There are a number of stunning locations to go to in Arizona. Arizona presents a novel mixture of placing landscapes, bustling cities, hidden ghost cities, and distinctive formations, making it an awesome vacation spot any time of yr. This information will assist you plan your Arizona getaway now and uncover what this numerous state has to supply. Whether or not planning an Arizona highway journey or popping over from Vegas, you’ll certainly 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. One of the best ways to get round Arizona is by automobile. Examine 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 a maze of pure skatepark ramps.
The Buttes are positioned in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Just a little like Antelope Canyon, the panorama options wave-like rock patterns. However as an alternative of being in a canyon, you possibly can 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 have 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 ground.
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 possibly can guide excursions and see each.
Higher Antelope Canyon is the best to hike however is darker, whereas Decrease Antelope Canyon is narrower however a lot lighter. You possibly can guide on-line or pay a go to to Antelope Canyon Customer Heart. Antelope Canyon is definitely the most effective pure vacationer points of interest in Arizona. This canyon is a must-visit if you wish to go to bucket listing out of doors points of interest. Take a look at Antelope Canyon Picture Excursions – Find out how to Profit from it
3. Monument Valley
Monument Valley is positioned alongside the Arizona-Utah border. If you wish to go to simply, it’s essential to 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 the most effective 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 identified for its towering sandstone buttes, which you’ll be able to expertise on scenic drives or on climbing trails. Don’t miss Forest Gump Level, the enduring viewpoint utilized in well-known films and is a vital filming location in cinematic historical past.
The valley is a superb place to chop by if you’re planning an Arizona highway journey. There are various issues to see whereas driving by the valley, and the surroundings is ideal for memorable highway tripping.
4. Montezuma Fortress Nationwide Monument
Fascinated by historic tradition and archaeological websites of inhabitation? Montezuma Fortress Nationwide Monument is the place to go to. The positioning is dwelling to a number of cliffside dwellings, constructed and lived in by Indigenous Folks round 1100 to 1425 AD.
Sadly, entry contained in the dwellings has now been prohibited in an comprehensible try to guard the location from extreme injury. Nevertheless, guests can take a digital tour inside the homes. They give the impression of being unbelievable from the surface, and you’ll take pleasure in quite a few climbing trails for various views.
5. Saguaro Nationwide Park
We’ve briefly talked about Saguaro Nationwide Park already. The park is positioned simply outdoors Tucson. It’s a great spot to go to for gorgeous surroundings and climbing trails whereas visiting Southern Arizona.
The park is most identified for its cacti. Certainly, on this nationwide park, you’ll discover among the largest saguaro cacti within the US. A number of the cacti stay as much as 200 years outdated and develop at a really gradual price. The nationwide park looks like an outdated 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 best possibility. Valley View Overlook Path is a pleasant brief stroll that ought to take you round 20 minutes to finish, whereas climbing to Sign Hill Petroglyphs is a should for anybody concerned about historic artwork and civilizations.
6. Petrified Forest Nationwide Park
If the Petrified Forest Nationwide Park sounds unbelievable, it’s as a result of it’s. Nevertheless, should you arrive anticipating a lush forest full of gorgeous, fascinating timber, 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’ll drive the size of the park in round an hour – stopping at no matter spot catches your eye. Some to not miss locations embrace Rainbow Forest Museum, the Crystal Forest hike, and the Blue Mesa hike.
Questioning 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 reproduction of the unique type, simply in a unique materials.
For a novel pure expertise, Petrified Forest Nationwide Park is likely one of 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 Nationwide Park
What can we are saying? The park is one in every of one of the best 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 trip, this vacation spot is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations in your complete 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 well-liked climbing route within the Grand Canyon is the Shiny Angel Path. The path is well-maintained and comparatively simple. However there are many different climbing trails within the Grand Canyon that you may discover. Learn The Absolute Greatest Issues to do in The Grand Canyon for extra data.
In fact, you possibly can at all times splurge on a helicopter trip over the Grand Canyon. Many vacationers decide to view the canyon from above, which is likely one of the most exhilarating issues to do in Arizona. Whichever manner you resolve to see the Grand Canyon, it can go away you breathless. It actually lives as much as the hype. Learn extra: The place to Keep At The Grand Canyon: Greatest Accommodations And Areas For Each Finances
8. Havasu Falls
Whereas visiting the Grand Canyon, it’s essential to 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 placing pastel blue from the excessive calcium carbonate and magnesium ranges. The falls drop over 100 ft in a single drop to fill a substantial plunge pool on the backside.
Attending to the falls is an journey in itself, one you possibly can learn extra about right here. It is suggested that you just keep in a single day on the Lodge or campground. However for all the hassle of getting there, the turquoise water of the Havasu Falls will soothe your weary physique, offering yet one more dream-like expertise.
Higher but, you possibly can swim – uncommon amongst the prettiest waterfalls since tourism often damages their pure magnificence. Havasu Falls continues to be sufficient beneath 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 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 related to a ridge. These days, it makes an uncommon pure attraction and an awesome {photograph}.
You possibly can drop by the Canyon de Chelly Customer Heart for skilled native steering on issues to see and do. Nevertheless, you need to undoubtedly be certain to attempt a climbing path or scenic drive. You too can discover the canyon on horseback in order for you a extra thrilling expertise.
After exploring one of the best nationwide parks and cities, let’s have a look at Arizona’s largest class – its out of doors points of interest.
Arizona is ideal should you love being open air and experiencing pure points of interest. The state is stuffed 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 positioned within the Navajo Nation and is exceptionally near the Arizona-New Mexico border. For individuals who wish to expertise nature, it’s simply the most effective locations to go to in Arizona.
10. Lake Powell
If you’re heading as much as the Arizona-Utah border, it’s effectively price detouring to Lake Powell. The lake is a surprising 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 reduce 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. You might want to go to as a day journey or search for a cabin, lodge, or campsite so 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. For those who 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 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 too can fish and boat on the lake. The desert mountains are the right locations for scenic drives and biking; nevertheless, it will likely be laborious to attract your self away from the refreshing lake that surrounds them.
If you’re planning a highway journey, Lake Mead is ideally positioned en path to Las Vegas. It’s price a detour to benefit from the lake and it’s possible you’ll wish to think about combining it with a go to to the close by Hoover Dam.
12. Horseshoe Bend
You possibly can’t go to Arizona with out visiting the Colorado River. In fact, you possibly can select to see many sections of the river, nevertheless, we extremely suggest visiting Horseshoe Bend.
Horseshoe Bend is the postcard picture of the Colorado River. It’s undoubtedly the most effective locations to go to in Arizona. As you will have guessed, the curve is formed like a horseshoe, and also you’ll discover a unbelievable viewpoint the place you possibly can respect the distinctive surroundings up shut. Be sure to pack a digital camera should you’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 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.
13. Hoover Dam
As soon as the tallest dam on this planet, the Hoover Dam has a nostalgic sort of energy. Whereas it not holds that grand title, it’s nonetheless one in every of Arizona’s finest locations to go to. It’s stated that the dam might face up to the power of Niagara Falls – which supplies you a wonderful perspective on how robust it’s.
You possibly can view the Hoover Dam from afar or drop by the Hoover Dam Guests Heart to guide a guided tour. Excursions sometimes embrace entry to the Hoover Dam tunnels, an elevator trip to the highest, and particular entry to useful rooms all through the constructing.
If you’re concerned about structure or simply wish to see a nationwide historic landmark up shut, the dam is great to go to. It can 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 suggest 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 develop 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. In fact, to save lots of a bit of cash, you possibly can at all times 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 unbelievable place to go to in Arizona. The state park has a few acres surrounding Douglas Mansion, which has been remodeled into a unusual mining museum.
Guests can wander by two flooring of informative displays plus out of doors gardens. The museum balances basic mining tales and the native city’s historical past. You possibly can study region-specific minerals and mining processes by varied mediums, together with cinematic movies.
The park may be mixed with a go to to Montezuma Fortress or it’s a nice day journey if you’re 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 saved mining firms and impartial hunters looking out the mountains for years. Many hunters have hit the jackpot and located a lot of riches. You possibly can be part of the crowds or discover your personal non-gold-related leisure within the mountains.
You possibly can go to the Superstition Mountains Museum, discover the encompassing Tonto Nationwide Forest, or hike alongside one of many varied trails. These mountains are the most effective locations to go to in Arizona for journey.
You possibly can discover the climbing trails, biking trails, take off-roading excursions, or guide a scenic helicopter flight – it’s as much as you. These are one of the best 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 motels taking pictures up from what (earlier than 1881) was as soon as sand and dirt.
Phoenix is one of the best 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 may see in a complete week.
Phoenix is dwelling 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 positioned in Papago Park, within the middle of Arizona’s capital metropolis. Nevertheless, the Desert Botanical Backyard is worthy of a spot on our listing in its personal proper. We extremely suggest visiting even should you fly into Phoenix and head straight out of town after (however severely, not less than give town a day or two).
Why is the Desert Botanical Backyard so spectacular? The 150-acre backyard has over 50,000 desert crops and is the best place to go to for a handy desert expertise. The botanical backyard is a simple and enjoyable various for individuals who don’t have time to go to main desert areas like Saguaro Nationwide Park.
Phoenix’s botanical backyard is a unbelievable place to go to in Arizona. The backyard is a superb compromise possibility should you nonetheless wish 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 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. However 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 town has a gradual tempo, and its lakeside location is a nice change from Arizona’s dry desert panorama. There are many out of doors actions and points of interest together with Lake Havasu State Park and London Bridge. London Bridge is an architectural marvel transported from London within the Seventies and there’s a distinct English really feel within the London Village.
You possibly can spend your days fishing, having fun with the footpaths and inexperienced house 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 stuffed with cultural variety and issues to do. If you need a completely different Arizona expertise, we suggest visiting Tucson.
Tucson sits simply above the US-Mexican border in Southern Arizona. Due to its location, town has a number of Mexican affect. One of many prime 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 america.
You’ll discover many new experiences and immersion alternatives, from town’s delicacies to its cultures. You have to attempt some Mexican delicacies whereas visiting.
Tucson can be dwelling to the College of Arizona. As a college metropolis, guests can take pleasure in an additional sociable, pleasant ambiance – particularly within the metropolis middle.
Whereas simply outdoors 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, recent 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 positioned simply on the outskirts of Tucson. Nevertheless, the museum deserves a spot on this listing in its personal proper.
The museum is a little bit of every part – 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 take pleasure in.
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 excellent for a household day trip.
22. Flagstaff
Flagstaff is a small metropolis in Northern Arizona often called 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 positioned amongst many of the state’s pure points of interest.
You possibly can spend your days excitedly exploring all of the close by points of interest. Be sure to remain in Flagstaff for the day and head to town’s historic downtown. You’ll discover a brewery path, wonderful eating places, and the Flagstaff Customer Heart. Keep in mind to carry a digital camera, as you’ll stumble throughout loads of road artwork and nice picture spots.
Each desert and forest encompass Flagstaff. Coconino Nationwide Forest envelops town and is the biggest Ponderosa Pine Forest on this planet. For a metropolis the place you possibly can simply take a day journey into nature, Flagstaff is a perfect place to go to in Northern Arizona. Take a look at our information on one of the best cabins in Flagstaff for lodging inspiration.
If you’re driving from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, or Monument Valley, be certain 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 one of the best locations to go to in Arizona so as to add to your listing. The park is positioned simply north of Flagstaff. If you’re searching for to make a day trip of it, mix this with a visit to Lake Powell or Monument Valley.
The park’s essential 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’s little to no barrier safety, and the park isn’t as commercialized as others in Arizona. Many discover it a peaceable various 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 original locations to go to in Arizona, and there’s no manner we couldn’t add this distinctive Catholic church to our listing. We’re not spiritual individuals, however this is likely one of the most original buildings in Arizona. So it’s price 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 will not be your typical church.
You possibly can enter the church to go searching or be 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 listing. The property is about up as an Outdated West mining camp and is designed to present you an perception into what the lifetime of a miner was like.
You’ll be totally immersed with outdated classic automobiles and mining tools on show. Automotive lovers will particularly love this museum, and we suggest visiting if you’re concerned about outdated vehicles and automobiles. The range is spectacular, even when you recognize 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 effectively. Gold King is designed to be a step again in time – totally immersing guests within the outdated mining life-style.
You possibly can count on to spend not less than 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 searching for a scenic drive? Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is an unbelievable, comparatively brief scenic drive from Tucson that you may take pleasure in. Brief sufficient to comfortably squeeze right into a day but lengthy sufficient to supply numerous scenes and points of interest, this scenic byway is a superb place to drive.
You received’t discover the byway marked on a map. Nevertheless, it’s the solely paved highway resulting in Mount Lemmon’s prime. The highway 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 suggest 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 effectively. You possibly can 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 Fireplace Lookout Station to go to. Mount Lemmon has a small city on the mountain prime too, the place you possibly can seize refreshments and do some gentle purchasing.
The ‘Grand Canyon State’ is full of fantastic 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