There are plenty of locations to go to in Arizona – from admiring the Grand Canyon to experiencing cultural vacationer points of interest all through its desert panorama. Whether you’re planning an Arizona highway journey, or popping over from Vegas, you’ll be certain to discover one thing to fit your wants.
We’re taking you to one of the best cities, nationwide parks, and outside points of interest, after which end with a particular extras part leaving you with loads of inspiration on your upcoming journey to Arizona.
Top locations to go to in Arizona
This information is break up into particular sections, as there are various several types of locations to go to in Arizona. so let’s get began.
Best cities to go to in Arizona
Arizona isn’t all desert and canyons; the state has plenty of cities that deserve visiting. The following cities are among the finest locations to go to in Arizona.
1. Phoenix
Phoenix is the sunny state capital of Arizona. Located in central Arizona, Phoenix is surrounded by mountains and desert landscapes. Its location appears unlikely for a metropolis, with skyscrapers and luxurious motels taking pictures up from what (earlier than 1881) was as soon as sand and dirt. However, its incongruous attract is all a part of Phoenix’s attraction.
Phoenix is one of the best place to go to in Arizona for a big-city expertise. The metropolis is bursting with creativity and points of interest, together with extra artwork galleries than you might see in a complete week.
Phoenix can be dwelling to the Musical Instrument Museum, Natural History Museum, Phoenix Bat Cave, and Desert Botanical Garden.
2. Lake Havasu City
If Phoenix is finest for a big-city-feel, Lake Havasu City is finest for the other. The tiny metropolis sits subsequent to Lake Havasu, which is fed by the Colorado River and is a sizzling spot for watersports and rest. But it was the Little London Village that made us take a detour to go to Lake Havasu.
Nature lovers and people searching for a quiet base in Arizona will love Lake Havasu. The metropolis has a sluggish tempo, and its lakeside location is a pleasing change from Arizona’s dry desert panorama. There are loads of outside actions and points of interest, together with Lake Havasu State Park and London Bridge. London Bridge is an architectural surprise transported from London in the Nineteen Seventies and there’s a distinct English really feel in the London Village.
You can spend your days fishing, having fun with the footpaths and inexperienced area across the metropolis, or swimming and boating on the lake. Don’t neglect to take a look at the Lake Havasu Lighthouses that span the shoreline..
3. Tucson
Tucson is Arizona’s second-largest metropolis and is filled with cultural range and issues to do. If you desire a totally different Arizona expertise, we suggest visiting Tucson.
Tucson sits simply above the US-Mexican border in Southern Arizona. Thanks to its location, the town has plenty of Mexican affect. One of the highest 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 yr. The church is taken into account the best Spanish Colonial structure in the United States.
You’ll discover many new experiences and immersion alternatives, from the town’s delicacies to its cultures. You should attempt some Mexican delicacies whereas visiting.
Tucson can be dwelling to the University of Arizona. As a college metropolis, guests can get pleasure from an additional sociable, pleasant environment – particularly in the town heart. While, simply outdoors the town heart, you’ll discover points of interest like Saguaro National 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.
4. Flagstaff
Flagstaff is a small metropolis in Northern Arizona and is often known as the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks and the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff is among the finest locations to go to in Arizona if you need to be centrally situated amongst many of the state’s pure points of interest.
You can spend your days excitedly exploring all of the close by points of interest. Alternatively, keep 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 Visitor Center. Remember to deliver a digital camera as properly, as you’ll stumble throughout loads of road artwork and nice photograph spots.
Flagstaff is surrounded by each desert and forest. Coconino National Forest envelops the town and is the most important Ponderosa Pine Forest in the world. 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. Check out our information on one of the best cabins in Flagstaff for lodging inspiration.
Best National Parks to Visit in Arizona
What would a visit to Arizona be with out visiting a nationwide park? Arizona’s nationwide parks are famend for his or her unimaginable points of interest, together with the well-known Grand Canyon.
You can discover the mountaineering trails, biking trails, take off-roading excursions, or e book a scenic helicopter flight – it’s up to you. These are one of the best nationwide parks to go to in Arizona.
5. Saguaro National Park
We’ve briefly talked about Saguaro National Park already. The park is situated simply outdoors Tucson. It is a good place to go to for gorgeous surroundings and mountaineering trails whereas visiting Southern Arizona.
The park is most identified for its cacti. Indeed, in this nationwide park, you’ll discover among the largest saguaro cacti in the US. Some of the cacti dwell up to 200 years outdated and develop at a really sluggish charge. The nationwide park looks like an outdated American West film scene and has over 90,000 acres for you to discover.
Whether you select a scenic drive or hike, reserving a rental automobile to go to Saguaro National Park is the best possibility. Valley View Overlook Trail is a pleasant quick stroll that ought to take you round 20 minutes to full, whereas mountaineering to Signal Hill Petroglyphs is a should for anybody in historical artwork and civilizations.
6. Petrified Forest National Park
If the Petrified Forest National Park sounds unbelievable, it’s as a result of it’s. However, in case you arrive anticipating a lush forest full of lovely, fascinating timber, you’ll be shocked. The nationwide park is a barren panorama, filled 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 not to miss locations embody Rainbow Forest Museum, the Crystal Forest hike, and the Blue Mesa hike.
Wondering how this pure phenomenon happens? Petrification of timber takes place when timber 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 an actual duplicate of the unique kind, simply in a distinct materials.
For a novel pure expertise, Petrified Forest National Park is among the finest locations to go to in Arizona. We suggest selecting this nationwide park for anybody intrigued by pure ‘mysteries’ and wanting a memorable expertise in Arizona.
7. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon. What can we are saying? The park is one in all one of the best locations to go to in the US, by no means thoughts Arizona. Visiting the Grand Canyon is up there on most individuals’s US bucket lists.
South Rim and North Rim are the preferred areas to discover the Grand Canyon on foot. The North Rim is the lesser seen aspect of the Grand Canyon and is finest for many who desire a quieter place to expertise it. South Rim is way busier and is filled with totally different mountaineering trails. Read subsequent: The Absolute Best Things to do in The Grand Canyon
A well-liked mountaineering route is the Bright Angel Trail. The path is well-maintained and comparatively simple. It follows a aspect canyon, previous cliff faces, and numerous switchbacks, earlier than ending at Plateau Point. Plateau Point has gorgeous views of the canyon and the park’s surroundings.
Of course, you’ll be able to at all times splurge on a helicopter trip as a substitute. Many vacationers decide to view the canyon from above, which is among the most exhilarating issues to do in Arizona. Read extra: Where to Stay At The Grand Canyon: Best Hotels And Areas For Every Budget
8. Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a nationwide park in Northeastern Arizona. It is situated in Navajo Nation and is exceptionally shut to the Arizona-New Mexico border. For those that need to expertise nature in the north, it’s simply among the best locations to go to in Arizona.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument covers over 80,000 acres and is dwelling 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 consultants imagine it was as soon as linked to a ridge. Nowadays, it makes an uncommon pure attraction and a terrific {photograph}.
You can drop by the Canyon de Chelly Visitor Center for professional native steering on issues to see and do. However, it’s best to positively be sure that to attempt a mountaineering path or scenic drive. You may also discover the canyon on horseback if you need a extra thrilling expertise.
Best Outdoor Attractions
After exploring one of the best nationwide parks and cities, let’s have a look at Arizona’s largest class – its outside points of interest.
Arizona is ideal in case you love being outdoor and experiencing pure points of interest. The state is filled with issues to see and do outdoor, together with visiting the National Monument, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley. Ready to be impressed? Let’s have a look.
9. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a nationwide treasure, not simply an merchandise on an inventory of the state’s finest locations to go to. The wave-like sandstone partitions of the slot canyon are well-known on social media and in journey magazines. Photographers and normal vacationers alike flock to the canyon to seize the magical surroundings and stroll alongside the canyon flooring.
If you need to go to Antelope Canyon, you’ll have to select which half to go to – Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon, or possibly each as you’ll be able to e book excursions and see each. Check out Antelope Canyon Photo Tours – How to Make probably the most of it
Upper Antelope Canyon is the best to hike however is darker, whereas Lower Antelope Canyon is narrower however a lot lighter. Decide which possibility most closely fits you, after which both e book on-line or pay a go to to Antelope Canyon Visitor Center.
Antelope Canyon is well among the best locations. This canyon is a must-visit if you need to go to bucket record outside points of interest.
10. Monument Valley
Monument Valley is definitely situated alongside the Arizona-Utah border. If you need to go to simply, you’ll have to base your self in a northern metropolis like Flagstaff. The valley is among the most well-known landscapes in the US and simply among the best locations to go to in Arizona.
The valley is over 90,000 acres and filled with mountaineering trails and spectacular rock formations. It is most identified for its towering sandstone buttes, which you’ll expertise on scenic drives or on mountaineering trails. Don’t miss Forest Gump Point, the enduring viewpoint used in well-known motion pictures and is a vital filming location in cinematic historical past.
The valley is a good place to lower by means of in case you are planning an Arizona highway journey. There are many issues to see whereas driving by means of the valley, and the surroundings is ideal for memorable highway tripping.
11. Lake Powell
If you’re heading up to the Arizona-Utah border, it’s properly value detouring to Lake Powell. The lake is a shocking synthetic physique of water located between Monument Valley and Grand Canyon National Park. It is an attractive place to go to in Arizona. The lake’s brilliant blue water and orange sandstone environment lower a picture-perfect scene.
The lake is fed by the Colorado River and covers over 2,000 miles of shoreline. The Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a major vacationer attraction on the lake, and the huge stone arc is the most important pure bridge in the world. 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. You might need to go to as a day journey or search for a cabin, resort, or campsite as a way to keep in a single day.
12. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Fascinated by historical tradition and archaeological websites of inhabitation? Montezuma Castle National Monument is the place to go to. The web site is dwelling to a number of cliffside dwellings, constructed and lived in by Indigenous People round 1100 to 1425 AD.
Sadly, entry contained in the dwellings has now been prohibited in an comprehensible try to defend the location from extreme harm. However, guests can take a digital tour inside the homes. They look unimaginable from the skin, and you may get pleasure from quite a few mountaineering trails for various views.
13. Horseshoe Bend
You can’t go to Arizona with out visiting the Colorado River. Of course, there are various sections of the river which you could select to see. However, we extremely suggest visiting Horseshoe Bend.
Horseshoe Bend is the postcard picture of the Colorado River. It is unquestionably among the best locations to go to in Arizona. As you might have guessed, the curve is formed like a horseshoe, and also you’ll discover a unbelievable viewpoint the place you’ll be able to recognize the distinctive surroundings up shut. Make certain to pack a digital camera in case you’ve obtained one, as Horseshoe Bend is among the hottest sights in the US.
Reaching the point of view is comparatively simple and is only a 1.3-mile spherical hike. Horseshoe Bend is finest visited in the course of the early morning or late afternoon although, as there’s little or no shade and Arizona will get dangerously sizzling in summer season.
14. Desert Botanical Garden
We spoke in regards to the Desert Botanical Garden when discussing Phoenix. The backyard is situated in Papago Park, in the middle of Arizona’s capital metropolis. However, the Desert Botanical Garden is worthy of a spot on our record in its personal proper. We extremely suggest visiting even in case you simply fly into Phoenix and head straight out of the town after (however significantly, not less than give the town a day or two).
Why is the Desert Botanical Garden so spectacular? The 150-acre backyard has over 50,000 desert crops and is the perfect place to go to for a handy desert expertise. The botanical backyard is a simple and enjoyable different for many who don’t have time to go to main desert areas like Saguaro National Park.
Phoenix’s botanical backyard is a unbelievable place to go to in Arizona. The backyard is a good compromise possibility in case you nonetheless need to expertise the desert panorama and attribute cacti and flora.
15. Glen Canyon Dam
Glen Canyon Dam is located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Park, a one million-acre reserve encompassing biking trails, mountaineering trails, and Lake Powell.
Planning a visit to Glen Canyon National Recreation Park to go to Lake Powell? We suggest taking a detour to go to the Glen Canyon Dam. The dam is a hydroelectric energy plant and has turn out to be an iconic attraction alongside the Colorado River.
Visitors 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 unimaginable from a distance and much more spectacular up shut. Of course, to save a bit of cash, you’ll be able to at all times stroll throughout Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, the place you’ll nonetheless have nice views over the dam.
16. Lake Mead
Lake Mead is one other spectacular synthetic attraction. The lake has the best water capability of any US reservoir and sits on the Nevada-Arizona border. If you’re keen on water actions and lakeside dwelling, Lake Mead is among the finest locations to go to in Arizona to unwind and chill out.
We suggest permitting time to take a Lake Mead cruise, because the distinction between desert and an oasis-like physique of water is placing and finest skilled from the water itself. You may also fish, and boat on the lake. The desert mountains are the proper locations for scenic drives and biking; nevertheless, it is going to be exhausting to draw your self away from the refreshing lake that they encompass.
If you’re planning a highway journey, Lake Mead is ideally situated en route to Las Vegas. It is value detouring to benefit from the lake and think about combining it with a go to to the close by Hoover Dam.
17. Coyote Buttes
Do you’re keen on distinctive and thrilling landscapes? If so, Coyote Buttes are among the best locations to go to in Arizona.
The Buttes are situated in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. A bit of like Antelope Canyon, the panorama options wave-like rock patterns. But as a substitute of being in a canyon, you’ll be able to expertise the waves out in the open, amongst towering buttes. The panorama is fascinating and is a bit like strolling by means of a maze of pure skatepark ramps.
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness is a good spot to go to in Arizona. But, in case you are visiting, prioritize a go to to the Buttes. Paria has over 100,000 acres of protected lands, however the Coyote Buttes are probably the most thrilling half to see.
18. Hoover Dam
Once the tallest dam in the world, the Hoover Dam has a nostalgic sort of energy. While it not holds that grand title, it’s nonetheless one in all Arizona’s finest locations to go to. Visitors shortly recognize its energy and power. It is alleged that the dam may face up to the pressure of Niagara Falls – which supplies you a wonderful perspective on how sturdy it’s.
You can view the Hoover Dam from afar or drop by the Hoover Dam Visitors Center to e book a guided tour. Tours sometimes embody entry to the Hoover Dam tunnels, an elevator trip to the highest, and particular entry to purposeful rooms all through the constructing.
If you have an interest in structure or simply need to see a nationwide historic landmark up shut, the dam is nice to go to. It can be mixed with a visit to Las Vegas, because the dam sits on the Nevada-Arizona border.
19. Jerome State Historic Park
Fancy indulging in a little bit of historical past? Jerome State Historic Park is a unbelievable 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.
Visitors can wander by means of two flooring of informative displays plus outside gardens. The museum balances normal mining tales and the native city’s historical past. You can find out about region-specific minerals and mining processes by means of numerous mediums, together with cinematic movies.
The park is properly mixed with a go to to Montezuma Castle or a terrific day journey in case you are staying in close by Flagstaff. It is undoubtedly an exercise to be aware down on your Arizona itinerary.
20. the Superstition Mountains
The Superstition Mountains cowl 160,000 and are filled with beautiful mountainous and desert scenes. That will not be what makes this place well-known, although; it’s the misplaced gold mines.
Legends of gold have stored mining firms and unbiased hunters looking the mountains for years. Many hunters have hit the jackpot and located plenty of riches. You can be a part of the crowds or, alternatively, discover non-gold-related leisure in the mountains.
You can go to the Superstition Mountains Museum, discover the encircling Tonto National Forest, or hike alongside one of many numerous trails. These mountains are among the best locations to go to in Arizona for journey.
More Places to Visit in Arizona
These locations are particular additions to our information on one of the best locations to go to in Arizona. Whether they’re a museum or sacred tribal lands, they don’t match into the outside vacationer attraction class. So, here’s a class of their very own.
Here is our remaining subsection, our particular record of extra locations to go to in Arizona.
22. Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is among the most original locations to go to in Arizona, and there’s no means we couldn’t add this distinctive Catholic church to our record.
While we aren’t putting the church in our outside attraction class, its exterior is an attractive sight. The church is wedged between two sandstone buttes and has massive, plain glass home windows that give it a contemporary, stylish design. The Chapel of the Holy Cross will not be your typical church.
You can enter the church to go searching or be a part of a service if you want. 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.
23. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is located on the outskirts of Tucson. However, the museum deserves a spot on this record in its personal proper.
The museum is a little bit of every part – from pure historical past museum to a zoo and a botanical backyard. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum covers 98 acres and contains an aquarium part, dwell animal displays, plus flora shows in the botanical backyard part. There can be an artwork gallery for guests to get pleasure from.
You may simply spend a complete day on the museum. The museum is an opportunity to expertise a number of vacationer points of interest without delay. It is ideal for a household time out.
24. Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park
Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park is one other of one of the best locations to go to in Arizona to add to your record. The park is situated simply north of Flagstaff. It is well mixed with a go to to Lake Powell or Monument Valley.
The park’s essential spotlight is the gorge overlook, the place you’ll get the prospect to admire the sheer drop of a lesser visited canyon. Be cautious of the place you’re stepping as there’s 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.
If you’re driving from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, or Monument Valley, be sure that to cease at Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park. The gorge outlook is completely positioned to slot into even the busiest day journeys.
25. Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town
Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town is by far the quirkiest place on our record. The property is ready up as an Old West mining camp and is designed to offer you an perception into what the lifetime of a miner was like.
You’ll be absolutely immersed with outdated classic automobiles and mining tools on show. Car lovers will particularly love this museum, and we suggest visiting in case you are in outdated vehicles and automobiles. The selection is spectacular even when you understand nothing about vehicles.
It isn’t simply all outdated relics, although; there are working areas like a sawmill and blacksmith’s store to go to as properly. Gold King is designed to be a step again in time – absolutely immersing guests in the outdated mining life-style.
You can count on to spend not less than a few hours studying, laughing, and admiring your means across the museum and ghost city. It is like its personal little world and a enjoyable but traditionally informative factor to do in Arizona.
26. Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway
Looking for a scenic drive? Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is an unimaginable, comparatively quick scenic drive which you could get pleasure from from Tucson. Short sufficient to comfortably squeeze right into a day but lengthy sufficient to present numerous scenes and points of interest, this scenic byway is a good place to drive.
You received’t discover the byway marked on a map. However, it’s the solely paved highway main to Mount Lemmon’s high. The highway is known as Mt Lemmon Highway and begins from the outskirts of Tucson. Altogether, the route is roughly 60 miles lengthy and takes three to 4 hours to full – plus additional time to enable for stops.
Speaking of stops, we suggest stopping at Babad Do’ag Scenic Overlook, Molino Canyon Vista, Thimble Peak Vista, Windy Point Vista, and Geology Vista Point. There are fairly actually dozens of mountaineering trails and trailheads alongside the freeway as properly. You can simply park up and take a detour on foot.
Allow additional time once more when you attain Mount Lemmon’s peak. There is Mt Lemmon Ski Valley, Mt Lemmon Sky Observatory, and a Fire 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 mild procuring.
The ‘Grand Canyon State’ is filled with great actions and vacationer locations. Visiting Arizona is assured to be memorable, and also you’ll keep properly entertained all through your keep. The state has a lot to supply, whether or not you desire a typical desert expertise, a unusual vacationer attraction, or a cultural immersion.
Have a unbelievable journey. We hope you handle to expertise not less than a few these finest locations to go to in Arizona.
Photo Credit: Chapel of the Holy Cross