pastries at this warm, friendly spot with indoor and outdoor seating. Get something to go from their walk-up window, or hang out and enjoy the sense of community. 

Enjoy a hearty meal with a view at Crosswinds Restaurant, where you can watch planes land and take off while you try some of their delicious food.

Indulge in the freshest shakes possible, made with milk from the Danzeisen family farm in Laveen, Ariz. Try other tasty treats, including soft-serve ice cream and waffles, and take home fresh milk stored in signature glass bottles. 

The name doesn’t lie at this daytime cafe serving unique, fresh, and healthy sandwiches and salads. Build your own omelet for brunch or come for lunch and enjoy the favorite chicken panini or cran-apple salad.

Visit Duza’s kitchen for a modern breakfast or lunch with American and European influences. Go for traditional eggs and bacon or enjoy something more unique, like the steak chorizo and avocado sandwich or vegetarian breakfast bowl.

Indulge in fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine, including freshly made guacamole, carne asada, and street tacos. Save room for their delicious dessert menu, featuring churros, fried ice cream, and sopapillas. 

Fargo’s serves classic and elevated dishes for lunch and dinner, with a focus on good friends and good times. Lunch includes refined sandwiches and wraps, while the dinner menu focuses on quality seafood and steaks. 

K Sushi and Grill stocks the freshest ingredients to craft a variety of noodle bowls, sashimi, and rolls, including signature rolls for all 50 states. With a huge selection, including vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone.

Enjoy authentic Mexican food in an upbeat atmosphere with friendly service. Come for happy hour and try the margarita flight, featuring 5 mini margaritas. Food offerings include a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetarian options. 

Hang out at this hot spot for amazing burgers, wings, sandwiches, and cold beer. Have dinner outside on their covered patio, and try a steak with their signature cornbread and honey butter. Finish with a piece of homemade carrot cake or pie.

This family-owned restaurant serves freshly cut Alaskan cod that’s hand-battered to order. Get both fish and shrimp with the signature combo, or try their other seafood options, including crab cakes, clam strips, and breaded oysters.

Visit this welcoming cafe for a classic American meal. For breakfast, try the popular pumpkin pecan pancakes or lobster omelet. For lunch, enjoy the fan favorite reuben or grilled cheese, and don’t forget to save room for a slice of pie!

Check out this unique Main Street spot where both the setting and the menu are steeped in Payson’s heritage. Come in for a burger or barbecue and enjoy a Saturday Rodeo Dance or Sunday Jam Session for live music, dancing, and drinks. 

The first and oldest restaurant in Payson, Pinon Cafe is a local icon serving classic American favorites and Southern staples, including homemade biscuits and gravy, homemade meatloaf, and chicken and waffles.

Find something for everyone to eat and drink at this creative concept combining house-smoked meats, delicious sides, and wood-fired pizzas. Check out their saloon menu for an extensive variety of alcoholic beverages.

Sometimes the basics are better! Back to Basics prides itself on providing healthy products for your body, mind, and soul. This family-owned store sells locally grown fruits and veggies, snacks, supplements, and even made-to-order smoothies!

Don’t let the name scare you away! Go big when you go antiquing and continue your hunt for the best of olden days with a stop at Big Bear Antiques. You’ll find home decor, dishware, jewelry, gems, and more that not even the owners can predict! 

Arizona is known for its wild west charm. Stop by Bob’s Western Wear for hats, boots, and high-quality apparel. Your purchases here will not only help you blend into the local scene, especially around rodeo time, but let you leave town with wearable memories of your Payson adventure.

Formerly named “Old Granny’s Attic,” this shop restocks antique items daily. Explore the various home decor, glassware, vintage records, and more! Too excited to wait for your Payson trip? Shop online for locally made soaps and other special treasures. 

Looking to commemorate your trip to Payson? Main Street Mercantile is a popular antique store located on historic main street. Stop here for vintage treasures, automobilia, and collectibles you won’t find anywhere else. 

Pistoll Annie’s is your go-to for unique purses, statement hats, and antique collectibles. The owner, Sherry, has been in the business for 20 years. Stop in to explore the shop’s wide selection of eclectic fashion essentials. 

If you’re exploring the outdoors in Payson, you’re going to need some gear! Stop by Rim Runners for apparel, shoes, and other hiking products to prepare for your Payson adventure.

There's a reason this spot is rated 5 stars! During your stroll through Swiss Village, be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with their wide variety of fresh, gourmet chocolates at Sweet Country Charm fudge.

Everyone needs a comfy quilt in their life. Whether you’re a novice looking for lessons or an expert seeking inspiration and supplies for your next project, the Copper Needle has you covered! (And if you’re new to this craft, just know you are likely in the presence of a quilting legend when you visit.)

From U Turn for Christ Thrift to Trinkets & Treasures, New Beginnings Nook and the Humane Society Resale Store and Vintage Boutique, a walk along Main Street will bring you to a variety of thrift and vintage stores to scratch your itch for “American picking” and browsing.

Among the many local shops along the Beeline Highway, you’ll also find a southwestern gem called the Western Village. This antique store is packed full of yard art, stunning jewelry, collectibles, rocks, gems, and home decor. 

All this souvenir shopping is sure to make you hungry! Ye Old Sweets & Uniques has the best of both worlds with sweet treats and one-of-a kind gifts. Shop homemade jams, decorated pies, vintage home decor, and plush animals. 

Bring your fishing pole and your mindset to get hands-on with wildlife you may only typically see on the TV screen. Admission to this annual “carnival of wildlife” is free, and you can get up close and personal with wildlife like snakes, birds, and even alligators!

Located in the same region as the Water Wheel Falls, you can explore the East Verde River area’s red rocks, rugged terrain, and beautiful views you won’t find anywhere else! The park has easy river access to a beautiful stretch of boulders, greenery, and the lovely sound of the water’s flow.

You can’t go wrong with golf courses in Payson. Chaparral Pines offers views of Ponderosa Pine trees, a 27,000 square foot clubhouse, and even a dog park! Be sure to check ahead of time to inquire about membership requirements.

Green Valley Park offers stunning views and activities like fishing and kayaking during the summer season. During the winter season, you may even catch a view of the official national bird of the U.S.: bald eagles. Enjoy the great outdoors at this amenity-packed park in Payson!

Just outside of Payson, you’ll find Hellsgate Wilderness. Don’t be fooled by the name, you’ll find peaceful scenery and have access to 13 trails. Be sure to check in advance to plan your trip!

Explore the wonders of the past by visiting Mogollon Rim. This is one of the most scenic views in Arizona. With plenty of activities from hiking to horseback riding, you can spend a whole day here!

Those looking for a peaceful, outdoor stroll or a challenge with rewarding views can find both in Payson! You can see all your options and map your route whether for walking, biking, or off-roading with the Payson Area Trails System map. 

With 18 holes, events, and dining at the on-site Fairway’s restaurant, you’ll be fully entertained with this extensive golf course. You’ll also be surrounded by rolling hills and various wildlife like geese and elk. Be sure to check ahead of time to inquire about membership requirements.

The Rim Golf Club is another course with plenty of amenities, spectacular views, and quality golf, a fitness center, and a pool so you can get a full day's worth of activities. Be sure to check ahead of time to inquire about membership requirements.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park located near Payson is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and people looking for photo opps. Explore hiking trails, feed the fish at the Tonto Fish Hatchery, or take in the historic charm at the Goodfellow Lodge. 

Water Wheel Falls is a gem waiting to be explored! This is described as a simple hike with breathtaking views, but be sure to check beforehand for weather conditions and make proper preparations before embarking on your adventure.

Stay at this all-suite hotel with mountain views and the friendliest staff, and try your luck with slot machines or table games. With Cedar Ridge Restaurant and The Grille on site, find anything from fine dining to fast casual. 

Spend a night under the stars at Payson campground! Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, you can connect to nature amongst pine trees, clean air and beautiful weather. 

Voted “Best in The Rim” for hospitality, book the Majestic Mountain Inn for a cozy stay and access to a variety of amenities from a seasonal heated pool, laundry units, barbeque pits, and patios.