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28 top things to do in arizona in 2024.

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

Top Things to Do in Arizona

Courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden

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

Antelope Canyon

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

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

Saguaro National Park

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

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

Step into the Wild West in Tombstone

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

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

Drive down Route 66

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

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

Taliesin West: Scottsdale

Courtesy of Experience Scottsdale

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

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

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

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

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

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

Meet the Flintstones at Bedrock City

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

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

Lowell Observatory: Flagstaff

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

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

Mission San Xavier del Bac: Tucson

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

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

Ride the gondola at Arizona Snowbowl

Courtesy of Arizona Snowbowl

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

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

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Soar over the Grand Canyon

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

Walnut Canyon National Monument

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

Heard Museum: Phoenix

Courtesy of Heard Museum

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

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

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

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

Catch an Arizona Cardinals football game

Courtesy of Visit Glendale

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

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

Address: 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, AZ 85305

Arizona Science Center: Phoenix

Courtesy of Arizona Science Center

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

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

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

Wander among the red rocks of Sedona

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

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

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

Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

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

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

Grand Canyon National Park North Rim

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

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

Lake Havasu State Park

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

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

Go stargazing

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

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

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

Explore a ghost town

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

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

Horseshoe Bend

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

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

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: Scottsdale

Courtesy of McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

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

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

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

Havasu Falls

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

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

Desert Botanical Garden: Phoenix

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

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

Musical Instrument Museum: Phoenix

Courtesy of Musical Instrument Museum

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

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

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Tucson

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

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

Address: 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson AZ 85743

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

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

10 Top Places for National Park Camping

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

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23 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Arizona

Written by Lana Law Updated May 13, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

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.

1. Grand Canyon

3. monument valley, 5. hoover dam, 6. glen canyon national recreation area, 9. canyon de chelly national monument, 10. horseshoe bend, 12. havasu falls, 13. lake mead national recreation area, 14. tombstone, 15. flagstaff, 16. petrified forest national park, 17. saguaro national park, 18. antelope canyon at page, 19. organ pipe cactus national monument, 20. lake havasu, 21. prescott, 23. tumacacori national historical park, map of attractions & places to visit in arizona.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Phoenix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tombstone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 1891 East Frontage Road, Tumacacori

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

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

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

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

From must-visit Grand Canyon National Park to lesser-known sights around the state, these are the best places to visit in Arizona.

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.

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Arizona’s landscapes are nothing short of stunning. Towering buttes meet hills covered with saguaro cacti, and red rock canyons hide towering waterfalls. The otherworldly landscape — that often feels better suited for Mars than our planet — is grounded by what has become Arizona’s other great draw: the proof of human history found in the sites and settlements of Ancestral Puebloans. These archaeological sites, which include cliff dwellings, sandstone homes, and petroglyphs, dot the state, offering a reminder of the people who came before.

With both a deep human history and a stunning natural landscape, there is plenty to explore in the state of Arizona , including several national parks and monuments and a couple of rock features that are so incredible, they deserve their own entries on this list. Here are 21 of the best places to visit in Arizona.

Havasu Falls

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

Grand Canyon National Park

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It would be impossible to leave the Grand Canyon off this list — especially when it’s recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders alongside sites like the Great Barrier Reef and Mount Everest. The canyon, which is a must-see destination for many, is around a mile deep and an average of 10 miles wide, cutting through the state of Arizona for almost 300 miles.

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, which is titled “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.

Wupatki National Monument

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Wupatki National Monument is a must for travelers who are fascinated with the ways 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 catch 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

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Billed as “The World's Largest Earth Science Experiment,” Biosphere 2 is a controlled environment that was created to understand Earth’s living systems and the impacts of climate change. The research facility, which is basically a 3.14-acre laboratory in Oracle, Arizona, holds several environments, including oceanic and desert landscapes.  

lmel9000/Getty Images

The Wave, technically called Coyote Buttes North , is just one feature within the expansive 112,500-acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness — yet it has drawn thousands of travelers over the years. The Wave resembles a wave made of sandstone and is so stunning and 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.

Petrified Forest National Park

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There are just three national parks in Arizona, 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 that is over 200 million years old. There are also petroglyphs and paleontology exhibits.

Horseshoe Bend

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

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

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Canyon de Chelly National Monument is vast and has been inhabited by several Native 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

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The slot canyons found in this corner of the state 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 slot canyon and watching the light play on the red rock. There are two sites, the Upper Antelope Canyon and the Lower Antelope Canyon; the former claims to be the most photographed slot canyon in the world.

Meteor Crater National Landmark

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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 crater, which is about a mile wide and 550 feet deep, shows what happens when a 150-foot-wide meteor hits the Earth. Visitors can walk along the crater rim or view the devastation from the visitor center on the edge of the crater.

Saguaro National Park

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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

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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

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This monument in Camp Verde, Arizona protects a set of dwellings built into a rock wall by the Sinagua people between approximately 1100 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

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The dry, desert landscape of Arizona supports a surprising number of plant and tree species, a fact that is celebrated at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. And while local flora is the focus of the 55-acre botanical garden, they also have thousands of species of flowers, trees, and cacti from all around the world.

Chiricahua National Monument

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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, and it also protects the long human history of the area. 

Coconino Lava River Cave

Within Coconino National Forest is a mile-long lava tube cave that was created almost 700,000 years ago by molten rock from a volcanic vent. The tube, which is the longest cave of its kind known to exist in Arizona, has icicles made of stone hanging off the ceiling and wave-like marks on the floor from the molten rock that once flowed from the cave.

Mystery Castle

Mystery Castle in Phoenix is more than a giant castle with 18 rooms and 13 fireplaces. It is an ode to the love between a father and daughter. The builder, Boyce Gully, built the castle for his daughter, Mary Lou, who went on to live in the space and offer tours of it until her death in 2010. The tours continue today and feature an impressive collection of Southwestern antiques perched in the castle’s many rooms and nooks.

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. 

Chapel of the Holy Cross

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The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built among the vibrant red rock on the outskirts of Sedona, Arizona in the Coconino National Forest. The church draws pilgrims and tourists who come to worship in the space that was built on top of a natural rock formation and features stunning views over the desert landscape.

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Plan Your Visit

Visitors of all ages enjoy ASM exhibits

Our exhibit galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and university holidays.*

*Upcoming University Holiday Closures     June 19, 2024 Juneteenth     July 4, 2024 Independence Day     November 11, 2024 Veterans Day

• $8.00 for adults (18+)
• $6.00 for seniors (65+); UAMA and CCP members; AAHS and SMRC affiliate members; AAM and Smithsonian members; active/reserve military personnel; groups of 10 or more (valid ID or verification required)
• Free for ASM members with valid ID; Native Americans; children 17 and under; University of Arizona Cat Card holders; Pima Community College students with valid student ID; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card holders
• Admission is free for those attending meetings in the building; for those with appointments with staff; for those who wish only to study in the library

Arizona State Museum is located on the University of Arizona campus, just inside the Main Gate at Park Ave and University Blvd in Tucson, Arizona. You may notice that we have two buildings, one on the south side of University Blvd and one on the north side of University Blvd. All public exhibits and programs are in the north building, the Raymond H. Thompson Building. The street address for the Thompson building is 1013 E. University Blvd.

If you are driving to us from Interstate 10, take the Speedway/University of Arizona exit (exit 257). Proceed east on Speedway to Euclid Avenue. Turn south on Euclid Avenue for the parking garages (see below for parking instructions). We are just about one block east of both parking garages noted below. Click here for an interactive map of the entire campus.

Convenient garage parking is available for a small fee on weekdays just about a block and a half from the museum at either Euclid Avenue and Second Street (815 E. Second Street) or at Euclid Avenue and Fourth Street (880 E. 4th Street). Garage parking is free on weekends, except when large, campus-wide events occur such as football and basketball home games and the Tucson Festival of Books.

The closest disabled parking spaces are just north of our north building along E. Rogers Way. Contact Visitor Parking at 520-621-3710 or stop by their offices at 1117 E. 6th Street for a UA-specific disabled permit ($8/day), which must be displayed in addition to your state-issued disabled license plate or hang placard.

Click here for a dynamic, interactive map that will help you locate anything and everything parking-related on campus.

Public Transportation

SunTran Bus Route #1 stops right in front of ASM on Park Ave, just north of University Blvd. Refer to the Sun Tran web site for routes, times, and fare information.

The Sun Link Modern Streetcar operates daily with varying hours. The closest stops to ASM are at University and Tyndall (northeast bound) and Second and Park (southwest bound). All stops are ADA accessible. Click here for route details and for a printable route map.

How Much Time to Allow

Allow at least one hour for your visit for a comprehensive tour of the content-rich exhibits.  

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Nearby Dining

Arizona State Museum has no in-house café. There are, however, more than 25 restaurants, cafés, and bars just meters from the museum on  Main Gate Square .

Other Attractions On Campus

Enjoy our beautiful park-like campus by strolling to  other nearby museums and attractions . 

A Visit to the Arizona Capitol Museum

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The first territorial capital of Arizona was Fort Whipple, an army post near Prescott. The capital was later moved to Prescott . In 1867 the territorial capital was moved to Tucson. In 1877, the capital moved back to Prescott. Phoenix became Arizona's permanent capital city in 1889 and, in that year, the construction of the Phoenix state Capitol building began. Completed in 1900, the cost of the building was about $136,000. The Arizona State Capitol Building was dedicated on February 25, 1901. It was designated a museum in 1977.

The Arizona State Capitol Museum was the actual state capitol building when Arizona became the 48th state of the United State in 1912 . The Governor's Office was located here until the mid-70s. Although the rooms of the Arizona State Capitol Museum are no longer used for state business, the Governor's Office, other departments and the Senate and House of Representatives are in adjacent buildings.

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places .

Tip: When you visit the museum, you'll note that it isn't especially fancy or hi-tech. This building is deliberately very similar to the original, so don't expect fancy lighting or big screen videos. The goal here is authenticity.

Who Should Go?

The museum is open to the public, but you can be certain that it is highly utilized by local schools for educational purposes.

School Groups and Guided Tours

Reservations are required for all student groups and other larger guided tours. The guided tours focus on the north wing of the 2nd and 3rd floors (offices, House Chamber) and last for about 45 minutes followed by a visit to one of the current Legislative chambers for about half an hour.

Small Groups and Individuals

You are encouraged to visit the Arizona State Capitol Museum during regular hours and tour the exhibits on your own. Stop at the information desk off the main rotunda when entering the building and pick up a flyer with a museum map. Volunteers are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to interpret the exhibits and answer questions for visitors. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm the north wing of the 2nd and 3rd floors is set aside for guided tours. If you would rather visit when the museum has fewer large groups, the afternoon is your best bet.

Of Interest to Educators

If you can't get your students out on a field trip to the Arizona Capitol Museum, check online for available traveling exhibits about Arizona and its history.

Factoid: The motto Ditat Deus on the Great Seal of the State of Arizona means God Enriches .

What You'll See

The Arizona Capitol Museum has exhibits on four floors. I suggest that you take the elevator to the top and work your way down! On the 4th floor, you can look down into the original House Chamber from the gallery. On the 3rd Floor, you'll learn about territorial Arizona, how a bill becomes a law and you'll get to know the people of Arizona. This is the level where the Chamber is located. On the second floor of the museum, you'll get a glimpse into the offices, including the Governor's office, Secretary of State and Mining Inspector. Is Governor Hunt in today? I think he is! On this level, you'll find artwork from the Arizona Capitol Museum collection. Back to the main floor. In addition to the State Seal on the rotunda floor, you'll see items salvaged from the USS Arizona after the Pearl Harbor attack and learn about its history, see an exhibit about Arizona's state symbols, and see a fascinating exhibit about the Merci Train (Gratitude Train).

Did you know that each of the 48 states and Washington D.C. received a rail car full of gifts from France after WWII? You can see a display of the items that were in Arizona's boxcar at the Merci Train exhibit. The actual boxcar is located at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale.

Tip: On your way to the Museum Shop stop and compare the mosaic of the Seal of Arizona in the rotunda floor to the Seal of Arizona by the front door. What's missing on the seal on the floor? If you can't find it, ask a volunteer!

Location, Hours, Admission

The Arizona Capitol Museum is located in downtown Phoenix, at the same location as the current state capitol offices and legislature. Check out a map with directions and parking information for the Arizona State Capitol.

Arizona Capitol Museum Address

1700 West Washington Street

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Arizona Capitol Museum Phone

602-926-3620

Arizona Capitol Museum Hours

The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is closed on state holidays .

Arizona Capitol Museum Admission

​There is no charge to visit the museum.

Museum Rules

• No food or drink is allowed. If you bring food items with you, you may leave them at the information desk and enjoy them in the 1st Floor lounge at the end of your visit.
• Photography is permitted.

Museum Store

​The store hours are from 9:30 to 4 p.m. This is a great place to buy Arizona-themed gifts and books!

Tip: Your visit to the Arizona State Capitol Museum will probably take between an hour and two hours, with some extra time allotted for shopping at the Museum Store.

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Current Openings

APPLICANT LOGIN

PAYROLL & TRAVEL ACCOUNTANT

• DEPT OF EDUCATION
• Closing at: Jun 23 2024 at 23:55 MST

Arizona Department of Education

The arizona department of education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents..

Accounting Section

Phoenix Location

Salary: $53,900 - $57,200 

Closing date: 06/23/2024.

• Under the direction of the Accounting Supervisor, this position is responsible for maintaining a fiscal services system for state appropriations and federal grants of the agency’s fiscal management section including examining a variety of financial documents for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) or other specific accounting requirements. • Rare in-state travel is required for this position. The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Processes accounting transactions involving federal grants and state appropriated funds in AZ360, the statewide accounting system, and HRIS, the statewide human resource portal, adhering to state and federal policies and confidentiality standards • Utilizes accounting reports, contracts, operating procedures, and guides to verify accounting information is appropriately coded • Primarily responsible for processing a high volume of travel claims for internal employees. • Assists travelers in the completion of travel claims and out-of-state packets in order to provide excellent customer service and alleviate disruption in travel • Assists in reviewing biweekly time sheets for the agency (over 700 employees) to check for errors and communicate needed adjustments • Participates in other payroll processes as needed • Monitors updates to payroll and travel policy and communicates changes to the Payroll and Travel team, the Payroll and Travel Supervisor, the Accounting Administrator, and the Chief Financial Officer • Updates operating procedures and training manuals in order to keep reference materials up-to-date and stakeholders educated on changes • Logs daily incoming customer claims and requests in their respective repositories • Maintains the Payroll, Travel, and personal inboxes • Takes phone calls • Attends virtual and in-person meetings • Communicates with other accountants, Human Resources, and program areas to resolve issues and discrepancies • Answers customer and vendor questions about payment/reimbursement status, and any other requests • Aids in preparing and presenting travel information for new employee orientation, quarterly travel trainings, and one-on-one trainings as needed (Stakeholders include new and current employees, vendors traveling for the State, entire program areas, and others) • Surveys attendees and adjusts training materials based on feedback in order to meet unit performance measures

Knowledge in: • The methods and techniques of automated accounting systems and data processing as it relates to accounting practices • Judgment in realizing when funds are depleted and take initiative to request funds. • The rules and regulations established for the work system of an agency • Research and analysis methods ideally including statistical techniques. • A Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required. Skills in: • Analysis, interpretation and reconciling of financial data. • Work techniques required to maintain accounting records through automated accounting systems . • Oral and written communication • Work organization and accomplishment • Applying accounting principles and practices • Excellent customer service • Critical thinking • Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel Ability to: • Problem solve • Read and understand federal regulations, Arizona Revised Statutes, applicable agency manuals, and policies and procedures • Effectively manage time • Be detail-oriented • Analyze difficult statistical data and draw logical conclusions • Work as part of a team and individually with minimal oversight • Organize and prioritize a large and varied workload • Research statutes and policies based on SAAM (State of Arizona Accounting Manual) regulations

Preference will be given to those applicants with: • Prior working knowledge of AFIS/AZ360 • Payroll experience • HR systems experience

• Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply:  Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including: • Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans • Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans • Ten paid holidays per year • Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years • Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly • Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program). • Deferred compensation plan • Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program  here . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing [email protected]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

ARIZONA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (AMS)

All Arizona state employees operate within the Arizona Management System (AMS), an intentional, results-driven approach for doing the work of state government whereby every employee reflects on performance, reduces waste, and commits to continuous improvement with sustainable progress.  Through AMS, every state employee seeks to understand customer needs, identify problems, improve processes, and measure results.   State employees are highly engaged, collaborative and embrace a culture of public service.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements

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Grand Canyon

Vast, magnificent and inarguably beautiful, the Grand Canyon is easily Arizona's most distinguishable landmark — a natural wonder you must see to believe. Stretching 277 miles from end to end, the Grand Canyon's rocky walls descend more than a mile to the canyon’s floor, where the wild Colorado River continues to carve away at the rugged landscape. Everyone should see the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetime, and area businesses and outfitters make experiencing the canyon accessible to everyone.

From the Rims

If you are short on time or prefer to take in fantastic panoramas from paved viewing points, simply visiting the Grand Canyon creates memories that stick with visitors forever. Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim is the most popular visitor area, with plenty of places to eat, shop and stay the night in area hotels or campsites. The Grand Canyon Railway offers a fun family alternate for a short visit to the canyon. It operates turn-around trips from Williams to the South Rim year-round, with a three-hour window to see the canyon. Its annual Polar Express excursions are the stuff holiday traditions are made of. While less developed with fewer services and closed during the colder months, the North Rim is open from May to October and offers a unique and uncrowded way to explore the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon West is also a favorite for short visits. Its Skywalk takes Grand Canyon visitors out over the rim on a glass bridge that hovers 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. Choose your vantage point and get ready to take pictures you will never delete.

From the Canyon Floor

If your group leans more toward the adventurous side, find many ways to fully immerse yourself in this natural wonder of the world. Trailheads at any of the entry points lead to steep switchbacks that take visitors into the canyon. Commit to a few hours to hike to plateaus fully encircled by the canyon walls. To hike to the Colorado River on the canyon floor, plan to camp overnight before hiking back up from the river to the rim. Many experienced hikers join seasoned outfitters on grueling rim-to-rim hikes or multi-day backpacking adventures to fully immerse themselves in the splendor of the canyon. Outfitters also offer Grand Canyon white-water river rafting adventures on the Colorado River, which can last from half a day to two weeks. Helicopter tours, mule rides and mountain bike rim trails offer other memorable ways to see the canyon in person. Survey the adventure level of your travel companions, and then use the following resources to plan the adventure of a lifetime in the Grand Canyon.

3 Perfect Days in the Grand Canyon

This three-day itinerary in Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim covers all the must-see stops and gives you the scoop on where to photograph the sunset.

3 Perfect Days in

The grand canyon, ways to explore.

Plan Your Trip

Getting to the grand canyon.

Find the best routes to reach the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon.

South, North, and West Rims

The Grand Canyon is like a paintbrush, dipped in golds and pinks and oranges and purples, swept over narrows and crags in an area that’s an...

Arizona's Must Sees

Around the Rim Tours

Explore the Grand Canyon with a guided tour or ride – on a bike, on foot or perched atop a friendly mule.

Outdoor Adventures

First-Timer's Guide to the Grand Canyon

For those making their first trip to the Grand Canyon, here's an expert take on when to go, where to stay, and how to get around.

Grand Canyon Air Tours

See the canyon from high above with a helicopter or airplane tour.

Outdoor Adventure

Hiking the Grand Canyon

Explore the Grand Canyon by foot. From the most popular hike on the Bright Angel Trail to many more hikes that offer a scenic view.

Rafting the Canyon

Choose from motorized or oar-powered expeditions ranging from four days to two weeks for a new perspective.

Family Activities

Grand Canyon for Kids

Find out how your kids can become Junior Rangers during your Grand Canyon vacation.

Accommodations

Historic lodges, hotels to rugged campgrounds, the Grand Canyon has a wide range of places to stay – book early.

Awesome Grand Canyon Fun for Families

Experience Arizona's world-famous landmark through the eyes of a child (although these family friendly activities promise fun for all ages).

More to Discover in Arizona

Road Trips & Tours

The Old West, Wilderness and Wine: Traveling in Southeast Arizona

Discover the Wild West with gunfight reenactments and cowboys; savor treats from food trucks and fine restaurants; sip microbrews and...

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Arizona's a big state with a lot to see and do for just about anyone, but these 13 experiences are only found here.

Arizona's Roadside Attractions

Find all kinds of roadside sights—odd, unexpected and one-of-a-kind— across Arizona.

Grand Canyon After Dark

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the best places in Arizona to view the night sky and go stargazing.

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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.

Trump in Arizona: What to know about former president's town hall in Phoenix

Former President Donald Trump will visit Arizona this week for a town hall event in northern Phoenix.

Trump will take questions from voters on Thursday afternoon in an event hosted by Turning Point Action, the Arizona-based conservative group founded by MAGA personality Charlie Kirk and its political action committee.

There he will “take live questions from the audience with authenticity, strength, and compassion for the plight facing everyday people under Joe Biden’s failing policies,” Turning Point announced Monday.

The news of his visit comes the week after Trump was found guilty of 34 charges related to a “hush money” scheme during the 2016 election, making him the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a felony.

Trump is already in the unprecedented position of seeking re-election to the country’s highest office after making efforts to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss.

In a written statement announcing the event, Kirk emphasized Republicans' two top issues in the 2024 election: the economy and immigration.

“Now is exactly the right moment for the President to speak directly to voters in state 48, and around the country, in this unique town hall format where the President shines so brightly,” Kirk wrote.

"Watching President Trump take live questions from the audience with authenticity, strength, and compassion for the plight facing everyday people under (President) Joe Biden’s failing policies, is exactly the contrast we are all hungry to see."

Arizona was one of Trump's favorite places to campaign during his past bids for office. He visited the state seven times during his 2016 run for president, seven more times while running for president in 2020, and four times since he left office in early 2021, according to an  Arizona Republic tally .

His most recent visit was in October 2022, when he urged Republicans to support  then-gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, then-U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters and the rest of his GOP picks in the midterm elections during a rally in Mesa.

Since then, rumors and announcements that Trump would visit Arizona haven't panned out. In January, the former president was scheduled to hold a rally in northern Phoenix. He abruptly cancelled it as a feud between Lake and former GOP chair Jeff DeWit roiled the Arizona GOP.

Trump’s field presence has also been minimal in Arizona so far, lagging significantly behind his pace during the 2020 election cycle and Democrats’ investment in the Grand Canyon State this year. Turning Point is putting together a field mobilization effort in swing states like Arizona, which could make up for the deficit.

Biden's re-election team cast Trump as absent in the state and nodded to Turning Point's involvement in the efforts to undermine the 2020 election.

“After months of canceling visits to Arizona, Trump is coming back to the state to campaign alongside Charlie Kirk, an extremist who paid for January 6 insurrectionists to travel to the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results," Arizona Democratic Party spokesperson James Martin said in a written statement. "Since 2018, Arizonans have — over and over again — rejected Trump’s MAGA extremism of abortion bans, election denials, and economic failures."

Turning Point Action sent seven buses of students to Washington to participate in the "Stop the Steal" rally that preceded the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol.

"Turning Point Action and Students for Trump had zero to do with the march and condemns the violence and thinks these people should be … prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet told The Arizona Republic at the time.

One of the students told local media that he returned to the bus after the rally and violence "wasn't part of the plan."

The event will be held at Dream City Church at 2 p.m. on Thursday. Doors open at 10 a.m. Registration is open online .

Trump previously appeared at Dream City Church in 2020. Another Trump event was planned at the venue for January but was canceled.

Trump legal advisers Jenna Ellis and Boris Epshteyn plead not guilty in Arizona 'fake electors' case

PHOENIX — Jenna Ellis, an attorney for Donald Trump during his 2020 presidential campaign, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in the “fake electors” case in Arizona, where she and 17 other defendants face forgery, fraud and conspiracy charges related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

All 18 of those charged have pleaded not guilty in Arizona. Ellis in 2023 pleaded guilty in the Georgia election interference case in which Trump was also charged.

Trump adviser Boris Epshteyn and Jim Lamon, a 2022 Republican Senate candidate, also appeared virtually in court Tuesday for their arraignments in the case, pleading not guilty. Epshteyn was an attorney and adviser to the 2016 and 2020 Trump campaigns and recently appeared with Trump in court in New York during the former president’s hush money trial. Lamon was on Trump’s slate of potential electors leading into the 2020 election.

The charging documents allege that one month after the 2020 election, 11 Trump supporters convened at the Arizona GOP headquarters in Phoenix to sign a certificate claiming to be Arizona’s 11 electors to the Electoral College, though Joe Biden won the state by 10,457 votes and state officials certified his electors. The state Republican Party documented the signing of the certificate in a social media post and sent it to Congress and the National Archives.

Former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows were also among those charged by a state grand jury in April in connection with the plan.

Ellis was a senior legal adviser for the Trump campaign from early 2019 until shortly after he left office in January 2021. She was part of the legal team that advised him as he sought to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, an experience that has seen her subpoenaed, censured and indicted in multiple jurisdictions. 

During Ellis’ 2023 guilty plea in Georgia, she said she had “failed to do my due diligence” in other states as she wiped away tears.

“In the frenetic pace of attempting to raise challenges to the election in several states, including Georgia, I failed to do my due diligence,” Ellis said in Fulton County Superior Court last year. “If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges. I look back on this full experience with deep remorse.”

In 2023, a Colorado Supreme Court justice censured Ellis, a Colorado native, for violating a state rule for professional conduct that prohibits “misrepresentation” by attorneys. She recently had her law license suspended in Colorado for three years.

Alex Tabet is a 2024 NBC News campaign embed.

Sun Devil Day

Proudly sponsored by Sun Devil Campus Stores. The official bookstore partner of Arizona State University.

Summer Sun Devil Day - registration now open! 

You and your family are invited to an exciting tour experience offered by Arizona State University. Sun Devil Day is an in-person event designed for you to tour campus, learn about classes and majors, and discover what it’s like to be a Sun Devil. You’ll also meet with representatives from academic colleges as well as current students to learn more about the ASU experience.

If you have questions about Sun Devil Day or what to expect during your visit, contact your personal admission representative at  Contact ASU Admission Services | Admission | ASU .

Summer 2024 schedule

There are no Sun Devil Day tours of the Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic or West Valley campuses scheduled at this time. Please check the visits  calendar  for other summer tour options.

Polytechnic campus

The ASU Polytechnic campus is a nexus for studies in interdisciplinary sciences, engineering, management, technology and education. Industry partnerships are key to the campus’ distinctive course offerings, which provide opportunities for project-based learning within advanced laboratory spaces.

The expansive Polytechnic campus incorporates a major regional airport yet maintains the ambiance of a small, self-contained community by offering first-year residence halls, dining facilities and a student recreation center.

What to expect for your visit

Visit this page for more information about what to expect during your time on campus.

West Valley campus

The West Valley campus of Arizona State University creates a learning community blending liberal arts education with 21st-century workforce preparation.

The northwest Phoenix campus provides modern amenities in its residence halls, dining facilities, and the Sun Devil Fitness Complex and swimming pool. Subtropical landscaping, fountains and outdoor enclaves are third-space opportunities for students to socialize or collaborate while pursuing any of more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Downtown Phoenix campus

Located in Arizona’s capital, ASU's Downtown Phoenix campus provides a multitude of academic and professional connections for students preparing for careers across the healthcare spectrum; in law, government and other public service; with nonprofit and public social service providers; and in arts and sciences, journalism, media and the corporate sector.

Learning takes place in contemporary classrooms and research centers throughout campus buildings integrated into Phoenix's iconic architecture, incorporating the historic U.S. Post Office building and modern-day landmarks such as the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Arizona Center for Law and Society.

Tempe campus

The historic ASU Tempe campus offers hundreds of majors that engage undergraduates and graduates in multidisciplinary research and exploration in first-rate laboratories and facilities.

The energetic environment of the campus comprises broad pedestrian malls and eclectic architecture set amid subtropical landscaping. Landmarks include the iconic, century-old Palm Walk; Old Main; Sun Devil Stadium; and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Gammage Auditorium. With an unrivaled commitment to sustainability, the Tempe campus is the most solar-powered of any in the U.S., and offers easy access to all of metropolitan Phoenix through public transit including light rail.

To register for a Tempe Sun Devil Day, please visit our scheduling page .

Can't make one of our Sun Devil Days? Check out our other visit options below!

Experience ASU

Year-round events.

Join us for an Experience ASU event, where you will get the opportunity to learn about the admission process as part of an in-person information session, followed by a campus tour in the cooler hours of the morning. We also offer a few academic and housing tours that vary by day and campus. Take this opportunity to schedule a visit to one or more of our metro Phoenix campus locations, and discover which campus matches the college experience you are looking for.