top 5 arizona tourist attractions

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 .

More on Arizona

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

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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!

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20 Beautiful Places to Visit in Arizona — From Stunning National Parks to an Underground Restaurant

Breathtaking canyons, ancient pueblos, and dazzling contemporary art await.

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.

Massimo Pizzotti/Getty Images

Arizona is known for its stunning landscapes: Towering buttes meet hills covered with saguaro cacti, and arid canyons hide towering waterfalls. Archaeological sites like cliff dwellings and petroglyphs enhance the often otherworldly scenery. Our list of the best places to visit includes iconic natural landmarks like the Grand Canyon but also quirkier attractions such as an underground restaurant, a magical art installation in Phoenix, and a midcentury chapel perched on the red rocks of Sedona.

• Best tourist destination: Grand Canyon National Park
• Underrated hidden gem: Petrified Forest National Park
• Best for families: Horseshoe Bend
• Best for couples: Chapel of the Holy Cross
• Best for solo travelers: Yayoi Kusama’s Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room

Read on to discover the rest of our recommendations for the 20 most beautiful places to visit in Arizona.

Grand Canyon National Park

ipanacea/Getty Images

It would be impossible not to include the Grand Canyon — the number one attraction in Arizona — in a list of must-visit places. Staggering in size, it cuts through the state for almost 300 miles and is an average of 10 miles wide and one mile deep. (For comparison, the deepest point on Earth, the Mariana Trench, is seven miles deep.) Explore this awe-inspiring national park by hiking, cycling, or catching one of the park shuttles.

Petrified Forest National Park

zrfphoto/Getty Images

There are just three national parks in Arizona (among 22 National Parks Service sites), and while the Grand Canyon soaks up all the attention, the Petrified Forest National Park slips under the radar. The visually stunning park is best known for its Rainbow Forest, which showcases colorful petrified wood over 200 million years old. There are also petroglyphs and paleontology exhibits.

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend has become one of the most photographed sites in Arizona. The perfectly horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River sits within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It's located near the town of Page, Arizona, and close to the sprawling Lake Powell.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

Built among the vibrant red rock on the outskirts of Sedona , the Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most unusual churches in the U.S. The chapel, which is within the Coconino National Forest, draws not only pilgrims, but also tourists who visit for the striking midcentury architecture and stunning views over the desert landscape.

Yayoi Kusama’s Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room

Courtesy of Phoenix Museum of Art

The Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room in the Phoenix Art Museum was envisioned by renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Her work, “You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies,” is what it sounds like — a mixed-media installation that uses LED lights and mirrors to create the effect of being surrounded by fireflies in the dead of night. It’s magic.

lmel9000/Getty Images

Technically called Coyote Buttes North , The Wave is just one feature within the expansive 112,500-acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The stunning rock formation resembles a wave made of sandstone; it's so photogenic that it has long drawn travelers and photographers willing to go through the competitive permit process and make the strenuous 6.4-mile round-trip hike to get there.

Havasu Falls

zysman/Getty Images

The spectacular blue-green water of Havasu Falls has captivated visitors for years. The falls sit on Havasupai lands near the isolated community of Supai and Grand Canyon National Park. Accessing the village, falls, and spectacular — and carefully protected — scenery requires plenty of advance planning and a permit.

Wupatki National Monument

JeffGoulden/Getty Images

Wupatki National Monument is a must for travelers who are fascinated by how ancient people survived and thrived in the hot Arizona desert. The monument sits within a beautiful landscape, but the remains of pueblos are what truly catches the eye. Three structures from the early 1100s still stand. The sandstone and limestone buildings pay homage to the thriving Pueblo communities that lived and traded there.

Grand Canyon Caverns and Grotto

The Caverns Grotto offers one of the most unique dining experiences around: a meal served 210 feet below the Earth’s surface in a 345-million-year-old cave network. The menu is simple, but the scenery is out of this world. Underground diners get 360-degree views of the ancient cave, which stretches 60 miles from Peach Springs, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon. 

Biosphere 2

Frogman1484/Getty Images

Billed as “the world's largest Earth science experiment,” Biosphere 2 is a controlled environment created to understand the planet's living systems and the impacts of climate change. Visit this University of Arizona lab to experience diverse ecosystems like lush mangrove wetlands and humid tropical rain forests — a far cry from the arid desert covering much of the state.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Eduardo Cabanas/Getty Images

Vast Canyon de Chelly National Monument has been inhabited by several Indigenous groups for millennia. Inside the stunning monument are 800-foot-tall spires, prehistoric rock art, towering sandstone cliffs, and a surprisingly lush desert canyon. The park sits on Navajo lands in the northeastern part of the state.

Antelope Canyon

Frank Bevill/Getty Images

The slot canyons in northern Arizona are on land that belongs to the Navajo Nation and require a tour guide to access. The advance planning is well worth the experience of hiking through a narrow canyon and watching the light play on the red rock. There are two sites, the Upper Antelope Canyon and the Lower Antelope Canyon. Once you visit, you'll understand why they're so widely photographed — this is among the prettiest areas of Arizona.

Meteor Crater National Landmark

Charles Davies/Getty Images

If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like if a meteor struck the Earth, make your way to the Meteor Crater National Landmark near Winslow, Arizona. The dramatic crater, which is about a mile wide and 550 feet deep, resulted from the impact of a 150-foot-wide meteor. Visitors can walk along the crater rim or view the vast depression from the visitor center on its edge.

Saguaro National Park

Martha Brodeur/Getty Images

This national park, which is split by the city of Tucson, has the important job of protecting the cactus-filled Sonoran Desert landscape. But beyond providing a place for the nation's largest cacti to flourish, Saguaro National Park also has trails leading to petroglyphs and drives that provide a stunning view of the Arizona desert. 

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Paola Giannoni/Getty Images

Imagine it: an expansive valley dotted with towering sandstone pinnacles that seem to shoot out of the Earth, reaching heights of up to 1,000 feet. This is Monument Valley , a park within the Navajo Nation that offers some of the most stunning desert views in the world. When you’re done taking in the sights, visit the artisans selling handcrafted jewelry and other Navajo goods. 

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Dreamframer/Getty Images

This monument in Camp Verde, Arizona, protects a set of dwellings built into a rock wall by the Sinagua people between approximately 1050 and 1425. The dwelling , which is a 20-room wonder, is beautifully preserved and showcases how ancient people survived in the unforgiving desert.

Desert Botanical Garden

CampPhoto/Getty Images

The desert landscape of Arizona supports a surprising number of plant and tree species, a fact celebrated at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. In the 55-acre botanical garden, several trails lead visitors through displays of otherworldly cacti framed by mountain peaks as well as vivid wildflowers that lure butterflies and hummingbirds.

Chiricahua National Monument

Vince Barnes/Getty Images

Utah isn’t the only state with bizarre-looking hoodoos and precariously balanced rocks. The Chiricahua National Monument in southeastern Arizona has been nicknamed the "Wonderland of Rocks" for its surreal rock structures. Rising from the desert, the Chiricahua Mountains contain five biomes — from dry grassland to forests — and support diverse wildlife, including peccaries and mountain lions.

Coconino Lava River Cave

Visiting this mile-long lava tube cave , about a 30-minute drive from downtown Flagstaff in the Coconino National Forest, is a magical experience. Geologists estimate it's almost 700,000 years old, the result of a nearby volcanic eruption. You can still see traces of the "river" of molten rock that carved out the tube, including "lavasicles" (small stalactite-like formations caused by drips) and sections of floor that resemble waves.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Walnut Canyon National Monument showcases one of the state’s geological wonders. The canyon, which dips 350 feet below the rim, is set southeast of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona. And while Walnut Canyon is a stunning site, the monument also protects the remains of ancient cliff dwellings, which were built into the rock.

Arizona Travel Guide

Related articles.

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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Top 20 things to do in Arizona

Sep 3, 2024 • 14 min read

Float in a hot-air balloon over Sedona and find even more top things to do in the Grand Canyon State © Jonathan Ross / Getty Images

Arizona has its icons of the American West, but the Grand Canyon State has more layers than you might expect.

This place is not just desert – it has a trio of distinctive wine-producing regions and the first international dark sky community , and it's where Pluto was discovered . Where else can you ski just an hour away from stands of saguaro cacti? In Arizona, you’ll find everything from hidden hot springs and prehistoric cave dwellings to Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture .

These are the 20 best things to do in Arizona .

1. Take a hot-air balloon ride in Sedona

Exploring Sedona ’s landscapes could take a lifetime. An electrifying way to see this high desert city, set amid two million acres of the Coconino National Forest, framed by ancient red rocks and famed for its unspoiled beauty and mysterious vortexes, is on a hot-air balloon ride. Float above swathes of ponderosa pines and the crests of sandstone landmarks such as 5000ft Cathedral Rock, Sedona’s most photographed site.

Planning tip: Balloon trips take off before dawn, so early risers can witness the desert stirring to life. Mornings are also prime time for photography. Trips run year-round. If you go in winter, you might even see the desert dusted in snow.

2. Look into galaxies far, far away at Lowell Observatory

Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff has a cool claim to fame. In 1930, its astronomers were the first to discover Pluto. In 2001, Flagstaff became the world’s first international dark sky city (one of five in Arizona).

At the observatory, get schooled on a universe of discoveries during guided tours such as Mars Hill, which takes visitors back to 1894 when Percival Lowell founded the observatory. Check out the Pluto Discovery Telescope and the 124-year-old, 24-inch Clark Refractor that Lowell first used to study Mars. Peer into space through six state-of-the-art telescopes on the Giovale Open Deck Observatory.

Planning tip : Visit the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation funded Astronomy Discovery Center . The 40,000ft structure, scheduled to open in November 2024, will be another place to experience night-sky wonders.

3. Learn about the area's prehistoric people at Tuzigoot National Monument

Remnants from Arizona’s prehistoric people have been well preserved throughout the state. At Tuzigoot National Monument in historic Clarkdale, you can actually walk inside a 110-room pueblo. Built by the Sinagua people 1000 years ago, the pueblo sits on a small hill overlooking the Verde River. Inside the visitor center is a small museum with artifacts unearthed from the pueblo, such as textiles, ceramics and tools.

Planning tip: Your visitor pass for Tuzigoot can also be used at Montezuma Castle National Monument within seven days.

4. Taste the grapes along the Verde Valley Wine Trail

Wine production might seem out of place in Arizona, but the Jesuits planted grape vines here in the 17th century. The state has three distinct wine regions. Two located in the south, Sonoita and Willcox, have the coveted American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation. The Verde Valley in central Arizona’s mile-high desert is aiming to earn its own geographic pedigree. The region is ripe for discovery on the Verde Valley Wine Trail .

More than 25 wineries and tasting rooms have cropped up in the historic cities of Jerome, Clarkdale, Cottonwood and Cornville. These communities are coaxing an impressive range of grapes out of the rocky limestone soil. Expect to taste wines made from chardonnay, riesling, Malbec and Tannat, a red wine grape from Europe’s Basque region.

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5. Find quiet at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

There’s nothing overrated about the 1.2-million-acre Grand Canyon National Park . If you’ve already visited the South Rim or are seeking more solitude and cooler temperatures, a trip to the North Rim is essential.

A network of trails offers panoramas of the mile-deep canyon’s vast and varied rock formations. There’s no village shuttle like at the South Rim, but that means plenty of scenic drives, such as Point Imperial, the park’s highest spot at 8803ft, which overlooks the Painted Desert.

Planning tip: The North Rim is open only from May 15 to October 15. From mid-October to December 1 (or as soon as snow closes the highway), you can visit the North Rim during the day.

6. Hit the country's southernmost slopes at Ski Valley

Snow sports in the desert? The southernmost spot for skiing in the US is just 45 miles from Tucson . Set atop 9157ft Mt Lemmon, Ski Valley is both a winter playground and summer retreat from southern Arizona’s area’s triple-digit temperatures.

In 1881, Sara Plumber Lemmon made her inaugural ascent of her namesake peak on foot and by horse. Thankfully, you can ride the chairlift to the top to cruise 21 runs crisscrossing 200 skiable acres or hike the trails in summer. Watch for wildlife such as coatimundi and Mexican spotted owls.

7. Walk among cacti at Saguaro National Park

Although you can see saguaro cacti in much of the Sonoran Desert, it’s an almost alien-like experience to travel among the masses of armed giants in Saguaro National Park .

Take a mini road trip through the park (Cactus Forest Drive is paved, but Bajada Loop is not), passing stands of century-old saguaros, which can tip the scales at up to 8 tons. Hike the trails to get up close to these spiky sentinels. Look for limestone kilns on the Cactus Forest Trail and petroglyphs at Signal Hill, which were made by the Hohokam people in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Planning tip: Visit from April to June to see the cacti heads and arms decked in frilly white blooms.

8. Admire the architecture of Taliesin West

In 1943, Frank Lloyd Wright said, “Taliesin West is a look over the rim of the world.” The father of modern American architecture was referring to his so-called desert laboratory, built in 1937 in Scottsdale .

A National Historic Landmark, Taliesin West was where Wright lived and worked in the winter. It was also a campus where he educated his protégés and pushed the boundaries of organic architecture. Tour the rooms and landscapes to see the unusual (a bathroom made from sheets of aluminum) and ancient (boulders with petroglyphs) elements throughout the property.

9. Understand tradition on the Navajo tribal lands

Arizona’s fascinating indigenous heritage dates back 12 millennia. Learn about these ancient and modern people by touring the Navajo tribal lands . Antelope Canyon, located in the Lake Powell Tribal Park east of Page, is a sacred site to the Navajo people. The slot canyon’s sculptural walls lit up with shafts of sunlight are a major draw. Book an authorized Navajo guide to see the handiwork of millions of years of erosion while delving into the area’s cultural significance.

About 125 miles east of Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park straddles the Arizona–Utah border. Another dramatic landscape created by wind and water, its monoliths have been immortalized in movies since the 1930s. Joining a local tour is required to explore much of Monument Valley, which is called se’Bii’Ndzisgaii in the Navajo language. Experiences often include driving the 17-mile route among imposing buttes such as East Mitten and West Mitten and learning about Navajo traditions.

10. Hike the Arizona Hot Spring Trail

Hot springs , slot canyons, a 20ft waterfall near the Colorado River, volcanic rocks and an arch-shaped like the Liberty Bell are why people hike the strenuous Arizona Hot Spring Trail , which connects to White Rock Canyon and Liberty Bell Arch trails. The trailhead is just 4 miles from the Hoover Dam. Depending on which route you take, the hike is 5 to 6 miles, with a 750ft elevation change.

Planning tip: The hot springs are closed from May 15 to September 30.

11. Drive Route 66

The Mother Road (a term coined by John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath) is legendary in Arizona, and for good reason. The original road from Kingman to Seligman is the longest uninterrupted stretch of historic Route 66 still in use . The highway travels through pastoral landscapes where eclectic towns give road-trippers a glimpse into the past.

Route 66 is a dose of Americana at its best: colorful and quirky, with oddities like the 14ft Giganticus Headicus outside the Antares visitor center. Make a pit stop at the historic Hackberry General Store (now a roadside museum) in its namesake village, and in Seligman get a cherry-dipped ice cream at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap .

12. Drink craft beer on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail

Flagstaff might best be known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon or for the Arizona Snowbowl’s winter terrain, but this mountain city has also become a destination for craft beer. Explore the Flagstaff Brewery Trail to taste what’s on tap at local spots, like Wanderlust, which elevates traditional brews to the next level: its Jasmine Terrace Rice Saison is made with puffed rice instead of wheat.

13. Be brave on the Grand Canyon Skywalk

Imagine seeing the base of the Grand Canyon beneath your feet while standing on a sheet of glass. Located in Grand Canyon West (not part of Grand Canyon National Park) on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, the glass-bottom Skywalk juts 70ft over the canyon’s west rim, curving in the shape of a horseshoe. The cantilevered bridge is just 10ft wide, but it can hold weight equivalent to 70 fully loaded 747s.

Planning tip: Outside food or drink are not allowed. You can snap selfies at Eagle Point before you get on the Skywalk, but photography is not allowed on the bridge. Free lockers are available for stashing your stuff.

14. Walk the London Bridge in Arizona

Yes, it is the real London Bridge that spanned the River Thames – or at least one of them.

Built in 1831, Robert P. McCulloch purchased the bridge in 1964 when the British government put it up for sale. The cost at the time to buy the bridge? $2.46 million, now about $18 million. That’s not including dismantling it, transporting the masonry and rebuilding the bridge in Lake Havasu City .

Spanning the Bridgewater Channel and connecting the city to an island, the bridge is open to pedestrians, motor traffic and cyclists. In all, it’s a busy place with lots of boat traffic, boat-in-restaurant options, sandy beaches, shops, hotels and a dog park. McCulloch, who was extremely inventive, built what is now the Nautical Beachfront Resort: the state’s only beachfront resort.

Planning tip : It might seem odd since we’re nowhere near Hawaii, but down along the channel in Lake Havasu City are several places selling the famed Hawaiian dessert of shaved ice and sweet syrup.

15. Feed the burros, watch a gunfight and visit a haunted hotel

In a bustling mining town, when the mines panned out and the miners left, the burros stayed behind. Now they roam the streets of Oatman , a stop on Route 66.

Gather for the staged gunfights, visit the many shops and buy biscuits to feed the burros that wait patiently on wooden boardwalks and in the dusty streets. Soak up the wild west atmosphere of an authentic western town that hasn’t changed much in the last century or two.

At the Oatman Hotel, peek into the room where silver screen actors Clark Gable and Carol Lombard supposedly spent their wedding night. Visit the hotel’s museum to learn about the town’s mining history and its residents.

The food is great and the vibe is lively at the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Bring along a few dollar bills to tack onto the walls and ceilings–it’s a tradition here. Be sure to look for the ghosts said to haunt the hotel. Included in that long list are Gable and Lombard and a distraught Irish miner who drank himself to death upon hearing about the loss of his family.

Planning tip : This historic gas station in Cool Springs , which opened in the 1920s and closed in 1966 is open again. Just a few miles east of Oatman, stop for a soda, ice cream and the perfect Route 66 photo op.

16. Explore Canyon Lake by steamboat

Cruise Canyon Lake on the Dolly Steamboat near the wonderfully named town of Tortilla Flat. Tour options include twilight, astronomy, scenic and even a game and horn sheep cruise. The latter is a three-hour boat ride accompanied by Arizona Game and Fish Biologists and members of the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society.

The steamboat’s boarding dock is accessible only by a winding road traversing through mountain canyons and high cliffs – a spectacular if white–knuckle ride.

The narrated cruise is much less harrowing but gorgeous as the 103–foot double decker navigates through coves and inlets bordered by steep red rock walls. Saguaros and desert flowers peek from rocks and crevices.

If you’d rather tour the lake on your own, kayak, paddle boat and boat rentals are available at Canyon Lake Marina .

For those who like to travel on foot, there’s the Boulder Canyon Trail . Hikes vary in degree of difficulty from a moderate four miles to the 30-mile, multi-day backpacking loop.

Along the way, stop at the Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine , a reconstructed 1893 town outside of Apache Junction with a train ride, gold mine tours, staged gunfights, museum, stores and eateries. Recommended: the prickly pear margarita.

Planning tip : Drive just a few miles east into the town of Tortilla Flat , the last remaining stop on what was the Apache Junction stagecoach route. Dine at the Superstition Saloon, visit the Country Store and stop at the Little Red School House to learn local history including the legend of the famed Lost Dutchman Mine.

17. Experience southern Arizona’s art scene

Abandoned and resettled several times since its founding in 1752, Tubac recreated itself as an artist colony in the early 1900s. Even now with more than 100 or so shops, art galleries, restaurants and museums, the town retains much of its small-town charms. The historic adobe buildings and slightly dusty roads all add to the artistic allure.

There are plenty of dining options, but Elvira’s is a standout for both its sophisticated Mexican cuisine and its history. The original opened as a takeout joint in Nogales, Mexico, in 1927. Still owned by the same family, the current location’s decor is all shimmering beads, lights, candles and art. See something you like? There’s a gift shop as well.

Nearby are definite points of interest, including Tubac Presidio State Historic Park & Museum , Arizona’s first state park, where the remnants of the Mission San José de Tumacácori are located. In Tubac, situated between the Tumacacori and Santa Rita mountain ranges, there are plenty of outdoor activities for those so inclined.

Planning tip : Mark your calendar for the Tubac Festival of the Arts , a 60–year–plus event held each February.

18. Visit a historic stagecoach stop

Located on a 4,000-foot-high plateau, the Cameron Trading Post opened in 1916. A former stagecoach stop and now a restaurant, general store and hotel, it’s a destination for those searching for true wild west history.

The large Grand Canyon Dining Room, with its wide expanse of glass, huge stone fireplace and glossy wood paneling and cabinetry offers American, Mexican and Navajo fare. For the latter, think fry bread, Yah-Atay chile and green chile stew along with prickly pear barbeque ribs.

There’s something for everyone in the general store, from high-end Navajo art, jewelry and pottery to handbags, clothing and jars of prickly pear cactus syrup for making your own margaritas.

19. Trail ride through the Sonoran Desert

When the White Stallion Ranch was founded as a cattle ranch in the late 1800s, Arizona had yet to become a state. Both nearby Tucson and Phoenix, about 100 miles north, had populations of 5,000 back then. Much has changed.

Many former ranches in Arizona are now subdivisions, but the White Stallion remains a guest ranch. It’s a place where families can enjoy trail riding through the Sonoran Desert, eating outdoors under the stars, sleeping in luxury cabins, taking a dip in the swimming pool or sitting around a campfire singing cowboy songs and watching lariat tricks.

Planning tip : Try to book your stay to include the Saturday night roast beef dinner, cooked entirely in the resort’s traditional Native American oven.

20. Dine at the Wrigley Mansion

When the Wrigley family (think chewing gum) wanted to escape cold Chicago winters, they traveled to their home in Phoenix .

Set atop a rise with views of what was once just mountains and desert, but that now includes part of the city as well, it’s a step into a gracious past.

Tours of the mansion are available, and some areas are open for wandering. The spacious mansion, a blend of Spanish, California Monterey and Mediterranean architecture, also includes two restaurants and a bar. The latter was formerly the original wood-paneled library.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a good time to visit arizona.

April, May and October are prime months to visit Arizona. The heat is less intense and the wildflowers are in bloom.

What’s free and fun in Arizona?

Casa Grande recognized early on how cool neon is. That’s why they collected, restored, and established the Neon Sign Park . Now with a flick of a switch at night, the park’s 16 signs such as the Horseshoe Motel and Sunset Court light up.

Driving into Sedona from the south, the Chapel of the Holy Cross , perched on a 200-foot rise and nestled against stunning pink cliffs, is a must-stop for its amazing views and sense of peace.

Chloride, 23 miles south of Kingman, would typically be a place to breeze by. But noted Southwest artist Roy Purcell, who worked in the silver mines there, painted a 2,000-square-foot swath of murals on the large boulders about a mile-and-a-half out of town.

This article was first published Aug 25, 2021 and updated Sep 3, 2024.

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The 20 best things to do in Arizona

Explore the desert landscape’s postcard-worthy terrain and rich culture with these best things to do in Arizona

Arizona, the country’s 48 th state of the union, greatly appeals to the person who loves the outdoors. With 300 days of sunshine, it’s easy to explore the mountainous terrain in all four corners on foot or by bike and car. The beautiful mix of high and low desert landscape beckons.

Start with the Grand Canyon, the attraction John Wesley Powell first explored in 1869 that eventually opened doors to Arizona’s first tourism, paving the way for the spas, fantastic hotels and diverse restaurants the state boasts today. Then walk the path of the Giant Saguaro, taking in the majesty of this important desert plant that only grows in the Sonoran Desert. From there, play in the spots where Old West history has been made, then meet some of the people who live here now. There’s so much more to explore, so many things to do, but these are some of the best.

Recommended: the best hotels in Arizona Recommended: the best places to stay in Grand Canyon

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best things to do in Arizona

1.  colorado river.

Visitors who see Arizona’s most popular attraction, the Grand Canyon National Park, generally view the natural wonder from the edge of its north or south rims. Instead, splurge and go deep—a mile deep. Experience the awe-inspiring cliffs, rugged mountain trails, sandy beaches, desert critters and vegetation via a river raft (not the noisy motorized versions).

2.  Saguaro National Park

Where: Tucson

Arizona visitors love to see Giant Saguaros, native only to the Sonoran Desert. The best place for selfies is at Tucson’s Saguaro National Park , where they heavily populate the desert floor. The park includes two districts, one on the west side of town (Tucson Mountains) and one on the east (Rincon Mountains). A new life-size model of a saguaro at the Rincon Visitor Center lets visitors see the inner workings of the popular cactus.

3.  Monument Valley Tribal Park

Where: Monument Valley

It’s where John Ford filmed nine classic Westerns and Tom Hanks abruptly ended his run in the movie “Forest Gump.” But Monument Valley is more than on-screen pop culture. It’s a northern Arizona attraction not to miss. Cabins, camping spots and a hotel inside the park bring you close to the towering red sandstone buttes, cliffs and mesas. The park map includes a self-driving tour. Better yet, hire a park-approved Navajo guide.

4.  Route 66

Nostalgia-inducing any time of the year, but drive Arizona’s section of the historic Mother Road during the three-day, spring Fun Run car rally, and you’ll be sharing lanes with 800 or more classic vehicles. Cool, vintage neon signs lead to such stops as the Snowcap drive-in for milkshakes and burgers in Seligman and the Powerhouse Visitor Center in Kingman to tour the Route 66 Museum.

5.  White Stallion Ranch

Dude ranching has long been an Arizona tradition. For less than $300/night, Tucson’s White Stallion Ranch , family owned since 1965, affords all the fun and thrills of horse culture that visitors enjoy. A few choice activities: trail rides, desert hikes, on-site rodeos, spa treatments, art classes, storytelling and bonfires. Social time on outdoor patios is a favorite among guests who stay in comfortable, bunk house-style lodging. Meals and kind and attentive service are included.

6.  Aravaipa Canyon

Where: Winkelman

Arizona rivers generally run dry, but the scenic Aravaipa Creek, a tributary to the perennial San Pedro River in southeastern Arizona, runs wet—and not too wild, unless you count thirsty bighorn sheep. The 11-mile-long waterway, waist-high in a few places, flows between tall limestone cliffs and cottonwoods. Within the protected Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Area, only 50 hikers are allowed in per day. It’s a great hiking spot in warmer weather.

7.  Stadium Connector Pathway

Where:  Mesa

The new Stadium Connector Pathway in Mesa now gives Cactus League Spring Training visitors the opportunity to walk or use local bike share programs to cycle to and from same-day games. Access the pathway from Chicago Cubs’ Sloan Park and follow the marked signs to Oakland A’s Hohokam Stadium. Westward, the path connects with Tempe’s Rio Salado Pathway and Tempe Town Lake. Download the Social Bicycles app to find the nearest bike share.

8.  Brewery Tour

Where: Flagstaff

Craft brews are in, and local tours offer the ultimate experience that even the Europeans love. It’s not just samples of some of Arizona’s finest craft beer (15-18 tastes at least!). It’s also the behind-the-scenes look at how the brews are made. Plus, sampling tastes right out of the vat. Most tours (by bus) take place in Greater Phoenix, but travel to Tucson and Flagstaff (our favorite) are options.

9.  Old Bisbee

Where:  Bisbee

For some quirky fun, visit this historic, copper mining town (now an artsy enclave) in southeastern Arizona for the Bisbee 1000 in October. Participants from as far away as Australia crowd a 4.5-mile route to nine different sets of uneven, concrete stairs, through hillside neighborhoods. Spot funky shops like Lunatic Fringe, where luthier Keith Kifer builds, sells and plays instruments made of out recycled material like hubcaps. Stick around for the craft beer fest afterward.

10.  Hopi Arts Trail

During the summer, some artists on the Hopi Arts Trail (look for a printed brochure that maps out where to find art for sale on the Hopi Reservation) in northern Arizona offer lessons on how to make baskets, silver jewelry and other Hopi arts. All workshops must be registered for or scheduled with the artist in advance of the visit. Present the brochure for discounts and other savings while shopping on the “trail,” located five hours north of Phoenix.

11.  Watson Lake

Where: Prescott

Located in the Granite Dells, a Victorian-era summer resort on the northeast edge of Prescott, Watson Lake is layered in history, hiking trails and large granite boulders that intermittently jut out of the blue water. Rent kayaks on-site during summer weekends to explore the coves. Sorry, no swimming allowed. Time permitting, hike Peavine Trail on the eastern perimeter, following an old railroad bed once used to transport vacationers and miners to the area.

12.  Granite Mountain Loop Trail

Where:  Scottsdale

More than 200 miles of dirt climbs, rocky descents and picturesque mountain views await the mountain biker heading into Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Try Granite Mountain Loop Trail; it gives the beginner a smooth crushed granite surface, the more experienced a lot of rolling hills, and the adrenalin seeker several sharp turns and long descents—all in less than six miles. Don’t get lost; grab a map at the trailhead entrance.

13.  Fort Bowie

Where: Bowie

In between the remote Chiricahua and Dos Cabezas mountains in Cochise County is a place called Apache Pass, an important travel route for Apache natives who relied on the nearby spring. When the U.S. Military arrived in the mid-1800s, they took over the area and built Fort Bowie , now a National Historic Site, accessible via a somewhat challenging 3-mile hike in and out. Points along the way include a graveyard and massacre site.

14.  Sedona

Sedona, that gorgeous cultural arts enclave in the Verde Valley, is surrounded by red rock formations varnished in iron oxide and manganese. Within those rock formations are several vortex sites, locations thought to emit an energy so strong it’s not uncommon for people to burst out crying upon first sight. A gentle stroll around Bell Rock or a more rigorous climb to Cathedral Rock lands you face-to-face with this energy force.

15.  The Loop

Cycle Tucson’s 131-mile, paved, non-motorized multi-use trail to see more than 30 public art works. The “Batty Biker” series is especially fun. These metal sculptures, affixed to decorative poles, put bats on the saddle. They’re riding road, mountain and tandem bikes, having a good old time. The sculptures were commissioned to draw attention to and placed at bridge sites along the pathway where real live Mexican free-tailed bats roost.

16.  Whitewater Draw

Where: McNeal

Southern Arizona is a birder’s paradise. One bird to see (if you’re visiting between October and March) in its temporary playa is the Sandhill Crane. More than 20,000 migrate from the North to Whitewater Draw, a protected wildlife area in the Sulphur Springs Valley. Listen for the large gray, long-necked birds overhead. They look like a swarm of bees from a distance. Birders, Boondockers and passers-by use the interpretive trails, benches and viewing platforms.

17.  Musical Instrument Museum

Where: Phoenix

This one-of-a-kind museum houses multiple galleries with musical instruments from all over the world. Interactive exhibits not only help guests visualize but also learn about the history, origin and use of the instruments. But the real treat is the 300-seat, on-site theater with live acts from all over the world, such as Irish bluegrass or Mexican mariachi. The place serves cocktails during intermission, and there are no bad seats in the house.

18.  Wine Tasting

Arizona is home to three regions where wine is produced and dozens of tasting rooms, but the best is in Florence—not for the wine so much as for the setting. The large tasting room is a mix of shabby chic and bunkhouse, but do your sipping at the lakeside garden. Events include food truck dinners, painting classes with pizza delivery, and Cowboy Church.

19.  Hotel Congress

Where:  Tucson

Nearing 80, Tom “Tiger” Ziegler has been working the taps and mixing the margaritas at the Tap Room inside Hotel Congress since 1959, when a mug of beer cost only 59 cents. He only works behind the bar part-time these days, but he still plays music from the old Wurlitzer jukebox.

20.  Tubac

Where: Tubac

First settled in 1752 by Spanish missionaries led by Juan Bautista de Anza, this village less than an hour’s drive south of Tucson, has gone through several identities. Since the late 1940s, it’s been an arts colony. In February, the town celebrates the 60 th annual Tubac Festival of the Arts, a good time to explore the area.

More of the best in Arizona

The 10 best restaurants in arizona.

Aside from adventurous outdoorsy things to do and world-renowned spas and hotels, folks are starting to travel to Arizona for its one-of-a-kind meals. 

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35 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Arizona

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Last updated: August 23, 2024

Arizona, one of the best vacation spots in the world , is packed with must see places and tourist spots, all with their own unique points of interest, and features.

It can be hard to figure out all the things to do in Arizona this weekend or during your next visit due to the sheer wealth of options – but we have you covered.

Here are the 35 best things to do and places to visit in Arizona.

Table of Contents

1. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Need some really cool Arizona vacation ideas?

How about a majestic Native American heritage site?

After all, there are few things more fascinating than that!

Head inside the boundaries of the Navajo Nation and look up Canyon de Chelly National Monument – a location that has seen almost 5,000 years of uninterrupted human occupation by the Anasazi and Navajo people.

These days, it’s all ruins – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting.

If you take a private tour or a free ranger-led hike you can see the spectacular sight that is all these cliff dwellings high up and carved into the side of the canyon walls.

Most of the ruins are inaccessible to visitors these days, but there are still some places you can go wander through yourself and at least one self-guided hike available.

So if you’re in the area, why not give yourself a chance to check out some incredible history in person?

It’s among the top things to do in Arizona!

Address: Highway 191, Chinle, AZ 86503, United States

2. Walnut Canyon

Walnut Canyon

Looking for fun things to do in Arizona?

Why not dive deep into some pre-Colombian history, and take a moment to appreciate the culture and beauty of a land and its native citizens?

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the state is the historical cliff dwellings that are hewn into the side of canyon walls.

Walnut Canyon specifically was home to the Sinagua people, before it was suddenly abandoned.

Considering that the Sinagua not only thrived in such an environment but even had a trading empire, their vanishment comes as a mystery.

To this day, historians and archeologists haven’t been able to unravel this puzzle.

And since the site is open to visitors, tackling this mystery by yourself is now fair game! (Within reasonable limits, of course.)

So if and you’re interested in around playing as archeological detectives, why not add visiting this incredible location to your list of to-dos?

Address:  3 Walnut Canyon Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States

3. Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon

The internationally renowned jewel of the Colorado Plateau Province, and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in America , is the Grand Canyon .

Large enough to be seen from space, this location sits among the top 10 best Arizona travel destinations lists for a good reason.

With breathtaking views, incredible biodiversity, and challenging activities for you to do, there is never a dull moment in this Canyon.

Consider white-water rafting along the Colorado River, or marveling at how the Earth’s history on full display on the walls of the canyon.

And if you would rather not walk, there are even mule rides available!

All in all, the Grand Canyon is a must-see destination if you’re an outdoorsy person or someone with an amateur interest in geology.

There’s just something that strikes awe into the human soul about this geological marvel, and it is really worth coming here for an experience you’ll never forget!

This is one of the things to see in Arizona to add to your must do list.

Address:  Arizona, United States

4. Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon

Need a sprinkling of danger to heighten those senses for maximum enjoyment?

Antelope Canyon may just be what you’re looking for.

A location infamous for its frequent flash floods, this particular canyon requires that visitors be led on guided tours for their own safety.

That said, there’s a reason it is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Arizona.

The banded sandstone here has been worn smooth into gorgeous shapes that are reminiscent of the water that rushes through them.

This incredible view alone should put this place on your list of things to see in Arizona!

Named after the pronghorn antelopes that used to be common here, the canyons themselves are divided into two parts – the upper and lower canyon.

While both are equally beautiful, you might want to pick the upper canyon if you are a casual tourist that just wants some fun!

Address: Navajo Tribal Park, Page, AZ 86040, United States

5. Wupatki National Monument

Wupatki National Monument

What is the point of visiting the state if you don’t at least check out the view?

Some of the top things to do in Arizona include siteseeing – an activity that makes complete sense if you drop by the Wupatki National Monument to take a look.

Located in the middle of the state’s scenic desert vistas, the Wupatki National Monument is home to some of the best-preserved pueblo ruins in the country.

Despite excavations beginning as early as the 1800s, studies and further archeological work is still ongoing due to the rarity of finding such a well-preserved pueblo.

Despite having been abandoned for centuries, the pueblos still feel haunting.

Drop around sunset, and it’s as if the houses and buildings are still waiting for the inhabitants that will never come home.

Maybe you can fill in the space for a bit, and explore its centuries’ worth of history.

Address:  25137 N Wupatki Ln, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States

Don’t forget to check out some more fun things to do in Flagstaff !

Despite what most people think, some of the best things to do in Arizona include staring at the scenery.

The desert landscape here amidst the canyons and valleys is a breathtaking view and carries with it a raw kind of earthy energy that can attract sensitive types.

If you are any kind of spiritual practitioner, you ought to put visiting Sedona on your must-visit list today.

Located in Verde Valley, the desert town is a cultural arts enclave surrounded by incredible rock formations.

While the red bands of iron oxide and manganese are often enough to attract visitors, Sedona is famous for something else.

Within the masses of rock formations lies four vortexes of energy, sites that have made visitors burst into tears just by walking into it.

There’s a reason for all the metaphysical shops in that town, after all!

Don’t worry if you’re not the metaphysical type – Sedona is one of those vacation spots that has something for everyone.

Why not check out Cathedral’s Rock, an elevated summit that presents itself as a challenge?

Here’s a list of some of the most amazing things to do in Sedona !

7. Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park

Scenic places usually don’t function as a main draw for a lot of people, but there’s a reason Arizona attractions are all about the view.

Just where else would you find a completely fossilized forest?

It’s a truly one-of-a-kind spot!

The Petrified Forest National Park spans across northeastern Arizona, covering both Navajo and Apache counties in an area of approximately 146 square miles.

Made into a national monument in 1906, the park has some incredible terrain you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world.

Just think about it – where else are you going to find an entire fossilized forest in such incredible condition?

It would be an adventure just to walk among the petrified trees alone.

If the incredible views alone aren’t enough to wow you, however, the history buffs among you might prefer looking at the remnants of prehistoric people’s homes instead.

Address: Petrified Forest, Holbrook, AZ 86028, United States

8. Musical Instrument Museum

Musical Instrument Museum

If you’re a culture and history buff, then it only makes sense that your list of top things to do in Arizona include checking out the litany of culturally rich museums the state has to offer.

Alas, you have so many places to go and so little time.

How are you supposed to make the best of your visit in Arizona?

How about a museum dedicated almost entirely to instruments?

A pretty recent institution by museum standards, the Musical Instrument Museum first opened its Arizona doors in early 2010 and differentiates itself by one key feature – its main exhibits is about musical instruments.

Boasting over 15,000 instruments from every single country in the world in its galleries, this is an exhibit that music lovers should not miss.

And the best part?

You’re allowed to play and handle most of them too!

What’s the point of enjoying music if you can’t have hands-on experience, after all?

Address:  4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States

Planning a trip to Phoenix soon? Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Phoenix !

9. Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain

Some of us may be familiar with the story of how the camel got its hump.

Have you ever tried asking how the mountain got its head?

The answer is pretty interesting!

Named after its distinctive shape, Camelback Mountain sits pretty high on the list of tourist places you must visit if you’re a hiker making your way through Arizona.

It historically was home to pre-colonial Native Americans, so budding historians might be interested in checking out this mountain’s historical areas too!

But the real fun here is for the geologists.

The head of the “camel” gets its unique shape from the red sandstone eroding faster than the harder granite sitting on top of it.

There’s just one question – how did the old granite end up on top of the younger, newer sandstone for this particular part of the mountain?

Drop by this scenic location yourself and see if you can solve the mystery!

Address: Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States

10. Lake Powell

Lake Powell

Still need to bulk up your list of places to visit in Arizona?

Why not check out Lake Powell ?

A man-made reservoir situated on the Colorado River, it was created in 1972 when the Glen Canyon was flooded by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam.

Aside from supplying water to multiple different states, these days it serves as one of the best places in the state for all sorts of recreational water activities in an otherwise arid landscape.

If you’re struggling to beat the heat while visiting Arizona in the summer, why not pop this lake for fishing, boating, or water skiing?

Even better, why not grab a boat tour to Rainbow Bridge?

It’s a jaw-dropping rock arch accessible best by boat.

Sure, you can find other similarly beautiful formations elsewhere, but how many of them are suspended above a sparkling expanse of water?

Address: Utah and Arizona, United States

11. Superstition Mountain Museum

Superstition Mountain Museum

If you’re in Arizona for a weekend trip, why not tick visiting this museum off your Arizona bucket list?

East of Phoenix is a mountain range known as the Superstition Mountains.

Tall and forbidding, the mountains themselves are a sight to behold – and are crammed full of incredible hiking trails.

Perhaps if you’re lucky, you might even finally find the legendary Lost Dutchman’s Goldmine!

But if you’re a movie buff, it’s more likely that you’re interested in the movie sets – and this happens to also be the perfect place to indulge that hobby.

Nestled in the foot of the mountain range is a museum named after the mountains itself – and it’s a locale you may recognize.

The Superstition Mountain Museum has been featured in all sorts of Western kitschy movies and commercials.

Feel free to wander around the Western-style sets, or even have yourself an Elvis wedding!

Address:  4087 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States

12. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument

On a road trip and need some fun things to do in Arizona?

Why not do yourself a favor and visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in the state?

History fans and budding archeologists will be particularly excited about this one.

Just 50 miles away from Flagstaff, Arizona is a resilient testament to the resilience of the Sinagua people – Montezuma Castle .

Named after an Aztec ruler by white colonists who had mistaken it for an Aztec ruin, Montezuma Castle is a dwelling carved into the sides of Beaver Creek Canyon.

Five-stories tall and located a good hundred feet above the canyon floor, the dwelling is partitioned into twenty rooms that you can explore in person.

By the way, if you’re bringing along a dog, it’s time to rejoice!

This particular ancient pueblo allows visitors to bring along their dogs – so long as they’re kept on leashes, of course.

Address:  Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde, AZ, United States

13. Tombstone

In need of fun places to visit?

Say no more, and put this locale on your list of Arizona vacation spots.

Harkening back to the Victorian heyday where pioneers were still pushing westward in search of gold and land, Tombstone is a town especially for you.

Unlike all the other attractions listed so far, Tombstone is a town that is explicitly designed to cater to tourists.

Step in here and let yourself be transported back to the days of the Old West, with its period-accurate buildings and staged recreations of famous historical gunfights.

Indulge your love for Western B-movies, and have fun with the activities available here!

For those who are craving for more authentic stuff, there’s still hints of the town’s mining history that can be discovered.

Why not head on down to the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, visit the museum there, and see if that hits the spot?

14. Route 66

Made famous by Pixar’s Cars, Route 66 is a location that’s sure high on your child’s list of places to see in Arizona.

Back in the days before interstates were routes like this one, which still hold a lot of their old-world charm.

If you’re heading down to the place where this road will take you anyway, then isn’t it great to take a moment to use this route?

The scenery is what American road trips are made off, and you’ll be reminded that it is always the journey that makes it worthwhile, not the final destinations!

You may still be asking where to go to find this route.

From Interstate 40, just take a bypass and drive for another 75 miles.

You’ll find it in no time – just keep driving along and enjoying the stuff to see along the way.

While you’re there, why not stop for lunch at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In?

On trips like these, it’s the memories you make along the way that really makes it worthwhile.

15. Havasupai Falls

Havasupai Falls

If you’re already set on going sightseeing, why not visit some of the most beautiful places in Arizona – like the Havasupai Falls?

Tucked away deep in the heart of the Grand Canyon on Havasupai reservation is the Havasu Cavern – home to a series of gorgeous aquamarine waterfalls from which the Havasupai people derive their name.

Despite its beauty, this location is still a relatively unknown secret in Arizona!

The most famous of these waterfalls is known as the Havasu Falls – a waterfall with turquoise cascades so intensely colored, it’s hard to believe that the water flowing through it isn’t transparent.

Unfortunately, trying to get there is pretty difficult.

Not only do you require a permit to enter the reservation, it’s a tough journey to make.

Still, if you can make it, it’s one that will be definitely worth your while.

Address: Hualapai Hilltop, Supai, AZ 86435, United States

16. Yayoi Kusama Firefly Infinity Mirror Room

Yayoi Kusama Firefly Infinity Mirror Room

If you are an art junkie, then one of the top things to do in Arizona is to see Yayoi Kusama’s work in person for yourself.

The darling of the New York avant-garde art scene in the 1960s, Kusama faded largely into obscurity when she voluntarily moved back home to Japan and stayed in a hospital for the mentally ill in 1973.

Now, at the age of 89, Kusama is once again steadily regaining her well-deserved reputation as an incredible artist.

And now you too can personally experience the fun and joy of her mindbending artwork yourself!

Just head on over to the Phoenix Art Museum in Arizona to see the permanent exhibit installed there.

The title “You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Butterflies” may seem like an odd name to the casual onlooker, but the appropriateness of the name quickly becomes apparent once you are standing there to experience the exhibit in person yourself.

All in all, it is certainly a piece of art you should personally check out at least once in your life while you’re in Arizona!

Address:  1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

17. Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

Despite being largely a desert, Arizona doesn’t fall short of pretty places.

In fact, some of the best Arizona attractions can be accessible just by turning out of the nearest freeway exit.

In this particular case, the route itself is the actual tourist attraction!

Boasting one of the most scenic views in the state, Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is no short journey with its round-trip length of almost 60 miles.

But it is definitely a road well-worth traveling.

Over the course of these 60-odd miles, drivers making their way through this byway will see some incredible views found nowhere else.

Not only does the temperature change as you make your way up and down, you will also be privy to a wide variety of landscapes – from the arid vista of the Mexican desert to the forested slopes of the Canadian mountains.

Just where else are you going to find an experience like that?

Address: Tucson, AZ, United States

Planning a road trip around Arizona? Here are some incredible things to do in Tucson  & things to do in Scottsdale !

18. Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater

Still in need of fun places to go to while you’re in Arizona?

Would visiting a crater be cool enough a destination for you?

Yes, you heard us correctly – we did say “crater”!

One of the top things to do in Arizona is to check out the incredible desert vista and marvel at the history it holds – like the Barringer Crater.

Better known as simply the Meteor Crater , this is a massive scar on the Earth caused by a meteor impact over 50,000 years ago.

These days, it is an incredible sight to behold – though a dangerous one.

In 1964, two curious pilots in their Cessna 150 had flown too low over this unique mar in the Earth’s crust.

Luckily, they survived and managed to walk away with their lives.

If you are lucky, you may even spot the wreckage they left behind as a warning to other daredevil pilots.

While flying over the crater is ill-advised, you can still visit the place on foot.

Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll find some of the unique minerals that are only made when a meteorite crashes into the Earth!

Address:  Interstate 40, Winslow, AZ 86047, United States

19. Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend

For all of you outdoor enthusiasts and amateur geologists, the Glen Canyon Recreational Area is home to some of the most awesome places in Arizona.

Think about it – just where else will you find sites like the Horseshoe Bend ?

Flowing 1,000 ft above sea level is the Colorado River, carving its way through the rocky plateau as it makes its way Southwest.

Thanks to the geological makeup of this unique desert landscape, the river is forced to flow in all sorts of weird shapes.

At one point, the river makes a perfect U-shaped bend that looks like a horseshoe!

For the best view, head on down to Route 89.

From there, it’s just a quick hike before you’re faced with one of the most stunning views American nature has to offer.

Address:  Page, AZ 86040, United States

20. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

If you were already going to see the most jaw-dropping points of interest Arizona has to offer, then why not make a fun detour to the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument ?

Nature lovers, in particular, take note – this certainly should be on your list of places to visit in Arizona if you want to make your trip truly worthwhile.

Established in 1937, the Monument was intended to preserve some of the unique biodiversity and geology that can only be found in the Sonoran Desert and to share that love with the general public.

Crammed full of rare and incredible plants (including the titular Organ Pipe Cactus), this is a destination you won’t want to miss!

517 square miles isn’t enough for how many things this park is packing, but it manages it all anyway.

As long as you’re an outdoorsy person, there’s something for you here – whether it’s a place to enjoy camping under starlit skies or scenic paths where you can meander through the local plant life, this park has got you covered.

Address:  10 Organ Pipe Dr, Ajo, AZ 85321, United States

21. Kartchner Caverns

Kartchner Caverns ( Robert Shea / flickr )

If you don’t already have an Arizona bucket list of some sort, then it’s time to start one just to add this destination to your list.

Discovered in 1974, the incredible sights of Kartchner Caverns were kept a secret from even the landowners themselves in an effort to protect it from any activities that may damage or destroy it.

And it’s easy to see why this decision was made – the cavern is home to some of the longest stalactite formations in the world and is a sight to behold like no other.

After the government of Arizona purchased the land from the family in 1988, the caverns were carefully opened up for public viewing.

Consider making a weekend trip to view these caverns for yourself – it’s well worth your time.

A fun bonus: if you decide to take a tour of the caverns, the guide may point out to you footprints that were left behind by the discoverers when they first explored the caverns!

Address:  2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, United States

22. Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park

The Giant Saguaro is an undeniable symbol of the American West – but for something so ubiquitous in movies and TV, it’s actually a very rare plant that grows in a few select locations.

One of these locations is in a park at the heart of the Sonoran Desert, a cool 2,400 feet above sea level.

Located in Tucson, Arizona, Saguaro National Park is high on the list of tourist attractions thanks to its namesake plant.

Aside from checking out the cacti, there are plenty of other experiences to be had in the park.

For starters, there’s a myriad of hiking trails for both beginners and experienced hikers alike, and there are biking trails if you want to put your new mountain bike to the test!

Alternatively, maybe you would prefer to go camping instead and stare at the moonlit night sky.

Whatever the case may be, it’s undeniable that there’s plenty of fun things to do in Arizona with a park like this!

23. Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting ( Daniel Greene / flickr )

Firefighting is already a dangerous profession as it is – and in highly flammable, arid desert regions, the task becomes even more important.

After seeing how many lives were lost to fires, citizens thought it best to honor these brave people by creating a memorial for them

If you’re still asking about what to do in Arizona, then visiting the Hall of Flame Museum to pay tribute to these brave professionals is a must-do.

These days, the memorial doubles as a museum, with an exhibit dedicated to displaying old firefighting equipment.

Tracing the history of firefighting to 1725, the museum shows just how firefighting has changed over the centuries as technology evolved and training becomes more extensive.

You’ll definitely walk away with a greater appreciation for our heroes after a visit to this place!

Address:  6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

24. Arizona Copper Art Museum

Arizona Copper Art Museum

Thanks to its rich deposits of minerals, Arizona has a mining history that can still be seen now!

One of the minerals that was hunted down by pioneers in the state’s heyday was copper.

An incredibly useful mineral, the desire for it gave way to some incredible mining operations – many of which are still in operation today!

While modern copper mines are nothing to sniff at, it’s the historical mines that form some of the coolest places to see in Arizona.

If you’re not keen on running around all over the state to check out the actual locations themselves, then the Arizona Copper Art Museum is the place for you.

Here you can trace the history of copper and its uses throughout 500 years of human history.

From the reminder that Venus’s astrological symbol is also the alchemical symbol for copper, to its uses in artillery in World War I and II, you must visit this museum to enjoy its fun celebration of all things copper.

Address:  849 Main St, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, United States

25. Hoover Dam

An engineering marvel, visiting the Hoover Dam sits on the list of top things to do in Arizona.

Completed in 1935, it stands as a testament to what the best minds in humanity are capable of when their efforts are focused.

These days, the dam is a hot location for sightseeing, thanks to its incredible scale and size.

It also doubles as a link between Arizona and Nevada, if you plan to drive to either state.

Ideally, however, you would take the time to stop and enjoy the view.

It’s not every day you get to see the largest artificial lake in the nation, after all!

While you’re here, consider taking a tour of the Hoover Dam or its attached Powerplant.

If that’s not quite your speed, then why not walk around the Hoover Dam instead?

It’s hard to beat that low entry price of free!

Address:  Nevada 89005, United States

If you’re an amateur ghost-hunter, then high on your list of cool things to do in Arizona will definitely be visiting abandoned mining towns like Jerome .

While the town is still largely a ghost town, today it has plenty of attractions and activities catered towards visitors looking to get some thrills.

Built in 1928, this town was originally constructed around some vertigo-inducing cliffside operations.

Many of the ruined buildings still stand on steep hillsides – a haunting reminder of the town’s citizens and history.

Some standout views include The Sliding Jail, which was built unawares on clay slick.

Thanks to its hillside location and gravity, the entire jail has slid about 2,500 feet over the years, and will likely continue moving further and further away from its original point of construction.

It’s a good idea to visit it while you still can before it slides right off the cliff!

27. Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area

Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area

Some of the best Arizona attractions harken back to the state’s history, pulling forward its past for us to enjoy and experience in the present.

And in Yuma , this history is still alive and breathing.

Founded in the 1500s by Spanish explorers, Yuma is not only just as old as Arizona itself but played a crucial role in founding the state.

The modern city of Yuma is still spectacular, but budding visitors will want to head down to Yuma Crossing – a patchwork of wetlands and parks that connects the modern to the old, historic downtown.

That isn’t to say the park itself has no places of interest in and of itself.

When you’re done with revisiting history, why not drop by for some scenic riverside trails?

It will surely be worth your time!

Address:  180 W 1st St, Yuma, AZ 85364, United States

28. Chiricahua National Monument

Chiricahua National Monument

Ever asked what to do in search of fun while on a trip to Arizona?

Perhaps this particular attraction may grab your fancy!

Called the “Land of Standing-Up Rocks” by the native Apache people, Chiricahua National Monument is 12,000 acres of wonder.

Initially formed by a volcano eruption, this area spent the next 27 million years being shaped and chiseled out by the elements.

After so many years, nature’s magnum opus is complete. The Monument is crammed full of all sorts of ancient rock spires and caves.

Go hiking alongside ancient lava flows, or stare at the strange rock garden that nature had so proudly carved out of stone hundreds of feet high.

If this alone isn’t enough to land visiting this locale on your list of top things to do in Arizona, then the 17 miles of hiking trail would be of greater interest to you.

You can also opt for a scenic 8-mile tour if you would rather stay in the comfort of your car!

Address:  E Bonita Canyon Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643, United States

29. London Bridge

London Bridge

Some of the top things to do in Arizona is to go and explore the attractions it offers.

And as it turns out, you can see some of London right here in the state!

No, there’s no teleport to London just yet.

Instead, what you have is the titular bridge of the famous nursery rhyme “London Bridge Is Falling Down” being one of the biggest roadside attractions in Arizona.

Built in the 1830s, London Bridge used to span the River Thames until it began sinking.

Eventually, the bridge was purchased by Lake Havasu City founder Robert P. McCullough and deconstructed in 1967, where it was brought over to the city itself and reconstructed in 1971.

These days, you can get a walking tour of a piece of London’s history – right here in the United States!

Address:  1340 McCulloch Blvd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, United States

30. Apache Death Cave

Apache Death Cave ( J Jakobson / flickr )

For those of us who respect local legends and myths, some points of interest are wisely avoided.

For others who are thrill-seekers in search of exploring and examining such local stories, the Apache Death Cave may be on your list of places to visit in Arizona.

It was common for the Native American nations to loot and pillage each other’s settlements in search of valuables and goods.

The attack on a Navajo encampment in 1878 was no different.

Apache raiders came in and slaughtered the entire encampment’s population save for three girls before taking their leave.

Navajo leaders were enraged and sent out teams to hunt down these raiders – to no avail.

It wasn’t until after a second similar raid did scouts finally discover a cave the Apache raiders were hiding in.

Revenge was swift, absolute, and merciless, and it seems the act had left a permanent mark.

Drop by this cave to explore the curse it supposedly left behind – if you dare.

Address:  2 Guns, Winslow, AZ 86047, United States

31. Hubbell Trading Post

Hubbell Trading Post

During the heyday of Western pioneering, trading hubs were set up so that both pioneers and natives could sell, exchange, and trade goods.

For a fun trip to tick off your Arizona bucket list, why not travel up to the Hubbell Trading Post in the north?

Founded in 1878 by John Lorenzo Hubbell, the trading post ended up supplying the exiled Navajo people when they finally began returning home to their homes – and it hasn’t stopped since.

These days, the trading post is home to all sorts of handmade items like rugs and jewelry.

So if you’re in northern Arizona in search of some interesting activities to do, why not drop by this trading post and support the local craftsmen with your purchase of a one-of-a-kind item?

Address:  1/2 Mile W, S U.S. Hwy 191, Ganado, AZ 86505, United States

32. Coconino Lava River Cave

Coconino Lava River Cave

Thanks to Arizona’s history of being a geological hotspot, some of the best things to do in Arizona is to check out the ancient landscape.

Shaped and carved over millennia of erosion, it is now full of must-see places that harken back to a pre-historic era, a time where dinosaurs still roamed the Earth and the world was still in its infancy.

These days, Arizona is a pretty stable area in terms of volcanic activity – but all that shifting and flowing has left its mark.

There are certain caverns and tunnels like Coconino Lava River Cave , where lava flowed through these underground passages and permanently reshaped the ground it flowed on.

In this particular case, this cave was the result of a giant lava flow that had run through the earth like an underground river.

It now is a smooth, near-perfect circle that you can swear is a man-made passage.

And that’s just scratching the surface of the beauty this subterranean marvel holds!

Address:  171B Forest Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States

33. Tumacacori National Historical Park

Tumacacori National Historical Park

No matter what your Arizona vacation ideas are, checking out the state’s history is always a must do.

After all, nothing quite beats learning about transpired events than by being able to see, touch, and feel the weight of history carried by all that have lived through it.

After centuries of war, raids, and cultural clashes, it is a miracle that the ruins of these three 17th-century missions still stand tall.

These days, the ruins are protected by the establishment of Tumacacori National Historical Park , which serves to care for the surviving ruins as much as possible.

If you’re visiting Arizona, consider walking through the ruins to check out the picturesque Mission of San Jose de Tumacacori, or learning more about the area via the Tumacacori Museum!

Informative guided tours are also available, though the Museum and the Mission remnants provide plenty of information if you’re short on time.

Address:  1891 I-19 Frontage Rd, Tumacacori, AZ 85640, United States

34. Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden

Cartoons, movies, and television all tell us that the desert is just nothing but miles and miles of sandy dunes, broken up by the occasional cactus.

If we’re lucky, there may be an oasis with palm trees!

But this is far from the actual reality of this type of land.

In reality, desert regions like Arizona are bursting at the brim with all sorts of incredible plant life – and Desert Botanical Garden is a crucial example.

With over 4,000 species, this garden is overflowing with all the floral beauty a desert can ever hope to muster.

So if you’re still asking about what to see in Arizona, then why not add this garden to your to-do list?

It will certainly be a fun and happy trip that’s designed to bust your expectations of what a desert should be like!

Address:  1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

Founded in 1880, Bisbee is one of the many mining camps that sprung up in the Old West as pioneers hoped to strike fame and fortune.

Despite the riches it accrued, it, unfortunately, fell to the same fate that other mining towns did, and was quickly abandoned when the mines closed down in the mid-1970s.

These days, its name is the answer to would-be visitors asking where to visit in Arizona – and for good reason.

If the history and incredible surroundings alone aren’t good enough a reason for you, then perhaps the activities it has may spark your interest instead!

What kind of activities, you may ask?

Consider checking out the many museums and galleries this little town holds, or hop along on a guided tour to learn more about Bisbee’s colorful history.

There’s never a dull moment in a historical town such as this one!

Start Planning Your Trip To Arizona

There’s no shortage of Arizona attractions to enjoy, each filled with stuff to do.

With all the great places to travel, there’s no shortage of tourist spots to enjoy so plan a vacation today!

Hopefully, our list of the best things to do in Arizona will help you see all the sights and get to all the destinations that Arizona has to offer!

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Arizona (AZ) » 25 Best Things to Do in Arizona

25 Best Things to Do in Arizona

Spotting a tourist in Arizona may be more difficult than you would first imagine as even the locals wear shorts and t-shirts and take a high number photographs of the stunning natural landscapes.

Arizona has some of the most incredible and unique terrain in the United States with its rocky canyons and towering mountains.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited national attractions in the world and it is easy to appreciate why whilst taking in the natural phenomenon.

The climate could also be described a natural wonder in its own right with its hot and dry weather attracting tourists in the winter who want a late taste of summer.

There are also man made wonders in the state including the Hoover Dam which defies belief with its structural strength and size.

The cities in Arizona also have plenty to offer with a mix of historic buildings and pioneering museums and art galleries.

When constructing this list of things to do in Arizona it was impossible to avoid missing off several prominent attractions as there is simply so much worth doing in the state.

However, the list has been refined and makes for a truly memorable itinerary. Here are the best things to do in Arizona :

1. The Grand Canyon

Possibly the most popular natural attraction in the United States, and definitively the most popular in Arizona, is the Grand Canyon.

This natural wonder was shaped by the Colorado River many years ago. The Grand Canyon is mostly visited at the South Rim, which has a number of lookout spots.

Hiking into the canyon itself is possible as is a truly memorable helicopter flight over the landscape, providing spectacular views.

There are several tours available.

2. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

The Glen Canyon National Recreational Area is home to Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam.

Lake Powell is manmade and the largest artificial lake in the USA, it was formed by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1964.

Hiking is one of the main reasons to visit the area and a great place to do so is the Antelope slot canyons where the light and rocks create some interesting sights and photo opportunities.

3. Monument Valley

When soaking in the views within Monument Valley Tribal Park it would be easy to believe that you are on a different planet.

The terrain here is hostile but beautiful with its sharp rock formations and huge sand dunes.

There are a number of ways to see the valley including a photography tour for those looking to take some great photos of the landscape.

Many visitors simply take in the valley from the comfort of their vehicles as they drive by on the nearby highway.

Suggested tour : 2.5-Hour Tour with Backcountry Access

This former mining town is now a ghost town, which is a great stop off while in Arizona.

There are great views from the town and the main street has plenty of shops and places to eat.

Jerome is a mix of restored buildings and ruins.

There are hotels for those wishing to stay overnight in this unique location and also a museum, the Gold King Museum, detailing the history of the area.

Another point of interest is the Sliding Jail, which, as the name suggests, has slid away from its current location since construction and is now situated about 2,500 feet away from the spot where it was first built.

Suggested tour : Jerome and Tuzigoot National Monument Day Trip

The town of Sedona is surrounded by stunning red mountains and sharp rocky precipices and makes for a great day trip from Phoenix, situated around an hour and a half away by car.

The views here are brilliant and can be taken in by hiking or mountain biking or, for those who want to relax slightly, off road jeep tours are also available.

Explore it by Jeep : Small-Group Vortex Jeep Tour

6. Hoover Dam

It is hard not to be impressed by the Hoover Dam, it is one of the engineering wonders of the world. Constructed in 1935, the dam controls the Colorado River and bridges Arizona and Nevada.

The Hoover Dam is over 700 feet high and over 1,200 feet long.

The lake created by the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, is 110 miles in length.

7. Havasu Falls

The Havasu Falls are 100 feet high and during times of heavy water flow, it appears to be two falls as the water forks and cascades in two directions.

The pools at the bottom of the falls are a beautiful turquoise.

In the nearby Havasu Creek canyon, the Havasupai Indians live. In the past they survived a secluded life based on their agricultural skills but now they largely rely on the tourist trade in the area.

8. Canyon De Chelly National Monument

The National Monument of Canyon de Chelly is home to unusual houses built into the steep cliff sides including a dwelling called the White House, which is thought to have been constructed in 1050AD.

Most of the houses, which are believed to have been lived in from as early as 350AD, are unreachable but the museum and visitor center nearby offer insightful guided tours of the area.

Bisbee is a former mining town situated near the Mexican border.

Its position in the mountains allows for spectacular views, which extend over the border and into Mexico.

When the mines closed Bisbee and its houses fell into disrepair but it is now home to an interesting mix of residents and shops.

Many people visit the town from Tucson as a day trip.

10. Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Although the National Recreation Area takes its name from Lake Mead, it also includes some of the Colorado River and Lake Mohave within its impressive 1.5 million acres.

Lake Mohave, like Lake Mead, is an artificial lake restrained by the Davis Dam.

Many outdoor pursuits are available at the Recreational Area including, of course, water sports, fishing and camping.

11. Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon offers some very unique sights due to its narrow canyon walls and the natural light that cascades from above.

It is these features that make Antelope Canyon a popular spot for photographers and photos of the canyon are often found on postcards, tourism leaflets and art galleries.

Visitors to the canyon must have a guide and, as such, there are a variety of tours available.

Book online : Canyon X, Upper, or Lower Antelope Entry

12. Tumacacori National Historical Park

The National Historical Park of Tumacacori is located to the south of Tucson and preserves the remains of the three Spanish colonial missions that were situated here in the past.

The missions of Los Santos Angeles and San Jose de Tumacacori are the oldest in the state of Arizona and were formed in 1691.

The final mission in the park is San Cayetano de Calabazas, which was formed in 1756.

In the year of 1848 the missions were abandoned due to a particularly harsh winter and increasing raids from Apache.

13. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument occupies an area to the south of Arizona and near the border with Mexico.

The National Monument is home to a wide range of cactus species and is particularly well known for the organ pipe cactus, which can grow to heights of well over 20 feet.

Hiking and driving are equally good ways to see the area.

14. Saguaro National Park

If you want to experience the Arizona desert, and its saguaro cacti, then the Saguaro National Park near Tucson is the place to visit.

The park is split into an east and a west section, which are split by Tuscon itself.

Hiking in the area is a great way to see the unique flora and wildlife that calls the harsh environment its home.

The 8000 feet high mountains in the area provide a challenge for even the most dedicated hikers.

15. Petrified Forest National Park

This interesting and unique national park has been the site of discovery for a large amount of plant and fish fossils as well as petrified wood.

Driving through the park provides a glimpse of the park’s key sights whereas the trails allow for closer investigation.

The Visitor’s Centre is a useful resource and provides information on how and why the site is home to so many fossils.

16. London Bridge

Lake Havasu City is home to this impressive structure which was built in 1831 but purchased for around $2.5 million before be re-constructed in the city.

Robert McCulloch was the city’s founder and also responsible for the purchase and relocation of the bridge.

The bridge had to be shortened slightly upon being moved in order to neatly fit its new location.

Arguably the home of art in the state of Arizona, Tubac was founded in 1752 and is now a popular spot for tourists but also home to many artist studios, shops and art galleries.

The town may be fairly small but a lot of money changes hands here and it is seen as a great place to shop by visitors and locals alike.

18. Mount Lemmon

Mount Lemmon is the tallest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountain range. It is an impressive 9,150 feet high and is a very popular location for skiing.

Despite the mountains intimidating height, there are runs for all levels of skiing experience as well as spectacular views.

The mountain in summer is a great place to see birds and wildlife.

Available tour : 4-Hour Guided Tour of Mount Lemmon

19. The Heard Museum

The Heard Museum can be found in Phoenix and portrays, through various exhibits and collections, the culture of the Native American people who lived in the area in the past.

The items on show in the museum include jewellery, pottery, textiles and dolls.

The outdoor area at the museum displays contemporary Native American artwork.

20. Taliesin West

Taliesin West is the former home and architectural school of the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The building can be found in Scottsdale and is now known as the home of the FLW School of Architecture.

The building was constructed in 1959 by Wright and his understudies using materials local to area.

21. Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park is home to a varied collection of plants and cacti from all around the world.

The garden occupies an impressive 40 acres of space and contains ten thousand plants.

A small army of staff attends the garden, most of which are volunteers.

Spring is a great time to visit the gardens but expect to spend a large portion of the day walking as you explore the large area.

22. Heritage Square

Heritage Square is home to a number of restored historical homes dating from the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.

Many of the buildings were part of the original Phoenix town site but now contain shops or places to eat.

The main point of interest in the area is the Rosson House, which was constructed in 1895 in Victorian style.

23. Phoenix Art Museum

The collection in this museum is varied and impressive, ranging from the Renaissance period in Europe to art from the American West.

Modern art can also be found at the museum with regularly changing contemporary exhibits.

The museum and its collection has responded rapidly since its opening in 1959 and it now has a reputation as being one of the Southwest’s leading institutes.

24. Hall of Flame Fire Fighting Museum

The Hall of Flame Museum examines the history of fire fighting whilst also acting as a memorial for the many fire fighters who have been killed due to their profession.

The exhibits in the museum include old fire fighting objects, mainly from America but also including objects from around the world.

25. The Arizona Science Centre

The Arizona Science Centre has a wide variety of hands-on exhibits and galleries, each with a different scientific theme.

Also at the museum is an Imax cinema and a large planetarium.

The Science Centre is also a prominent institution in raising awareness for issues such as global warming.

25 Best Things to Do in Arizona:

• The Grand Canyon
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
• Monument Valley
• Havasu Falls
• Canyon De Chelly National Monument
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area
• Antelope Canyon
• Tumacacori National Historical Park
• Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
• Saguaro National Park
• Petrified Forest National Park
• London Bridge
• Mount Lemmon
• The Heard Museum
• Taliesin West
• Desert Botanical Garden
• Heritage Square
• Phoenix Art Museum
• Hall of Flame Fire Fighting Museum
• The Arizona Science Centre

26 Stunning Places to Visit in Arizona That We Love

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: June 11, 2024

There are a lot of beautiful places to visit in Arizona. Arizona offers a unique mix of striking landscapes, bustling cities, hidden ghost towns, and unique formations, making it a great destination any time of year. This guide will help you plan your Arizona getaway now and discover what this diverse state has to offer. Whether planning an Arizona road trip or popping over from Vegas, you’ll surely find something to suit your needs.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Arizona

This guide is split into specific sections, as Arizona has many different types of places to visit. The best way to get around Arizona is by car. Compare prices from the airport you are flying into here at RentalCars.com (This is what we use). So, let’s get started.

1. Coyote Buttes

Do you love unique landscapes? The landscape of Coyote Buttes is beautiful and fascinating. It’s is a bit like walking through a maze of natural skatepark ramps.

The Buttes are located in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. A little like Antelope Canyon, the landscape features wave-like rock patterns. But instead of being in a canyon, you can experience the waves out in the open, amongst towering buttes.

Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness is one of the best places to visit in Arizona in its own right. Paria has over 100,000 acres of protected lands, but add Coyote Buttes and it is out of this world.

2. Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a national treasure. The wave-like sandstone walls of the slot canyon were made famous on social media, but to see it in person is magical. Photographers flock to Antelope Canyon to capture the dramatic scenery and walk along the canyon floor.

If you want to visit Antelope Canyon, you’ll have a choice of which part to visit – Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon, or maybe both as you can book tours and see both.

Upper Antelope Canyon is the easiest to hike but is darker, while Lower Antelope Canyon is narrower but much lighter. You can book online or pay a visit to Antelope Canyon Visitor Center. Antelope Canyon is easily one of the best natural tourist attractions in Arizona. This canyon is a must-visit if you want to visit bucket list outdoor attractions. Check out Antelope Canyon Photo Tours – How to Make the most of it

3. Monument Valley

Monument Valley is located along the Arizona- Utah border. If you want to visit easily, you must base yourself in a northern city like Flagstaff. The valley is one of the most famous landscapes in the US and easily one of the best places to visit in Arizona.

The valley is over 90,000 acres and full of hiking trails and spectacular rock formations. It is most known for its towering sandstone buttes, which you can experience on scenic drives or on hiking trails. Don’t miss Forest Gump Point, the iconic viewpoint used in famous movies and is an important filming location in cinematic history.

The valley is a great place to cut through if you are planning an Arizona road trip . There are many things to see while driving through the valley, and the scenery is perfect for memorable road tripping.

4. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Fascinated by ancient culture and archaeological sites of inhabitation? Montezuma Castle National Monument is the place to visit. The site is home to several cliffside dwellings, built and lived in by Indigenous People around 1100 to 1425 AD.

Sadly, access inside the dwellings has now been prohibited in an understandable attempt to protect the site from excessive damage. However, visitors can take a virtual tour inside the houses. They look incredible from the outside, and you can enjoy numerous hiking trails for different views.

5. Saguaro National Park

We’ve briefly mentioned Saguaro National Park already. The park is located just outside Tucson. It is a great place to visit for stunning scenery and hiking trails while visiting Southern Arizona.

The park is most known for its cacti. Indeed, in this national park, you’ll find some of the largest saguaro cacti in the US. Some of the cacti live up to 200 years old and grow at a very slow rate. The national park feels like an old American West movie scene and has over 90,000 acres for you to explore.

Whether you choose a scenic drive or hike, booking a rental car to visit Saguaro National Park is the easiest option. Valley View Overlook Trail is a nice short walk that should take you around 20 minutes to complete, while hiking to Signal Hill Petroglyphs is a must for anyone interested in ancient art and civilizations.

6. Petrified Forest National Park

If the Petrified Forest National Park sounds fantastic, it’s because it is. However, if you arrive expecting a lush forest full of beautiful, interesting trees, you’ll be shocked. The national park is a barren landscape, full of fossils and petrified, sliced tree trunks.

The petrified wood is scattered across the national park, and you can drive the length of the park in around an hour – stopping at whatever spot catches your eye. Some not to miss places include Rainbow Forest Museum, the Crystal Forest hike, and the Blue Mesa hike.

Wondering how this natural phenomenon occurs? Petrification of trees takes place when trees have been buried underground without oxygen for thousands of years. Over time, the decaying wood becomes mineralized and turns into fossilized stone, creating an exact replica of the original form, just in a different material.

For a unique natural experience, Petrified Forest National Park is one of the best places to visit in Arizona. We recommend choosing this national park for anyone intrigued by natural ‘mysteries’ and wanting a memorable experience in Arizona.

7. Grand Canyon National Park

What can we say? The park is one of the best places to visit in the US , never mind Arizona. Visiting the Grand Canyon is up there on most people’s US bucket lists. From hiking to whitewater rafting, and camping to taking a trail ride, this destination is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire world.

South Rim and North Rim are the most popular areas to explore while the North Rim is the lesser seen side of the Grand Canyon and is best for those who want a quieter place to experience.

A popular hiking route in the Grand Canyon is the Bright Angel Trail. The trail is well-maintained and relatively easy. But there are plenty of other hiking trails in the Grand Canyon that you can explore. Read The Absolute Best Things to do in The Grand Canyon for more information.

Of course, you can always splurge on a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Many tourists opt to view the canyon from above, which is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Arizona. Whichever way you decide to see the Grand Canyon, it will leave you breathless. It truly lives up to the hype. Read more: Where to Stay At The Grand Canyon: Best Hotels And Areas For Every Budget

8. Havasu Falls

While visiting the  Grand Canyon , you must plan a hike to Havasu Falls. This trek needs to be planned in advance, as permits to the falls are hard to get, but it is worth the time..

Havasu Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the U.S. The water is a striking pastel blue from the high calcium carbonate and magnesium levels. The falls drop over 100 feet in a single drop to fill a considerable plunge pool at the bottom.

Getting to the falls is an adventure in itself, one you can read more about here. It is recommended that you stay overnight at the Lodge or campground. But for all the effort of getting there, the turquoise water of the Havasu Falls will soothe your weary body, providing yet another dream-like experience.

Better yet, you can swim – rare amongst the prettiest waterfalls since tourism usually damages their natural beauty. Havasu Falls is still enough under the radar to avoid this strict rule brought on by over-tourism. So grab a bikini and towel and enjoy.

9. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Canyon de Chelly National Monument covers over 80,000 acres and is home to the Spider Rock spire. The spire is a 700-foot-high sandstone rock. Spider Rock spire gained its shape by gradual erosion over time, and experts believe it was once connected to a ridge. Nowadays, it makes an unusual natural attraction and a great photograph.

You can drop by the Canyon de Chelly Visitor Center for expert local guidance on things to see and do. However, you should definitely make sure to try a hiking trail or scenic drive. You can also explore the canyon on horseback if you want a more exciting experience.

After exploring the best national parks and cities, let’s look at Arizona’s largest category – its outdoor attractions.

Arizona is perfect if you love being outdoors and experiencing natural attractions. The state is full of things to see and do outdoors, including visiting the National Monument, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley. Ready to be inspired? Let’s take a look.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a national park in Northeastern Arizona. It is located in the Navajo Nation and is exceptionally close to the Arizona-New Mexico border. For those who want to experience nature, it is easily one of the best places to visit in Arizona.

10. Lake Powell

If you are heading up to the Arizona-Utah border, it is well worth detouring to Lake Powell. The lake is a stunning artificial body of water situated between Monument Valley and Grand Canyon National Park. It is a beautiful place to visit in Arizona. The lake’s bright blue water and orange sandstone surroundings cut a picture-perfect scene.

The lake is fed by the Colorado River and covers over 2,000 miles of shoreline. The Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a significant tourist attraction on the lake, and the vast stone arc is the largest natural bridge in the world. It is an excellent attraction to combine with enjoying the lake itself.

Many people spend a day or two staying along the shores of the lake. You may wish to visit as a day trip or look for a cabin , hotel, or campsite so that you can stay overnight.

11. Lake Mead

Lake Mead is another impressive artificial attraction. The lake has the highest water capacity of any US reservoir and sits on the Nevada-Arizona border. If you love water activities and lakeside living, Lake Mead is one of the best places to visit in Arizona to unwind and relax.

We recommend allowing time to take a Lake Mead cruise, as the contrast between desert and an oasis-like body of water is striking and best experienced from the water itself. You can also fish and boat on the lake. The desert mountains are the perfect places for scenic drives and biking; however, it will be hard to draw yourself away from the refreshing lake that surrounds them.

If you are planning a road trip, Lake Mead is ideally located en route to Las Vegas . It is worth a detour to enjoy the lake and you may want to consider combining it with a visit to the nearby Hoover Dam.

12. Horseshoe Bend

You can’t visit Arizona without visiting the Colorado River. Of course, you can choose to see many sections of the river, however, we highly recommend visiting Horseshoe Bend.

Horseshoe Bend is the postcard image of the Colorado River. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Arizona. As you may have guessed, the curve is shaped like a horseshoe, and you’ll find a fantastic viewpoint where you can appreciate the unique scenery up close. Make sure to pack a camera if you’ve got one, as Horseshoe Bend is one of the most popular sights in the US.

Reaching the viewpoint is relatively easy and is just a 1.3-mile round hike. Horseshoe Bend is best visited during the early morning or late afternoon, though, as there is very little shade and Arizona gets dangerously hot in summer.

13. Hoover Dam

Once the tallest dam in the world, the Hoover Dam has a nostalgic kind of power. While it no longer holds that grand title, it is still one of Arizona’s best places to visit. It is said that the dam could withstand the force of Niagara Falls – which gives you an excellent perspective on how strong it is.

You can view the Hoover Dam from afar or drop by the Hoover Dam Visitors Center to book a guided tour. Tours typically include access to the Hoover Dam tunnels, an elevator ride to the top, and special access to functional rooms throughout the building.

If you are interested in architecture or just want to see a national historic landmark up close, the dam is excellent to visit. It can also be combined with a trip to Las Vegas , as the dam sits on the Nevada -Arizona border.

14. Glen Canyon Dam

Planning a trip to Glen Canyon National Recreation Park to visit Lake Powell? We recommend taking a detour to visit the Glen Canyon Dam.

Glen Canyon Dam is situated in Glen Canyon National Recreation Park, a one million-acre reserve encompassing biking trails, hiking trails, and Lake Powell. The dam is a hydroelectric power plant and has become an iconic attraction along the Colorado River.

Visitors can take boat tours to view Glen Canyon Dam up close or even fly over the dam with a flight experience. The 710-foot infrastructure is incredible from a distance and even more impressive up close. Of course, to save a bit of money, you can always walk across Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, where you’ll still have great views over the dam.

15. Jerome State Historic Park

Fancy indulging in a bit of history? Jerome State Historic Park is a fantastic place to visit in Arizona. The state park has a couple of acres surrounding Douglas Mansion, which has been transformed into a quirky mining museum.

Visitors can wander through two floors of informative exhibits plus outdoor gardens. The museum balances general mining stories and the local town’s history. You can learn about region-specific minerals and mining processes through various mediums, including cinematic videos.

The park can be combined with a visit to Montezuma Castle or it is a great day trip if you are staying in nearby Flagstaff. It is undoubtedly an activity to note down for your Arizona itinerary.

16. the Superstition Mountains

The Superstition Mountains cover 160,000 and are full of gorgeous mountainous and desert scenes. That is not what makes this place famous, though; it is the lost gold mines.

Legends of gold have kept mining companies and independent hunters searching the mountains for years. Many hunters have hit the jackpot and found lots of riches. You can join the crowds or find your own non-gold-related entertainment in the mountains.

You can visit the Superstition Mountains Museum, explore the surrounding Tonto National Forest, or hike along one of the various trails. These mountains are one of the best places to visit in Arizona for adventure.

You can explore the hiking trails, biking trails, take off-roading tours, or book a scenic helicopter flight – it is up to you. These are the best national parks to visit in Arizona.

17. Phoenix

Phoenix is the sunny state capital of Arizona. Located in central Arizona, Phoenix is surrounded by mountains and desert landscapes. Its location seems unlikely for a city, with skyscrapers and luxury hotels shooting up from what (before 1881) was once sand and dust.

Phoenix is the best place to visit in Arizona for a big-city experience. The city is bursting with art, nightlife and attractions, including more art galleries than you could see in a whole week.

Phoenix is home to the Musical Instrument Museum, Natural History Museum, Phoenix Bat Cave, and Desert Botanical Garden. Read more: 34 Best Things To Do In Phoenix (By A Local)

18. Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is located in Papago Park, in the center of Arizona’s capital city. However, the Desert Botanical Garden is worthy of a spot on our list in its own right. We highly recommend visiting even if you fly into Phoenix and head straight out of the city after (but seriously, at least give the city a day or two).

Why is the Desert Botanical Garden so spectacular? The 150-acre garden has over 50,000 desert plants and is the ideal place to visit for a convenient desert experience. The botanical garden is an easy and fun alternative for those who don’t have time to visit major desert locations like Saguaro National Park.

Phoenix’s botanical garden is a fantastic place to visit in Arizona. The garden is a great compromise option if you still want to experience the desert landscape and characteristic cacti and flora.

19. Lake Havasu City

If Phoenix is best for a big-city feel, Lake Havasu City is best for the opposite. The tiny city sits next to Lake Havasu, which is fed by the Colorado River and is a hot spot for watersports and relaxation. But it was the Little London Village that made us take a detour to visit Lake Havasu.

Nature lovers and those looking for a quiet base in Arizona will love Lake Havasu. The city has a slow pace, and its lakeside location is a pleasant change from Arizona’s dry desert landscape. There are plenty of outdoor activities and attractions including Lake Havasu State Park and London Bridge. London Bridge is an architectural wonder transported from London in the 1970s and there is a distinct English feel in the London Village.

You can spend your days fishing, enjoying the footpaths and green space around the city, or swimming and boating on the lake. Don’t forget to check out the Lake Havasu Lighthouses that span the shoreline..

Tucson is Arizona’s second-largest city and is full of cultural diversity and things to do. If you want a  different  Arizona experience, we recommend visiting Tucson.

Tucson sits just above the US-Mexican border in Southern Arizona. Thanks to its location, the city has a lot of Mexican influence. One of the top places to visit San Xavier del Bac is a Spanish Catholic Mission. This national historic landmark was founded in 1692 and welcomes more than 200,000 visitors per year. The church is considered the finest Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States.

You’ll find many new experiences and immersion opportunities, from the city’s cuisine to its cultures. You must try some Mexican cuisine while visiting.

Tucson is also home to the University of Arizona. As a university city, visitors can enjoy an extra sociable, friendly atmosphere – especially in the city center.

While just outside the city center, you’ll find attractions like Saguaro National Park and Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (more on them later). Tucson is a fun, fresh city to visit in Arizona. For an introduction to Southern Arizona, don’t look no further.

21. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is located just on the outskirts of Tucson. However, the museum deserves a place on this list in its own right.

The museum is a bit of everything – from natural history museum to a botanical garden. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum covers 98 acres. There is also an art gallery for visitors to enjoy.

You could easily spend a whole day at the museum. The museum is a chance to experience multiple tourist attractions at once. It is perfect for a family day out.

22. Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a small city in Northern Arizona known as the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks and the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff is one of the best places to visit in Arizona if you want to be centrally located amongst most of the state’s natural attractions.

You can spend your days excitedly exploring all the nearby attractions. Make sure to stay in Flagstaff for the day and head to the city’s historic downtown. You’ll find a brewery trail, excellent restaurants, and the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Remember to bring a camera, as you’ll stumble across plenty of street art and great photo spots.

Both desert and forest surround Flagstaff. Coconino National Forest envelops the city and is the largest Ponderosa Pine Forest in the world. For a city where you can easily take a day trip into nature, Flagstaff is an ideal place to visit in Northern Arizona. Check out our guide on the best cabins in Flagstaff for accommodation inspiration.

23. Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park

If you are driving from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, or Monument Valley, make sure to stop at Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park. The gorge outlook is perfectly positioned to slot into even the busiest day trips.

Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park is another of the best places to visit in Arizona to add to your list. The park is located just north of Flagstaff. If you are looking for to make a day out of it, combine this with a trip to Lake Powell or Monument Valley.

The park’s main highlight is the gorge overlook, where you’ll get to admire the sheer drop of a lesser-visited canyon. Be wary of where you are stepping as there is little to no barrier protection, and the park isn’t as commercialized as others in Arizona. Many find it a peaceful alternative to busier canyons – like the Grand and Antelope Canyons.

24. Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most unique places to visit in Arizona, and there’s no way we couldn’t add this unique Catholic church to our list. We’re not religious people, but this is one of the most unique structures in Arizona. So it’s worth seeing.

The church is wedged between two sandstone buttes and has large, plain glass windows that give it a modern, chic design. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is not your typical church.

You can enter the church to look around or join a service if that’s your thing. The church is near Sedona and plenty of other attractions , so it isn’t too much of a detour to make.

25. Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town

Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town are by far the quirkiest place on our list. The property is set up as an Old West mining camp and is designed to give you an insight into what the life of a miner was like.

You’ll be fully immersed with old vintage vehicles and mining equipment on display. Car enthusiasts will especially love this museum, and we recommend visiting if you are interested in old cars and vehicles. The variety is impressive, even if you know nothing about cars.

It isn’t just all old relics, though; there are working areas like a sawmill and blacksmith’s shop to visit as well. Gold King is designed to be a step back in time – fully immersing visitors in the old mining lifestyle.

You can expect to spend at least a couple of hours learning, laughing, and admiring your way around the museum and ghost town. It is like its own little world and a fun yet historically informative thing to do in Arizona.

26. Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway

Are you looking for a scenic drive? Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is an incredible, relatively short scenic drive from Tucson that you can enjoy. Short enough to comfortably squeeze into a day yet long enough to provide diverse scenes and attractions, this scenic byway is a great place to drive.

You won’t find the byway marked on a map. However, it is the only paved road leading to Mount Lemmon’s top. The road is called Mt Lemmon Highway and starts from the outskirts of Tucson. Altogether, the route is approximately 60 miles long and takes three to four hours to complete – plus extra time to allow for stops.

Speaking of stops, we recommend stopping at Babad Do’ag Scenic Overlook, Molino Canyon Vista, Thimble Peak Vista, Windy Point Vista, and Geology Vista Point. There are quite literally dozens of hiking trails and trailheads along the highway as well. You can easily park up and take a detour on foot.

Allow extra time again once you reach Mount Lemmon’s peak. There is Mt Lemmon Ski Valley, Mt Lemmon Sky Observatory, and a Fire Lookout Station to visit. Mount Lemmon has a small town at the mountain top too, where you can grab refreshments and do some light shopping.

The ‘Grand Canyon State’ is packed with wonderful activities and tourist destinations. Visiting Arizona is guaranteed to be memorable with breathtaking sights that will make your jaw drop throughout your stay. The state has so much to offer, whether you want a typical desert experience, a quirky tourist attraction, or a cultural immersion.

Photo Credit: Chapel of the Holy Cross

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• 20 Best Things to do in Sedona, Arizona
• The 17 Best Hikes in Arizona
• Arizona Road Trip – The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary

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Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is an incredible. Best tourist destinations . post these kind of blogs everyday.and thankyou..

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22 Best Places to Visit in Arizona

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on June 17, 2024

Overflowing with distinctive landscapes and footprints of the Old West, Arizona offers both iconic national parks and fabled history in droves. Although home to such famous sites as the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Arizona rewards those that expand their horizons.

With Indian reservations making up almost a quarter of Arizona’s area, there are lots of interesting archaeological, historical and cultural sites relating to Native American culture for tourists to enjoy.

As they are home to a plethora of great museums, theaters and art galleries, Arizona’s cities are fun and friendly places to stop by and there is some great nightlife to boot. An incredible state to visit, the best places to visit in Arizona will live long in the memory.

22. Lake Havasu

In 1967, Robert McCulloch made a mind-boggling purchase when he decided to buy the London Bridge and move it, brick by brick, to the humble town of Lake Havasu. Now on the proverbial map, Lake Havasu was later awarded the title of one of the best communities in America.

Along with this startling attraction, Lake Havasu is an outdoor paradise. With over 300 days of sunshine, you can enjoy 60 miles of navigable waterways, and 1800 miles of off-road trails.

On the lake, you’ll discover 27 replica lighthouses and the largest skatepark in Arizona, all alongside a white sand beach. All the more reason to make Lake Havasu the spot for your winter vacation,

In the foothills of the Mule Mountains, Bisbee was once one of the richest mining towns on planet earth. The Old West mining camp, however, managed to stay the course over the years without becoming a classic ghost town. Today, with the mine closed, Bisbee is a hub of art and culture.

Along the delightful and leafy streets, you’ll find a selection of boutique stores, cozy cafes and local art galleries. All within the classic buildings that flourished during the mining era. As a throwback to the good ol’ days, Bisbee still has over 45 saloons to grab a pint at, along with the original library and opera house.

20. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Slowly and patiently, the spectacular nature of Tonto Natural Bridge State Park came to life. To begin, seawater, volcanic lava and rainfall help to form a travertine dam. Over the years, the dam eroded. Leaving before the largest natural travertine bridge in the world.

The bridge is 150 feet wide, rising over 180 feet above the dazzling Pine Creek. Surrounded by pines, flowing springs and grottoes enveloped by ferns, the inspiring nature creates stark contrasts to the world around it. The most popular activity in the park is climbing over the bridge, but you’ll also find four other hiking trails to further explore the geological wonder that is Pine Canyon.

19. Tombstone

A historic town that is famous as the site of the Gunfight at the OK Corral, Tombstone was one of the last boom towns. It was a rough place that attracted hardy prospectors, tough gunslingers and lawless gamblers who came to win their fortune in the silver mines.

Very much a tourist trap, Tombstone is a fun place to visit in Arizona to learn about how the West was settled. With the historic part of town perfectly preserved, step into the past and wander around its saloons or check out a reenactment performance of the gunfight. As the place is geared towards tourism, there are lots of cheap eateries, souvenir shops, restaurants and hotels around town.

18. Scottsdale

Part of the Greater Phoenix Area, Scottsdale’s year-round warm weather means that it welcomes millions of visitors to its streets every year. As such, there is a plethora of resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars that cater to every budget.

Marketing itself as ‘The West’s Most Western Town’, numerous historic sites are scattered around and festivals and events embracing this heritage are regularly held, with cowboy competitions and horse shows often featuring.

With lots of great museums and art galleries on offer, Scottsdale has a thriving arts and cultural scene for visitors to enjoy. On top of all this, the city’s nightlife is pounding; there are loads of great nightclubs, swanky lounges and trendy bars for you to explore.

17. Montezuma Castle

Fifty miles south of Flagstaff, Montezuma Castle was built between 700 and 900 years ago. The five-story castle was cut using the limestone cliffs in Beaver Creek Canyon. One hundred feet off the valley floor, Montezuma Castle is a visual story of resilience and ingenuity of the Sinagua people.

Held together by clay mortar and mud, the castle comprises 20 separate rooms. Unfortunately, visitors can’t explore the inside of Montezuma Castle. However, the striking views along the walking trail complemented by various informative panels create a memorable experience. To learn more about the castle, explore the visitors center.

16. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Mostly consisting of endless desert, the huge Glen Canyon National Recreation Area surrounds the beautiful waters of Lake Powell. With over three thousand kilometers of shoreline, the dark waters of the lake are lined by beautiful red rock formations and the dramatic rock faces that plunge down into it.

A popular place to go boating, five marinas are scattered about and there are loads of great water sports and activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether it is kayaking and jet-skiing on Lake Powell’s waters, fishing along the shoreline, or hiking amidst the spectacular rock formations; this national recreation area has something for everyone.

The desert scenery is otherworldly, with Paria Canyon and Rainbow Bridge being particularly memorable. Horseshoe Bend is another must-see area in Glen Canyon. Make sure to stop by for a couple of days; you won’t regret it!

15. Phoenix

Set in the middle of the desert in an area which is appropriately known as ‘the Valley of the Sun’, the state capital is undoubtedly the cultural and economic heart of the state. Bathed in glorious sunshine almost year-round, Phoenix attracts over sixteen million visitors every year.

With lots of educational and entertaining museums on show, as well as some great theaters and shopping options, Phoenix has a lot going for it . There are a number of great restaurants and bars for visitors to check out. Sport lovers can watch any one of the city’s teams, while golfers will adore exploring the more than two hundred courses found in the town.

In its short and turbulent history, Jerome has seen it all. Once a thriving mining town, soon the numbers dwindled until it was nothing but tumbleweeds meandering along Main Street. But with enough of the old town remaining, it turned into a popular tourist destination.

Today you can explore the historic stores, old restaurants and museums in the restored buildings. Or simply admire the crumbling facades still standing. Learn all about Jerome’s history at the Gold King Mine Museum before exploring the famous Sliding Jail. The original building was made on clay slick and over the years has moved 2500ft from its first location.

Those exploring Sedona, Phoenix, Flagstaff and Prescott can make a day trip to the ghost town with on-site accommodation also available.

13. Prescott

Found at over 5000ft, Prescott experiences the change of seasons more than most towns in Arizona. With a balance of exotic desert features among the ponderosa pines and sprawling lakes, there’s a wide variety of fun to be had.

Once the capital of the Arizona Territory, Prescott is the place to go for idyllic lakes where you can kayak by craggy canyons and camp under the stars. If you’re more of a dry land person, complete the Watson Lake Loop Trail. Covering 4.7 miles, experience the deep blue lake colors while trekking over desert boulders.

Prescott has an adorable downtown area, with historic buildings like the Elks Theater and the old courthouse. For accommodation in town, check into one of the daintily restored BnBs.

12. Horseshoe Bend

In the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Horseshoe Bend is one of the most recognizable sights in the United States. The park itself features an abundance of epic rock formations, scenic vistas and a fascinating layer of human history. But Horseshoe Bend will always steal the show.

Carved over the course of millions of years, the Colorado River completes a sharp 180-degree turn through the park. The result is a stunning horseshoe vista with the dark blue waters flowing through the orange canyon.

To get the best view in the house, complete the relatively flat 1.5 mile hike to the observation platform (this hike is wheelchair accessible). From there, try to avoid vertigo as you peer down 1000ft to the river below.

11. Havasu Falls

Turquoise waterfalls amid the rich desert await you on this bucket list worthy hike. The charm and beauty of Havasu Falls is hard to describe but when a hike of this difficulty is worth it, then you know the reward fits the bill.

The popularity, strenuousness and fragility of the landscape means visitors will have to plan ahead to make the famous journey. Permits need to be arranged ahead of time, with a night spent at either Havasupai Lodge or under the stars at the campground near the falls.

With your permit sorted, the hike begins by losing 1800ft of elevation as you trek to the base of the Grand Canyon. All up the hike to the mystical falls is ten miles one way.

Home to the University of Arizona, this lively college town is a fun and friendly place to visit, with some great nightlife on offer. The second largest city in the state is a delightful mix of cultures that attest to its long and varied history. Its numerous museums and lively arts and culture scene showcase the city’s diversity.

With great local shops on offer and fantastic restaurants and bars, the university’s large student body gives the town a youthful vibe. Lying in a valley and surrounded by arid mountains and cacti-filled plains, the brightly-colored buildings of the city make Tucson an attractive place, full of charm.

With amazing natural sights lying just outside of Tucson, most tourists to the city come to explore the mesmerizing Saguaro National Park or hike in the nearby Santa Catalina Mountains.

9. Saguaro National Park

The city of Tucson is surrounded by serene desert and one of the few places in the United States where you can see the giant saguaro in the wild. The Saguaro National Park was formed to allow the opportunity to both protect and show off the rare and spectacular cacti.

The park is split into two sections, with Tucson taking up the middle, granting easy access to anyone in town. The saguaro can live for 200 years while growing at the snail-esque pace of an inch per year.

The best time to visit the chandelier-like plants is in the morning and late afternoon, when the Sonoran Desert sun is less ferocious. The west side has a higher concentration of saguaro, but you can expect more crowds. While you can camp under the desert sky in the eastern section.

8. Meteor Crater

Just out of Winslow, Arizona, is a massive meteor crater that has to be seen to be believed. Known as the Barringer Crater, named after the man who discovered the popular attraction, the crater came to be roughly 50,000 years ago. On that fateful day, the Canyon Diablo meteorite hit the Arizonan landscape at a speed of 26,000 mph.

With the equivalent force of 20 million tons of TNT, the 100ft wide meteorite created a 700ft hole with a 4000ft diameter. Today, visitors can get up close to one of the biggest craters in North America. Stand on the observation platform on the cliff of the crater and admire the sheer size of the hole. Afterwards, spend some time in the visitor center learning more about the history of Barringer Crater,

7. Petrified Forest National Park

The idea of fossils isn’t new. In fact, you probably loved them as a kid. But to see a different type of fossil, the tree kind, then you have to explore the incredible Petrified Forest National Park.

Spread through the Navajo and Apache regions of Arizona, the forest became famous for the sheer number of petrified wood on display. As you drive through the park, you will be taken in by the striking terrain of desert badlands with varied shades of color. Stop along the way to embark on one of the several hiking trails through the forests. Get up close to the fossils which date back over 200 million years.

One hike you must do is the Blue Mesa Trail. The simple 1-mile loop guides you through blue-infused clay to a large area of petrified wood.

6. Flagstaff

The City of Seven Wonders, Flagstaff is the perfect base from which to tackle many of the attractions on our list. But the college town isn’t just a handy waypoint on your travels to the Grand Canyon.

The unheralded city tends to your inner-traveler, allowing you to experience a fresh place that hasn’t yet been bombarded with Insta-famous attractions. Flagstaff is the highest point along the entire Route 66 and also where Pluto was first discovered. But that’s not its only claim to fame.

With beautiful nature surrounding it and a diverse art, culture and dining scene, there are many reasons to make the journey to the city. None better than to see why Flagstaff became the world’s first International Dark Sky City.

5. Antelope Canyon

The winding, twisting cracks of Antelope Canyon are mesmerizing to wander around, as sunbeams enchantingly snake their way along the sandstone walls, illuminating and bathing the soft red tones in resplendent light.

A beautiful sight to behold, the two different parts of Antelope Canyon are both well worth visiting; their distinctive features have led them to be respectively nicknamed ‘The Crack’ and ‘The Corkscrew’.

While they each have their own unique look, in both parts the rock appears to be flowing, thanks to the shapes created by the erosion of the rock. Set in a Navajo Tribal Park, the Upper and Lower parts of Antelope Canyon are only accessible by guided tour.

4. Canyon de Chelly

One of the most visited national monuments in the country, Canyon De Chelly has been inhabited for over five thousand years. The canyon walls protect and shelter some amazing old buildings that date back to the days of the Ancestral Puebloans.

Since the Navajos began calling it home in the 1700’s, the canyon has tragically been the site of numerous massacres throughout history, with both the Spanish and US Army having persecuted the Native Americans.

Nowadays, the site is owned and run by the Navajo and there are a number of great trails and horseback tours available to visitors. While Spider Rock is the canyon’s most distinctive feature, Canyon De Chelly is lovely to gaze upon, and there are great views from along its rim.

3. Monument Valley

Iconic in look, Monument Valley’s incredible geological features have starred in TV commercials, featured in films and appeared in magazine ads. As such, they are instantly recognizable around the world.

Surrounded by a desolate and featureless desert that stretches almost interminably, the massive sandstone buttes rear impressively towards the heavens, their vivid reds, and oranges standing out against the blue sky. Beautiful to behold, the ‘Valley Between the Rocks’ – as it was dubbed by the Navajo – is a must-see place when visiting Arizona.

While the jaw-dropping red sandstone formations are the undoubted highlight of what Sedona has to offer, there is lots more to see and do; visitors to the area invariably come away astounded at what they have witnessed.

Nestled amid the beautiful rock formations, Sedona is considered sacred by Native Americans and people come here to heal themselves and seek spiritual enlightenment. There are many shops selling alternative medicines and lots of spas for visitors to relax in.

An area of outstanding beauty, there are plenty of outdoor activities to take part in here; cycling or hiking in the canyons is an amazing experience, while swimming in the pristine waters will replenish your spirit. With lots of great restaurants on offer, as well as numerous art galleries to explore, the town can get a bit busy during summer, although the stunning scenery more than makes up for it.

1. Grand Canyon

Renowned throughout the world, the Grand Canyon is awe-inspiring to visit and the beautiful panoramas on show are simply breathtaking. Gigantic in size and scale, the views from the edge of the canyon are incredible, as you look out over the rock face dropping away below you and the dramatic vista stretches towards the horizon.

Descending into the canyon, the geological formations are mesmerizing. The arid and desolate terrain is peaceful yet picturesque and indeed a powerful place to explore. The ruddy hues of the canyon walls look beautiful in the light and the fossilized remains of plants and animals can be seen here and there.

To gain a greater insight into how the Grand Canyon came to be, head to the Geology Museum or the Trail of Time exhibition, which will take you through the layers and landscapes that the canyon has to offer.

With Ancestral Puebloans having lived in and around the area for centuries, head to the Tusayan Ruin and Museum for an interesting look at their history and culture. A simply incredible place, the Grand Canyon is undoubtedly the highlight of what Arizona has to offer.

Map of Places to Visit in Arizona

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The Top 30 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Arizona

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1. grand canyon national park.

2. Antelope Canyon

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3. Sedona and Red Rock Country

Red Rocks of Sedona.AZ. (51521938363).jpg Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand , PDM-owner, via Wikimedia Commons

4. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

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5. Horseshoe Bend

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6. Saguaro National Park

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7. Petrified Forest National Park

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8. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

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9. Hoover Dam

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10. Havasu Falls

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12. Oak Creek Canyon

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13. Tonto National Monument

14. biosphere 2.

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15. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

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16. Montezuma Castle National Monument

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17. Desert Botanical Garden

18. Taliesin West

TaliesinWest2010.JPG AndrewHorne , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

19. Walnut Canyon National Monument

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20. London Bridge (Lake Havasu City)

21. meteor crater.

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22. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

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23. Phoenix Art Museum

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24. Heard Museum

25. tombstone, 26. lowell observatory, 27. papago park.

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28. Lake Powell

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29. Arizona Capitol Museum

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30. Tumacácori National Historical Park

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Brian is a passionate nursing student at Kenyatta University. His heart beats for discovering Kenya's riches and beyond. Brian enjoys reading literature about the human anatomy and recounting his exploits. The Great Dixter House serves as the backdrop for his first article, a masterwork that brings to life locations he can only dream of seeing. Brian's writing is a trip through the delights of people, food, culture, history, and architecture.

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Located on the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park has one of the most iconic views in the western US. In fact, many of John Wayne's western movies were filmed in here. If you make the trip north to the park, there are a few lodging options such as The View Hotel at Monument Valley or Goulding's , which offers a hotel and a campground with camper RV accommodations. For an immersive experience, hike or ride on horseback through the park with a guide.

5. Stay at an Arizona dude ranch

What's more western than staying at a dude ranch? Arizona has many to choose from throughout the state. Relive the Old West with cowboy cookouts , horseback riding, yoga and wellness activities, live entertainment, guided hikes, and more.

6. Explore Sedona

Sedona is known for its red-rock formations amidst beautiful, pine forests. You may have also heard about the Sedona energy vortexes. Either way, Sedona is a great weekend getaway full of amazing hikes, world-class mountain biking, and unbeatable desert spas. Our favourite spot to camp with tents is Manzanita Campground —for camper RVs it's Rancho Sedona .

7. Sample local, award-winning wine

Luckily for us Arizonans, there are three major grape-growing regions in the state that provide local wine. Spend a day touring one of our wine trails for a chance to experience a relaxing day outside, sipping wine in the warm sun with incredible views. If you'd rather stay close to the city, check out these metro-area tasting rooms that feature local wine in either Tucson or Phoenix.

8. Chiricahua National Monument

Near Wilcox , one of those three wine-growing regions in southern Arizona, you'll find Chiricahua National Monument . The landscape is dotted with hoodoos, the large spires of rocks balanced on other rocks, and natural rock arches, which give Chiricahua the nicknames "Wonderland of Rocks" or "Land of Standing Up Rocks." Hiking and sightseeing are the most popular activities in Chiricahua. Bonita Canyon Campground has spots for both tents and camper RVs under 29 feet (9 meters), but no hookups are provided.

9. Treat Yourself to a Fancy Resort Stay

If the perfect temperatures and sunny skies in Arizona don't already make you feel like you're on holiday, book yourself a stay at a luxurious Arizona resort to soak in the good weather out by the pool or out on the golf course. Choose from towns like Sedona, Tucson or Scottsdale, and be sure to explore the amazing summer value rates on 5-Star Resorts!

10. Experience the night-life and food of Flagstaff

Other than eating tacos like they're going out of style, we hope visitors bring a diverse palate when they visit, as Arizona has a lot of different food to offer. Flagstaff is a great place to experience food from Mexican to Indian to Hawaiian, and as "Arizona’s Craft Beer City," a wide variety of beer to sample. Challenge yourself to trek the Flagstaff-Grand Canyon AleTrail , by visiting all nine breweries and receiving a sticker from each. Flagstaff's downtown area is known for its mountain-town charm and lively night-life . Again, these are just a few of our favourite places and experiences to be had in Arizona, but there is still so much more. Check out the itinerary ideas below for more experiences and activities to explore.

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Arizona Office of Tourism

These articles are brought to you by the staff of the Arizona Office of Tourism, and occasionally local tourism organizations around the state.

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Cities & regions.

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.

Tucson   Travel Guide

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20 Best Things To Do in Tucson

Phoenix may be the capital of Arizona, but many consider Tucson the true heart of the Sonoran Desert. Sitting about an hour north of the Mexico border, Tucson attracts a diverse group of travelers thanks to its wide variety of things to do. For a

• All Things To Do

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Although it's called a "museum," this facility, which is home to animals, a botanical garden, an aquarium and an art gallery – is more of a zoo. In fact, 85% of what you'll experience is outdoors and requires walking (dress accordingly). Across the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's 98 acres, you'll find 230 animal species – including hummingbirds, coyotes and string rays – along with 1,200 local plant species. Next to the entrance plaza, visitors pass the Warden Aquarium and Reptile, Amphibian & Invertebrate Hall before heading out to explore the rest of the exhibits via walking paths. Strolling along the museum's 2 miles of hiking trails, visitors get acquainted with the desert landscape via animal exhibits that mingle with native plants. And if you feel hungry after your leisurely hike, you can enjoy a meal at one of the museum's three eateries, all of which have great views of the surrounding desert.

Recent visitors enjoyed their time at the museum and highly recommended future travelers set aside a few hours to explore the attraction's grounds and educational exhibits. Just make sure you come prepared: bring a refillable water bottle for the numerous fill stations, wear appropriate walking shoes, sun protection and sunscreen (though, if you forget your sunscreen, there are dispensers in the on-site bathrooms). Reviewers also advised stopping by in the morning or near closing as that's when the animals are most active. Aside from the flora and fauna, visitors also praised the knowledgeable docents.

Saguaro National Park Saguaro National Park

This 92,867-acre park is dedicated to the largest cactus in the U.S., the saguaro (pronounced sa-WAH-ro), a universal symbol of the American West. The park is divided into two districts: The Rincon Mountain District, east of downtown, and the Tucson Mountain District, west of downtown. Each section features a visitor center, miles of hiking trails and, of course, hundreds of towering saguaro cacti. Not in the mood to hike? The Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive is a paved road that features several trailheads, scenic vistas and pullouts in the Rincon Mountain District. If you're visiting the Tucson Mountain District, the unpaved Bajada Loop Drive offers photo-worthy lookouts and picnic areas.

Deemed a national treasure by recent visitors, this park is the perfect place to come if you want to see some iconic southwestern landscapes. Although both sections of the park are worth your time, many recent visitors recommend the Tucson Mountain District for its spectacular sunsets. Reviewers also noted that fall and spring are the best times to visit the park as the summer's heat can get quite unbearable, with temperatures climbing into the triple digits. If you're visiting in the summer, get to the park in the morning before the sun's rays get too strong. Other visitors advised of numerous snake warning signs.

Mission San Xavier del Bac Mission San Xavier del Bac free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stop at the  Mercado District after visiting the mission. Grab a burrito at Seis Kitchen, Mexican pastries at La Estrella and coffee at Decibel Coffee Works. Shop at the repurposed shipping containers at MSA Annex and enjoy a cocktail at Westbound. – Jill Schildhouse

Sitting just south of Tucson on the San Xavier Indian Reservation, Mission San Xavier del Bac (known as the White Dove of the Desert) is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in the U.S. Influenced by Moorish, Byzantine, Renaissance and Mexican architectural styles and complete in 1797, this active Roman Catholic Church is a National Historic Landmark. The exterior features white stucco, while the interiors house elaborate frescos and carved religious figures.

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Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway

Regarded as one of the most scenic drives in southeast Arizona, the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway (also known as Catalina Highway Scenic Drive) is the only paved road to take travelers to the upper reaches of Mount Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. Aside from the arresting canyon and mountain views, the nearly 60-mile round-trip byway offers visitors the biological equivalent of driving from the deserts of Mexico to the forests of Canada (the road begins in the lower Sonoran vegetative life zone and ascends to the high forests in the Canadian zone).To learn more about the area, visitors can stop by the Palisades Visitor Center along their drive.

Recent visitors highly recommended making the drive, which many described as "spectacular" and a "must-do" when in Tucson. Along with the stunning vantage point, the ride up also provides a reprieve from the desert heat; travelers said the temperature drops as you climb higher along the byway. Take advantage of the scenic overlooks and rest areas by bringing along a picnic – another recommendation from past visitors.

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

U.S. News Insider Tip:  I love taking the open-air shuttle up to the top and listening to the narrated tour describing the geological formations and wildlife. At the top, hop off for a leisurely stroll down, snapping photos along the way. Bring plenty of water. – Jill Schildhouse

Located along the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains on Tucson's northeast edge, Sabino Canyon's numerous hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities (keep your eyes peeled for a Gila monster) make this recreational area popular with locals and tourists alike. Visitors can picnic among the saguaro cacti and cool down in Sabino Creek. And if you're looking to get a feel for the area without breaking too much of a sweat, take a ride on the Sabino Canyon Crawler. During the narrated, hourlong open-air shuttle ride through the canyon (which is closed to private vehicles), the vehicle makes nine stops. You can get off and explore at your leisure, or simply ride the shuttle back to the visitor center. For a shorter route, the Bear Canyon shuttle is a 30-minute narrated ride with three stops.

Pima Air & Space Museum Pima Air & Space Museum

Housing more than 400 aircraft and spacecraft, this is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. Sprawling across 80 acres, the museum offers both outdoor and indoor exhibits. Highlights include the Wright Flyer, which dates back to 1903, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the record-breaking Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird." 

Recent visitors appreciated both the indoor and outdoor exhibits. Most described the museum as "fascinating" and praised the on-site volunteers for their extensive knowledge of each plane's historical significance. Reviewers also noted this was a great educational stop for kids and even visitors with limited interest in aviation enjoyed their visit. Several visitors highly recommended forking over a little extra coin for the tram tours to avoid having to walk in the desert sun. 

Catalina State Park Catalina State Park

 Flanking the northern edge of the Catalina Foothills district, Catalina State Park provides spectacular views of Tucson and the surrounding mountain ranges, as well as more than 5,000 saguaro cacti. Inside, the park shelters 5,500 acres of canyons, streams, and hiking and biking trails that wind through the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. Along with the gorgeous views, keep your eyes peeled for birds; more than 150 species call the park home and it is a designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. Some visitors choose to hike, but you can also explore the park trails on horseback. Catalina State Park offers an equestrian area for visitors with horses.

Recent visitors called the park a "must do" and said the large bird population is "astounding." Most reviewers enjoyed the various hiking trails, and many advised heading to the park early in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures (and plentiful parking spots). Along with the views and the trails, travelers were also quick to praise the cleanliness of the park's facilities.

Old Tucson Old Tucson

Fans of old Western movies might recognize Old Tucson's 1890s-themed buildings, which served as a backdrop for more than 500 television shows and movies, such as "Three Amigos," "El Dorado," "Joe Kidd," "Winchester '73" and "Tombstone." This renowned film set – which once saw the likes of John Wayne, Paul Newman, Frank Sinatra, Clint Eastwood and Ronald Reagan – now serves mainly as a theme park offering experiences and tours for visitors (although they still shoot movies here, on the 300 acres of desert landscape).

Under new ownership by American Heritage Railways, Old Tucson reopened its doors to the public in October 2022. It debuted its Western Experience in January 2023, allowing visitors to take a trip back to the late 1800s for a firsthand look at the Wild West with a host of characters trained in immersive theater (think: live-action cowboy gun fights, thrilling stunts and an interactive search for missing gold). Horse-drawn wagon rides, live music and theatrical performances, a petting zoo, and old western train ride and, of course, food and beverages help round out your day.

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Tucson Mountain Park Tucson Mountain Park free

Adjoining Saguaro National Park 's Tucson Mountain District, Tucson Mountain Park features 20,000 acres of preserved land. In fact, it's one of the largest protected areas managed by a city. With 62 miles of multiuse trails, it's a destination for visitors and locals alike. Gates Pass Scenic Overlook offers views of the desert landscape and is a popular spot to watch the sunset. Along with its hiking opportunities, the park is also a prime spot for bird-watching; Tucson Mountain Park offers a checklist for birders. 

Recent visitors praise Tucson Mountain Park for its range of hiking trails and its proximity to the city. Most visitors described it as a quiet area without a lot of other hikers. Others applauded the friendly staff. 

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

Set against the dramatic scenery of the Santa Catalina foothills, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is the 10-acre retreat of the late artist Ettore "Ted" DeGrazia. Designed and built by the artist, the museum complex is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes his original home and a gallery with six permanent collections featuring original paintings, along with rotating exhibits displaying selected works from a DeGrazia collection of 15,000 individual works. Also located on-site, the Mission of the Sun is an open-roof building with rock floors and wall murals that DeGrazia built with adobe bricks made on-site. 

Recent visitors were delighted by the facility, each admiring a different feature, from the open-roof mission to the whimsical art in the garden. Reviewers recommended watching the short informational film inside the museum to learn more about DeGrazia and his artwork before exploring the grounds.

Tohono Chul Tohono Chul

This 49-acre garden combines desert plants like the saguaro with themed gardens, and is the vision of Jean and Richard Wilson. Since its creation in 1966, Tohono Chul has expanded to include several art galleries, shops, a retail greenhouse and a bistro serving a regionally inspired menu. Along with short nature trails, Tohono Chul is also home to a butterfly garden and a variety of birds, such as the cactus wren (the state bird of Arizona) and Gila woodpeckers.

Recent visitors recommend visiting early or late in the day if you want to beat the peak mid-day heat in the summer. The docent-led walks, especially the bird walk, were recommended by a few reviewers, and overall, the docents were a highlight for many travelers. Others were impressed with the on-site cafe, as well as the signage identifying the plants.

Tucson Botanical Gardens Tucson Botanical Gardens

This 5.5-acre property houses more than a dozen gardens featuring everything from roses, herbs and cacti to irises and plants used by the native Tohono O'odham people. In addition to the outdoor themed gardens, visitors can experience the wonder inside the Cox Butterfly and Orchid Pavilion (which is open seasonally from October to May). Many garden visitors take a break at Edna's Eatery for breakfast or lunch. What's more, the gift shop offers unique items for the garden and home.

Recent travelers were pleasantly surprised by the amount of shade the garden provides and reported spending several hours here. Several visitors especially enjoyed the butterfly and orchid exhibit. Others commented on the relatively small size of the garden.

Gaslight Theatre Gaslight Theatre

A Tucson staple since the 1970s, the Gaslight Theatre offers an activity the whole family will enjoy (and one that allows you to escape the heat for a few hours). Performances at the Gaslight Theatre range from musical comedies and melodramas to Westerns and sci-fi spoofs.

The theater receives praise from visitors for its entertaining shows and family-friendly atmosphere. Plus, the theater serves beer and wine, soft drinks, pizza and free popcorn, among other kid-friendly eats. Reviewers were complimentary of the service.

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Reid Park Zoo Reid Park Zoo

Home to 250 different species, including a variety of exotic animals, ranging from elephants and jaguars to flamingos and rhinos, the Reid Park Zoo in central Tucson is a favorite place for families to spend a few hours. When you're not observing the animals from afar, several activities allow you to interact with them up close, such as the giraffe feedings. There's also a zoo train and a carousel, along with daily demonstrations with zoo keepers. 

Many family visitors said a stop at the zoo is a must and said its small size was perfect for little legs to navigate. Additionally, travelers recommended paying the extra $3 to feed the giraffes. 

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

If you're a fan of dollhouses, room boxes or miniature displays, you'll love this quirky and unique museum. Sprawling across 10,000 square feet, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures boasts 500 miniature houses and room boxes. From corner bookstores with individually made books to opulent homes dripping in crystal and silver, visitors stare in wonder at each meticulously crafted tiny world. The museum displays antique dollhouses dating from the 1740s alongside more contemporary miniatures.

Most visitors, especially those with an interest in dollhouses or model planes, were impressed by the artistry and craftsmanship of the displays. Many reviewers were surprised by how much they enjoyed the museum and reported spending several hours here.  

Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block

U.S. News Insider Tip: Grab a bite to eat at Café à la C'Art (the housemade posole is a local favorite), located in the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block courtyard, and then walk over the shops at  Old Town Artisans . – Jill Schildhouse

The Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block pays tribute to the city's vibrant past not just in its name, but also in its appearance. Its galleries are housed in five historical adobe homes, in addition to a modern wing. The museum's collection includes pieces from the American West and Latin America, along with modern and contemporary art. The museum also hosts notable traveling exhibitions.

Tucson Presidio District Tucson Presidio District free

As the cultural hub of downtown Tucson, the Tucson Presidio District houses several of the city's most notable museums, including the Tucson Museum of Art and the Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón Museum. Located on the site of the original 18th-century Presidio San Agustín del Tuscon, the museum invites visitors to experience fort life and learn about archaeological sites like a pit house and a Sonoran row house. In addition to the district's museums, visitors can peruse Old Town Artisans, a collection of six galleries and shops housed in a 150-year-old adobe building. There's also an outdoor dining and live music venue, LaCo Tucson.

Recent visitors to the Presidio museum commented on the historical aspects of the tour and the docents' knowledge of early Tucson history. Visitors to the Old Town Artisans enjoyed the variety in the shops, along with the dining. Meanwhile, those who stopped by the Tucson Museum of Art enjoyed the diversity of the collection. 

University of Arizona Campus University of Arizona Campus free

This sprawling campus in central Tucson boasts several notable attractions. History and culture buffs appreciate the Arizona State Museum and the University of Arizona Museum of Art while shoppers enjoy Main Gate Square, a pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining area with a streetcar stop. If you're visiting during the fall, head over to the Arizona Stadium to watch the Wildcats take on notable Pac-12 football rivals, while basketball fans can watch the school's team play at the McKale Memorial Center come winter and spring.

Recent travelers say the University of Arizona campus is the "heartbeat of Tucson." Some travelers suggest you visit when classes are in session because the grounds are peaceful and the palm trees and fountains on campus add to the warm-weather ambiance. Sports fans flock to games year-round and comment on the state-of-the-art sport facilities.

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Colossal Cave Mountain Park Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Take a hint from the desert animals and head underground during the heat of the day. The Colossal Cave was discovered in 1879 by Solomon Lick, a local rancher. Today, the cave, which is now equipped with stairs and lights, is a tourist attraction that's featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors interested in touring the cave have two options: the Classic Cave Tour and the Ladder Tour.

The 40-minute Classic Cave Tour requires participants to descend six stories (via approximately 360 stairs) for a half-mile guided walk that features stories of the cave's history and lore (including tales of ghosts and robbers) and geological wonders like stalactites and stalagmites. Those in search of an adventure may want to book the 90-minute Ladder Tour, which requires participants to navigate narrow passages and walk across rock bridges to access areas of the cave that have been restricted to most visitors since the 1950s. Beyond the cave, the park features more than 2,400 acres that can be explored via hiking and biking trails, and it's brimming with wildlife. For a real Western feel, visitors can take a trail ride (for an extra fee) from the stables located in the La Posta Quemada Ranch.  

Trail Dust Town Trail Dust Town free

U.S. News Insider Tip: There are no ties allowed at Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse. If a diner wears a tie, a staff member will cut if off with scissors and hang it from the ceiling. There are thousands of ties hanging, so wear an old one to participate in the tradition! – Jill Schildhouse

On the hunt for a family-friendly activity? Look no further than Trail Dust Town, Tucson's favorite place for "Old West" fun since 1961. A stroll down its main street feels reminiscent of what you might have experienced during the pioneer days – and it's still locally owned and operated by the same family as when it started, three generations ago.

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