Slap bang in the middle of Arizona is Payson – a small town surrounded by forests. It's the ideal place for those who like the outdoors, so why not search for your ideal vacation rental on FlipKey, pack your bags, strap on those hiking boots and start your next adventure?

About Payson, Arizona

Nicknamed 'the heart of Arizona', Payson is a thriving and energetic vacation retreat. If you're looking for a peaceful trip to the beach, go somewhere else. Here you come to enjoy everything the outdoors can throw at you.

Payson lies within the Mogollon Rim mountains, and is surrounded by the Tonto forest – this is where you'll be able to take part in most of the outdoor activities on offer. Make sure you see the Tonto Natural bridge while you're there though—it's the largest known natural travertine bridge in the world!

This area is a haven for amateur geologists. There are plenty of quartz crystals, geodes, agates and onyxes to find in the hills. If you're lucky, you may find a fossil or two!

Payson has a mild climate so it's a great destination all year round – though some of the activities will close in the winter. The temperature reaches highs of 90F in the summer, so make sure you pack the sunscreen!

What to do in Payson, Arizona

Outdoor adventure is the name of the game in Payson – you can try pretty much anything while you're on vacation here.

Hike through the forests or take a horseback riding tour if you want to see the land from a different perspective.

If you're a fan of fishing, ask the locals where the best spots are – they'll be happy to help you out. And if you're an experienced hunter, head up to the game reserves and see what you can catch.

You cannot leave Payson without seeing the rodeo – it's been going since 1884 and is the oldest continuous show of its kind in the world.

Bootleg Alley is worth a visit, too – you'll see exactly how the town of Payson didn't adhere to Prohibition back in the day.

If you want to try your hand at gambling, head to the casino at the south end of the city – it's on the Tonto Apache Indian Reservation, and is a great night out.

Top travel tips for Payson, Arizona

Check out the town's packed events calendar before you go, so you can book ahead for any activities you'd like to go to.

If you're not sure about what to do that day, head to the visitor information center and ask for some suggestions. They're really helpful and may even be able to give you a discount on activities!

We'd suggest renting a car while you're there – it will help you get around and explore the wonders of Payson and the surrounding area.

For an action-packed adventure vacation, you should definitely try Payson town. Whether you want to be in the heart of everything, or up in the hills, FlipKey has the perfect rental property for you. Just get searching and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.