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23 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Arizona

Written by Lana Law Updated May 13, 2023

Author Lana Law has spent many winters in Arizona and traveled the state extensively.

In the heart of the American Southwest, Arizona is filled with natural wonders, vibrant cities, and charming small towns . The Grand Canyon is one of the top attractions in the United States and a must-see destination. But those who venture deeper into the state will find unique places to visit and interesting sights.

While cities and towns like Phoenix and Sedona make great vacation destinations, you can head beyond the urban centers to discover Native American cliff dwellings and remnants of ancient cultures, along with historic ghost towns from the mining days.

Arizona also has a landscape perfect for outdoor adventures . The state is home to deserts, lakes , mountains, slot canyons, saguaro cactuses, buttes, waterfalls, and even a volcano with downhill skiing , all of which offer a world of possibilities for travelers.

Before heading off on your trip, have a read through our list of the best attractions and places to visit in Arizona.

Grand Canyon

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Standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon peering out over the endless ridges of colorful cliff walls and deep ravines, it's impossible not to be inspired by this natural wonder. The view never gets old no matter how many times you visit.

The canyon glows in the late afternoon sun, revealing hues of orange, red, yellow, and everything in between.

One of the biggest attractions in America, and certainly in the state of Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a place that has to be visited to be fully appreciated. Carved out over the centuries by the Colorado River, which can be seen in the distance far below, the enormity of this natural wonder is captivating.

Most visitors head to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon , where lookouts all along the road and walkways running along the canyon's edge offer incredible views.

The North Rim provides a different view altogether, but the road is closed in winter. Depending on the time of year you visit the canyon, the North Rim may not even be an option.

If you've seen pictures of the glass bridge jutting out over the Grand Canyon, these are from Eagle Point. The Skywalk , as the bridge is known, is at Grand Canyon West , about a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas.

For those who want a closer look, hiking trails offer access to incredible lookouts and a route to the canyon floor. If you want less physical activity, try a helicopter flight over or into the Grand Canyon.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions at the Grand Canyon

Surrounded by stunning red rock mountains and buttes, Sedona has one of the most beautiful settings in Arizona. About a 1.5-hour drive north of Phoenix , Sedona is a popular day trip from Phoenix , but the town is worthy of much more than just a few hours.

The drive into Sedona from the south, beginning at the Village of Oak Creek , is mesmerizing and pullouts along the way allow you to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Sedona's main street (89A) is full of interesting tourist shops, art galleries, and restaurants and is an easy place to spend an afternoon. The town is also one of the best places to visit in Arizona if you're looking for great hiking trails and mountain biking trails .

You can also find a number of good golf courses and golf resorts in Sedona. If you want something a little more relaxing, consider a stay at one of Sedona's spa resorts .

Jeep tours, one of the most popular things to do in Sedona , provide an even easier way to get out into the landscape. Also in the surrounding area are a number of historical Native American dwellings, which you can visit on your own or as part of a tour.

Sedona is considered by many to be a highly spiritual place. It is known for its energy vortexes , found at a number of sites around the town. In downtown, you'll also find New Age shops and unique opportunities, from UFO tours and aura readings to psychics and crystal sellers.

Popular day trip destinations within easy reach of Sedona include Flagstaff and Jerome. The scenic drives to both of these towns from Sedona make them worth the trip, but you can easily fill a day exploring either place. Skiers can even find downhill skiing just outside Flagstaff at Arizona Snowbowl.

Some of the most iconic images of the Southwest are the sandstone buttes that dominate Monument Valley. This area, straddling the border between Arizona and Utah, includes jagged rock formations, stone spires and buttes, and sand dunes.

At the heart of the valley is the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park , where you'll find an impressive visitor center and a 17-mile self-drive route along a one-way gravel road through the park.

You can also take a guided sightseeing tour to explore the area more thoroughly. If you don't have time to go into the park, you can appreciate some of the views from the highway.

Phoenix is a great base for exploring Arizona but it's also a major destination in the winter for golfers and sun seekers, who simply want to enjoy a stay at a resort or spa and spend a little time basking in the heat of the desert.

In the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, which includes Scottsdale and Mesa, you'll find great shopping, dining, golf courses, desert parks with hiking trails , biking trails, campgrounds , and some outstanding attractions. Topping the list of places to visit around Phoenix are the Heard Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West .

If you are spending some time in the area, there are some wonderful day trips from Phoenix , which will take you to cliff dwellings, historic mountain towns, and ghost towns, and even the Grand Canyon.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Phoenix

Hoover Dam is one of America's great engineering marvels. This massive structure, completed in 1935, crosses the Colorado River, linking Arizona and Nevada. It is 726 feet high and 1,244 feet long.

Lake Mead , held back by the Hoover Dam, is the largest artificial lake in the United States. It is 110 miles long, and holds the equivalent of two years of flow of the Colorado River.

You can drive or walk across the dam for free, although there is a charge for parking. Another option is to take a tour of Hoover Dam or the Powerplant. The visitor center provides information on the dam and tours, and has a café with some basic food options.

The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a stunning region of blue water, desert landscape, and dramatic stone walls. Home to Lake Powell , one of the largest manmade lakes in the United States, this area is known for both land-based and water-based recreational activities.

The Glen Canyon Dam was constructed between 1956 and 1964 to block the Colorado River and create Lake Powell. A 15-mile section of Glen Canyon downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam, stretches from the dam down to Lees Ferry.

The town of Page is a good base for exploring the Glen Canyon National Recreation area and surrounding region. The largest marina on Lake Powell, Wahweap Marina , is located just 7 miles north of Page.

One of the area's biggest attractions is the nearby slot canyons of Antelope Canyon . Depending on the section of the canyon, you can either simply walk through a narrow slot canyon with shafts of light penetrating through the top, illuminating the red walls, or opt to repel down into a canyon.

Photos of Antelope Canyon are often found on postcards or in fine art galleries. You can visit Antelope Canyon on a guided tour.

Tucson is a beautiful city set in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by mountains. As the second largest city in Arizona, it has many cultural attractions, as well as historic sites and natural areas to explore nearby.

Some of the highlights include the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum , Saguaro National Park , El Presidio Historic District , and Old Tucson Studios .

Nature lovers will find wonderful hiking trails and camping in the city and nearby surrounding mountains and canyons. The Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is a popular driving route just outside of Tucson, which offers outstanding views. From Tucson, you can also do day trips to nearby destinations like Tombstone or Bisbee.

Although the climate is warm and arid, Tucson is a little higher than Phoenix and is generally slightly cooler. The elevation is just under 2,400 feet.

Set on a mountainside high above the desert floor, Jerome is an old mining town, turned ghost town, turned tourist attraction. A steep hill with switchbacks is the main street through town, lined with interesting stores and restaurants.

Views from the streets and some of the shop windows are amazing. Most of the old buildings have been renovated but some still stand as ruins, creating a very interesting dynamic.

The town's history can be appreciated at the Gold King Mine Museum and the Jerome State Historic Park .

This town is a popular day trip from Sedona, Prescott, Phoenix, or Flagstaff. Accommodation is available for those who want to spend the night.

Jerome is unique to say the least, but some might just call it quirky. The Sliding Jail in Jerome was originally built around 1928. Built on a clay slick, it soon began to slide and now sits 2,500 feet from its original location. The Bartlett Hotel was once one of Jerome's finest hotels but today stands in ruins.

The Jerome Grand Hotel , built in 1927, is the highest public building in the Verde Valley, and it offers breathtaking views.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is home to spectacular Native American cliff dwellings set along steep-sided canyons, with walls up to 1,000 feet high.

In the main canyon, some of the key attractions are the White House Ruins , constructed circa 1050 and discovered in 1849, and Spider Rock. The White House is the best known of the more than one hundred cliff dwellings.

The only self-guided hike in the park, which leaves from the White House Overlook on the South Rim, descends 600 feet to the White House Ruins.

Other cliff dwellings include the Antelope House and Mummy Cave (in which mummies were found) in the Canyon del Muerto. Most of the ruins, which are largely inaccessible to visitors, were occupied from around AD 350 to 1300.

You can tour the site on your own by driving along the North and South Rim Drives and stopping at the pullouts. Although you can easily see ruins nearby, many of the lookouts also have scopes that let you pinpoint ruins on the distant walls.

From spring until fall, you can join a free ranger-led hike or take a private tour of the canyon.

It's hard to scroll through things to do in Arizona and not come across a striking picture of Horseshoe Bend. This stunning sight, where the Colorado River makes a dramatic 270-degree U-turn around a sandstone escarpment, is a hot spot for photographers visiting Arizona . The sight of the green water of the river juxtaposed with the tan sandstone in an unbelievable natural formation is simply breathtaking.

Until recent years, Horseshoe Bend was relatively undiscovered by the masses, but with the age of Instagram and other photo-sharing services, its popularity has mushroomed, and it is a must-do when visiting Arizona. Today over two million people visit annually.

Count on a 1.5-mile round-trip walk along a rock walkway to get to the overlook. You won't find any real safety features here except for a lookout area with a fence. If you want to walk right out to the edge, you are free to do so at your own risk.

In the far southeast corner of Arizona, near the Mexico border, is one of Arizona's most interesting towns and possibly one of its best kept secrets. The former mining town of Bisbee is a unique little community set high in the mountains and one of the best small towns in America .

After the mines here closed, Bisbee became a ghost town, and squatters took up residence. Eventually, the town became a haven for artists and hippies.

Today, it is a prosperous small town with an eclectic mix of residents, unique shops and restaurants in the historic downtown, and many interesting things to see and do.

Homes, many of which are former miners' cabins, line the hills surrounding the historic downtown area. Many of these residences are only accessible via long sets of stairs that lead to the town center below.

Views from the upper streets and hillside homes are incredible, looking out over mountains all the way to Mexico. In the hills above town are a number of informal hiking trails.

Bisbee is a popular day trip from Tucson and surrounding areas, often combined with a stop in Tombstone.

Near Supai on the Havasupai Indian Reservation is the 100-foot Havasu Falls. The pools at the base of Havasu Falls have a bluish green tint to the water, and the fall is forked so it appears that there are two falls when the river is flowing heavily.

In the canyon of Havasu Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, some 450 people of the Havasupai tribe (the "people of the blue-green water") live a secluded life, subsisting on their modest farming activities but now mainly dependent on the tourist trade.

In this paradisiac valley the Havasu have created a number of waterfalls and carved out basins in the travertine rock which form attractive bathing pools.

Day hiking is not allowed here. You need to make reservations , obtain a permit, and pay a fee. Access is via a long hike, horseback or mule, or helicopter.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area spans 177 miles of the Colorado River and includes Lake Mead and Lake Mohave . The area's 1.5 million acres stretches into southern Nevada.

The area offers boating and water sports, camping facilities, fishing , and hiking opportunities. Lake Mohave is 67 miles long, making it the smaller of the two major lakes in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Like its counterpart, Lake Mohave is an artificial body of water, held back by Davis Dam.

Willow Beach is a small resort town on the Colorado River with accommodation, restaurants, a marina, and fish hatchery.

Tombstone offers a modern look at an Old West town. Staged gunfights in the streets and characters walking through town in period costume recreate the glory days of this small Arizona town.

Every shop, restaurant, and attraction is designed with tourists in mind, but you can still see some of the town's history in the historic sites, including the famous O.K. Corral and the Boothill Graveyard .

Also of note is the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, housed in the original courthouse, which is now a museum.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tombstone

One of the main stops on Historic Route 66, Flagstaff is a treasure trove of well preserved buildings and streets. Take some time to stroll around the restored downtown area, and if you find yourself in town at night, check out the impressive neon signs.

However, Flagstaff, or Flag as the locals call it, is not all about history. Today it's a young, dynamic mountain town with a lively air, driven by the large number of students at Northern Arizona University (NSU). This active set ensures that you'll find a good variety of restaurants along with entertainment throughout town.

Owing to its elevation at nearly 7,000 feet, Flagstaff enjoys a more moderate climate than Phoenix, just a couple of hours down the road. This means it gets chilly here in the winter, and snow falls not only in town but at Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort located a short drive from the city.

Flagstaff is an ideal place to base yourself if you are considering visiting some of the national parks and monuments located nearby, including the Grand Canyon, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, and Sunset Crater National Monument.

• Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Flagstaff
• From Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon: Best Ways to get There

Large pieces of petrified wood, along with fossilized plants, fish, and reptiles, have been revealed in great numbers in what is today Petrified National Forest in the Painted Desert . The park access road runs by many of the highlights and short interpretive trails allow for close up looks at a variety of unique sights.

The Visitors Center provides insight into the ecology and geology of the park and is a good place to start before heading out on the drive.

Saguaro National Park is a great place to experience the desert landscape around Tucson and see the famous saguaro cactiuses up close. The park has two sections, an east and a west portion, located on the east and west side of Tucson, approximately 30 minutes apart.

Both sections of the park offer great opportunities to see the desert flora and fauna along roads and hiking trails. Hikes range from easy walks to challenging trails that lead up into the high mountains, reaching up to 8,000 feet in elevation.

You can visit both sections of the park on the same entrance ticket or park pass.

Seen in countless photographs in galleries all over Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located just outside of Page. The sculpted, twisting sandstone walls rise up around you, with shafts of light breaking through from the narrow opening above as you walk through the canyon.

You can tour Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon , or both, on a guided tour. Upper Antelope Canyon is the easier option, perfect for anyone with mobility issues or people who prefer a flat ground and solid footing, but it still provides the stunning scenery.

Photographers will not be disappointed! You are given plenty of free time to explore on your own and at your own pace. The canyon lies within the Navajo Nation reserve boundary.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is an International Biosphere Reserve situated in southwestern Arizona, on the frontier with Mexico. The main feature of the monument is the namesake organ pipe cactus, but the area is stunning, with mountains and beautiful sunsets over the desert.

Withing the area are three distinct desert vegetation zones and some 30 different species of cactus. The organ pipes grow up to 23 feet high and bloom from May to July . Because of the often extreme heat during the day, it opens up its flowers only after sunset.

The area can be explored on various roads and hiking trails, but the two main scenic drives of note are Ajo Mountain Drive and Puerto Blanco Drive . You can access hiking trails off both of these roads.

The Bull Pasture/Estes Canyon Loop Trail is one of the top hiking trails in Arizona . This is just one of the hikes in the park.

The park is also one of the best places to camp in Arizona , and given that the main attractions in the park are quite a drive from the nearest towns and hotels, camping is a great option out here.

One of the most delightful small cities in Arizona, Lake Havasu is an oasis in an otherwise dry and dusty desert. Created when the Colorado River was dammed, Lake Havasu today is a wonderful place to enjoy the water at the beach, on a pleasure boat, or at a lakeside patio.

The city that surrounds the lake has two personalities: In the winter, it's home to snowbirds from the northern states and Canada fleeing the cold. In the spring and summer, it's home to local Arizonians looking to escape the heat.

A highlight of any visit to Lake Havasu is a stroll over London Bridge . This bridge, parts of which date to 1831, was transported from London, England and installed at its present location in 1971. A fun fact about the bridge is that it was actually reassembled on dry land in the middle of a field. It was only later on that a canal was dredged underneath it.

With tall Ponderosa pine trees, lakes, and occasionally even a sprinkle of snow, Prescott is an unexpected find in Arizona. At 5,300 feet, this small city has more defined seasons. It's also incredibly scenic and offers opportunities for hiking , kayaking, and camping .

This city is also a former capital of the Arizona Territory. The charming downtown has a number of tourist attractions and historic sites , including the old courthouse and the Elks Theatre . Stop for lunch at one of the downtown restaurants or spend a night at one of the beautifully restored bed and breakfasts or hotels.

The city of Yuma is off on its own in the far southwest of Arizona and a stopping-off point for people heading to and from Mexico. Here, you'll find some interesting historical sites, one of the most important being the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park . Tour the park, dating from 1876, and step into the cells where the outlaws were housed.

Another must do when in town is to stroll up and down the historic main street. Just look for the neon sign indicating the street, and you'll know you've found the right place. A number of restaurants, shops, and other services line the street, many fronted by a covered walkway.

Yuma is fortunate for such a dry place to have the Colorado River flowing right through town. Exceptional opportunities for water-based recreation exist, including pleasure boating, swimming, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding.

Tumacacori National Historical Park , located south of Tucson, preserves the ruins of three early Spanish colonial missions on 47 acres in southern Arizona. San José de Tumacácori and Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi were established in 1691 and are the two oldest missions in Arizona. The third mission, San Cayetano de Calabazas, was established in 1756.

The site was abandoned in 1848 due to Apache raids, neglect, and a terrible winter. Tumacacori became a national monument in 1908 and the two Spanish missions, Guevavi and Calabazas, were added to the site in 1990.

Address: 1891 East Frontage Road, Tumacacori

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Resorts and Hotels in Arizona: Because not everyone is a snowbird renting a place for the winter, we've compiled some lists to help narrow your search when it comes to places to stay in Arizona. For a relaxing city getaway, see our list of the top resorts in Phoenix or Scottsdale .

Camping in Arizona: Spending a night under the stars in the quiet of the desert should be on everyone's bucket list of things to do. Arizona is the perfect place for camping during the winter months and in the spring, when the desert turns a lush green and blooms in a fantastic display of color. Campgrounds near Phoenix usually offer the warmest weather, making them perfect during the coldest months. Tucson campgrounds are a little cooler but still great for camping in winter.

In spring and early summer , you can move into higher elevations. At this time of year, consider heading to the campgrounds in Sedona and Prescott . At a much higher elevation, the campgrounds around Payson are also good in late spring and summer. For a more complete look, see our article on the best campgrounds in Arizona .

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28 top things to do in arizona in 2024.

Venture to the Grand Canyon State for natural beauty and western experiences.

Top Things to Do in Arizona

Courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden

Tucked into the southwest corner of the United States, Arizona offers something for every type of traveler. Visit highlights like the Grand Canyon, the Wild West town of Tombstone or the red rocks of Sedona. You can then head to cities like Phoenix or Tucson for professional sports, museums, observatories and science centers. Read on to discover all the state's iconic sights, stunning landscapes and gorgeous natural formations to add to your Arizona bucket list.

Antelope Canyon

Getty Images

Prepare to be wowed by Antelope Canyon, a jaw-dropping slot canyon in northern Arizona. Swirling, orange sandstone and ethereal light beams – which typically appear in the summer months – make for an otherworldly destination. Travelers must sign up for a guided tour to access this area, which is part of Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park.

If you'd like to stay in the area overnight, you'll find accommodation options like the Best Western Plus at Lake Powell and the Comfort Inn & Suites Page at Lake Powell in the nearby town of Page, Arizona. Past visitors say Antelope Canyon is a must-see and appreciate that tour guides can often provide expert advice on how to take the best photos while there.

Saguaro National Park

If you'd like to check a national park off your bucket list, Saguaro National Park is located less than 15 miles northwest of Tucson. The park features a giant forest of saguaro cacti, some of which stand up to 50 feet tall and date back more than 200 years. But the park, located in the Sonoran Desert, boasts more than plant life: Look out for animals like roadrunners and Gila monsters during your visit.

Ranger-led tours are available at the park. You can stay overnight in Tucson at upscale properties like the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort or the Miraval Arizona . Or, for a more rugged experience, go camping in the Saguaro Wilderness Area.

Step into the Wild West in Tombstone

About 75 miles southeast of Tucson, travelers will find the infamous Wild West town of Tombstone. A National Historic Landmark, the district is considered one of the most well-preserved frontier towns from the 1870s and '80s. Tombstone was the site of the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881, known by many as the most famous shootout of the Wild West era. The town was also portrayed in the 1993 movie "Tombstone," starring Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer.

Today, travelers can visit Old Tombstone Western Theme Park to explore historic saloons and shops, take a visitor-praised trolley tour, and watch a reenactment of a shootout.

Drive down Route 66

Get a taste of nostalgia as you travel down iconic Route 66. The longest, best-preserved stretch of this highway snakes through Arizona, from the town of Topock on the west side of the state to Lupton in the east. It runs through the cities of Winslow and Flagstaff , as well as Petrified Forest National Park. Travelers can stop for staged gunfights at former gold-mining camp Oatman, lunch at one of many diners, and a stay at a historic hotel like the Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff.

For a kitschy overnight stay, book lodging at the kid-friendly Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, which is made up of conical tents fitted with original furnishings and modern amenities. Visitors recommend checking out the many vintage vehicles parked outside.

Taliesin West: Scottsdale

Courtesy of Experience Scottsdale

Architecture lovers won't want to miss this Frank Lloyd Wright gem in Scottsdale. This National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site served as Wright's handcrafted winter home and desert laboratory. He once described it as "a look over the rim of the world." Taliesin West offers various tours and programs year round; past visitors highly recommend the guided tour in particular. Advance online ticket reservations are strongly encouraged. Be sure to spend some time enjoying the grounds outdoors and stop into the on-site store, which sells Wright-inspired art, books and home decor.

Traveler tip: Keep an eye out for the 12 intricate Chinese theatrical vignettes located throughout the property. They were acquired in San Francisco in the 1950s. Not only are they fascinating art, but they also signal a shift in the architecture and a transition from one space to another.

Address: 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Located on the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is known for its 1,000-foot-tall sandstone monoliths. You'll also find abundant mesas and buttes, which are both a type of stand-alone mountain with a flat top. As one of the world's most beautiful landscapes , Monument Valley is a popular place for photography and has been featured in multiple Western films.

View some of the formations from the park's visitor center, take the scenic 17-mile loop drive or book a guided tour to travel into the valley itself, such as an Indigenous-led excursion with Three Sisters Navajo Guided Tours . Past visitors describe the scenery in Monument Valley as spectacular. Nearby lodging includes the Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa and the Desert Rose Resort & Cabins.

Meet the Flintstones at Bedrock City

Fans of "The Flintstones" should pay a visit to the one-of-a-kind Bedrock City, a re-creation of the fictional town where Fred Flintstone and his family lived in the classic cartoon. Located at Raptor Ranch in Williams (about 30 miles south of the Grand Canyon), Bedrock City features sights like the Flintstones' house, the post office and statues of the characters. Admission is free if you're staying at the Raptor Ranch campground, while a fee applies for those just visiting for the day. Reviewers say this hidden gem is great for young kids and takes less than an hour to see.

Address: 101 U.S. Route 180, Williams, AZ 86001

Lowell Observatory: Flagstaff

Outer space enthusiasts should consider a stop at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. Founded in 1894, the observatory was the site of major discoveries like Pluto, the rings of Uranus and the expanding nature of the universe. Travelers here can gaze through a telescope, take a constellation tour and enjoy science demonstrations. Visitors love seeing the telescope used to find Pluto and recommend taking a guided tour at the observatory.

Address: 1400 W. Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Mission San Xavier del Bac: Tucson

On a getaway to Tucson , pay a visit to Mission San Xavier del Bac , a former Catholic mission constructed in the late 1700s. The Baroque-style building is Arizona's oldest intact European structure. Today, it remains a Catholic church with original sculptures and murals, as well as imagery of shells – a symbol of pilgrimage – throughout. Visitors say Mission San Xavier del Bac is worth a visit for both its rich history and exquisite architecture.

Address: 1950 W. San Xavier Road, Tucson, AZ 85746

Ride the gondola at Arizona Snowbowl

Courtesy of Arizona Snowbowl

For a bird's-eye view of some of Arizona's most famous sights, including the Grand Canyon and the red rocks of Sedona, hop on the scenic gondola at the Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff. The ride up and down the mountain is about 15 minutes each way and travels 11,500 feet up. After taking your gondola ride back down, pop in to the Agassiz Lodge Restaurant for lunch. Leaf peepers love heading to this spot to take in the golden leaves of the aspen trees during fall. For an extra special visit, take a sunset ride.

Address: 9300 N. Snow Bowl Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

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Soar over the Grand Canyon

Any way you choose to see the Grand Canyon will be amazing, but a unique option is to take in the natural wonder from above in a helicopter . Companies like Maverick Helicopters offer a variety of tours that range in length. The capacity is six or seven passengers on board, and Maverick's tours depart from areas such as the South Rim and even Las Vegas . Travelers describe the outing as memorable and well worth the price.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

While in Flagstaff, add Walnut Canyon National Monument to your itinerary. This Arizona canyon is home to cliff dwellings dating back more than 700 years, as well as plentiful hiking trails and wildlife like coyotes, jack rabbits, mule deer and 120-plus bird species. Past hikers advise taking the Walnut Canyon Rim Trail if you want to avoid lots of stairs, while the Island Trail provides visitors with great views of the cliff dwellings. While there are no campsites inside the park, nearby options include the Bonito and Canyon Vista campgrounds.

Heard Museum: Phoenix

Courtesy of Heard Museum

Get an up-close and in-depth look at Indigenous American art at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. Founded in 1929, the museum features several exhibition galleries, a sculpture garden and a cafe. Be sure to browse the museum shop, where you can find original pottery, jewelry, katsina dolls and weavings by Native American artists.

Visitors describe the Heard as a must-do in Phoenix and recommend spending about two hours there. Affordable accommodations like the Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix Convention Center and the Hampton Inn Phoenix-Midtown-Downtown Area sit nearby.

Traveler tip: The Heard Museum Shop carries stunning authentic crafts made by Indigenous artists, whom your purchase will support. You can also learn what plants and herbs are used for Navajo herbal remedies – and even take some home.

Address: 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Catch an Arizona Cardinals football game

Courtesy of Visit Glendale

Head to State Farm Stadium in Glendale to cheer on the Grand Canyon State's NFL team: the Cardinals. The stadium is known for its innovative architectural design, including modern exterior metal panels and North America's first retractable natural grass playing field. It also hosts the Fiesta Bowl each year. If you're visiting during the offseason, you may even be able to book a behind-the-scenes tour.

Several hotels are located next to the stadium, including the Aloft Glendale at Westgate, the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa and the Tru by Hilton Phoenix Glendale Westgate.

Address: 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, AZ 85305

Arizona Science Center: Phoenix

Courtesy of Arizona Science Center

For some hands-on learning, visit Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix. The center offers permanent exhibits that introduce kids to saving money, detail the science of flight, explore natural disasters and more. The Science Center also has a planetarium and a theater with a five-story screen. Reviewers say the center is very interactive; some advise getting your parking ticket validated for a discounted parking fee.

Arizona Science Center is just a few blocks from the Children's Museum of Phoenix and Chase Field, as well as hotels such as The Westin Phoenix Downtown and Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix .

Address: 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Wander among the red rocks of Sedona

Nature lovers should make time to visit the stunning red rocks of Sedona, located about 120 miles north of Phoenix. Sedona offers hiking trails through its magnificent scenery and attractions like Red Rock State Park, Red Rock Scenic Byway and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Other popular activities include stargazing , Jeep tours , mountain biking, rafting and rock climbing. Be sure to check out Sedona's top restaurants while you're in town.

Book a vacation rental through a company like Vrbo, where you can wash your dirty hiking gear and prepare a picnic lunch for your next outdoor adventure. If you'd rather bed down in a bit more luxury, reserve a stay at Enchantment Resort or Amara Resort and Spa .

Traveler tip: Not only is Sedona home to the most spectacular desert landscape, but it is also a Monarch Waystation that welcomes a variety of butterflies. Butterflies are most prevalent when migrating in the fall from Canada to Southern California.

Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

Immerse yourself in the wilderness at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, which unfurls across 280,000 acres in northern Arizona. One of its most popular areas, The Wave, features a swirling display of colored sandstone that makes for magnificent photos. Coyotes Buttes North, where you'll find The Wave, is one of the areas that requires visitors to enter a lottery to secure a permit. You will also need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access most of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Check park advisories before planning your trip.

There aren't any cities within the immediate vicinity of Vermillion Cliffs, but you can stay about 75 miles northwest in the town of Kanab, Utah. Accommodation options include the Hampton Inn Kanab or the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kanab.

Grand Canyon National Park North Rim

While the South Rim is the more popular side of the Grand Canyon, the North Rim is worth a visit as well. In fact, only 10% of all visitors go to the North Rim, making it a great place to avoid the crowds. Just know that this side of the canyon closes for the winter season. The North Rim Visitor Center is around 80 miles from Vermillion Cliffs National Monument.

At the North Rim, stop at the Grand Canyon Lodge for spectacular canyon views at Bright Angel Point, then enjoy a scenic drive to various lookouts, where you can see the Angels Window natural arch and other formations. Travelers can stay overnight at the seasonal Grand Canyon Lodge from May to October. Or, book a vacation rental or hotel room a bit further away in Kanab, Utah, or Page, Arizona.

Lake Havasu State Park

Take time to explore one of the top lakes in Arizona . Situated along the California border, Lake Havasu State Park is home to a narrow lake surrounded by Arizona desert land. The park offers popular activities like swimming, boating and fishing, and it features campsites, beaches and hiking trails.

There are other nearby state parks to explore too, including Cattail Cove State Park and Buckskin Mountain State Park. Save time to check out the historic London Bridge and the Lake Havasu Museum of History in Lake Havasu City.

Go stargazing

Arizona is home to vast dark sky regions found in areas like Sedona, Cottonwood, Fountain Hills, the Village of Oak Creek and Thunder Mountain Pootsee Nightsky. Flagstaff was designated as the world's first International Dark Sky Place by the International Dark-Sky Association.

Head to one of many observatories for minimal light pollution and the best view of the stars above. Popular options include the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, which sits south of Tucson; Mount Graham International Observatory in the southeastern Pinaleño Mountains; and Kitt Peak National Observatory, located southwest of Tucson. Some resorts – such as L'Auberge de Sedona , Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale and Castle Hot Springs – also offer special nighttime viewings with their own telescopes and astronomy programming.

Traveler tip: Guests staying at Castle Hot Springs, just outside of Phoenix, will be amazed at how bright the stars are. The high-tech telescopes, included with the Sky View Cabins, are a wonderful amenity to explore the night sky.

Explore a ghost town

Arizona is full of ghost towns: areas that emerged during mining booms, only to later be abandoned when the mining opportunities dried up. In Gleeson, situated about 15 miles east of Tombstone, you'll find the remains of the old jail and general store from its heyday as a turquoise mining town. In Ruby, you can take a self-guided tour (for a fee) of this vacant town that was once home to 1,200 residents.

In addition to exploring old buildings and structures in these old towns, there are often off-road activities and hiking trails nearby as well, and some even have haunted hotels . You can easily spend several hours simply wandering in and out of the different buildings and looking at the remnants scattered about (just exercise caution as the buildings are old). Most are free to enter, though a few are on private land and do charge entrance fees. If you want a guided tour, head to Castle Dome City, Vulture City or Goldfield Ghost Town, which have guided options.

Horseshoe Bend

Located just 5 miles outside of Page, Horseshoe Bend is a picturesque sandstone escarpment with the Colorado River looping around it. It is situated in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and draws around 2 million visitors annually. There are various ways to view and explore this iconic landscape, from hiking to kayaking to flying over it. A half-mile ADA-accessible path from the parking lot leads to an overlook.

While in the area, you can also explore Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Rainbow Bridge National Monument and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. If you're looking for a place to stay, Lake Powell Resort and Hyatt Place Page / Lake Powell are nearby options.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: Scottsdale

Courtesy of McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Kids will love this 30-acre train-themed park in Scottsdale. Hop aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad or take a spin on the antique carousel at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. There's also a model railroad building with 10,000 square feet of tiny train exhibits, as well as the Scottsdale Railroad Museum, which includes railroad artifacts such as the historic Peoria Depot, the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car and Magma Arizona Railroad Engine No. 6. Kids can also play at the state-of-the-art railroad-themed playground.

Address: 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

The 726-foot concrete Hoover Dam , which sits on the Arizona-Nevada border, stores water that irrigates 2 million acres in California and Arizona, in addition to generating hydroelectric power for 1.3 million people. Guests can take a tour of the impressive power plant or do a self-guided tour of the narrated exhibits. See a 3D model of the dam and take in the views from the observation deck. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site.

Havasu Falls

The beautiful and remote Havasu Falls – one of the most incredible waterfalls in Arizona – sits on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, which is within the Grand Canyon but not part of the national park; permits are required to access the area. It is open February through November and also requires a reservation for at minimum a one-night stay at the campground or Havasupai Lodge.

The hike to get down to the falls from the canyon rim is not for the faint of heart – it is a strenuous and steep 10-mile hike that takes about four hours on average (not to mention the way back is uphill). Keep in mind that it can get hot during the summer months and there is no water or emergency assistance available on the trail. You also won't have Wi-Fi or cell service at the campground. Alcohol is not permitted here.

Desert Botanical Garden: Phoenix

Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a 140-acre property with more than 50,000 plant displays. Themed outdoor garden paths highlight the flora that manages to flourish in some of the hottest and driest places on Earth. There is also a 3,200-square-foot butterfly pavilion and a resource library with more than 9,000 books related to landscaping and gardening. Picnics are not allowed, but there is a restaurant and a cafe for dining.

Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Musical Instrument Museum: Phoenix

Courtesy of Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix features rotating special exhibitions as well as various galleries. In the interactive Experience Gallery visitors can actually play instruments, while the Geographic Galleries explore musical traditions from all over the world. There is also the Conservation Lab, where guests can watch through a large window as staff work to preserve instruments and artifacts. The museum hosts concerts, cultural programs, film screenings, and music and wellness classes. Facilities include a cafe, a coffee bar and a museum store.

Address: 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Tucson

Watch raptors fly, touch a stingray, see a limestone cave replica or stroll through a hummingbird aviary – these are just a few of the exciting things to do at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum. The exhibits introduce visitors to animals in various habitats and ecosystems, such as prairie dogs in Desert Grassland and bobcats in Cat Canyon; you'll even get a glimpse into aquatic life in the Warden Aquarium.

With most of the museum located outside, you may encounter natural wildlife in addition to the animals living in exhibits, so dress for the weather and be sure to alert the staff if you see any rattlesnakes or other creatures of concern. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has a few casual dining options and gift shops.

Address: 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson AZ 85743

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Arizona. Living in Southern California, she is located a quick drive or flight from the Grand Canyon State, which she has visited many times. Her favorite things to do in Arizona include vortex hikes in Sedona, stargazing in the dark sky regions and kayaking at Watson Lake near Prescott.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Arizona Tours
• The Best Places to Visit in Arizona
• The Best Hotels in Arizona
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

10 Top Places for National Park Camping

Tags: Travel , US Vacations , Arizona Vacations , Southwest Vacations

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The top 10 places to visit in Arizona, from ghost towns to the Grand Canyon

Sep 12, 2023 • 9 min read

Arizona has some of the most incredible hikes available in the US © PeopleImages / Getty Images

Travelers are drawn to Arizona by the blinding desert sunshine, but the Grand Canyon state has so much more to offer. Under these flawless blue skies, everything you can imagine to entice, entertain and enthrall is up for grabs.

There are outdoor thrills and indoor indulgences, encounters with history and hip modern quarters, wilderness escapes and tourist-packed ski resorts. Arizona's diversity spans everything from big city living to empty spaces that are perfect for quiet contemplation.

Along with desert cities that exude a hint of the Old West, Arizona has atmospheric ghost towns and natural wonders aplenty, including the Grand Canyon and the world’s largest pine forest (where you can also ski). Here's our pick of the ten best places to visit in Arizona.

1. The Grand Canyon

Best place for jaw-dropping views

Unsurprisingly, the Grand Canyon is Arizona’s most famous sight. It’s colossal and spectacular and draws huge crowds in summer , which might dissuade first-timers or those seeking a quiet escape. However, it's somewhere that lives up to the hype. People think of this massive canyon system carved by the Colorado River as a single park, but there are actually four separate areas you can visit. 

Grand Canyon National Park is divided into the South Rim (open year-round) and the North Rim (closed from mid-October to mid-May), and these two zones are 210 miles apart. Along with mesmerizing views and hiking trails, the busier South Rim has a free shuttle service, a geology museum and some good on-site accommodations. Reaching 8000ft in elevation, the North Rim delivers more outsize panoramas and has milder weather and fewer people on the trails, contributing to a more relaxing atmosphere.

The Grand Canyon’s West and East rims are also worth exploring, but these areas fall outside the national park. The Grand Canyon West tourism area on the Hualapai Indian Reservation is famed for its glass-bottomed Skywalk, looming 70ft out over the canyon rim, while the East Rim is quieter and ideal for peaceful hiking.

Planning tip: To see the best of the East Rim, check out the Little Colorado River Gorge in Navajo Tribal Park , about 11 miles from Cameron. There’s a $5 fee to access two stunning overlooks and you’ll need a $12 backcountry permit to hike the trails but solitude is practically guaranteed. 

2. Verde Valley

Best place for wine trails and historic towns

Central Arizona’s Verde Valley is an underrated spot, characterized by prehistoric ruins, outpost towns, abundant wildlife and a wine trail that snakes around rivers and mountains. To get a sense of its rugged beauty, follow the 30-mile road that winds through the valley, starting in atmospheric Jerome, once hailed as the "wickedest town in the West." Built by a mining magnate in the 19th century, this once-notorious outpost is today considered a ghost town although it still has around 500 residents. 

Jerome's Cleopatra Hill once delivered payloads of gold, silver and copper for eager miners, but the town today is a mix of eclectic restaurants, artists' studios and offbeat boutiques, all set inside Victorian buildings that look poised to tumble into the valley below. In the fertile land below Jerome are the similarly historic towns of Clarkdale, Cornville and Cottonwood – home to Dead Horse Ranch State Park , a peaceful spot for outdoor recreation. 

Planning tip: On a trip to the Verde Valley, you can also swing by Tuzigoot National Monument and Montezuma Castle National Monument , where you can see the remains of pueblos (villages) built by the Sinagua people in around 1050 CE.

3. Horseshoe Bend

Best place for photo opportunities

What marks out this 270-degree bend in the Colorado River from all the other twists and turns along this mighty watercourse? Maybe it’s the way the dark blue waters of Horseshoe Bend reflect the towering sandstone walls that surround it, leaving you humbled by the thought of the massive forces of nature that shaped this region near Page, Arizona.

The overlook in Glen Canyon Recreation Area is the best place to snap a classic Horseshoe Bend photo, but a more enriching way to experience the canyon’s immensity is on a raft. Guided rafting tours head downriver to Horseshoe Bend and stop at a swimming beach with ancient Puebloan petroglyphs.

4. Monument Valley

Best place to learn about Indigenous culture

To explore Arizona’s Indigenous culture amid 1000ft sandstone towers, make a beeline for Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park . You’ll immediately recognize the landscape’s monoliths; they've been starring in movies and TV Westerns since the 1930s.

The outcrops are called se’Bii’Ndzisgaii in the Navajo language, and the best way to fully appreciate this sacred land is to travel with a local guide who will add context to the experience as you walk in the shadow of buttes such as East Mitten and West Mitten. 

Planning tip: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to photograph the towering buttes of Monument Valley. For sublime sunset photos, stake out a spot by the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park visitor center or the View Hotel .

Best place for art and architecture

As Arizona’s capital, Phoenix is arguably the best place to fuel your appetite for art and architecture in Arizona. Frank Lloyd Wright, the father of modern American architecture, left his fingerprints all over the city. Start the tour at Taliesin West , Wright’s desert laboratory and a National Historic Landmark. In 2019, the house was inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage site list (along with seven of his other major works) for its cultural significance. To delve deeper into Wright’s oeuvre, visit the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa ; the building was designed by Albert Chase McArthur, with Wright acting as a consultant for four months in 1928.

The Phoenix Art Museum is another top venue featuring work by both big-name and emerging artists. In its permanent collection is one of Yayoi Kusama’s wildly popular infinity mirror rooms, entitled, You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies . From the art museum, it’s just three blocks to Roosevelt Row , where you can admire the murals that made Phoenix’s street art scene rightly famous. 

Best place for historic sites and hipster vibes

Home to half a million people, Tucson is Arizona’s second-largest city, and it beautifully blends urban comforts with outdoor endeavors. Although it’s smack in the middle of the Sonoran Desert – fringing Saguaro National Park with its ancient, eight-ton cactuses – Tucson defies the desert city tropes. A short drive from downtown along the Sky Island Scenic Byway, 9000ft Mount Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains, and the southernmost spot in the continental US where you can go skiing. 

Downtown Tucson is a mix of historic sights and hipster vibes. The Turquoise Trail is a self-guided walking route linking 22 historic landmarks. Nearby, Fourth Avenue celebrates Tucson's heritage with youthful energy; its murals, tattoo shops and vintage boutiques are frequented by students from The University of Arizona.

Planning tip: Tucson scores bonus points for sustainability thanks to the Sun Link Streetcar and The Loop , a 131-mile car-free pathway for cyclists, runners and walkers. You can rent a bike from Tucson Bike Rentals on The Loop.

Best place for spirituality and wellness

Although it's technically a city, Sedona feels more like a glamorous village and it's surrounded by natural splendor. Wherever you wander, you’ll be greeted by imposing red-rock formations and 5000ft monoliths such as Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock – said to be focal points for natural energy fields known as vortexes.

Modern-day Sedona has evolved from an outpost of ranches and apple orchards to a popular hub for spirituality, wellness and – reputedly – UFO sightings, and this land is also sacred to a number of Indigenous groups. It’s also a great stop for art buffs and outdoor enthusiasts , with more than 80 galleries and 400 miles of trails zigzagging along Oak Creek through stands of prickly pear cactuses and ponderosa pines. 

8. Flagstaff

Best place for stargazing

Perched at 7000ft, Flagstaff offers the best of the city and the mountains. Situated in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, “Flag” is home to Northern Arizona University, which contributes to the city's youthful vibe. The streets are awash with coffee houses and craft beer establishments, which you can explore on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail . 

To connect with the great outdoors, head to the Arizona Snowbowl , a four-season playground in Flagstaff’s backyard with 40 ski runs and three terrain parks. Chairlifts go up to 11,500ft, offering dizzying views of Sedona’s red rocks, the rim of the Grand Canyon and fields of cinder cones as you ride up the western slope of 12,637ft Mount Humphreys. 

Flagstaff is also a leading destination for astrotourism. In 1930, astronomers at Lowell Observatory discovered Pluto, and all the American astronauts who walked on the moon were trained in Flagstaff. Decades later, Flagstaff became the word’s first international dark sky city , and many visitors are drawn here specifically by the start-gazing opportunities.

Planning tip: Flagstaff is a great base for exploring Arizona. Meteor Crater is just 42 miles away, and you can also easily access Grand Canyon National Park, Walnut Canyon National Monument , Sunset Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument by car.

9. Meteor Crater

Best place for ancient history

Arizona has more than its share of superlative sites, and Meteor Crater near Winslow is one for the ages. This massive depression, almost a mile wide and 550ft deep, is considered the best-preserved meteorite impact site in the world. The site has a fascinating backstory; it was created some 50,000 years ago when a monstrous iron-nickel meteorite smashed into the ground at 26,000 mph, leaving a perfect impact crater. You can learn more about the site at the visitor center and 4D theater. 

10. Grand Canyon Caverns 

Best place for a quirky Route 66 stop

There are many stretches of Route 66 that visitors can explore in Arizona, but we recommend making a stop at the wild and sometimes weird Grand Canyon Caverns . Located in Peach Springs, this idiosyncratic site is composed of an inn, a four-table restaurant and the largest dry cavern in the US, situated 210ft down in the underbelly of the Grand Canyon.

Fitting this outpost's oddball history, local woodcutter Walter Peck accidentally discovered the caves in 1927 after falling off his horse while heading to a poker game. Today, you can explore them yourself on a series of tours, including a ghost walk.

Planning tip: Arizona lays claim to 401 miles of Route 66, making this a great base for short road trips on this historic route. Essential stops include Holbrook (home to the Wigwam Motel ), Winslow (immortalized by The Eagles in the song Take it Easy ) and Williams, starting point for the Grand Canyon Railway .

This article was first published Sep 14, 2021 and updated Sep 12, 2023.

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• Arizona Travel Guide Overview: Arizona Travel Guide

This Southwestern State Has World-famous Landscapes, Luxury Spas, and Award-winning Food and Wine

• 21 Beautiful Places to Visit in Arizona — From Stunning National Parks to an Underground Restaurant
• This Arizona City Has Some of the Best Sonoran Mexican Food in the U.S. — Here's Where to Eat
• The Largest Urban Preserve in the U.S. Is Hiding in Arizona
• Arizona’s Wine Scene Is Booming — Here’s Where to Go and What to Sip
• Destinations
• Arizona Travel Guide This Southwestern State Has World-famous Landscapes, Luxury Spas, and Award-winning Food and Wine 21 Beautiful Places to Visit in Arizona — From Stunning National Parks to an Underground Restaurant This Arizona City Has Some of the Best Sonoran Mexican Food in the U.S. — Here's Where to Eat The Largest Urban Preserve in the U.S. Is Hiding in Arizona Arizona’s Wine Scene Is Booming — Here’s Where to Go and What to Sip CLOSE Part of Arizona Travel Guide

Arizona is the state of red rock formations, saguaro cacti, and a smattering of James Beard–nominated chefs and restaurants.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Eric Mischke/Getty Images

It’s hard to separate Arizona from the mile-deep Grand Canyon that runs through it or the vast desert that covers much of the landscape, but ask anyone who lives in Arizona and they’ll tell you the state offers so much more .

“Although our national reputation is informed largely by our spectacular deserts, Arizona delivers an unexpected palate of natural areas that rival landscapes found across the world,” said Lisa Urias, the CEO and executive deputy director of the Arizona Office of Tourism , in an email interview with Travel + Leisure . For her, what makes the state so special “is how these diverse places combine, along with amazing weather, dining, shopping and recreation opportunities, to present a one-of-a-kind Arizona experience.”

Lisa Urias, Arizona Office of Tourism

Although our national reputation is informed largely by our spectacular deserts, Arizona delivers an unexpected palate of natural areas that rival landscapes found across the world.

The natural landscape is what first draws most people to Arizona. The state has three national parks that showcase it’s broad range of terrain — the layered red rock of the Grand Canyon , the giant saguaro cacti at Saguaro National Park, and the Rainbow Forest of colorful petrified wood at Petrified Forest National Park — along with one-off sites that people travel all over the world to see — Havasu Falls, Antelope Canyon, and The Wave in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Wilderness. 

siep bueneker/Getty Images

But again, there is more to Arizona than stunning landscapes. The state has over 100 wineries and almost the same number of craft breweries, some of the nation’s top spas (including Castle Hot Springs, which always tops T+L World’s Best Awards survey ), and more than its fair share of James Beard-nominated chefs and restaurants.

To help us dive in and discover this warm-weather state, we chatted with Urias along with a local chef and shop owner who shared some of their favorite spots across the state . To keep things organized, we broke down our guide by city, focusing on metropolises like Phoenix, Tucson, and Scottsdale along with smaller communities like Sedona, Flagstaff, and Bisbee.

4kodiak/Getty Images

Things To Do

Desert botanical garden.

The flora of the desert is the focus at this 140-acre botanical garden in Papago Park. It’s a great way to see the state’s famous saguaro cacti without leaving the city and Gertrude’s restaurant within the park is a local favorite. 

CampPhoto/Getty Images

Phoenix Art Museum

The Phoenix Art Museum has a lovely collection of acclaimed international art, but there is one exhibit that stands out. Yayoi Kusama’s “Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room” is an exhibit you have to experience to understand — LED lights and mirrors in a dark room allow visitors to feel as though they are surrounded by fireflies. 

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

This preserve — which encompasses some of the largest city parks in the world — is located in the heart of Central Phoenix. Inside this city sanctuary you’ll find over 20 hiking trails. Set your sights on summiting  Piestewa Peak  or warm up on the more moderate  Piestewa Nature Trail .

Best Hotels & Resorts

Jw marriott phoenix desert ridge resort + spa.

In addition to AAA, four-diamond rating, this modern hotel sits on the northside of Phoenix near the Cave Buttes Recreation Area and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. There's also a spa, golf course, and five outdoor pools. For travelers seeking the best luxury accommodations Phoenix has to offer, this property is certainly one hotel that checks all the boxes.

Courtesy of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Royal Palms Resort and Spa

The Royal Palms was the only Phoenix hotel to make T+L’s 2023 World’s Best Awards. Readers loved its original Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and location near Camelback Mountain. 

The Global Ambassador

This brand-new property opened in 2023 under the direction and vision of 12-time James Beard Award nominee Sam Fox, country singer Dierks Bentley, basketball star Devin Booker, and former NFL player Larry Fitzgerald. The result is a 141-room property built around a plaza courtyard with five new restaurants. , which will sit at the convergence of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley with Camelback Mountain as a backdrop.

Best Restaurants

Renowned chef Angelo Sosa (who opened Tía Carmen and Kembara in Phoenix) can’t get enough of Chilte . "One of my favorites is Chilte in Phoenix, which is owned by a husband and wife who come from very humble beginnings. The food is so authentic to them, showcasing their incredible interpretation of Mexican food and they do a great job highlighting the region with local ingredients.”

The chic and upscale Tarbell’s is a favorite of Urias, who calls it one of his all-time favorite places. The eatery is run by chef Mark Tarbell and is known for “consistently delivering an outstanding seasonal menu paired with Arizona wine recommendations and top-notch service,” according to Urias.

As the restaurant name implies, Tía Carmen pays homage to chef Sosa’s Aunt Carmen. He has created a menu of dishes that “pay homage to the beauty of the Southwest’s stories, land, and farmers through the dining experience.”

Best Shopping

This modern boutique has a well curated selection of clothing, jewelry, home goods, and gifts — with a special focus on Arizona-inspired souvenirs. 

Made Art Boutique

The focus at this shop is supporting local artists by showcasing and selling their work. It has a great community vibe with a great selection of jewelry, cards, candles, ceramics, and gifts. The neighboring Eye Lounge art space and Greenwood Brewery make it easy to spend half exploring this corner of downtown Phoenix.

Practical Art

If you’re interested in sustainable art and gifts, head to Practical Art , which is all about using discarded items to create something fresh. In total, the retail and gallery space features the work of over 200 local artists. 

Rough Rider

With a central location on Roosevelt Row, this restaurant and bar goes out of its way to create a vibe for its customers. The surroundings are retro and the cocktails are Victorian-era inspired.

Urias notes, “Taking the speakeasy-feeling single elevator down to the below-ground space transports guests back in time to the style and fashion of the 19th Century.”

Century Grand

All three interviewees called out Century Grand as the spot in Phoenix to grab a drink. “Just looking over the drink menu is a whole experience in itself!" said Kristin Tovar, owner of the Tucson shop Why I Love Where I Live. 

Sosa agreed, noting that “Without question, my favorite cocktail bar is Century Grand – I truly believe what Jason Asher is doing over there is pushing the envelope of what Arizona’s food and beverage industry is capable of, while guiding us to become a more bar-forward state.”

Grabbing a drink at the subterranean UnderTow bar is an experience. The space is inspired by an old-world ship and the drinks are tiki-style, creating a fun, hip atmosphere that’s great for a night out. Tovar calls it an “Immersive cocktail experience,” noting that there’s a second location in Gilbert, Arizona.

Danny Lehman/Getty Images

Things To Do 

Brad McGinley Photography/Getty Images

Saguaro National Park

This national park sprawls northeast of Tucson, but it would be impossible to leave it off this list. The park is one of the few places where you can find the giant saguaro cacti, which is native to the desert, along with petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people.

Barrio Viejo

Walking through Tucson’s Barrio Viejo neighborhood is a must. It’s the largest barrio in the U.S. and recently received a National Historic Landmark designation . As you explore, don’t miss a visit to the restored Teatro Carmen theater, Tucson's first Spanish-language theater and the one-time home of the Black Elks Club.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

This museum is more than you might expect. It contains a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, art gallery, and a natural history museum. It even has two miles of walking paths traversing desert landscape. There’s truly something for everyone.

Hotels & Resorts

The ritz-carlton, dove mountain.

It’s always hard to top a Ritz-Carlton and in this case, the property is elevated even further by its natural surroundings — the Tortolita Mountains and the Wild Burro Canyon, which is a short five minute walk from the property. Tovar sums it up, explaining that the property “takes the natural beauty of the desert and elevates it with all the comfort and convenience one could ask for!”

Arizona Inn

The Arizona Inn doesn’t have the notoriety of a Ritz-Carlton, but it is Arizona famous for its charming ambiance that feels truly and authentically southwestern. Plus it’s been family owned and run since 1930. 

Urias calls it “a uniquely charming boutique Tucson hotel that really embraces the spirit of the Southwest. The family-owned and operated historic property offers guests the chance to unwind in beautiful casita-style accommodations, enjoy amazing views and dine at award-winning restaurants.”

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

The Loews in Tucson has all sorts of accolades to its name, including a spot in T+L’s 2022 Reader’s Choice Awards. Its Lakeside Spa was recognized by Architectural Digest for its desert beauty and it has on-site golf, tennis, and pools. 

The Cup Cafe is a special place for Tucson locals. It’s tucked inside the circa-1919 Hotel Congress and plays into the history by serving house-made sweets from an old-school dessert carousel and serving up local-ingredient-heavy breakfast and lunch. 

Tovar says it “is a cozy spot to be nourished by food and history,” calling it out as one of her favorite spots in Tucson.

Tito & Pep

With a cute name and even cuter decor, this restaurant and bar bills itself as “Midtown’s neighborhood bistro.” They live up to the claim by serving a menu of Southwest mesquite-fired cuisine and a hefty cocktail list and have earned a nod from the James Beard Foundation along with rave local reviews.

Aqui Con El Nene

For authentic eats, head down to Aqui Con El Nene , which has long served up dishes from Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, where the owner is from. Along with what was named one of the world’s best hot dogs (yes, you read that right), Aqui Con El Nene has an award-winning taco (Taco Yaqui) and a Mexican-style baked potato stuffed with melty cheese, mushrooms, and carne asada (Papancha).

Best Shopping 

This downtown gift shop has been open since 2008, with a mission of promoting local art made from recycled and reused materials. The cute and eclectic storefront tells you everything you need: this shop is packed full of hats, cards, shirts, earrings, and bolo ties — all made from recycled or reused goods. 

In addition to being your go-to spot for upcycled gifts, Tovar says the items at Pop Cycle, “speak to a type of resiliency and resourcefulness that those living in the desert embody.”

Why I Love Where I Live

With unfailing positivity and curiosity, this little shop takes on a big mission: To encourage people to “love where you live and seek its good, regardless of where that is.” It’s a big mission for a little shop, whose goods are wonderfully and creatively Tucson-centric. You’ll find cactus everything — keychains, necklaces, mugs, shirts — and bright and colorful items that bring a little dose of happiness to the recipient.

Old Town Artisans

If you only have time to stop at one shop during your trip to Tucson, pack a punch by visiting Old Town Artisans , a collection of shops selling Southwest-centric local art, vintage clothing and jewelry, records, and handcrafted Native-made art and gifts.

The Century Room

This beautiful jazz club brings in both local and national acts, which are enjoyed alongside a menu of small batch mezcals and craft cocktails. 

“ The Century Room in Tucson offers a chance to enter into another world through rhythms and dazzling cocktails featuring mezcal and agave spirits that leave your palate with a smooth and satisfying taste of the desert,” said Tovar.

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Montezuma Castle National Monument

Okay, okay, so technically this national monument is 30 minutes south of Sedona in Camp Verde, Arizona, but it’s such a stunning example of Arizona’s long human history that we made an exception. The monument protects a 20-room “high-rise apartment” that is built into the cliffs and was used by the Sinagua people, a pre-Columbian culture. It is well worth the drive.

Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop

It wouldn’t be a trip to Sedona without a hike on one of the many trails — almost all of which showcase the area’s beautiful red rock formations. The  Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop  trail is a standout in that regard, leading hikers to a cave carved into a rock wall (Soldiers Cave) and a series of seven natural pools set in red sandstone (Seven Sacred Pools). 

Beyond the obvious visual appeal of this hiking trail, Sosa says the energy of Sedona is especially powerful when you’re traveling on two feet. He notes that “Sedona is really breathtaking and the native vortexes and energy will leave you awestruck.” Parking at the Soldier Pass trailhead is limited, so we recommend hopping on  Sedona’s free shuttle . The loop can also be crowded and hot, so starting out early in the morning is advised.

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Chapel of the Holy Cross

This is no ordinary church. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built on top of a natural red rock formation in the Coconino National Forest. People come from all over the world to worship — or enjoy the views over the Sedona landscape. 

Best Hotels & Resorts 

Enchantment resort.

It’s all about returning to nature at Enchantment Resort , a secluded property that’s surrounded on all sides by wilderness. The goal here is to reconnect — with nature and with yourself. 

T+L readers love the property, ranking it among the best resorts in Arizona in 2023, and the sentiment is backed up by Sosa who says, “If you’ve never been to Enchantment Resort in Sedona, you really should visit. The rooms really pay homage to the region and native tribes, and the resort’s location, along with the beautiful starry night skies, are magical."

L’Auberge de Sedona

T+L readers just adore this property, ranking it No. 5 in the list of best Arizona hotels and resorts for 2023, and giving it a 91.02 rating out of 100. The five-star property is set along the banks of Oak Creek in the heart of Sedona and has one of the city’s best restaurants.

Douglas Friedman/Courtesy of Mii Amo

For an all-inclusive experience that includes spa treatments, there is no place like Mii amo . The upscale spa resort is set in the beautiful Boynton Canyon, offering guests bungalows under cottonwood trees — some with outdoor showers, private massage rooms, and beehive fireplaces.

Sosa calls a visit to Mii amo a “Arizona Bucket List item,” noting that it is a destination spa for those who want “to experience an outdoor massage surrounded by the red rock canyons, where you can actually feel the vortex and energy during the treatment."

Courtesy of L'Auberge de Sedona

Cress on Oak Creek

The food at Cress on Oak Creek is lovely — their fine-dining menu is full of seasonal New American and French-inspired cuisine — but the location is what makes this restaurant a must-visit. It’s set along Oak Creek, allowing those lucky enough to snag a table on the outdoor patio a dining experience accented by greenery, fresh air, and the sound of moving water. The eatery is part of L’Auberge de Sedona.

This award-winning spot serves up a mix of modern Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. You’ll find inspiration from Oaxaca, Veracruz, Puebla, and Arizona in the menu, which is famous for their namesake elote, fire-roasted corn served with spicy mayo, lime, and cotija cheese.

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Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

If you want to shop, start your journey at Tlaquepaque , which is easily Sedona’s most distinctive shopping experience. It’s outdoors and designed after a traditional Mexican village, with stucco walls, cobble pathways, and decorative arches. The village is full of little gems — galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.

Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art

Sedona has a wonderful art scene, and one of the city’s best and largest is Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art , an art hub that showcases the work of almost 100 living artists. Inside you’ll find everything from jewelry to paintings and sculptures. 

Sedona Artist Market

If you’re interested in picking up a piece of local art, head to the Sedona Artist Market , a 8,000-square-foot gallery that showcases the work of over 150 local artists. You’ll find paintings, jewelry, pottery, and sculptures, along with souvenirs, gifts, and home decor. 

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TPC Scottsdale

Golf is a major Scottsdale pastime, and for good reason. TPC Scottsdale , an award-winning course, hosts the largest-attended golf tournament in the world, the WM Phoenix Open. You too can play on TPC’s PGA Tour-quality greens 

Tom’s Thumb Trail

Hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a must when you’re in Scottsdale and this four-mile-out-and-back trail is a fan favorite. The hike is short and steep, but at the top, you’ll be treated to views over the McDowell Mountains and Phoenix. Tom’s Thumb is one of the many trails that criss-cross the 30,500-acre preserve that is considered one of Scottsdale’s true gems. 

Taliesin West

This home-turned-landmark was once the winter home and studio of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The home is open to public tours and is a wonderful example of a modern structure being at one with the desert landscape. 

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa

This resort was the No. 3 pick for T+L readers in the 2023 World’s Best Awards. It’s the sort of property that has everything: a 12,000-square-foot spa, a fitness center, swimming pools, and tennis courts. The setting near Camelback Mountain is just stunning and the resort is set on 53 acres that include lush gardens and desert landscape. For those seeking a fantastic hotel in Scottsdale for their dream vacation, this is a top contender.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale

This five-star property was another resort called out by T+L readers in the annual survey. The rooms have an authentic Southwest feel, with deep soaking tubs and private balconies with airy views. The entire property is nestled in the foothills of Scottsdale’s towering Pinnacle Peak, providing plenty of inspiration to get outside and explore.

Hotel Valley Ho

For a downtown Scottsdale stay, there’s no place like Hotel Valley Ho , which was built in 1956 and retained its mid-century-modern architecture. Some cool and contemporary updates make this retro spot colorful, happy, and full of photo inspo. (P.S. It too was recognized by T+L travelers in 2023.)

FnB Restaurant

This eatery in downtown Scottsdale has been a local go-to since it opened in 2009. It received an award from the James Beard Foundation in 2019 for best chef and two recognitions for its Arizona-only wine program. The menu is full of dishes featuring Arizona-grown food and the flavors practically jump off the plate.

The Mission

There are two Mission restaurants in Scottsdale, but we’re focusing on the Old Town location , which has a glowing Himalayan salt block wall. The warm glow and flickering candles set the stage for a cozy and romantic dining experience that features Latin cuisine accented by homemade tortillas and fresh salsa. 

Jenna Leurquin Patisserie

If you crave the offerings of a French patisserie, this spot in Scottsdale is the place to go. Jenna Leurquin Patisserie, aka JL Patisserie , was a semifinalist in the James Beard Foundation 2023 list for its outstanding baked goods — including macarons, quiche, croissant, cakes and pies. They also offer online and in-person baking classes. 

Vintage by Misty

This locally owned consignment shop has become renowned by shoppers around the U.S. for its collection of designer vintage clothing and high-end (second-hand) jewelry and accessories. The curated shop specializes in vintage items from the '60s to the early '90s — but you never know what you’ll find inside the tiny shopfront.

Scottsdale Marketplace

Over 35 shops makeup this sprawling market , which has everything from antiques and home decor to gifts and garden accessories. It’s the sort of place where you find a statement piece for your living room or a one-of-a-kind gift for the person who has everything.

Art One Gallery

It doesn’t get more local than Art One Gallery . Since 1993, the shop has showcased the work of local high school and college students and independent Arizona artists. The work is colorful, eclectic, and completely unique.

Citizen Public House

Citizen Public House has a full food menu (that’s superb), but we’re focusing on their drinks and atmosphere, which they bill as “new fashioned fun.” There’s a daily social hour from 4 to 6 p.m. and a drink menu that includes pitchers of draft cocktails that you can bring home with you.

Handlebar J

This BBQ spot has an Old West vibe that extends into the night, when country musicians take the stage almost nightly. The saloon feel is perfect for the weekly line dancing and country two-step dance classes, or a night of BBQ ribs and beer with friends.

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Lowell Observatory

Flagstaff was the world's first International Dark Sky Community (a designation that rings true today!), so many people come to experience the dark, starry skies. The city’s Lowell Observatory is a must visit for space lovers — it is where Pluto was discovered in 1930.

Museum of Northern Arizona

The city of Flagstaff is one of the Arizona communities most people don’t expect. It is set at a high elevation (over 6,800 feet), is surrounded by mountains, and sees snow. The Museum of Northern Arizona recognizes the unique geography, geology, and people of the area through a series of Northern Arizona specific exhibits. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land and understand Arizona’s Northerners.

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Walnut Canyon National Monument

One of the coolest sites in Flagstaff is Walnut Canyon , a curved canyon that protects Indigenous Sinagua cliff dwellings. These ancestral homes can be viewed in the monument, which sprawls just south of the city. For more about the area’s human history, visit the Wupatki National Monument to the north.

Courtesy of Practice Hospitality

Americana Motor Hotel

Flagstaff straddles the historic Route 66, so there are a smattering of nostalgic hotels that are reviving that bygone era with new amenities and modern facilities. The Americana Motor Hotel is one such property. It has 89 colorful rooms with retro finishes (think in-room disco balls and geometric carpeting) and a menu of amenities that include “dive-in” movies in the heated pool and a walk-up diner. 

High Country Motor Lodge

For a more contemporary take on 1960s roadside culture, checkout the High Country Motor Lodge , which has modern decor with a vintage flair and Arizona’s first Nordic spa — a mix of warm sauna and cold plunge pools.

Village Camp Flagstaff

Outside of Flagstaff, en route to Grand Canyon National Park , is a new glamping and outdoor retreat with cabin rentals. The Village Camp property blends outdoor living with the luxuries of a hotel, along with amenities like a resort-style swimming pool, year-round hot tub, and activities like yoga classes and live music. 

Proper Meats + Provisions

Proper is the first local, whole-animal butcher shop in Arizona, and it’s making waves for its dedication to the art of butchery. It was even recognized by the James Beard Foundation in 2023 and is the local go-to for meat-heavy sandwiches, along with house made soups, local cheeses, and homemade bread.

Shift Kitchen & Bar

The James Beard Foundation also took notice of Shift in 2023. The bright, open-kitchen eatery serves everything family-style, with a great menu of small plates and craft cocktail list that includes the regulars along with inventive (and in some cases, non-alcoholic) options.

You can get lunch and dinner at MartAnne’s , but the restaurant is known for its breakfast — and its star dish: chilaquiles. The family-owned establishment and its Mexican breakfast fare has even been named the best breakfast in Flagstaff.

Cedar Closet Thrift Shop

Thrift shoppers will adore Cedar Closet , a shop that is run by volunteers and is known for its fair pricing and high-quality second-hand items. Money made from the thrift shop goes to the The Assistance League of Flagstaff, which serves women, children, veterans, the elderly, and the homeless. 

Bright Side Bookshop

The Bright Side Bookshop is more than an independent bookshop packed with books. The shop was designed to be a gathering space for the community and the passionate booksellers share their favorite reads and host book signings, storytime, and local art. 

Winter Sun Trading Company

This family business dates back to 1976 when Arizona herbalist Phyllis Hogan opened up shop. Inside you’ll find art and handicrafts from local tribes and natural turquoise jewelry. The star of the shop is the apothecary, which offers tinctures made from organic, wild herbs native to the Southwest.

Queen Mine Tour

Bisbee, a tiny town in southeast Arizona, is at its core, a historic copper mining town . As such, one of the must-dos is the Queen Mine Tour , which will transport you 1,500 feet into the earth on a mine railway. 

The Bisbee Seance Room

Most locals agree that Bisbee has its fair share of ghosts, while The Bisbee Seance Room has billed it “the most haunted town in America.” You’ll understand why after a night at the venue, which whisks you back in time with a magic show and storytelling in a cozy Victorian parlor.

Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum

It may be small, but the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian and has won national awards for its exhibits. The focus? Bisbee’s copper mining history and the role it played in the industrialization of America. 

The Shady Dell

With a name like “The Shady Dell,” you’d expect something cute, but this vintage trailer court is full of surprises. There are 15 standalone accommodations, including a 1947 Chris Craft Yacht, a tiki bus, and a 1957 Airfloat trailer. Each is outfitted with vintage, period-appropriate decor (think percolators in lieu of coffee makers). The star of the show is Dot’s Diner, whose diner fare draws people from all over the state. 

Copper Queen Hotel

The historic Copper Queen Hotel is Arizona’s longest continually operated hotel. It boasts over 100 years of history and at least three known ghosts, including Julia Lowell, a sex worker who used the hotel to conduct business. Beyond its lucrative hauntings, the Copper Queen Hotel has a stunning facade, swimming pool, restaurant, and saloon. 

Letson Loft Hotel

If you can nab one of the eight rooms at this tiny, boutique hotel consider yourself lucky. The property is an Arizona landmark, with a colorful entrance in downtown Bisbee. From this historic basecamp, you’ll be within an easy walk to the city’s best shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. 

Thuy’s Noodle Shop

Arizonians love Thuy’s Noodle Shop , in fact, people have been known to travel from all over the state (and beyond) for a taste of Thuy’s authentic, from-scratch Vietnamese fare. The shop specializes in phở noodle soup

You’d be surprised by the amount of fine dining in tiny Bisbee. One of the top picks is Café Roka , which is set in an Art Deco-style building and serves fusion dishes like ricotta gnocchi and lobster stuffed ravioli. They also have a full-service bar that is typically bustling.

PussyCat Gelato

This gelato shop is so beloved it has expanded across the state, with locations in Scottsdale and Sedona. But the PussyCat journey began in Bisbee, with a menu of creatively flavored handmade gelato. The interiors are distinctly ‘70s throwback with cafe-style seating. 

Belleza Gallery

For over 25 years, Belleza Gallery has been featuring the works of local art. In fact, visitors can expect to find at least 20 artists’ work on display at any given time. If you find something you love that’s not packable, don’t worry, they ship worldwide.

RedBone Bisbee Vintage

As its name implies, RedBone has a selection of vintage items, including cowboy boots, leather jackets, and party dresses, but they also have new items from Bisbee artists, including retro jewelry and homegoods.

Black Sheep Imports

Want a unique gift or souvenir to take home with you? Stop by Black Sheep Imports , the best place in Bisbee for funny, strange, and sometimes inappropriate gifts and Bisbee-specific souvenirs. 

St. Elmo Bar

As one of the oldest continuously run bars in the country, the St. Elmo is truly time tested, with roots that date back to 1902. It’s a true dive with live music and dancing on the weekends and its own resident ghost.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Arizona is in the spring and fall. The spring is when the desert begins to bloom, while fall is considered to be optimum hiking weather.

According to Sosa, "The most beautiful time of year to visit is when you can witness the desert bloom. Seeing all of the colorful flowers blooming in the middle of the arid climate is really just magnificent. I would highly recommend taking a drive throughout Arizona and getting lost as the sun is setting, it’s one of the most beautiful things you will ever see."

Arizona can also provide travelers with a sunny, warm weather escape in the winter. “Arizona’s weather is exceptional, an absolute delight that makes up for the heat in the summer months,” said Tovar. 

How to Get There

There are seven commercial airports in Arizona, including international airports in Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma. Flying into Tucson International Airport (TUS) is your best bet if you want to visit Tucson or Bisbee, while Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) will likely be the best option if you want to visit Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, or Flagstaff. Flagstaff also has its own, smaller airport.

“If it’s your first visit, you really can’t go wrong regardless of where you choose to explore! To get an authentic first-trip Arizona feel, I’d suggest landing at America’s Friendliest Airport – Sky Harbor in Phoenix,” said Urias.

The warm weather and clear roads of Arizona are also perfect for road tripping, so you might want to consider touring the national parks or driving across the state .

How to Get Around

Most Arizona visitors rent a car or drive their own. That is especially true if you want to travel to the state’s national parks and monuments or visit Arizona’s small towns, like Bisbee and Sedona.

You might be able to avoid a car if you’re flying into a larger city, like Phoenix or Tucson, and plan to stay in one place. Phoenix has the Valley Metro and Phoenix Transit and Tucson has the Sun Tran system. 

Similarly, in larger cities, you’ll find services like Uber and Lyft, which a town like Bisbee won’t have.

Arizona Travel Guide

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The 10 Best Places to Visit in Arizona

State 48, as it's known locally, is more than the tumbleweeds and cacti depicted in classic Western movies. In major cities like Phoenix and Tucson, you’ll find world-class museums and luxury resorts. At the Grand Canyon, you’ll be inspired as you view the only one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World located in North America. The state has world-class spas, Native American arts and crafts, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

On the same day, you can kick off your morning walking the still-dusty streets of Tombstone and end the day sipping wine at a winery. Or, pose with the world’s largest cacti at Saguaro National Park near Tucson, then Instagram a photo of yourself standing in the world’s largest stand of Ponderosa Pine trees in Coconino National Forest. The possibilities are endless. 

 Matt Mawson / Getty Images

Chances are, if you fly to Arizona, you’ll most likely land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. The fifth-largest city in the United States boasts some of the state’s best museums, including the internationally acclaimed Musical Instrument Museum and the Heard Museum with its impressive collection of Native American art. Taliesin West , the winter home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and open for tours in Scottsdale.

Even though the greater Phoenix metropolitan area is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, its unique landscape is worth exploring in the cooler months. Get a primer on the area’s flora with a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden and its fauna at the Phoenix Zoo before heading out. You can explore the Sonoran Desert on your own on a hike at South Mountain Park , one of the largest city parks in the world, or take a 4x4 tour into the Four Peaks Wilderness.

Phoenix also has some of the state’s best restaurants, including its only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star award-winning restaurant, Kai; nearly 200 golf courses; and some of the nation’s best spas. 

Grand Canyon National Park

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is a must for any visitor to Arizona. You can see the canyon from viewpoints at the South Rim, the national park’s main entrance; the North Rim; and Grand Canyon West, the Hualapai tribal lands where the glass Skywalk curves over the rim’s edge. First-time visitors will want to experience the canyon at the South Rim, which is the easiest access and has jaw-dropping views.

After gazing across the expanse of the South Rim, you can hike or bike the mostly-paved Rim Trail, trek a short way into the canyon (or all the way to the bottom if you plan to overnight there), or ride a mule with reservations on the rim or below. Rafting trips, which generally leave from Page, and helicopter tours, which take off at Grand Canyon National Park Airport, are other ways to explore the canyon. 

 Nikolas_jkd / Getty Images

Surrounded by rocks tinged red with rusting iron, Sedona is one of the most beautiful cities in the state. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or mountain bike the trails in Red Rock State Park, cool off at Slide Rock State Park, or take a yoga class on the red rocks, but you don’t need to work out to indulge at one of Sedona’s luxury spas. Pamper yourself even further with an aura reading or by meditating in a vortex, a swirling pocket of energy that promotes healing and self-exploration.

A trip to Sedona wouldn’t be complete without a Pink Jeep tour. Book the two-hour Broken Arrow tour to see the red rocks up close while tackling rugged terrain in an open-air Jeep Wrangler. After, shop for souvenirs on the main route through the city, State Route 89A, or at the boutiques and galleries at the Spanish-style shopping center, Tlaquepaque. 

ChrisBoswell / Getty Images 

This city makes a good base for exploring the Grand Canyon, but it’s a destination in its own right. Start in the historic downtown, where you can shop Flagstaff’s boutiques, specialty stores, and art galleries. Between retailers, break with a pint from one of several downtown breweries on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail or grab a bite to eat at Proper Meats + Provisions or Pizzicletta . Or, discover the downtown area on a self-guided walking tour. The city’s “Walk This Talk” tour retraces the Route 66 alignment through Flagstaff. Drop by the Visitor Center in the historic train depot at 1 E. Route 66 for more information.

Beyond downtown, the Museum of Northern Arizona features exhibits on geology and Native American culture while Lowell Observatory introduces visitors to the universe and tells the story of how Pluto was discovered onsite in 1930. 

Jim Vallee / Getty Images 

Jerome—dubbed the Wickedest City in the West in the early 1900s—nearly became a ghost town after its mines played out. Thankfully, in the 1960s, artists moved in and breathed new life into the community. Today, Jerome is known for its art galleries, specialty shops like Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes, winery tasting rooms, and great food. Before heading into town, make a stop at Jerome State Historic Park to learn about the community’s mining past.

A day trip to Jerome can easily be combined with a visit to Cottonwood , which has even more galleries, restaurants, and tasting rooms. Serious wine lovers may want to overnight either in Jerome or Cottonwood and spend the following day visiting the actual wineries on the Verde Valley Wine Trail near Cornville. 

 Esdelval / Getty Images

The second-largest city in Arizona, Tucson is the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States, thanks to its rich agricultural history and efforts to preserve heirloom crops. You can visit the nation’s oldest continuously farmed land at San Agustin Mission Farm and drop by Native Seeds/Search to learn more.

But Tucson is much more than its farming past. It’s home to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a highly-acclaimed botanical garden, zoo, and small aquarium, as well as the Pima Air & Space Museum. In addition to a tram tour of its outdoor aircraft, the museum also offers guided tours of the AMARG “Boneyard” across the street at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Round out your visit with stops at Mission San Xavier del Bac, Sabino Canyon, and Saguaro National Park.

Want to experience life as a cowpoke? Tucson has two dude ranches: White Stallion Ranch and Tanque Verde Ranch . 

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Immortalized in movies and books, this legendary silver boom town in Southern Arizona lives on today. You can stand in the same spot where the Earp brothers—Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan—along with Doc Holliday stared down rivals Ike Clanton, Billy Clanton, Tom McLaury, and Frank McLaury before the infamous shootout at the O.K. Corral. Actors reenact the scene at the O.K. Corral Historic Complex daily for ticketholders, but you can dive even deeper into the gunfight at the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. Tour the Bird Cage Theater Museum , and get a drink at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon before you go.

A visit to Tombstone can easily be combined with time in Bisbee , a mining-town-turned-arts-community less than a half hour’s drive south. Browse the galleries there, discover the excellent, Smithsonian-affiliated Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum , or go underground on a Copper Queen Mine tour. 

Sonoita/Elgin Wine Region

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Believe it or not, Arizona produces wines so impressive they’ve been served at the White House. While the Willcox area is the largest growing region in the state, some of the best vintages come from the Sonoita/Elgin wine region , the state’s first American Viticulture Area (AVA). Download a map here to visit some of the wineries on your own, or leave the driving to someone else with Arizona Winery Tours . Top wineries include Dox Cabezas WineWorks, Kief-Joshua Vineyards, and Sonoita Vineyards.

If you want to discover even more Arizona wines, detour to Willcox , where several Willcox AVA wineries, such as Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, have tasting rooms.  

Antelope Canyon

 Buena Vista Images / Getty Images

You’ve likely been awed by pictures of Antelope Canyon , the sandstone slot canyon in northern Arizona formed over millions of years by water and wind. Its wavy, orange walls, and shafts of light give it an otherworldly appearance. Located near Page, it is an extremely popular destination.

Book your tour before you go, especially if you will be visiting during the fall or spring when temperatures are more moderate. Most tours spend about an hour in the actual canyon and involve some hiking. (Due to COVID-19, visitors are not permitted to walk back through the canyon to the 4x4 that brought them. Instead, they have to hike out over a low section of wall.)

Upper Antelope Canyon is more commonly toured since it’s easier to navigate, but some companies also offer tours of Lower Antelope Canyon and nearby Waterhole Canyon and other slot canyons. 

Monument Valley Tribal Park

 Don White / Getty Images

Straddling the Arizona-Utah border, the iconic landscapes of Monument Valley Tribal Park are well over a five-hour drive from Phoenix but not to be missed if you have the time. You can drive the unpaved 17-mile road on your own into the park’s interior or, better yet, have a Navajo guide take you off-road. Often these tours include weaving demonstrations, sunset dinners, and Native American singing and dancing. Plan to spend the night at The View Hotel , the only hotel in the park, to watch the sunrise over the Mittens rock formations the next morning. 

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26 Amazing Places to See in Arizona (+ Map & How to Visit)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 2, 2024

Best known as the Grand Canyon State , Arizona is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the USA. But there is so much more to see and do in Arizona beyond its world-famous landmark!

If you are planning a trip and want to visit the best places in Arizona, but also explore a bit deeper , this article is for you! In this guide, we share all the must-see landmarks and sights of Arizona, but also some other cool places that will make your trip so much more special.

In addition to our own tips and recommendations, we also asked our fellow travel writers for suggestions, their personal favorite places in Arizona that they recommend the most. This guide includes a good mix of the most beautiful nature destinations and stunning sceneries, historic landmarks, best cities and towns, Route 66 attractions, quirky places where you can still find the ‘Old West’ feel, and so much more.

While this is in no way a complete guide to all the best places to visit in Arizona (you’d need a few long trips for that!), it covers all the musts and places that are worth visiting the most . In addition, we also include some lesser-known places for those who are looking to escape the crowds, explore deeper, or get just a bit off the beaten path. Find out!

TIP: To give you a better idea of where all these landmarks and attractions are located and to help you plan your trip, we created a MAP indicating all the best places in Arizona mentioned in this guide. You can find it at the end of this article.

Good to know: We tried to sort this list from the most popular, nicest places in Arizona to the somewhat lesser-known ones further below. But the reality is that there are just too many amazing destinations and points of interest to be able to differentiate (and everyone has different interests and expectations anyway).

So while we start with the ‘musts’, I highly recommend that you scroll down through the entire list before you decide where to go in Arizona and what interests you the most.

Keep in mind that some of these places require more time while others can easily be seen as a short stop when passing by. So by reading beyond the main Arizona attractions, you might find some amazing gems that will make your trip so much more special.

Our map at the end of this article will also help you ‘group’ the places together so that you can make the most of your time when sightseeing in Arizona. Take a look!

Without further ado, here are some of the very best places to visit in Arizona:

1. Grand Canyon National Park

Arizona’s most famous landmark, Grand Canyon needs no introduction. This impressive natural wonder is not just #1 among the must-see places in Arizona, but also one of the most popular national parks in the United States attracting millions of visitors every year. I really couldn’t start this list with any other place…

Grand Canyon National Park is huge and you can spend several days and even weeks exploring everything it has to offer. But you can see some of the magnificent scenery even if you only have a couple of hours, which explains Grand Canyon’s popularity as one of the top day trips from Las Vegas .

Depending on your travel itinerary, the season when you visit, and how much time you have, there are three main areas you can visit at the Grand Canyon – South Rim, North Rim, or Grand Canyon West.

South Rim is the best-known and the most popular place attracting the biggest majority of Grand Canyon visitors. Here, you’ll find some of the most impressive viewpoints, stunning hikes, and also great facilities including the best Grand Canyon hotels , restaurants, various visitor centers, popular attractions like the Grand Canyon IMAX movie experience , and bucket-list activities such as helicopter flights over the Grand Canyon .

If there’s one area you visit at the Grand Canyon, South Rim is the place to be! This is also the best place to visit if you are planning a winter trip to Grand Canyon .

LEARN MORE: How to see the best of the Grand Canyon in one day & How to avoid long queues at Grand Canyon south entrance

Grand Canyon West is best known for the glass-bottomed Skywalk touring high above the canyon. The panoramic views are amazing and it’s a very special experience to be able to walk above the canyon.

This part of the Grand Canyon is also home to the Hualapai Indian tribe, so you can also learn more about their culture or pick up some Native American souvenirs.

Grand Canyon North Rim also offers great views and is well worth a visit, but the road to get there is usually only open from around mid-May to October-early November.

If you are visiting Arizona during the summer season and have some time to explore the Grand Canyon deeper, you may want to include this side of the canyon in your itinerary as well. In that case, don’t miss the Kaibab National Forest as well.

Sedona also deserves a top spot on this list of the very best places to see in Arizona! This area is best known for its stunning scenery and impressive red rocks that will take your breath away. The landscapes here are phenomenal! The area around Sedona is also famous for its energy vortex sites.

Some of the must-see places in Sedona include Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock . Also, Boynton Canyon and Airport Mesa are not to be missed. If you hike, don’t miss the popular Devil’s Bridge Trail , and if you’re visiting with kids in the warm season, be sure to go for a swim at the natural pools of the nearby Slide Rock State Park .

In the town itself, don’t miss the Chapel of the Holy Cross , with its modernistic architecture and even more unique location perched between the red rocks overlooking the area. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a nice place for local art, shops, and restaurants.

TIP: One of the most popular ways to explore the scenery around Sedona is by joining jeep tours . These 4×4 tours bring you to some amazing locations that you’d never be able to see otherwise.

How much time to spend. It’s possible to see the most popular sights of Sedona in just one day. Therefore, many first-time visitors simply visit Sedona as a day trip from Phoenix, Grand Canyon, or from Flagstaff. However, there’s plenty to see and do, so you can easily fill 3-5 days here as well. Here you can find a suggested 1-day itinerary for Sedona .

LEARN MORE: Best things to do in Sedona

3. Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon with its ‘flowing’ colorful sandstone walls is an impressive natural wonder and one of the most picturesque places in Arizona! There is not one, but several slot canyons here that all have been carved by fast-flowing flash flood waters and sandstone erosion. At the moment, you can easily visit three of them: Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, and Canyon X.

The most famous slot canyons are the Upper Antelope Canyon and the Lower Antelope Canyon . Both parts of the canyon are equally beautiful, but the Upper Antelope canyon is more popular because it’s easy to visit for everyone, whereas the Lower Antelope canyon involves some stairs and ladders (but is also quieter and it’s much cheaper too).

Located on the Navajo ground, a visit to any of the slot canyons is only possible with a local tour guide. If you want to be sure that you can go inside, you really should reserve a tour in advance . In high season, it’s a must and tours sell out long upfront, but also in the lower season, you never know if there will be any walk-in spots left when you arrive. Here you can reserve Lower Antelope Canyon tickets and here – tickets for the Upper Antelope Canyon .

Good to know: Antelope Canyon photography tours have been suspended a few years ago. You can still bring your camera or a smartphone, but tripods aren’t allowed anymore. Also, selfie sticks or bags (of any size) are not allowed inside the canyon.

Because the Antelope canyons are so well-known and have become so popular, some people now opt to visit private and secluded Antelope Canyon X instead (also here, you have to reserve in advance !).

Alternatively, check out the beautiful Buckskin Gulch , the longest slot canyon in the world. This canyon is located in Utah, just at the border of Arizona, and requires quite a strenuous hike. Here, you can find more info and a tour that visits Buckskin Gulch , and here is a popular private tour that can bring you to this beautiful place as well.

TIP: If you drive all the way to Page, AZ, in order to visit these slot canyons, be sure not to miss the famous Horseshoe Bend as well. More info below. You can also find more details in our suggested 2-day itinerary for Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend .

4. Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is another extremely popular place to visit in Arizona. This U-shaped turn in the Colorado River with 1,000-foot sheer rock drops has become extremely popular in the last decade, mostly due to the jaw-dropping images that probably everyone has seen on social media at one time or another.

A visit to Horseshoe Bend is easy and doesn’t require much preparation and that’s also one of the reasons for its popularity. The hike from the car parking to the viewing area is just 0.6 miles (less than 1 km) and takes about 15 minutes one way. In addition, you can walk a bit further to the right along the rim – the views are nice and it tends to be quieter than at the main viewpoint.

Good to know: There’s a small entrance fee – at the moment of writing, $10 per car, and your National Park Pass isn’t valid here. Also, bring water, wear comfy shoes, and be careful around the edge!

You can visit Horseshoe Bend in about one hour, but to really get the most out of your visit, plan on spending two hours. The earlier mentioned Antelope Canyon is also just nearby, so most people visit these two places together.

TIP: For a different perspective, you can also opt for a helicopter tour over the Horseshoe Bend and the surrounding area. In addition, you also fly over Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam – the views are amazing! If you are looking for an even more special experience and a longer flight, take a look at this helicopter tour that also includes a landing on Tower Butte .

No list of the best things to do in Arizona would be complete without mentioning its capital city, Phoenix . The “Valley of the Sun,” as Phoenix is affectionately known, gets over 300 days of sun a year. It’s rare to see a cloudy or rainy day outside of the summer monsoons. During that time, temperatures can hit 110°F (43°C) and above, so you’ll want to enjoy your fun indoors.

For the rest of the year, Phoenix is known for its gorgeous weather and outdoor activities. Hike the many trails in and around the city. Camelback Mountain , Piestewa Peak Park , and South Mountain are favorites.

Learn how beautiful the desert can be at the Desert Botanical Garden . The colors may be muted, but you’ll find a beautiful tapestry in the desert that’s different from most of the country. If you need a break from the desert, check out the Japanese Friendship Garden or the Farm at South Mountain .

Phoenix is a foodie’s paradise and there are lots of restaurants offering all kinds of food. Many have outdoor seating or large patio windows that open wide so you can enjoy the gorgeous weather for much of the year.

If you visit during the hottest summer months, there are plenty of fun indoor activities that you can enjoy in Phoenix. Check out the city’s world-class museums such as the exceptional Musical Instrument Museum and the Heard Museum , which showcases southeastern Native American art.

Good to know: Phoenix is a resort town and hosts thousands of conferences annually. So if you visit in the summer, you can get some amazing hotel and spa deals . Locals love it for staycations and tourists can enjoy the best of Phoenix spa life at a markedly reduced cost.

There’s a lot to do in Phoenix no matter what time of year you visit. Plan to spend a few days so that you can see all of the top sights in and around the city.

TIP: If you are looking for something special to do in Arizona, check out hot-air balloon tours . It’s one of the most unique experiences in Phoenix and an amazing way to see some of the stunning scenery.

Recommended by a Phoenix local, Sam from My Flying Leap .

LEARN MORE: Phoenix itinerary recommendations for any trip

6. Havasu Falls

Located in a remote desert canyon in Northern Arizona, Havasu Falls cascades 80-feet over a red sandstone cliff into a beautiful turquoise blue swimming hole. It’s a truly magical oasis in the middle of the desert. And when you see pictures of this stunning waterfall, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Arizona.

But to reach this paradise requires preparation and fitness. Havasu Falls is located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation and it’s a 10-mile trek from the nearest road. You’ll need to hike through a dusty canyon in the hot Arizona sun carrying all of your food and camping supplies. You’ll also need to plan well in advance. Only a limited number of camping permits (or lodge stays) are available for each day and most are purchased the moment they become available on February 1st of each year.

The Havasu Falls trailhead is located 67.5 miles Northeast of Peach Springs, AZ. From the parking lot, it’s a 1.5-mile descent to the bottom of the canyon via several switchbacks. Continuing on, the trail is mostly flat with a gradual descent, but you’ll need to watch out for loose rocks and gravel. It’s best to start your hike in the early morning to avoid walking in the heat of the day. It’s a total of 10 miles each way to reach Havasu Falls: 8 miles to the Havasupai Village and an additional 2 miles to the base of the falls. Here you can find more practical information for visiting Havasu Falls .

It’s quite a challenging hike, but once you reach Havasu Falls, you’ll know that the reward was worth the effort. The waterfall and canyon are both absolutely breathtaking. Plus Havasu Falls is not the only beautiful waterfall in the canyon. If you continue your trek downstream, you’ll find Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls . And if you’re up for an even longer hike you can follow Havasu Canyon all the way down to the confluence with the Colorado River at the edge of the Grand Canyon.

Good to know: You need at least two days to visit Havasu Falls and all visits require a reservation . If you stay at the lodge, you can reserve for one night/ two days, whereas if you camp, you can only book three nights/ four days.

Recommended by Nick from Wandering Wheatleys.

7. Monument Valley

The iconic Monument Valley is another must-see in Arizona! You probably have seen images of this red-sand desert with towering sandstone buttes in various movies and commercials, but it’s even more impressive in reality!

Located in the northeastern corner of Arizona, along the Utah border, Monument Valley is quite far from most other landmarks in Arizona, but it’s definitely worth a trip in its own right. It’s also about halfway between the Grand Canyon and Moab area in Utah where you’ll find the famous Arches National Park and also Canyonlands National Park . So whether you are only visiting the best places in Arizona, or are making a bigger trip in the Southwest, it’s well worth coming here.

You can see some great views of Monument Valley while simply driving on Interstate 163. However, if you want to explore deeper and get closer to the rock formations, you should visit the Monument Valley Tribal Park . An entrance here requires a permit and you can only visit during daytime hours (and need to pay for a pass).

The main activity here is driving the 15-mile Scenic Drive that takes you through the area and close to the majestic buttes. Some of them are as high as 1,000 ft above the ground – a very impressive sight and plenty of great photo opportunities.

However, the roads here are in a really bad state and many people opt for one of the many 4×4 tours or horseback riding tours instead . Not only do you learn quite a bit about the area by going with a local guide, but many of these tours also bring you to some nice places beyond the scenic loop which you wouldn’t get to see on your own.

TIP: This tour is one of the best price-quality Monument Valley tours that include backcountry access. It also visits a local Navajo Hogan where you can watch a Navajo Rug Weaving demonstration and traditional musical performance by your local guide. You can also find this same tour on Viator , but it’s usually a bit more expensive. You can also opt for a very similar tour in the evening and enjoy the amazing colors of Monument Valley at sunset.

Good to know: Most of the tours do not include an entrance fee to the Monument Valley Tribal Park, so you need to pay for that separately.

How much time to spend. If you are simply passing by on the highway, Monument Valley can be just a quick photo stop. If you opt to visit the Monument Valley Tribal Park and drive the scenic loop, count at least 1.5-2 hours. If you go on a tour, most of them take about 2-4 hours. For a truly unique visit, you can opt for this 2-day overnight tour . It’s an amazing experience, as long as you know what to expect.

Where to stay. Most people visit Monument Valley for a day from Flagstaff, Page, or other bigger towns in Arizona or en route to/from Utah or Colorado. There’s a hotel at the visitor center itself. Nearby, you can also find Goulding’s Lodge , which also has a pool. Alternatively, there are several hotels in Kayenta , about 25 miles/ 30 minutes southwest of Monument Valley.

TIP: The beautiful Church Rock Valley (featured photo at the top of this article) can be found along Hwy 160, 10 min drive east of Kayenta.

LEARN MORE: Monument Valley Scenic Drive

8. Scottsdale

If you look at Arizona on a map, you might wonder why Scottsdale is getting called out on its own in this list. Isn’t it just a suburb of Phoenix, you ask? Well no, Scottsdale is actually a separate city of over 250,000 people that is distinctly unique in the state.

Scottsdale has long been a desert getaway for the rich and famous. Today, it offers a delightful mix of art galleries, great restaurants, historic mid-century hotels, dreamy spas, and all the desert landscapes you expect to find in Arizona.

On your first trip to Scottsdale, the must-dos include exploring the shops, galleries, and public art in Old Town Scottsdale, drinking wine along the city’s Urban Wine Trail, visiting a museum like the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SmoCA) or Wonderspaces, and touring Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home of Taliesin West. Also Scottsdale’s classy spas and golf courses are not to be missed.

If you love the outdoors, you’ll also want to be sure to visit the McDowell Sonoran Preserve , a 30,500-acre nature preserve where you can see impressive saguaro cacti up close.

How much time to spend. You can see all the highlights in Scottsdale in about three days (here’s an itinerary for 3 days in Scottsdale ), though a longer trip would be even better if you want to spend extra time relaxing poolside or at the spa.

Since Scottsdale is just next to Phoenix, Tempe, and many other nice places mentioned in this article, we recommend that you take a look at this Phoenix – Scottsdale travel guide and itinerary for more information on how to plan your trip.

Good to know: Scottsdale Old Town is easy to get around on foot, but rideshares are plentiful and affordable, too. Furthermore, parking is free almost everywhere.

Recommended by Amanda of A Dangerous Business Travel Blog

Tucson should be at the top of any list of places to visit in Arizona! The city is one of the most culturally rich in the state, the food is great, and there are lots of fun things to do in town and nearby. What you have the opportunity to visit nowadays, has been molded by native groups, Spanish missionaries, Mexican ranchers, California gold rushers, and many others.

Start your visit downtown and walk through the historic and modern areas of Tucson , or join this popular historic bike tour . Check out the Historic Pima County Courthouse, Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, Museum of Art, and Arizona Historical Society. Congress Street and 4th Avenue are booming with restaurants, breweries, murals, public works of art, and artisan studios. Tucson’s cuisine shines like a bright beacon.

In 2017, the city was declared a “ City of Gastronomy ” by UNESCO. You can spend days eating Sonoran hot dogs, chimichangas, tamales, and steak fingers.

A visit to the San Xavier del Bac Mission (located about 10 miles from downtown) is also a must! Besides, the city is surrounded by national parks, mountain parks, natural areas, and other spaces ideal for outdoor activities.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will be spoiled with choice. A list of places to check out includes the Tucscon Botanical Gardens, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park (see further below), Tucson Mountain Park, Sabino Canyon, and Santa Catalina Natural Area.

In addition to the city itself, there are several interesting day trip options from the city. These include Tubac, Tumacacori, Sonoita, Kartchner Caverns, Sonora Desert, Bisbee, and Tombstone.

How much time to spend. It is recommended to spend at least 3 full days in Tucson: one day dedicated to the city, one day to take advantage of the outdoor opportunities, and another day for a day trip to places like Tombstone (see further below). If you do not want to rush through the attractions, you can easily allocate 5 to 7 days to the area. Depending on your travel style, you can either stay in Tucson and make it your base for the area or you can just stop here for a day or two as part of a road trip visiting some of the best places in Arizona.

Good to know: Remember Tucson has dry desert weather and the best time to visit is from October to May. Also, keep in mind temperatures in the area can vary greatly, so wear layers.

Recommended by Ruth from Tanama Tales .

10. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument: The Wave, White Pocket & More

If you just can’t get enough of the unique landscapes of Arizona, consider visiting Vermillion Cliffs National Monument as well! This is a huge nature reserve in Northern Arizona, at the border with Utah, and it’s jam-packed with many incredible natural features.

You can see some of the area by driving Highway 89A. However, the majority of the most beautiful scenery requires a high clearance 4×4 vehicle, is not simple to reach or find, and is not something most travelers will easily be able to visit. This is one of those remote places where you won’t find any tourism infrastructure, only unspoiled wilderness with the most amazing landscapes of slot canyons, mesas, and buttes…

The most famous natural landmark of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument is The Wave , located in Coyote Buttes. This is one of the places that you can only visit if you get extremely lucky with their lottery-based permit system . Only 12 groups (max. 48 people) are allowed to visit here per day, so you can imagine that the chances are very slim (and you have to try 4 months in advance).

However, don’t despair if you don’t have a 4×4 or can’t get to see The Wave. There are several other amazing places at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument that you can easily visit with organized tours.

One such place is White Pocket – a unique rock formation in a stunning, remote area. You can visit here with this highly-rated private day tour .

Another area that can be visited with a tour is Buckskin Gulch (already mentioned as an alternative to Antelope Canyon higher above). There are several tours that visit this slot canyon .

If you have a very good 4×4, you might be able to get to the White Pocket, Buckskin Gulch, and other places in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument on your own. But you really have to travel well prepared! Also, this is probably not the best place to explore on your own in summer because it gets terribly hot. No matter how you visit – on your own or with a guide – be sure to carry plenty of drinking water with you!

11. Lake Powell & Page

Lake Powell is a huge man-made reservoir on the Colorado River in Northern Arizona and southern Utah. Located just near Page, AZ (where you can also visit previously mentioned landmarks like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend), the lake is also a major vacation spot in the area, attracting a couple of million tourists a year.

There is a lot to see and do in Page and around Lake Powell. If you are here on vacation, you can rent boats , go jet-skiing , try flyboarding , or join various tours on the lake. If you are mostly interested in sightseeing, in addition to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend , you can easily see Glen Canyon Dam and Wahweap Overlook . There are also some nice scenic trails in this area – check out the Hanging Gardens , a 1-mile hike north of Page.

As already mentioned in the Horseshoe Bend section above, there are also amazing air tours in this area. One of the best price-quality options is this highly-rated tour by a small airplane . You can enjoy spectacular aerial views of Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon.

How much time to spend. This highly depends on what you are planning to see and do in this area. You can see all the ‘musts’ in just half a day to a day, but you can also spend a week here and never get bored.

12. Hoover Dam

Located at the Arizona – Nevada state border, Hoover Dam is one of the top landmarks of Arizona (and yes, that of Nevada too)! There’s even a sign at the dam showing where the two states split. It’s a unique chance to stand in Nevada and Arizona at the same time and also a great photo opportunity. So this list (and your trip to the area) wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Hoover Dam as one of the best places to see in Arizona.

Hoover Dam is a man-made wonder and once you see how huge it is, it will take your breath away. Built almost a hundred years ago, in the 1930s, it was the tallest dam in the world at that time. At the Visitor Center, you can learn more about its history, see models and exhibits, and you can also take a tour inside .

However, most people don’t visit inside and simply enjoy the views of the dam and the surroundings from various viewpoints. It all really depends on how much time you have and what other places you are planning to see nearby.

TIP: On a short visit, don’t miss a view from the Mike O’Callaghan Memorial Bridge. This is the best place to take in the immense size of the dam. Also check out the views from the Hoover Dam itself (there’s a pedestrian footpath next to the road)!

13. Saguaro National Park

There’s no more iconic symbol of the state of Arizona than the towering Saguaro cactus, and there’s no better place to see them than in Saguaro National Park near Tucson. There are nearly two million Saguaro cacti in the park!

Saguaro National Park is spread across two divisions, one to the east of downtown Tucson and the other to the west. You can spend anywhere between a half-day and two full days exploring Saguaro NP.

For those who are truly in a rush through their trip to Arizona, it’s possible to explore the west side of Saguaro National Park (formally known as the Tucson Mountain Division) on a day trip from Phoenix, as the drive is just over 90 minutes. But if you want to explore both sides of the park to the fullest, it’s best to stay in Tucson and combine a visit here with several other best places and landmarks in Arizona mentioned in this guide.

Both sides of Saguaro National Park are excellent for families visiting with young children or visitors with limited mobility. There are loop drives through some of the Park’s most scenic areas. The Valley View Overlook trail (west) and Cactus Forest Trail (east) offer short, relatively flat walks that put visitors up close with many different species and shapes of cacti and also offer great wildlife viewing opportunities. Here you can find more info for visiting Saguaro National Park .

TIP: For a stunning desert sunset, visit the west side late in the day – the return half of the loop drive faces west as the sun sets through the dense cactus groves. The park has no formal closing time so there’s no need to rush (though the entire mountain range is extremely dark).

Recommended by Melissa from The Family Voyage.

14. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Located next to the main road between Phoenix and Flagstaff, just south of Sedona, Montezuma Castle National Monument is one of the easy-to-visit places in Arizona. If you find yourself in this area, don’t just pass by!

Montezuma Castle is a large 12th-century cliff dwelling that was built and used by the Sinagua people. The main structure of the cliff dwelling is a 5-story building that has twenty rooms. In all honesty, it looks more like a huge apartment building rather than a castle. Nevertheless, it’s very impressive and well worth a visit.

Access inside isn’t allowed, but you can easily admire this unique structure by walking the short paved trail around it. This is a very enjoyable attraction for the whole family and it only takes 15-30 minutes to visit. So Montezuma Castle National Monument isn’t really a destination in itself, but a very nice stop if you are passing by.

If you have more time, you can also visit Montezuma Well . This is an archeological site about 10 miles from Montezuma Castle, a 20-minute drive a bit off the main road. But since you can reconnect to the main highway from there, it’s actually not such a big detour.

Good to know: The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. The entrance fee is somewhat steep at 10 USD per adult, but kids 15 and under are free, and the pass includes both places. If you have the annual National Parks pass ( America the Beautiful Pass ), it’s also valid here.

15. Tombstone

When you visit the “Old West”, you have so many historical sites, ghost towns, and other attractions to choose from that it can be hard to know which ones are truly worth the time and money. A visit to Tombstone in southern Arizona, however, is sure to be a universal favorite. If you are looking for a fun and exciting taste of the Wild West, you’ll definitely find it in Tombstone, AZ . For us, this is one of the must-see places in Arizona!

The whole town has committed to recreating the history and feel of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the nostalgia of the American Old West .

Walking down E. Allen Street, a dusty dirt road in the town center, is quite an experience in and of itself. Gunslingers tip their hats as they walk quietly by in the glaring sun while the horsedrawn coach rattles off from the old Wells Fargo Stagecoach depot. Suddenly, the locals are scrambling to hide behind barrels and peeking over saloon doors. A gunfighter is making his way down the middle of the road, guns in hand, looking for a fight… Everyone knows what comes next. It’s cheesy, yes, but it’s great fun and perfectly recreated.

Of course, there’s more to see and do in Tombstone! Once the sheriff has taken down the outlaw, it’s time to go underground at the silver mine or discover the real story at the infamous shootout at the O.K. Corral. You can also learn more about the history of the area at the Tombstone Courthouse History Museum . And be sure to take a Tombstone Historical Trolley Tour – it’s a great way to get the current scoop on life in town. Another must-see is the gunfight show at the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park .

How much time to spend. Most people will spend 4-5 hours in Tombstone, more than enough to make it a solid day trip from the nearby Tucson or even from Phoenix . However, if you decide to stay here for a night, you can opt for even more fun activities in the evening. For instance, you can join a spooky ghost and murders tour through town or the family-friendly dead men’s tales ghost tour . There are several nice hotels in Tombstone , and staying here will surely add to the ultimate Old West experience.

Recommended by Jim Vail at Roving Vails .

16. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

The Grand Canyon may be the most popular canyon in the state of Arizona, and there’s definitely a good reason for that. But if you want to get off the tourist path in Arizona, Canyon de Chelly is incredibly stunning and equally worth seeing. If you are looking to experience the best of Arizona, don’t miss this lesser-known gem!

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is located in a remote area of northeastern Arizona on Native American lands. You can drive around the rim for easy access to the stunning views inside the canyon. Take advantage of the many pullouts and take your time to enjoy the scenery. Canyon de Chelly is painted in an exquisite palate of reds, golds, and browns but with a lush green canyon floor.

Good to know: While you can visit some places on your own, you are required to hire a local guide to enter most of the canyon. But it’s worth doing to get to learn about life in the area and in the tribe. Your guide will take you for a drive into the canyon and you can hike the many trails. Stop at the visitor center for a list of guides and recommendations for your visit or check out the official website for more information.

There are also a couple of trails you can hike on your own. One leads you to the White House ruin , which is incredible to see. Or, you can hike the Sliding House Overlook trail to see a cliff dwelling high up on the canyon wall. It’s so interesting to see these different types of dwellings.

One of the most spectacular views in Canyon de Chelly is looking out on the Spider Rock spire . Its brilliant red is striking against the green patchwork of color and will remain etched in your mind long after your visit.

TIP: While you can enjoy some of the best that Canyon de Chelly has to offer in just a day, plan for at least a couple of days in this peaceful area. It’s a real gem – you won’t be disappointed! There are a couple of hotels in Chinle , just at the entrance of the park.

Recommended by Arizona local Sam from My Flying Leap .

17. Flagstaff

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Arizona, Flagstaff should be high on your list! Often overlooked for nearby Sedona and the Grand Canyon, there are actually many great things to do in Flagstaff that make it worthy of a stop on your Arizona trip.

Flagstaff is best known for being along Arizona’s stretch of Route 66 . The famous “Mother Road” goes right through the heart of downtown! If you’ve never been on Route 66 before, you’ll enjoy the chance to see the famous sign and snap a photo with this iconic piece of Americana.

Flagstaff has a very different landscape than a lot of Arizona because it’s at a high altitude. The town sits at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, and you can even go skiing in the winter just outside of town! No matter when you visit, be sure to take the Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift up to the Arizona Snowbowl atop Agassiz Peak, the second-highest mountain in Arizona at 12,356 feet. Another unique landscape spot is nearby Sunset Crater Volcanic National Monument , with its lava tubes and volcanic landscape.

Flagstaff also holds the distinction of being the world’s first “International Dark Sky City” – an honor normally only bestowed on smaller towns and national parks. It has its own observatory, the Lowell Observatory , which is where Pluto was discovered! It is a National Historic Landmark and you can take tours of the observatory if you book in advance.

Another fun thing to do in Flagstaff is checking out the thriving brewery culture. There are a number of great breweries which are brewing up creative new craft beer and serving them up with some delicious pub food! Mother Road Brewing Company (named for Route 66) is one of the best of the bunch. They specialize in ales (IPAs, double IPAs, tripels, brown ales, pale ales, etc.) and everything is fantastic.

Recommended by Allison from Eternal Arrival .

18. Williams & Bearizona Wildlife Park

Williams, Arizona may not be on your radar as a great travel destination in Arizona because it is foreshadowed by bigger cities and so many amazing National and State Parks in the state. But you will be wrong to dismiss it from your travel plans because it has many interesting attractions!

Just as many towns in this area, Williams is located right on the famous Route 66 . So also here, you can visit various Route 66 attractions: old buildings, gift shops, and Route 66 Gas Station Museum.

One of the main attractions not to miss in Williams is a scenic train ride to Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway . You board the train in town in the morning and travel about 2 hours to the South Rim at the Grand Canyon National Park.

You can ride in glass dome cars and enjoy the amazing scenery, and you have a few hours of free time to explore the South Rim. It’s possible to stay in the park longer, but most people just do this as a day trip and return back to Williams by train in the afternoon.

One of the absolute must-sees in Williams is Bearizona Wildlife Park , a drive-thru wildlife and safari park dedicated to the wildlife of Arizona. The uniqueness of Bearizona is in its layout: animals are not kept in small enclosures but allowed to roam free and tourists can drive around their habitats in their vehicles.

This gives you an opportunity for close encounters with such magnificent animals as bison, bear, and wolf. It is an amazing experience when a wolf just walks by your car or two bears fight an arm’s length from you, with only a car window in between!

There are also ‘walk-through’ exhibits where you can observe smaller animals such a beaver, porcupine, red fox, and many others. In addition to its exhibits, Bearizona also organizes live animal presentations, the most popular of which is the birds of prey show. This is such a great place to visit in Arizona for everyone, and an absolute must for families!

Good to know: Bearizona is open daily, all year round. It’s cheaper to visit on weekdays than on the weekends. For more info, please see their website .

Recommended by Tatiana from Family Road Trip Guru .

19. Sunset Crater Volcano & Wupatki National Monuments

There are two more interesting places to check out in Arizona – Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument. They are both located just near Flagstaff and don’t require much time, so you can easily add them to your Arizona road trip itinerary if you have a couple of hours to spare in this area.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is centered around a cinder cone dormant volcano that has erupted about 1,000 years ago (1025 AD). Needless to say, a volcano is a surprising sight to see in Arizona!

The Lava Flow Trail is one of the best trails to hike as it takes you through the Bonito Lava Flow and numerous volcanic features while walking at the base of Sunset Crater Volcano. The trail is an easy 1 mi (1.6 km) round-trip hike. Hikers can view a lava tube and other lava features. A stop at the Visitor Center provides additional information as well as the Junior Rangers program.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument connects to Wupatki National Monument by loop road about 10 miles away.

Less than 800 years ago, Wupatiki was the tallest, largest, and most influential pueblo around. Between 85-100 people lived here, and several thousand more lived within a day’s walk.

There are several short hikes around the pueblo sites. There is also a Visitor Center offering a Junior Rangers program and other information about the site and its history.

TIP: Visit these parks early or late afternoon as there is no shade. If you arrive early enough, you may spot pronghorns in the fields near the Wupatki National Monument entrance.

Recommended by Nicole from AffordableFamilyTravel .

20. Petrified Forest National Park

The Petrified Forest National Park located between two major roads – Hwy 40 and Hwy 180 – in eastern Arizona is an incredible place to visit if you enjoy the great outdoors and some adventure. This park is unlike any other place in Arizona, with unique colorful landscapes, 200 million-year-old petrified tree trunks, fossils, and petroglyphs.

Be sure to visit the Rainbow Forest Museum which is easily accessible via Highway 180. The museum is small but very informative and will tell you all you need to know about the natural history of the area. The Petrified Forest National Park is also a fantastic place to go hiking and exploring. The Blue Mesa Trail is highly recommended as it’s one of the most scenic trails in the park and the loop is only 1 mile (1.6 km). Painted Desert Rim Trail is another really nice and short hike of similar length.

It’s definitely possible to see the park in one day and you can drive to many places of interest or enjoy one or two short hikes. Since accommodation nearby is limited, most tourists only visit here for a couple of hours or a day. However, if you want to truly enjoy the beauty of this park, you can also stay here for two or three nights and you’ll find plenty to see and do.

Good to know: Campsites are only accessible on foot and there is no RV camping permitted. To camp, you need to obtain a free permit from the Rainbow Forest Museum. This is definitely an adventure and only suitable for experienced campers and hikers. Alternatively, the best town to stay nearby is Holbrook, AZ , where you’ll find several hotels, shops, and restaurants. It’s about 20 miles/25 minutes drive from either entrance to the park. The entrance fee is 25$ per vehicle, or you can also use your annual national parks pass.

Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel .

21. Navajo National Monument

Navajo National Monument has three of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in Arizona. You can spend an hour, a morning, or even two or three days here depending on what you want to see. But no matter how much time you have, it’s well worth a visit!

The most popular (and easiest) way to experience the monument is to hike the self-guided Sandal Trail . The 1.3-mile out-and-back paved trail passes through areas of pine and junipers to an overlook where there is a great view of the Betatakin cliff dwelling 0.25 miles away across the canyon. To do this hike, you will need about an hour or two, including the time to enjoy seeing the dwelling.

If you have more time, it’s also possible to take a backcountry hike to see the dwellings up close. Guided hikes/ tours to see Betatakin typically take 3-5 hours. They include either a 3-mile or 5-mile steep, strenuous hike, plus time at the dwelling. They are normally offered twice a day mid-May to mid-September. You can sign up for these at the Visitor Center on the same day. For more information, see the official site of the National Park Service .

For the more adventurous (and fitter), there is also a very strenuous 17-mile roundtrip backcountry self-guided hike to the Keet Siel dwelling . This can be done in one day or with an overnight camping stop. If you plan to hike Keet Siel, you need to make a reservation and then attend a mandatory orientation in the afternoon on the day before your hike.

TIP: You can do the Betatakin hike in the morning, then attend the Keet Siel orientation when you return and then hike to Keet Siel the next day. That way, you get to see both cliff dwellings in two days (or three if you opt for overnight camping). There is also a campground near the Visitor Center and a few hotels in Kayenta , about 30 minutes drive.

Recommended by James Ian from Parks Collecting .

22. Lower Salt River & Wild Horses

Winding through the arid Tonto National Forest, the Lower Salt River is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The best way to explore this scenic Sonoran Desert oasis is by boat. You paddle between jagged, red cliffs, and also have great scenic views of the landscapes dotted by cacti.

You don’t have to be an experienced kayaker or paddler to enjoy this calm river, either. But if you know how to steer your watercraft, you’ll be able to get yourself a better view of the big draw in the area – the wild mustangs. Small herds of wild horses can be spotted as they come to the water for a drink. If you’re lucky, you may spy a line of horses crossing the river.

The entire Salt River is 200 miles long, but the most popular section for kayaking or beginner-friendly floating trips is the Lower Salt River. Due to its proximity to Phoenix, it’s an easy day trip for visitors to the metro area, and most of these tours start in Mesa, AZ.

It’s best to go on a guided tour . Local outfitters provide the equipment (including a wet bag to keep your belongings dry), instructions, and knowledgeable guides will add to the experience, pointing out native wildlife and sharing entertaining stories. You can rent equipment and paddle unguided, too, but you’ll need to arrange transportation and you also need a Tonto National Forest Recreational Pass. If you book a tour, they normally take care of all of this.

Good to know: Dress in layers since it’s cooler in the morning and heats up quickly. And plan on getting wet. It’s common to take breaks in shallow areas of the river to cool in the water.

TIP: If you are looking for more action and adventure, there are also rafting trips on the other part of the Salt River. Most of them start in Whiteriver, AZ. Here you can book a 3-hr rafting tour on Salt River and here’s a longer 6-hr rafting tour . Most of these tours are still very beginner-friendly, and even kids (usually age 8+) can partake.

Recommended by Kim from Oh My! Omaha

23. Apache Trail

If you are visiting the Phoenix area, one of the cool places that really gives you a sense of Arizona and the wild, wild, west is the Apache Trail located just about 20 miles outside of the city.

A real taste of old Phoenix and the western days, the Apache Trail holds most of the water reservoirs that feed a large part of the population. But it’s also interspersed with arid desert filled with local cactus and flora, ghost towns, and little spit communities with cool dive bars and memorabilia stuck to the walls and ceilings. It really is a special area to visit in Arizona that remains unchanged and so Old Western in appeal.

The Apache Trail is about 40 miles, with lots of scenic lookouts and great photo opportunities. It’s totally unique and fun to explore. Most of the trail drive is on dirt and gravel roads, winding trails that curve the water edges, and into hilly areas with stunning scenic views of this magnificent countryside.

A popular place to visit along the route through the Apache Trail is Goldfield ghost town , an old miner town that is more tourist-focused but not so tacky and still authentic. Superstition Mountain and the Lost Dutchman State Park are beautiful mountain and outcrop formations with fantastic hikes to enjoy.

Canyon Lake is also a nice stop. It has nice facilities to enjoy a picnic, water fun, and even some water sports. Tortilla Flat is another must-see en route. It’s an old western settlement with a funky old general store, a bar, and some interesting outbuildings to explore. It is fun and what you would typically expect from an outpost in this area.

The forty miles of varied terrain on the Apache Trail is not a fast journey. Count at least 3-4 hours, but you can easily fill an entire day for this route. If you are in Phoenix, make sure to take some time to visit the Apache Trail for a taste of the Wild West of Arizona.

Recommended by Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery .

24. Lake Havasu

Although you may never have heard of Lake Havasu before, it is actually home to the second most visited attraction in Arizona, the world-famous London Bridge ! Yes, the London Bridge from England, UK, featured in the popular nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down.” After being purchased from England in 1968, the bridge was meticulously relocated brick by brick from its former home on the river Themes to Lake Havasu, linking the city with an island in the Colorado River.

Rumor has it that the founder of Lake Havasu City actually thought he was purchasing the much more decedent Tower Bridge rather than the plain brick London Bridge they received.

Other than spotting a somewhat out-of-place historic monument, there are plenty more reasons why you should visit Lake Havasu. From hiking and mountain biking through SARA Park to fishing , boating , and paddleboarding on the lake itself or simply relaxing on its sandy beaches , this lakeside city in the Sonoran Desert indeed does have something to satisfy everyone’s preferred vacation.

An amazing event to see is the Lake Havasu Hot Air balloon festival, which sees more than 80 hot air balloons take the sky in an incredibly picturesque setting over the lake for a weekend in mid-January. Take your family to enjoy the music, food, entertainment, and carnival rides that truly make this the most magical time to visit Lake Havasu.

TIP: While you can visit Lake Havasu for a day, it’s a real vacation destination that is best enjoyed on a longer visit! Allow at least three days to relax and see the sites of Lake Havasu. The best way to embrace the summer vacation spirit here is to rent a lakefront Airbnb with your family or friends for a group getaway.

Recommended by Kate from Miss Tourist.

If you are looking for nice places to visit along the iconic Route 66 in Arizona , check out the tiny village of Oatman , between Needles and Kingman. Oatman was founded in 1915 when two people found gold in this area that was worth over 10 million dollars. Within a year, the town’s population grew to 3,500 inhabitants. However, after the mines closed and Interstate 40 was built, Oatman turned into a ghost town.

Nowadays, the town is a popular stop for people road-tripping through the Southwest USA and Oatman has about 40-50 inhabitants. Besides historic Route 66 (the section between Oatman and Kingman is breathtakingly beautiful), there are many other interesting things to see in Oatman.

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive is the large number of wild burros that wander through town. They are descendants of the pack mules that were used by the prospectors back in the day. The burros are protected by the government and roam around freely. In the shops, you can buy food to feed them.

Also the Oatman Hotel is worth checking out. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard (the famous couple from Gone with the Wind) stayed here during their honeymoon in 1939. Besides that, the hotel is known to be haunted. But don’t worry, “Oatie the Ghost” seems to be a friendly ghost.

If you are passing nearby, be sure to take a detour off the main highway, drive part of the original Route 66, and visit Oatman. It’s just a short stop that doesn’t require more than an hour or two, but it will definitely make your Arizona road trip more special.

Recommended by Jacoba from Op Reis Met Co .

26. Seligman, Route 66

Seligman is one more place that we feel deserves a separate mention on this list of the best places to visit in Arizona. Considered the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66” , Seligman is a small town along the original line of this historic route and a great place to get a taste of what Route 66 used to be like.

Seligman is a colorful town that has preserved a lot of its buildings and culture, and it’s full of fun photo opportunities.

One of the best places to start is the Copper Cart , an old gas station that now functions as a gift shop. Often, a real-life cowboy fully equipped with a couple of horses, cowboy hats, and 1870s Winchester rifles hangs out here and you can take some great pictures with all the ‘props’. Don’t forget to tip as the proceeds go toward hay for the horses. Historic Seligman Sundries is another nice place for souvenirs and photos.

There are dozens of great photo opportunities in Seligman (don’t miss the colorful  Seligman sign  too), so you can spend an hour or two wandering around and taking pictures. There are also a couple of nice old-school places for lunch or a snack (check out Delgadillo’s Snow Cap or Westside Lilo’s Cafe).

Just like most Route 66 attractions, Seligman isn’t really a destination in itself, but a great photo/lunch stop when passing by. If you find yourself near Williams, AZ, or if you are driving between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon, be sure to check it out! If you have more time, you can also drive a section of the historic Route 66 here.

Map of the Best Places in Arizona

To give you a better idea of where all these places are located, we created a map indicating all the main landmarks and attractions mentioned in this article (see below). This will help you decide which places can be visited together so that you can plan a perfect Arizona itinerary covering all the sights that interest you the most.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our guide to some of the best places in the Grand Canyon state. I hope that it gave you plenty of ideas of where to go and what to see in Arizona!

For more travel inspiration for this area, please see our featured articles below. Check it out!

Visiting Arizona? Check out these guides as well:

More travel tips for Arizona & Utah:

• One day in Grand Canyon
• Where to stay in Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon – Antelope Canyon – Horseshoe Bend itinerary
• Best things to do in Sedona
• Sedona day trip
• Zion to Bryce Canyon – travel info and itinerary suggestions
• Best hikes in Zion National Park
• Where to stay in and near Zion National Park
• Best things to do in Arches National Park
• Best things to do in Canyonlands National Park
• Best things to do in Moab
• Where to stay in Moab
• Best Moab Tours

Travel tips for Las Vegas:

• Best things to do in Las Vegas
• First-timer’s guide and tips for visiting Las Vegas
• 1-day Las Vegas Itinerary
• Best day trips from Las Vegas

Southern California:

• Los Angeles Itinerary for 3 Days
• Universal Studios Hollywood: Tips for First Visit
• Universal Studios vs. Warner Bros Studios Hollywood
• San Diego Itinerary
• Best Places to See in Death Valley National Park

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Additional image credits: Depositphotos.com

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 19th of March 2024

i like the Sedona its cool

Wednesday 20th of March 2024

It is! There are so many cool places in Arizona, right?!

korosh solhi

Wednesday 29th of November 2023

hi this is great

Thursday 30th of November 2023

Glad to help. Happy travels!

Frances Williams

Monday 30th of January 2023

Hello Jurga, I am going to Italy this September and using all your suggestions- love your blogs! Please can you suggest an organized tour for 3 Seniors in May to visit Sedona and the GC, south rim. We won’t drive. We would like to stay a couple of nights in Sedona and do day trips but how do we get to Sedona from Phoenix? Would love your guidance. Thanks

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

Hello Frances, I did some research and found this company that seems to arrange transportation between Phoenix (airport) and various places in the area including Sedona. Once in Sedona, you can take tours to any of the places you want to visit in that area. For recommendations, take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Sedona. Have a great trip!

21 Best Places to Visit in Arizona (AZ Bucket List!)

Home to some of the most iconic and otherwordly landscapes in the American Southwest, not to mention plenty of towns and cities to explore, it’s safe to say that tackling all of the best places to visit in Arizona is quite the challenge.

After visiting Arizona many times, we still leave each time with an ever-longer list of hikes, viewpoints, small towns, and quirky attractions that we hope to enjoy (and plenty that we hope to return to again and again).

This AZ bucket list is designed to help you make the most of your time in The Grand Canyon State!

Whether you want to hike in the iconic Grand Canyon, check into a relaxing resort in Scottsdale, stand in awe of towering saguaro cacti, or try to nab a hard-to-get permit for some of Arizona’s (literal) hidden gems, this list of beautiful places in Arizona to visit will have you dreaming of desert sunsets in no time.

Here are the best places to go in Arizona!

Table of Contents

Naturally Beautiful Places in Arizona to Visit

Arizona bucket list cities + towns to visit, more of the best places to visit in arizona, read more about visiting arizona (and the southwest usa).

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Grand Canyon National Park

Of course, no Arizona bucket list could possibly begin with anything other than the absolutely iconic Grand Canyon!

Home to some of the most incredible views in the USA, the Colorado River has been working for millions of years to create this absolute masterpiece.

According to one 2012 study, the formation of the Grand Canyon may reach back a whopping 70 million years!

Some of the most popular things to do in the Grand Canyon today include strolling along the Rim Trail, hiking into the canyon itself (on the South Rim, the Bright Angel trail and South Kaibab trails are both incredibly popular–South Kaibab is my favorite), and watching the sunset from the viewpoints.

The national park itself is split into two sections: the popular South Rim, home to the best-known views and trails, and the lesser-visited but still beautiful North Rim.

While the South Rim should undoubtedly be your first stop, if you have time to add on a trip to the North Rim too, you won’t be sorry!

(Note that while the South Rim is open year-round, the North Rim closes seasonally, but is traditionally open from mid-May to mid-October).

Horseshoe Bend

This iconic bend in the Colorado River is one of the best places to visit in Arizona and a must-see attraction in the small town of Page !

Seeing how big of a sensation this gorgeous viewpoint has become, it’s hard to believe that during our first visit to Horseshoe Bend in 2015, it was barely a blip on the map.

At that time, Horseshoe Bend was free to visit, and we were one of only a handful of people there!

Now, everything from a large parking lot to a hiking trail to a viewing platform has been built to accommodate the number of visitors eager to admire the view–and it deserves every bit of its fame.

As of the time of writing, there’s a $10 parking fee, per car, to visit.

From Paula of Paula Pins the Planet

The Wave is one of the  best places to go hiking in Arizona … and also one of the most competitive!

This Arizona bucket list destination is known for its beautiful red and orange wave-like sandstone formations.

However, you must be the lucky winner of the permit lottery to be able to hike to this epic spot.

Each day, only 64 people are allotted permits to hike there.

You can apply online 4 months in advance, or you can show up at the Grand Staircase Escalante Visitor Center the day prior to trying your chance at the walk-in lottery.

The hike is about 8 miles round trip and rated as moderate.

The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from October until May.

It is highly recommended to hire a local guide to do the hike with, especially if you are not super skilled with route-finding.

The Wave is located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Utah and Arizona border, and in addition to the Wave, it has many other spectacular rock formations to be explored.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

From Daria of The Discovery Nut

Arizona is well-known for its stunning natural landmarks such as the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon which are popular with travelers who go there on a day trip from nearby cities such as Las Vegas .

However, the state also boasts many less-discovered gems that have been quietly flying under the radar for many years.

One of them is Canyon De Chelly National Monument, a spectacular landmark in the Four Corners region located near the town of Chinle in northeastern Arizona.

With over 800 archaeological sites that include cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and other remnants of past civilizations that inhabited this place, Canyon De Chelly is well worth a stop.

What’s interesting is that this monument consists of three major canyons including Monument Canyon, Canyon Del Muerto, and Canyon De Chelly.

It’s a fantastic place for hiking and enjoying the scenic views, and, unlike some other landmarks in the region such as Monument Valley, Canyon De Chelly offers a less crowded space.

Saguaro National Park

From Ale of Sea Salt & Fog

The saguaro cactus is the icon of the West, and there’s no better way to see these unique cacti in their full splendor than by visiting Saguaro National Park.

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the national park is made up of rolling hills dotted in saguaros and is a photographer’s dream. 

One of the  best things to do in Saguaro National Park  is to go hiking among the saguaros.

The Kings Canyon / Gould Mine Loop trail is a short, but moderately strenuous hike that will give you stunning views of the saguaros and of the city of Tucson.

This is one of the best places in the park to experience and photograph the sunset, and an Arizona bucket list destination for photographers!

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still greatly enjoy one of the scenic drives in the park.

The Bajada Loop drive is a great introduction to Saguaro National Park.

On the eastern side, the cactus forest drive will also deliver beautiful views right from your car.  

Saguaro National Park is one of the most beautiful places to go in AZ and one that should definitely be on your Arizona bucket list.

Lake Powell

From Sarah of Roadmaps and Restaurants

Lake Powell should be on everyone’s must-visit list when exploring the best places in Arizona. 

Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir along the Colorado River that offers something for everyone!

From kayaking, boating, and watersports to camping, hiking, and exploring the nearby Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell is filled with opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.

There is even a golf course if you’re interested in playing a round on your trip.

In addition to camping at multiple RV or tent campgrounds, you can rent houseboats to stay on the water or stay at the Lake Powell Resort !

The resort also has multiple dining options including the Rainbow Room, which offers a delicious meal with unparalleled views of the water. 

Lake Powell is also right by Page, AZ , and approximately a 15-minute drive from the famous Horseshoe Bend, which is definitely worth a stop!  

Monument Valley

From James Ian of Park Collecting

When you think of classic Southwest USA scenery, you are probably thinking of the iconic  Monument Valley .

With its desert plains dotted with buttes and mesas, it is both famous (you can partially thank Forrest Gump for that) and incredibly beautiful.  

The valley is designated as the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and, because this is Navajo land, there are restrictions on how you can access it.

There is one road, a 17-mile loop called Valley Drive, that you can drive yourself.  This takes you past many of the main formations.

You can stop off at John Wayne Point and get your photo taken sitting on a horse looking out over the scenery just like John Wayne did.

For more detailed exploration, take a backcountry tour with a Navajo guide and learn more about their culture and see additional sites.

If you like to hike, there is one trail – the Wildcat Trail – that you can hike yourself.

Other hikes also require the services of a Navajo guide.

Havasu Falls

As one of the most logistically challenging places to visit in Arizona–but also one of the most beautiful–there’s something truly magical about visiting Havasu Falls.

Tucked into a corner of the Grand Canyon that is part of the land belonging to the Havasupai people, Havasu Falls is not part of the national park.

For that reason, visiting Havasu Falls entails first nabbing an elusive permit , and then hiking 10 miles each way into the gorgeous Havasu Canyon.

No day hiking is allowed, so laying your eyes on this waterfall requires both advance planning and a commitment to camping overnight.

For those who make the journey, though, the effort is absolutely worth the magnificent reward!

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

From Lori of Southerner Says

There are several reasons that Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument should be on anyone’s list of the best places to visit in Arizona.

First, there’s nowhere else in the United States where you can see this many organ pipe cacti.

A rare cactus, the organ pipe requires special conditions to flourish.

Because there are so many in this compact area of southern Arizona, Organ Pipe was declared a national monument and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. 

Second, the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is home to one of the last places on earth where visitors can see a certain rare fish.

A fish in the desert you might ask? Yes!

In the United States, the Sonoyta Pupfish exists only in Quitobaquito Springs inside the park.

Besides Organ Pipe, there are two other places in the world (both in Mexico) where it’s found. 

When visiting Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, don’t miss the 21-mile unpaved, but maintained, scenic Ajo Mountain Drive for the best views of the cacti and the park.

It’s doable in a car if you keep it slow.

Antelope Canyon

From Ashley of Jetset Jansen

One of the most popular attractions to see in Arizona is the famous slot canyon known as Antelope Canyon.

Its popularity is due to the incredible canyons that have been carved out of sandstone by water over thousands of years.

The swirling walls make for beautiful pictures, but what you may not know is that there are actually two different sections to see: the  Upper Canyon and Lower Canyon .

Both parts of Antelope Canyon have a stunning landscape, but they do have slight differences.

The Upper Canyon has a shallower opening and lets in less light. This can create light beams that shine through the canyon.

The Lower Canyon has a wider opening, so it does not get the light beams shining through, but it does have ladders that descend into the canyon. 

Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo land and you must enter with an official tour to visit.

You’ll want to plan your tour well in advance because of its popularity (particularly in the cooler months), but it is well worth the visit!

Chiricahua National Monument

From Megan Kopp of Time. Travel. Trek.

It started with a volcanic eruption over 27 million years ago. Time and weather eroded rhyolite tuff into the “Land of the Standing Up Rocks.”

Chiricahua National Monument – 120 miles southeast of Tucson – is a perfect blend of both history and hiking.

While you’re there, you can wander in the footsteps of the Chiricahua Apaches, and pay homage to Buffalo Soldiers who camped in the canyon and carved their names into monument stones.

Learn about Lillian and the Faraway Ranch while admiring the now-preserved stones built into the dining room fireplace.

Explore remains of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp built on the ranch property.

Head up to the top of this “sky island” and hike down Echo Trail’s wild switchbacks.

Or, go big with 7.3 miles (11.8 km) of hiking bliss as you stroll along Ed Riggs trail past Mushroom and Big Balanced Rocks, navigating the Heart of the Rocks loop before continuing down Sarah Deming and Lower Rhyolite Canyon trails to the Visitor Center.

From Tegan and Alex of Why Not Walk Travel Guides

Sedona is a picturesque town located right along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

Known for its funky vibe, Sedona is famous for being one of the premier places in the world to experience vortexes or convergences of energy that are said to leave you feeling recharged and inspired.

Sedona is a fantastic destination to add to any visit to Arizona and is a particular favorite for hiking and nature lovers, or those seeking an escape to a quiet and calming place.

While you’re here, be sure to check out the views of Cathedral Rock and the other astounding rock formations with their signature red hues.

One great place to do so is at Buddha Beach, and don’t miss splashing around a bit in its beautiful iridescent pools, which are quite shallow and fairly warm year-round.

If you’re in the mood for a brief hike, the Devil’s Bridge hike is one of the most popular in the area, and hiking it takes less than 2 miles round-trip along a smooth and well-paved trail.

Art lovers will surely enjoy the Sedona Art Walk and the variety of boutiques and galleries in the Gallery District.

From Margie of DQ Family Travel

Winslow makes for a great stop when visiting Arizona.

This classic Route 66 town is located an hour east of Flagstaff and is a popular tourist destination for those driving the Mother Road.

Winslow is home to two famous roadside attractions.

The first is “Standin’ on the Corner” Park, which was created to pay tribute to the 1970s Eagles song that made Winslow a town to sing about.

Many people stop here and take pictures at this corner and in front of the giant mural.

The second best thing to do in Winslow is to stay at the famous La Posada Hotel .

Opened in 1930, this hotel was a stop on the Santa Fe Railway and had a number of famous guests in its heyday (Albert Einstein, Amelia Earhart, FDR, John Wayne, and Betty Grable, just to name a few).

It was restored in the late 1990s and features beautiful gardens, local art, and updated rooms.

In addition, it is home to one of the  best Route 66 restaurants , The Turquoise Room.

The chef is a James Beard nominee and the restaurant features seasonally changing menus with a Southwest influence.

From Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours

Even though  Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the United States, people often overlook it when listing the best cities to visit in America. This is a true shame.

Phoenix has some of the best cultural experiences in the country, from museums to restaurants to botanical gardens. 

The best museum in Phoenix might be the Heard Museum, which is dedicated to advancing American Indian art and history.

Don’t miss their amazing Katsina doll collection!

If you want a more hands-on museum, visit the Musical Instrument Museum, where you can hear instruments from all over the world.

There’s also a section on Arizona musicians, like rock legend Alice Cooper. 

If you’d rather get outdoors, try exploring the gorgeous Desert Botanical Garden.

You can also visit the historic homes in Heritage Square, and afterward get a pizza at the legendary Pizzeria Bianco.

Phoenix truly has something for everyone, and its large airport makes it the perfect jumping-off point for exploring more of the best places to visit in Arizona.

From Alexa of 52 Perfect Days

Yuma is located in the southwestern corner of Arizona, just a few miles from the California-Arizona state line.

Anyone who lives in San Diego or Phoenix knows  Yuma  as a halfway point between the two cities, but it’s much more than a stopover!

Yuma is a city with an interesting past. It was a true wild west town of cowboys, brothels, gambling, and gunfights during the California Gold Rush.

For a small “pitstop” town, there is a surprising number of things to do.

The historic downtown is where you’ll find Lutes Casino, now a restaurant but where gambling took place from 1912 to 1920. Today, they are famous for their funky decor and potato tacos.

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is a must-visit in Yuma. It was built by its first prisoners and opened in 1876. It is now a museum and free to tour.

Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park is perfect for any military buffs.

In the late 1800s, this was a thriving military post used by the U.S. Army to store and distribute supplies for all the military posts in Arizona and throughout the West.

Five of the original depot buildings remain on the park grounds, and four of these buildings contain exhibits.

The Confluence of the Colorado and Gila Rivers happens in Yuma, which makes for great tubing.

If you visit from late spring to early fall, a float down the Colorado River is a must.

It’s definitely worth adding Yuma to your list of places to visit in AZ!

From Sydney of A World in Reach

If you’re looking for an Arizona bucket list destination where you can enjoy the outdoors and the city all in one, Scottsdale is the place to be.

The city has great hikes and other outdoor activities as well as a fun downtown with plenty of museums and a thriving foodie scene.

Spend a morning hiking Camelback Mountain or one of the trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Make sure to get an early start – it gets very hot in Scottsdale, so starting before sunrise can help you beat the heat.

Up next, explore Old Town Scottsdale. Here, you can go souvenir shopping, visit museums, and go winery hopping along the Scottsdale Wine Trail.

Arizona wine country may be under the radar, but it has plenty of gems to offer!

When visiting Scottsdale, you have to stay at one of the excellent resorts, like the Andaz Resort & Bungalows .

If you’re visiting Scottsdale on a budget , go during the summer when the resorts slash their prices.

It’ll be hot, but you can cool yourself down at the resort pool!

From Katie of Two Wandering Soles

With one of the best Mexican food scenes in the US, a unique national park, and a burgeoning arts scene, Tucson is adored by foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and art fiends alike.

If you find yourself in this southern Arizona city, you’ll have no shortage of ways to fill your time!

First and foremost, one of the  best things to do in Tucson  is to visit Saguaro National Park, which is divided into two sections — the most popular being on the west side of town and a less crowded portion to the east of the city.

Known as one of the best places in the world to see the  saguaro cacti  after which it was named ,  there are plenty of scenic drives and hikes suitable for all levels.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, sample your way through the city’s famous Mexican food scene.

Order your favorites or try a Sonoran Dog — one of Tucson’s staple dishes.

Even if you don’t eat meat or dairy, you’ll find some great vegan Mexican restaurants in the city.

If you’re in the mood, Tucson has a pretty lively nightlife scene, complete with a pretty good variety of live music.

If you prefer your evenings on the more relaxed side, do a sunset hike up “A Mountain” for a spectacular view over town as it begins to light up!

Oatman Ghost Town

From Debbie of World Adventurists

Located in western Arizona along Historic Route 66 flourishes the ghost town of  Oatman , in the Black Mountains of Mohave County.

Oatman was originally a mining camp where two prospectors struck $10 million in gold back in 1915.

Its location on Historic Route 66 has kept it alive since, with over half a million visitors every year.

You’ll stop for the wild burros that wander around town, but you’ll soon realize they are just the start of the show.

Stay to watch the Gunslingers Wild West shootout (1:30 & 3:30 daily) and wander the western-themed shops.

You’ll quickly also notice the fun sassy town vibe, with each storefront being named something cheeky.   Don’t miss the Oatman Hotel’s saloon, covered with signed one-dollar bills.

This started when Miners would sign and attach their money to the wall for use when they were short of funds.

Locals also claim that the hotel is haunted and the whispers and laughs of ghosts are heard in empty rooms. 

Montezuma Castle National Monument

From Alanna of Periodic Adventures

Between Sedona and Phoenix, you’ll find  Montezuma Castle National Monument , a hidden gem in Arizona.

There are two locations 11 miles apart that make up the National Monument; the castle and the well.

Montezuma Well is a large freshwater sinkhole that was once frequented by ancient Native peoples, as evidenced by cliff dwellings and irrigation systems, that still function today!

There is one main path around the area, and some of it is shaded near the small irrigation ditches.

Rest here for a tranquil break from the Arizona heat.

Montezuma Castle is the main site where you can see the large cliff dwelling that was erected over 900 years ago by the Sinagua people!

Take the circular path around the site to see the main Castle, other cliff dwellings, and unique Arizona plant life and wildlife.

There is a visitor center at the Castle site with facilities and a small museum to explore as well.

Apache Trail

From Noel of Travel Photo Discovery

One of the most unique places to visit in Arizona, just on the outskirts of Phoenix, is the Apache Trail area.

This rugged landscape with man-made reservoirs cut into the large basins collects water to take care of the Phoenix water needs.

Traveling through this trail and now more of a graveled road through the various reservoirs, rivers, and desert landscape is so unique and old western that doesn’t look changed from the old days.

You also get to pass through striking Superstitious Mountain State Park, the Goldfield Ghost Town, and some of the most beautiful mountain and desert-scape in the area, which comprises the Apache Trail.

There’s even a cool western town called Tortilla Flats that has a western bar that is so photo-worthy that a stop really gives you a sense of place in this small western spit far removed from the rest of the region.

The striking beauty and landscape of this area stand out and is a unique place to visit that isn’t even touristy in appeal but a very cool road trip experience.

Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix)

From Cat of For Two, Please

Whether you are looking for  romantic things to do in Arizona  or fun family outings around the area, be sure to make a stop at Desert Botanical Garden!

Located in Papago Park, Phoenix, the visually stunning plant sanctuary offers a peaceful opportunity for visitors to discover 4,000+ different cactus species from around the world!

There are several hiking trails inside the Garden – all offering fantastic views of the surrounding landscape while immersing yourselves in colors and fragrances.

Throughout the year, the Garden continuously hosts exciting events to celebrate each season. Concert series, wine tastings, and dinners, to name a few.

If you’re visiting in the winter, check out Las Noches de las Luminarias.

Using projection, lighting, and sound, you will watch the cacti, succulents, and rocks be brought to life and put on a show you’ve never seen before.

The event runs throughout the entire month of December – in time to celebrate the winter holidays!

The Garden is quite big to spend half a day exploring. Make sure to plan ahead and set aside enough time to get a full experience.

Devil’s Bridge (Sedona)

From Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

Of all the best places to visit in Arizona, Sedona’s iconic Devil’s Bridge is definitely high on the list!

There are lots of fun things to do in Sedona, but the  hiking in Sedona  is out of the world amazing.

Of all the really neat hikes Sedona has to offer, you definitely cannot miss Devil’s Bridge.

It is arguably the most famous hike in Sedona, landing a spot on Arizona bucket lists for visitors across the country.

If you’re looking for a picture-perfect shot on a really cool natural arch, Devil’s Bridge is your place.

The hike to Devil’s Bridge is rated as moderately challenging and can be shorter or longer depending on where you park (and parking is extremely competitive–be prepared for an early start!).

For the closest parking to Devil’s Bridge, it is recommended to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get there, especially after it’s been raining.

The trail itself has some gorgeous red-rock scenery that Sedona is so famous for so you will get to admire that on your 2-4.2 mile hike (depending on where you park).

After walking on a fairly easy flat trail for more of your hike, you will come to the mountain face where you will have to do some rock-scrambling to get to the arch.

The rock scrambling isn’t too bad though, and it’s for a very short distance.

After you’ve climbed up the rock staircase, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous view of one of the most beautiful places in Arizona and Devil’s Bridge!

Planning a trip to the Southwest soon, and want to keep reading?

You can browse all of  our 100+ USA blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• 9 Best Things to Do in Page, AZ (+ Nearby!)
• 3 Days in Las Vegas: The Perfect Weekend in Vegas Itinerary
• 11 Epic Day Hikes in the Grand Canyon (South Rim)
• Horseshoe Bend, Arizona: The Ultimate Travel Guide
• 19 Stunning Southwest Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Tips!)

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

3 thoughts on “21 Best Places to Visit in Arizona (AZ Bucket List!)”

Check out Fountain Hills az. Just east of Scottsdale, this town has the largest fountain in the world that goes off approximately every hour on the hour . It is approximately 375 ft high, surrounded by a beautiful park. The Town has some of the most beautiful vistas in the valley and it’s mountainous landscape is like nothing else in the Phoenix valley. Don’t miss this gem.

I lived in Arizona for a year and I loved the scenery. I’d love to go back someday. Such a beautiful place.

What is often missing as a place to visit in Arizona is Meteor Crater, a few miles from Winslow. About 50,000 years ago, an enormous nickel-iron meteorite smashed into the Earth and within a few seconds a crater nearly a mile in diameter and hundreds of feet deep was formed. The explosion was so great that anyone or any animals close by would have been killed. The meteorite is estimated to have been about 150 feet across. Upon impact, solid rocks were pulverized into what I’d describe as face powder. The crater is a marvelous place to visit and people of all ages will find it fascinating. It is the best preserved meteorite impact crater in the world. Most of the incoming meteorite was vaporized the moment of the impact. The visitor center has wonderful photographs and exhibits describing the event. There are guided tours of part of the crater rim. In the visitor center is the largest meteorite found there, about 1,400 pounds and visitors can actually touch this fascinating “visitor from outer space.” There is a gift shop and food is available. The cost of admission is much lower than what theme parks charge. I have been there several times and it is always a fun, educational and inspirational experience.

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The most gorgeous places to visit in Arizona

Arizona is a state of endless beauty. From the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon to the serene waters of Lake Powell, the rugged peaks of Monument Valley to the vibrant red rocks of Sedona, there’s no shortage of stunning places to explore. Let’s take a look at the most gorgeous places to visit in Arizona .

1. Grand Canyon National Park

No list of Arizona’s most beautiful spots would be complete without mentioning the Grand Canyon . This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world. Standing at the rim, you can’t help but feel humbled by the sheer size and grandeur of this massive chasm. The Colorado River, which carved out the canyon over millions of years, snakes its way through the bottom, creating a mesmerizing view that’s different every time you look. 

Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations. This small town, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The famous Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock are just a couple of the many formations that seem to change color with the sun, providing a constantly shifting landscape that is simply mesmerizing. 

3. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area 

Located in northern Arizona, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is home to some of the state’s most photographed locations, including Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Antelope Canyon, with its narrow, winding sandstone walls, is a photographer’s paradise, offering surreal views and light beams that shine down through the slotted openings above. Horseshoe Bend, just a short drive away, is another jaw-dropping sight where the Colorado River curves in a perfect horseshoe shape, framed by towering cliffs. 

4. Monument Valley

Monument Valley is the quintessential image of the American Southwest. With its towering red sandstone buttes and sprawling desert landscapes, this area has been the backdrop for many films and TV shows. It’s the kind of place that instantly transports you to another time and place.

5. Saguaro National Park

Named after the iconic saguaro cactus, Saguaro National Park is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Arizona’s desert landscape up close. Located near Tucson, the park is split into two districts – East and West – both offering unique trails and breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert. The sight of thousands of towering cacti against the backdrop of a colorful sunset is something you won’t soon forget. 

6. Lake Powell

Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir on the Colorado River spanning the border between Arizona and Utah. With its crystal-clear waters, stunning sandstone cliffs, and hundreds of hidden coves, it’s a paradise for boaters, kayakers, and swimmers. Renting a houseboat is a popular way to explore the lake’s vast expanse, giving you the freedom to discover hidden gems like Rainbow Bridge, one of the world’s largest natural stone arches. 

7. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is known for having some of the most spectacular views in the world. Its colorful, swirling rock formations look like they’ve been painted by an artist. The Wave, a famous sandstone formation within the monument, is a photographer’s dream but requires a permit to visit due to its delicate nature. Beyond The Wave, there’s also White Pocket and Buckskin Gulch, offering some of the best hiking in the region. 

8. Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is unlike any other place in Arizona. Here, you’ll find ancient trees that have turned to stone, creating a surreal landscape of colorful logs scattered across the desert. The park also boasts stunning badlands with layered hues of blue, purple, and red. A drive through the park offers numerous pull-offs for hiking and photography, making it a perfect day trip destination for those interested in geology and natural history.

9. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Located in the heart of the Navajo Nation, Canyon de Chelly is a place of great natural beauty and cultural significance. The canyon’s sheer red cliffs rise dramatically from the desert floor, with ancient ruins clinging to the rock face. Take a scenic drive along the rim or venture into the canyon on a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of the Navajo people. Highlights include the White House Ruins and Spider Rock, a towering spire that is sacred to the Navajo.

10. Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu is best known for its party vibe and the famous London Bridge, which was relocated here in the 1960s. But there’s more to this lake than meets the eye. With over 400 miles of shoreline, it’s a popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports. 

11. Flagstaff

Nestled in the mountains, Flagstaff is a refreshing change from the desert landscapes that dominate much of Arizona. Surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, the city offers a cool, alpine climate and plenty of outdoor activities year-round.

12. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument is a preserved cliff dwelling in central Arizona. Built by the Sinagua people around 1100 to 1400 AD, this ancient structure consists of a 20-room, multi-story “castle” nestled into a limestone cliff about 100 feet above the ground. 

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In March 2021, I took a road trip that changed my life. I drove from my then-home in Northern Virginia to Northern Vermont for a long weekend of snowboarding and exploration, not knowing how the state would delight me. It did, and then some. 

The landscape changed as soon as I crossed the state line from New York to Vermont. Old towns looked untouched, as if frozen in time, with old gas stations and shops lining the byways. In the distance, the Green Mountains formed the horizon, creating a perfect vista as the sun set. Add in world-class snowboarding at Stowe Mountain Resort, and I knew I wanted to live there. In October 2021, I made the move. Today, I call Stowe home.

Today, the New Zealand government announced a significant fee increase for international tourists. Previously, visitors paid NZ$35 (about $22) International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Beginning Oct. 1, the cost climbs to NZ$100 (about $62). While the tourism industry criticized the move, the government said it was necessary. Reasons for the IVL cost increase White's Beach, New Zealand Kyle Myburgh via Unsplash

New Zealand has open country, coastlines, mountains, and lakes. But with that comes visitors, who put a strain on infrastructure and the natural environment. According to New Zealand’s Offices of the Minister of Conservation and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, those are the reasons cited for the price change. Even so, tourism trade groups aren’t pleased, saying the new fee will limit international tourists.

California can feel more like a country than a state when traversed by car, featuring a diversity of perfect California beach destinations, quirky roadside attractions, and iconic cities dotting the way. There are endless paths that you can take on a California road trip, but these five routes should be at the top of your list the next time you're cruising through the Golden State.

1. The Pacific Coastal Highway

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Shop Visit Phoenix's Salt River Merch Drop

Get your Salt River drip on with our Salt River t-shirt and reversible bucket hat! Perfect for your next river adventure 🏞️👕      Check it out

Travel Guide

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Welcome to Phoenix Born Radiant

For centuries, the Sonoran Desert has been a source of innovation and inspiration. It began with the Hohokam people, who created canals that fed a civilization for more than a thousand years. Today, it can be found throughout the nation’s fifth-largest city in a thriving community that elevates art, culture, cuisine and more to levels of greatness.

Now, it’s your turn.

Allow the mystique of one of the world’s lushest landscapes to lead you on a path to radiance. Push yourself to the top and take in sweeping views. Challenge your perceptions of culture by immersing yourself in something unfamiliar. Indulge in flavorful experiences that transcend borders. And discover what every innovator, explorer and dreamer has said about the Greater Phoenix experiences for centuries:

the desert made me do it.

What's Happening in Greater Phoenix

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Celebrate the season with these deals and offers at Greater Phoenix hotels and resorts. 

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Explore Greater Phoenix Browse the best parts of PHX

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What does your Phoenix look like? Splashing in a resort pool with family? A serene hike through the Sonoran Desert? Maybe dinner and drinks on a downtown date night? Explore a sampling of #myphx photos below, then share your Phoenix experiences on  Instagram .

Visit a new state of mind in AZ

Here you are.

Travel is about more than sticking a pin in a map. It's about making connections — to places, people and a purpose.

Take a defining journey and visit a new state of mind

Travel is about more than sticking a pin in a map. It's about making connections — to places, people and a purpose. In Arizona, you won't merely experience jaw-dropping beauty and seat-of-your-pants adventure. You'll connect with what matters most, all while losing yourself… in the best possible way. Out here, being present has never felt so good.

Some lesser-known facts about Arizona, the 48th state.

• Sixth largest state in the U.S.
• Largest cities by size: Greater Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff.
• One-third of the state is desert-Central and areas of the Southern regions.
• 320 days of sunshine.
• 4 and 5-star resorts in Greater Phoenix and Tucson.
• UNESCO City of Gastronomy (Tucson), two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• 370 golf courses (kept green by greywater).
• Three American Viticultural Area (AVA) wine-growing regions.
• Elevation ranges from 70 ft. to 12,635 ft. above sea level.
• Snow falls in the northern, eastern and parts of the southern regions.
• 22 tribal nations, 22 national parks and monuments and 34 state parks.
• 210 mountain ranges, 800 -mile scenic trail, 128 lakes and five major rivers.
• Home to all 277 miles of the Grand Canyon.

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5 Secret Ghost Towns in Arizona

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Route 66: Winslow to Holbrook

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Route 66: Hackberry to Seligman

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Meet the Maker: Pine Creek Lavender Farm

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Meet the Maker: Hopi Basket Weaver

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Meet the Maker: Watson's Hat Shop

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9 Foods You Must Eat In Arizona

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Top 10 Things to Do in Arizona

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Six Days Touring the Mother Road: Route 66

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Stay & Stargaze

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Grand Canyon National Park draws millions of visitors from around the world to experience its iconic beauty. As seen from the edge of the...

A Guide to Visiting Fossil Creek The “Right Way”

Visiting Fossil Creek — where you’ll find one of only two Wild and Scenic Rivers in Arizona — takes some advance planning. Here’s what you need...

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From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.

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Get ready to experience pure vacation inspiration in Scottsdale! From the stirring beauty of our lush Sonoran Desert to our luxury resorts, chef-driven restaurants and exciting activities and attractions, Scottsdale is bursting at the seams with the makings of a memorable getaway. We look forward to welcoming you to Scottsdale soon!

Your Scottsdale Resort Guide

With more than 70 hotels and resorts, finding your ideal accommodations can seem a bit intimidating. Not to worry! We’ve compiled a handful of suggestions based on popular areas of interest.

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