Things To Do In Strawberry & Pine, Arizona
I’m all about small towns. I’m from one, for one. I also live in the big city, Phoenix, as I’m sure many of you who are reading this are as well. There’s something special about small towns- the kind people, the family-owned restaurants you can’t find anywhere else, the hikes, the cozy cabins. I love that no matter what time of year it is, you can enjoy small towns- like Strawberry and Pine, AZ. See the fall colors, escape to a winter wonderland, watch wildflowers bloom in Spring, or have a summer vacation. Regardless of the season, let me show you all of the wonderful things to do in Strawberry, AZ.
Where Are Strawberry and Pine, AZ?
Strawberry and Pine are two small mountain towns located along Highway 87 in central Arizona, about 90 minutes north of Phoenix and just 15 minutes north of Payson. The towns sit at the base of the Mogollon Rim, a dramatic 2,000-foot escarpment that separates the Sonoran Desert from Arizona’s high country.
Although Strawberry and Pine are technically separate communities, they’re only about two minutes apart, and most visitors explore them together during the same trip. Both towns are surrounded by tall ponderosa pine forests, cooler mountain temperatures, and easy access to outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, and swimming holes.
Because of their higher elevation (around 6,000 feet), Strawberry and Pine are a popular summer escape from Phoenix heat. Visitors come here to hike to Fossil Springs, browse small-town shops, eat at cozy local restaurants, and explore scenic areas along the Mogollon Rim.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway, you’ll likely visit both Pine and Strawberry, since many of the best things to do are located between the two towns.
Best Time to Visit Strawberry and Pine, Arizona
Strawberry and Pine are beautiful year-round destinations, but the experience changes with each season thanks to their higher elevation along the Mogollon Rim. Sitting at around 6,000 feet, these mountain towns stay significantly cooler than Phoenix and offer everything from wildflowers in spring to snow-dusted pine forests in winter.
Spring (March–May)
Spring is one of the most peaceful times to visit Strawberry and Pine. Temperatures are mild, the surrounding forests start turning green again, and spring wildflowers begin appearing along hiking trails. It’s a great time for hiking, scenic drives, and visiting nearby waterfalls before the summer crowds arrive.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is the most popular time to visit Strawberry and Pine, especially for Phoenix locals escaping the desert heat. Temperatures here are often 20–25 degrees cooler than Phoenix, making it perfect for hiking, swimming at places like Water Wheel Falls or Fossil Springs, and relaxing in a forest cabin. Expect busier weekends during this season.
Fall (September–November)
Fall brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful golden colors in the surrounding forests. Early fall is particularly nice for hiking and exploring the Mogollon Rim. This season is ideal if you want the cozy mountain-town feel without the summer traffic.
Winter (December–February)
Winter is quieter but still charming. Strawberry and Pine occasionally get light snowfall, which turns the pine forests into a peaceful winter landscape. While some hiking trails may be icy, winter is a great time for a cozy cabin getaway or scenic drives along the Mogollon Rim.
Best Things To Do in Strawberry & Pine, Arizona
Although Strawberry is a tiny mountain town, there are surprisingly many things to do in the surrounding area. Located along Highway 87 near the Mogollon Rim, Strawberry and nearby Pine offer easy access to hiking trails, scenic swimming holes, cozy restaurants, and unique small-town shops. Many of the best activities are located between the two towns, so most visitors explore both during the same trip.
Whether you want to hike to turquoise pools at Fossil Springs, swim at Water Wheel Falls, browse local shops in Pine, or enjoy pizza in the forest at Old County Inn, Strawberry makes a great base for a relaxing weekend getaway in Arizona’s high country.
Below are some of the best things to do in Strawberry and Pine, Arizona.
Visit the Pine Creek Lavender Farm
One of the most unique things to do near Strawberry is visiting Pine Creek Lavender Farm in nearby Pine, Arizona. This small family-owned farm sits in a beautiful meadow surrounded by ponderosa pines and bursts into color each summer when thousands of lavender plants bloom. Visitors can stroll through the fragrant fields, take photos among the purple rows, and browse the charming farm shop for locally made lavender products like soaps, oils, and baked goods. The farm is open most days with shorter hours in the winter- so make sure to check out their website HERE for up to date information.
Hike to Fossil Springs
One of the most popular outdoor adventures near Strawberry and Pine is hiking to Fossil Springs, a stunning desert oasis known for its bright turquoise water and lush canyon scenery. The hike follows an old road into Fossil Creek Canyon, gradually descending to the spring where crystal-clear water flows out of the hillside and forms beautiful pools below. Many visitors stop at the spring itself, but you can also continue farther down the trail to reach Fossil Creek, where the flowing water creates perfect swimming spots surrounded by cottonwood trees and canyon walls. Because of its popularity, a permit is required from April through October, so it’s best to plan ahead if you want to experience one of Arizona’s most beautiful swimming holes.
Browse Shops in Downtown Pine
While exploring the Strawberry–Pine area, it’s worth taking some time to wander through the small collection of shops in downtown Pine. Lined along Highway 87, this tiny mountain-town strip is filled with locally owned boutiques, antique stores, and specialty shops that give the area its charming, laid-back character. You’ll find everything from Arizona honey and handmade gifts to vintage treasures and mountain-themed decor. Because Pine is only a couple minutes from Strawberry, it’s an easy stop to add to your day—whether you’re grabbing dessert from The Pie Bar, browsing the antique stores, or picking up a unique souvenir from your trip to Arizona’s high country. Here are some of the best ones:
• The Honey Stand – A local favorite where you can sample Arizona honey, jams, and other homemade goods.
• The Rusty Pine Cone – A quirky gift shop filled with handmade decor, local art, and fun souvenirs.
• So N So Mountain Boutique – A cute boutique selling clothing, gifts, and mountain-themed items.
• Pine Strawberry Thrift Shop – A small thrift store run by the local senior center that often has unique vintage finds.
• Tymeless Antiques & Treasures – A well-known antique shop in Pine filled with collectibles and vintage pieces.
Swim at Water Wheel Falls
Another popular outdoor spot near Strawberry and Pine is Water Wheel Falls, a scenic area along Ellison Creek known for its beautiful natural pools and small waterfalls. A short and fairly easy trail leads down to the creek, where you’ll find a series of cascades flowing over smooth granite rock formations. During warmer months, visitors often swim in the clear pools or relax on the rocks while enjoying the cool water and forest surroundings. Because it’s only about 30 minutes from Strawberry, Water Wheel Falls makes a great stop for a refreshing break after hiking or exploring the Mogollon Rim. Weekends can get busy in summer, so arriving early is the best way to enjoy the peaceful setting.
Grab Pizza at Old County Inn
OK NO JOKE- this is my favorite pizza in the entire state of Arizona. It’s the cutest place, owned locally, uses local ingredients, and has an amazing menu. Drinks are good, appetizers are good, wood-fired pizza is insane, and pizza cookies are awesome too. I love their outdoor patio with games and that it is dog-friendly. They also have a Taproom. I’ve gone in the middle of winter and summertime- both are great.
Eat at Old County Burger
Notice the similar name? The owners of Old County Inn recently created a small, cozy burger joint as well, named Old County Burger. They have indoor and outdoor (dog-friendly) seating. We tried their delicious smashburgers and fries and loved it. The more food options in small mountain towns, the better!
Explore the Mogollon Rim
One of the best things to do when visiting Strawberry and Pine is exploring the Mogollon Rim, a dramatic 2,000-foot escarpment that stretches across central Arizona and marks the transition from desert to high-country forest. Just a short drive from Strawberry, the Rim offers incredible overlooks, hiking trails, lakes, and quiet forest roads perfect for adventure. Popular spots include Washington Park Trail, a peaceful hike through tall ponderosa pines; Horton Springs, where a short trail leads to a beautiful natural spring; and Christopher Creek, a scenic area known for fishing, creekside picnics, and easy forest walks. For a more adventurous drive, head out along Forest Road 300 (Rim Road), a scenic dirt road that runs along the edge of the Mogollon Rim and provides access to stunning viewpoints, dispersed camping spots, and endless forest landscapes. Whether you want to hike, picnic, fish, or simply take in the views, the Mogollon Rim is one of the highlights of any trip to Strawberry and Pine.
Go to Happy Hour at Below the Rim Meadery
This is one of my personal favorite things to do in Strawberry AZ. Below the Rim Meadery is one of the CUTEST little family-owned “winery.” If you haven’t had it yet, MEAD is fermented honey. Kind of tastes like fruity wine. I only have known about this place for less than a year. I need to go again! It was an adventure to get to it since it’s in the forest (but they give you instructions on their website). They have many flavors to choose from that come in these cute little test tubes. We also had a charcuterie board. Check it out!
Eat at The Pie Bar
The Pie Bar is so much fun. It’s located in Downtown Strawberry and it’s always popping in summer. It’s a small stand where you can order pies/empanadas of all flavors- sweet and savory. You can get a full pie, or order individual empanada for a few bucks. You’ll be surprised how many options they have! It’s an experience for sure- one of my favorite things to dod in Strawberry, Arizona.
Go Kayaking at Blue Ridge Reservoir
Blue Ridge Reservoir is about 30-40 minutes north of Pine and Strawberry and 100000% worth it. You do need to drive on a well-maintained dirt road for about 4 miles. You can park and hike, you can swim, you can kayak or paddle board, or just sit by the water. It’s such a stunning area that is so easily missed by many.
Start Your Morning at Windmill Coffee
For a cozy morning stop in Strawberry, grab a coffee from Windmill Coffee, a small coffee stand located at The Strawberry Inn. The shop is built inside the property’s iconic windmill, making it one of the most unique coffee spots in Arizona’s Rim Country. Windmill Coffee serves a variety of drinks including cold brew, classic lattes, and specialty drinks like mochas and chai, along with juices and light snacks. It’s a great place to start your day before heading out to hike or explore the Mogollon Rim—and enjoying a warm cup of coffee surrounded by tall ponderosa pines is part of the charm of visiting Strawberry.
Where to Stay in Strawberry
Even though Strawberry is a small town, there are several great places to stay nearby, ranging from cozy boutique hotels to cabins tucked in the pine forest. Many visitors also choose vacation rentals or nearby campsites to fully experience the peaceful mountain setting along the Mogollon Rim.
Boutique Hotels & Lodges
One of the most popular places to stay in Strawberry is the The Strawberry Inn, a charming boutique hotel located right in town. The property features beautifully designed rooms and cabins surrounded by tall ponderosa pines, creating a cozy mountain getaway atmosphere. Guests can also grab coffee at the on-site windmill coffee shop before heading out to explore the Mogollon Rim.
Another nearby option is Lodge at 5600, located just a few minutes away in Pine. This modern lodge offers spacious rooms with fireplaces and private balconies overlooking the forest, making it a great choice for a relaxing weekend escape.
Because lodging options in Strawberry are limited, many visitors also stay in nearby Payson, which has larger hotels and more accommodation choices.
Cabin Rentals & Airbnbs
Cabin rentals are one of the most popular ways to stay in Strawberry. The area is filled with private vacation homes and forest cabins that offer a peaceful retreat among the pines. Many rentals include amenities like fireplaces, hot tubs, decks, and mountain views, making them perfect for a cozy weekend getaway. Prices for vacation rentals typically start around $150–$300 per night depending on size and season, and there are dozens of cabins available throughout Strawberry and Pine.
These rentals are especially great if you’re traveling with a group, bringing pets, or want a quiet place to relax after exploring nearby hikes and swimming holes.
Camping Near Strawberry
If you want to fully experience Arizona’s high country, camping is a great option around Strawberry. The nearby Mogollon Rim offers several campgrounds and dispersed camping areas surrounded by tall ponderosa pines and cooler mountain temperatures. Popular spots include campgrounds near Rim Road (Forest Road 300), as well as areas around Christopher Creek and the Washington Park area.
Camping here gives you easy access to hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and peaceful forest landscapes, making it a great choice for visitors looking to spend more time outdoors.
Final Thoughts About Things to Do in Strawberry AZ
Although Strawberry and Pine are small mountain towns, they offer plenty to do for a relaxing Arizona getaway. From hiking to Fossil Springs and swimming at Water Wheel Falls to browsing local shops, exploring the Mogollon Rim, and enjoying cozy restaurants in Pine, the area is full of simple but memorable experiences. Just a short drive from Phoenix, Strawberry and Pine make the perfect weekend escape when you’re looking for cooler temperatures, tall pine forests, and easy outdoor adventure. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a cozy cabin stay, these two charming towns are well worth adding to your Arizona bucket list.
