There are a variety of stunning locations to go to in Arizona. Arizona provides a singular mixture of hanging landscapes, bustling cities, hidden ghost cities, and distinctive formations, making it an incredible vacation spot any time of 12 months. This information will aid you plan your Arizona getaway now and uncover what this numerous state has to supply. Whether or not planning an Arizona street journey or popping over from Vegas, you’ll absolutely discover one thing to fit your wants.
Greatest Locations to Go to in Arizona
This information is break up into particular sections, as Arizona has many several types of locations to go to. The easiest way to get round Arizona is by automobile. Evaluate costs from the airport you’re flying into right here at RentalCars.com (That is what we use). So, let’s get began.
1. Coyote Buttes
Do you like distinctive landscapes? The panorama of Coyote Buttes is gorgeous and engaging. It’s is a bit like strolling by way of a maze of pure skatepark ramps.
The Buttes are situated in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. A bit like Antelope Canyon, the panorama options wave-like rock patterns. However as a substitute of being in a canyon, you’ll be able to expertise the waves out within the open, amongst towering buttes.
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Arizona in its personal proper. Paria has over 100,000 acres of protected lands, however add Coyote Buttes and it’s out of this world.
2. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a nationwide treasure. The wave-like sandstone partitions of the slot canyon had been made well-known on social media, however to see it in individual is magical. Photographers flock to Antelope Canyon to seize the dramatic surroundings and stroll alongside the canyon flooring.
If you wish to go to Antelope Canyon, you’ll have a alternative of which half to go to – Decrease Antelope Canyon, Higher Antelope Canyon, or possibly each as you’ll be able to ebook excursions and see each.
Higher Antelope Canyon is the simplest to hike however is darker, whereas Decrease Antelope Canyon is narrower however a lot lighter. You’ll be able to ebook on-line or pay a go to to Antelope Canyon Customer Heart. Antelope Canyon is well top-of-the-line pure vacationer points of interest in Arizona. This canyon is a must-visit if you wish to go to bucket checklist outside points of interest. Try Antelope Canyon Picture Excursions – How you can Benefit from it
3. Monument Valley
Monument Valley is situated alongside the Arizona-Utah border. If you wish to go to simply, you should base your self in a northern metropolis like Flagstaff. The valley is likely one of the most well-known landscapes within the US and simply top-of-the-line locations to go to in Arizona.
The valley is over 90,000 acres and stuffed with climbing trails and spectacular rock formations. It’s most recognized for its towering sandstone buttes, which you’ll expertise on scenic drives or on climbing trails. Don’t miss Forest Gump Level, the long-lasting viewpoint utilized in well-known films and is a vital filming location in cinematic historical past.
The valley is a good place to chop by way of in case you are planning an Arizona street journey. There are a lot of issues to see whereas driving by way of the valley, and the surroundings is ideal for memorable street tripping.
4. Montezuma Fort Nationwide Monument
Fascinated by historic tradition and archaeological websites of inhabitation? Montezuma Fort Nationwide Monument is the place to go to. The location is residence to a number of cliffside dwellings, constructed and lived in by Indigenous Individuals round 1100 to 1425 AD.
Sadly, entry contained in the dwellings has now been prohibited in an comprehensible try to guard the positioning from extreme injury. Nevertheless, guests can take a digital tour inside the homes. They give the impression of being unbelievable from the skin, and you may get pleasure from quite a few climbing trails for various views.
5. Saguaro Nationwide Park
We’ve briefly talked about Saguaro Nationwide Park already. The park is situated simply exterior Tucson. It’s a great spot to go to for gorgeous surroundings and climbing trails whereas visiting Southern Arizona.
The park is most recognized for its cacti. Certainly, on this nationwide park, you’ll discover a few of the largest saguaro cacti within the US. Among the cacti stay as much as 200 years previous and develop at a really gradual fee. The nationwide park seems like an previous American West film scene and has over 90,000 acres so that you can discover.
Whether or not you select a scenic drive or hike, reserving a rental automobile to go to Saguaro Nationwide Park is the simplest choice. Valley View Overlook Path is a pleasant quick stroll that ought to take you round 20 minutes to finish, whereas climbing to Sign Hill Petroglyphs is a should for anybody considering historic artwork and civilizations.
6. Petrified Forest Nationwide Park
If the Petrified Forest Nationwide Park sounds incredible, it’s as a result of it’s. Nevertheless, for those who arrive anticipating a lush forest full of lovely, fascinating bushes, you’ll be shocked. The nationwide park is a barren panorama, stuffed with fossils and petrified, sliced tree trunks.
The petrified wooden is scattered throughout the nationwide park, and you may drive the size of the park in round an hour – stopping at no matter spot catches your eye. Some to not miss locations embody Rainbow Forest Museum, the Crystal Forest hike, and the Blue Mesa hike.
Questioning how this pure phenomenon happens? Petrification of bushes takes place when bushes have been buried underground with out oxygen for hundreds of years. Over time, the decaying wooden turns into mineralized and turns into fossilized stone, creating a precise duplicate of the unique type, simply in a unique materials.
For a singular pure expertise, Petrified Forest Nationwide Park is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Arizona. We advocate selecting this nationwide park for anybody intrigued by pure ‘mysteries’ and wanting a memorable expertise in Arizona.
7. Grand Canyon Nationwide Park
What can we are saying? The park is certainly one of the most effective locations to go to within the US, by no means thoughts Arizona. Visiting the Grand Canyon is up there on most individuals’s US bucket lists. From climbing to whitewater rafting, and tenting to taking a path experience, this vacation spot is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations in your entire world.
South Rim and North Rim are the preferred areas to discover whereas the North Rim is the lesser seen facet of the Grand Canyon and is finest for individuals who need a quieter place to expertise.
A preferred climbing route within the Grand Canyon is the Brilliant Angel Path. The path is well-maintained and comparatively simple. However there are many different climbing trails within the Grand Canyon that you could discover. Learn The Absolute Greatest Issues to do in The Grand Canyon for extra info.
After all, you’ll be able to all the time splurge on a helicopter experience over the Grand Canyon. Many vacationers choose to view the canyon from above, which is likely one of the most exhilarating issues to do in Arizona. Whichever manner you determine to see the Grand Canyon, it’s going to depart you breathless. It really lives as much as the hype. Learn extra: The place to Keep At The Grand Canyon: Greatest Accommodations And Areas For Each Funds
8. Havasu Falls
Whereas visiting the Grand Canyon, you should plan a hike to Havasu Falls. This trek must be deliberate prematurely, as permits to the falls are laborious to get, however it’s definitely worth the time..
Havasu Falls is likely one of the prettiest waterfalls within the U.S. The water is a hanging pastel blue from the excessive calcium carbonate and magnesium ranges. The falls drop over 100 toes in a single drop to fill a substantial plunge pool on the backside.
Attending to the falls is an journey in itself, one you’ll be able to learn extra about right here. It’s endorsed that you simply keep in a single day on the Lodge or campground. However for all the trouble of getting there, the turquoise water of the Havasu Falls will soothe your weary physique, offering one more dream-like expertise.
Higher but, you’ll be able to swim – uncommon amongst the prettiest waterfalls since tourism normally damages their pure magnificence. Havasu Falls remains to be sufficient below the radar to keep away from this strict rule introduced on by over-tourism. So seize a bikini and towel and luxuriate in.
9. Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument
Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument covers over 80,000 acres and is residence to the Spider Rock spire. The spire is a 700-foot-high sandstone rock. Spider Rock spire gained its form by gradual erosion over time, and specialists consider it was as soon as related to a ridge. These days, it makes an uncommon pure attraction and an incredible {photograph}.
You’ll be able to drop by the Canyon de Chelly Customer Heart for professional native steerage on issues to see and do. Nevertheless, it is best to undoubtedly make sure that to strive a climbing path or scenic drive. You can even discover the canyon on horseback if you need a extra thrilling expertise.
After exploring the most effective nationwide parks and cities, let’s take a look at Arizona’s largest class – its outside points of interest.
Arizona is ideal for those who love being open air and experiencing pure points of interest. The state is filled with issues to see and do open air, together with visiting the Nationwide Monument, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley. Able to be impressed? Let’s have a look.
Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument is a nationwide park in Northeastern Arizona. It’s situated within the Navajo Nation and is exceptionally near the Arizona-New Mexico border. For many who need to expertise nature, it’s simply top-of-the-line locations to go to in Arizona.
10. Lake Powell
If you’re heading as much as the Arizona-Utah border, it’s nicely value detouring to Lake Powell. The lake is a shocking synthetic physique of water located between Monument Valley and Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. It’s a stunning place to go to in Arizona. The lake’s vibrant blue water and orange sandstone environment minimize a picture-perfect scene.
The lake is fed by the Colorado River and covers over 2,000 miles of shoreline. The Rainbow Bridge Nationwide Monument is a big vacationer attraction on the lake, and the huge stone arc is the biggest pure bridge on this planet. It is a superb attraction to mix with having fun with the lake itself.
Many individuals spend a day or two staying alongside the shores of the lake. Chances are you’ll want to go to as a day journey or search for a cabin, lodge, or campsite as a way to keep in a single day.
11. Lake Mead
Lake Mead is one other spectacular synthetic attraction. The lake has the very best water capability of any US reservoir and sits on the Nevada-Arizona border. Should you love water actions and lakeside residing, Lake Mead is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Arizona to unwind and chill out.
We advocate permitting time to take a Lake Mead cruise, because the distinction between desert and an oasis-like physique of water is hanging and finest skilled from the water itself. You can even fish and boat on the lake. The desert mountains are the right locations for scenic drives and biking; nonetheless, it will likely be laborious to attract your self away from the refreshing lake that surrounds them.
If you’re planning a street journey, Lake Mead is ideally situated en path to Las Vegas. It’s value a detour to benefit from the lake and chances are you’ll need to take into account combining it with a go to to the close by Hoover Dam.
12. Horseshoe Bend
You’ll be able to’t go to Arizona with out visiting the Colorado River. After all, you’ll be able to select to see many sections of the river, nonetheless, we extremely advocate visiting Horseshoe Bend.
Horseshoe Bend is the postcard picture of the Colorado River. It’s undoubtedly top-of-the-line locations to go to in Arizona. As you will have guessed, the curve is formed like a horseshoe, and also you’ll discover a incredible viewpoint the place you’ll be able to respect the distinctive surroundings up shut. Ensure to pack a digicam for those who’ve obtained one, as Horseshoe Bend is likely one of the hottest sights within the US.
Reaching the perspective is comparatively simple and is only a 1.3-mile spherical hike. Horseshoe Bend is finest visited through the early morning or late afternoon, although, as there may be little or no shade and Arizona will get dangerously scorching in summer time.
13. Hoover Dam
As soon as the tallest dam on this planet, the Hoover Dam has a nostalgic type of energy. Whereas it not holds that grand title, it’s nonetheless certainly one of Arizona’s finest locations to go to. It’s stated that the dam may face up to the power of Niagara Falls – which provides you a superb perspective on how sturdy it’s.
You’ll be able to view the Hoover Dam from afar or drop by the Hoover Dam Guests Heart to ebook a guided tour. Excursions sometimes embody entry to the Hoover Dam tunnels, an elevator experience to the highest, and particular entry to practical rooms all through the constructing.
If you’re considering structure or simply need to see a nationwide historic landmark up shut, the dam is superb to go to. It will also be mixed with a visit to Las Vegas, because the dam sits on the Nevada-Arizona border.
14. Glen Canyon Dam
Planning a visit to Glen Canyon Nationwide Recreation Park to go to Lake Powell? We advocate taking a detour to go to the Glen Canyon Dam.
Glen Canyon Dam is located in Glen Canyon Nationwide Recreation Park, a one million-acre reserve encompassing biking trails, climbing trails, and Lake Powell. The dam is a hydroelectric energy plant and has turn into an iconic attraction alongside the Colorado River.
Guests can take boat excursions to view Glen Canyon Dam up shut and even fly over the dam with a flight expertise. The 710-foot infrastructure is unbelievable from a distance and much more spectacular up shut. After all, to avoid wasting a bit of cash, you’ll be able to all the time stroll throughout Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, the place you’ll nonetheless have nice views over the dam.
15. Jerome State Historic Park
Fancy indulging in a little bit of historical past? Jerome State Historic Park is a incredible place to go to in Arizona. The state park has a few acres surrounding Douglas Mansion, which has been reworked into a unusual mining museum.
Guests can wander by way of two flooring of informative reveals plus outside gardens. The museum balances basic mining tales and the native city’s historical past. You’ll be able to find out about region-specific minerals and mining processes by way of varied mediums, together with cinematic movies.
The park will be mixed with a go to to Montezuma Fort or it’s a nice day journey in case you are staying in close by Flagstaff. It’s undoubtedly an exercise to notice down to your Arizona itinerary.
16. the Superstition Mountains
The Superstition Mountains cowl 160,000 and are stuffed with beautiful mountainous and desert scenes. That’s not what makes this place well-known, although; it’s the misplaced gold mines.
Legends of gold have stored mining corporations and impartial hunters looking the mountains for years. Many hunters have hit the jackpot and located numerous riches. You’ll be able to be a part of the crowds or discover your individual non-gold-related leisure within the mountains.
You’ll be able to go to the Superstition Mountains Museum, discover the encompassing Tonto Nationwide Forest, or hike alongside one of many varied trails. These mountains are top-of-the-line locations to go to in Arizona for journey.
You’ll be able to discover the climbing trails, biking trails, take off-roading excursions, or ebook a scenic helicopter flight – it’s as much as you. These are the most effective nationwide parks to go to in Arizona.
17. Phoenix
Phoenix is the sunny state capital of Arizona. Situated in central Arizona, Phoenix is surrounded by mountains and desert landscapes. Its location appears unlikely for a metropolis, with skyscrapers and luxurious lodges capturing up from what (earlier than 1881) was as soon as sand and mud.
Phoenix is the most effective place to go to in Arizona for a big-city expertise. The town is bursting with artwork, nightlife and points of interest, together with extra artwork galleries than you can see in a complete week.
Phoenix is residence to the Musical Instrument Museum, Pure Historical past Museum, Phoenix Bat Cave, and Desert Botanical Backyard. Learn extra: 34 Greatest Issues To Do In Phoenix (By A Native)
18. Desert Botanical Backyard
The Desert Botanical Backyard is situated in Papago Park, within the middle of Arizona’s capital metropolis. Nevertheless, the Desert Botanical Backyard is worthy of a spot on our checklist in its personal proper. We extremely advocate visiting even for those who fly into Phoenix and head straight out of the town after (however significantly, at the least give the town a day or two).
Why is the Desert Botanical Backyard so spectacular? The 150-acre backyard has over 50,000 desert vegetation and is the perfect place to go to for a handy desert expertise. The botanical backyard is a straightforward and enjoyable different for individuals who don’t have time to go to main desert places like Saguaro Nationwide Park.
Phoenix’s botanical backyard is a incredible place to go to in Arizona. The backyard is a good compromise choice for those who nonetheless need to expertise the desert panorama and attribute cacti and flora.
19. Lake Havasu Metropolis
If Phoenix is finest for a big-city really feel, Lake Havasu Metropolis is finest for the alternative. The tiny metropolis sits subsequent to Lake Havasu, which is fed by the Colorado River and is a scorching spot for watersports and leisure. But it surely was the Little London Village that made us take a detour to go to Lake Havasu.
Nature lovers and people on the lookout for a quiet base in Arizona will love Lake Havasu. The town has a gradual tempo, and its lakeside location is a nice change from Arizona’s dry desert panorama. There are many outside actions and points of interest together with Lake Havasu State Park and London Bridge. London Bridge is an architectural surprise transported from London within the Nineteen Seventies and there’s a distinct English really feel within the London Village.
You’ll be able to spend your days fishing, having fun with the footpaths and inexperienced area across the metropolis, or swimming and boating on the lake. Don’t overlook to take a look at the Lake Havasu Lighthouses that span the shoreline..
20. Tucson
Tucson is Arizona’s second-largest metropolis and is filled with cultural range and issues to do. If you would like a totally different Arizona expertise, we advocate visiting Tucson.
Tucson sits simply above the US-Mexican border in Southern Arizona. Due to its location, the town has a variety of Mexican affect. One of many high locations to go to San Xavier del Bac is a Spanish Catholic Mission. This nationwide historic landmark was based in 1692 and welcomes greater than 200,000 guests per 12 months. The church is taken into account the best Spanish Colonial structure in the US.
You’ll discover many new experiences and immersion alternatives, from the town’s delicacies to its cultures. You need to strive some Mexican delicacies whereas visiting.
Tucson can also be residence to the College of Arizona. As a college metropolis, guests can get pleasure from an additional sociable, pleasant environment – particularly within the metropolis middle.
Whereas simply exterior the town middle, you’ll discover points of interest like Saguaro Nationwide Park and Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (extra on them later). Tucson is a enjoyable, contemporary metropolis to go to in Arizona. For an introduction to Southern Arizona, don’t look no additional.
21. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is situated simply on the outskirts of Tucson. Nevertheless, the museum deserves a spot on this checklist in its personal proper.
The museum is a little bit of the whole lot – from pure historical past museum to a botanical backyard. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum covers 98 acres. There’s additionally an artwork gallery for guests to get pleasure from.
You can simply spend a complete day on the museum. The museum is an opportunity to expertise a number of vacationer points of interest directly. It’s good for a household day trip.
22. Flagstaff
Flagstaff is a small metropolis in Northern Arizona often known as the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks and the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Arizona if you wish to be centrally situated amongst many of the state’s pure points of interest.
You’ll be able to spend your days excitedly exploring all of the close by points of interest. Ensure to remain in Flagstaff for the day and head to the town’s historic downtown. You’ll discover a brewery path, glorious eating places, and the Flagstaff Customer Heart. Bear in mind to convey a digicam, as you’ll stumble throughout loads of avenue artwork and nice picture spots.
Each desert and forest encompass Flagstaff. Coconino Nationwide Forest envelops the town and is the biggest Ponderosa Pine Forest on this planet. For a metropolis the place you’ll be able to simply take a day journey into nature, Flagstaff is a perfect place to go to in Northern Arizona. Try our information on the most effective cabins in Flagstaff for lodging inspiration.
23. Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park
If you’re driving from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, or Monument Valley, make sure that to cease at Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park. The gorge outlook is completely positioned to fit into even the busiest day journeys.
Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park is one other of the most effective locations to go to in Arizona so as to add to your checklist. The park is situated simply north of Flagstaff. If you’re on the lookout for to make a day trip of it, mix this with a visit to Lake Powell or Monument Valley.
The park’s foremost spotlight is the gorge overlook, the place you’ll get to admire the sheer drop of a lesser-visited canyon. Be cautious of the place you’re stepping as there may be little to no barrier safety, and the park isn’t as commercialized as others in Arizona. Many discover it a peaceable different to busier canyons – just like the Grand and Antelope Canyons.
24. Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is likely one of the most unusual locations to go to in Arizona, and there’s no manner we couldn’t add this distinctive Catholic church to our checklist. We’re not spiritual folks, however this is likely one of the most unusual constructions in Arizona. So it’s value seeing.
The church is wedged between two sandstone buttes and has giant, plain glass home windows that give it a contemporary, stylish design. The Chapel of the Holy Cross shouldn’t be your typical church.
You’ll be able to enter the church to go searching or be a part of a service if that’s your factor. The church is close to Sedona and loads of different points of interest, so it isn’t an excessive amount of of a detour to make.
25. Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost City
Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost City are by far the quirkiest place on our checklist. The property is ready up as an Previous West mining camp and is designed to offer you an perception into what the lifetime of a miner was like.
You’ll be totally immersed with previous classic autos and mining tools on show. Automotive lovers will particularly love this museum, and we advocate visiting in case you are considering previous vehicles and autos. The variability is spectacular, even when you already know nothing about vehicles.
It isn’t simply all previous relics, although; there are working areas like a sawmill and blacksmith’s store to go to as nicely. Gold King is designed to be a step again in time – totally immersing guests within the previous mining life-style.
You’ll be able to count on to spend at the least a few hours studying, laughing, and admiring your manner across the museum and ghost city. It’s like its personal little world and a enjoyable but traditionally informative factor to do in Arizona.
26. Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway
Are you on the lookout for a scenic drive? Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is an unbelievable, comparatively quick scenic drive from Tucson that you could get pleasure from. Brief sufficient to comfortably squeeze right into a day but lengthy sufficient to offer numerous scenes and points of interest, this scenic byway is a good place to drive.
You gained’t discover the byway marked on a map. Nevertheless, it’s the solely paved street resulting in Mount Lemmon’s high. The street is known as Mt Lemmon Freeway and begins from the outskirts of Tucson. Altogether, the route is roughly 60 miles lengthy and takes three to 4 hours to finish – plus further time to permit for stops.
Talking of stops, we advocate stopping at Babad Do’ag Scenic Overlook, Molino Canyon Vista, Thimble Peak Vista, Windy Level Vista, and Geology Vista Level. There are fairly actually dozens of climbing trails and trailheads alongside the freeway as nicely. You’ll be able to simply park up and take a detour on foot.
Enable further time once more when you attain Mount Lemmon’s peak. There’s Mt Lemmon Ski Valley, Mt Lemmon Sky Observatory, and a Hearth Lookout Station to go to. Mount Lemmon has a small city on the mountain high too, the place you’ll be able to seize refreshments and do some gentle purchasing.
The ‘Grand Canyon State’ is filled with great actions and vacationer locations. Visiting Arizona is assured to be memorable with breathtaking sights that may make your jaw drop all through your keep. The state has a lot to supply, whether or not you need a typical desert expertise, a unusual vacationer attraction, or a cultural immersion.
Picture Credit score: Chapel of the Holy Cross