There are a number of stunning locations to go to in Arizona. Arizona provides a novel mixture of placing landscapes, bustling cities, hidden ghost cities, and distinctive formations, making it an excellent vacation spot any time of 12 months. This information will assist you plan your Arizona getaway now and uncover what this various 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. 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’re keen on distinctive landscapes? The panorama of Coyote Buttes is gorgeous and engaging. It’s is a bit like strolling via a maze of pure skatepark ramps.
The Buttes are situated in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Somewhat 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 among the greatest 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 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 perhaps each as you’ll be able to 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 may guide on-line or pay a go to to Antelope Canyon Customer Middle. Antelope Canyon is well among the finest pure vacationer points of interest in Arizona. This canyon is a must-visit if you wish to go to bucket record outside points of interest. Take a look at Antelope Canyon Picture Excursions – Find out how to Benefit from it
3. Monument Valley
Monument Valley is situated alongside the Arizona-Utah border. If you wish to go to simply, you will need to base your self in a northern metropolis like Flagstaff. The valley is among the most well-known landscapes within the US and simply among the finest locations to go to in Arizona.
The valley is over 90,000 acres and filled 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 via if you’re planning an Arizona highway journey. There are a lot of issues to see whereas driving via 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 location is dwelling 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 location from extreme harm. Nevertheless, guests can take a digital tour inside the homes. They appear 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 outdoors Tucson. It’s a excellent place 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 dwell as much as 200 years previous and develop at a really gradual charge. The nationwide park appears 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 best choice. 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 all for historic artwork and civilizations.
6. Petrified Forest Nationwide Park
If the Petrified Forest Nationwide Park sounds implausible, it’s as a result of it’s. Nevertheless, should you arrive anticipating a lush forest full of gorgeous, attention-grabbing bushes, 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 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 1000’s of years. Over time, the decaying wooden turns into mineralized and turns into fossilized stone, creating an actual duplicate of the unique type, simply in a distinct materials.
For a novel pure expertise, Petrified Forest Nationwide Park is among the greatest 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 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 journey, this vacation spot is among the hottest vacationer locations in your complete world.
South Rim and North Rim are the most well-liked areas to discover whereas the North Rim is the lesser seen aspect of the Grand Canyon and is greatest for many who need a quieter place to expertise.
A preferred climbing route within the Grand Canyon is the Vivid Angel Path. The path is well-maintained and comparatively straightforward. 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 at all times splurge on a helicopter journey over the Grand Canyon. Many vacationers decide to view the canyon from above, which is among the most exhilarating issues to do in Arizona. Whichever means you determine to see the Grand Canyon, it should go away you breathless. It actually lives as much as the hype. Learn extra: The place to Keep At The Grand Canyon: Greatest Motels And Areas For Each Finances
8. Havasu Falls
Whereas visiting the Grand Canyon, you will need to plan a hike to Havasu Falls. This trek must be deliberate prematurely, as permits to the falls are arduous to get, however it’s definitely worth the time..
Havasu Falls is among 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’ll be able to learn extra about right here. It’s endorsed that you just 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 yet 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 beneath the radar to keep away from this strict rule introduced on by over-tourism. So seize a bikini and towel and revel 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 consider it was as soon as linked to a ridge. These days, it makes an uncommon pure attraction and an excellent {photograph}.
You may drop by the Canyon de Chelly Customer Middle for knowledgeable native steerage on issues to see and do. Nevertheless, it’s best to positively be certain that to strive a climbing path or scenic drive. You can too discover the canyon on horseback in order for you a extra thrilling expertise.
After exploring the most effective nationwide parks and cities, let’s have a look at Arizona’s largest class – its outside points of interest.
Arizona is ideal should you love being outdoor and experiencing pure points of interest. The state is stuffed with issues to see and do outdoor, 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 among the finest locations to go to in Arizona.
10. Lake Powell
If you’re heading as much as the Arizona-Utah border, it’s effectively 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 vivid 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 Nationwide Monument is a major vacationer attraction on the lake, and the huge stone arc is the biggest pure bridge on the planet. It is a wonderful attraction to mix with having fun with the lake itself.
Many individuals spend a day or two staying alongside the shores of the lake. It’s possible 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 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 among the greatest locations to go to in Arizona to unwind and loosen up.
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 greatest skilled from the water itself. You can too fish and boat on the lake. The desert mountains are the proper locations for scenic drives and biking; nonetheless, will probably be arduous to attract your self away from the refreshing lake that surrounds them.
If you’re planning a highway journey, Lake Mead is ideally situated en path to Las Vegas. It’s value a detour to benefit from the lake and you might need to take into account combining it with a go to to the close by Hoover Dam.
12. Horseshoe Bend
You may’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 suggest visiting Horseshoe Bend.
Horseshoe Bend is the postcard picture of the Colorado River. It’s positively among the finest locations to go to in Arizona. As you could have guessed, the curve is formed like a horseshoe, and also you’ll discover a implausible viewpoint the place you’ll be able to respect the distinctive surroundings up shut. Make sure that to pack a digital camera should you’ve received one, as Horseshoe Bend is among the hottest sights within the US.
Reaching the perspective is comparatively straightforward and is only a 1.3-mile spherical hike. Horseshoe Bend is greatest visited through the early morning or late afternoon, although, as there’s little or no shade and Arizona will get dangerously scorching in summer season.
13. Hoover Dam
As soon as the tallest dam on the planet, the Hoover Dam has a nostalgic type of energy. Whereas it not holds that grand title, it’s nonetheless one in every of Arizona’s greatest locations to go to. It’s mentioned that the dam might stand up to the power of Niagara Falls – which supplies you a superb perspective on how robust it’s.
You may view the Hoover Dam from afar or drop by the Hoover Dam Guests Middle to guide a guided tour. Excursions sometimes embody entry to the Hoover Dam tunnels, an elevator journey to the highest, and particular entry to practical rooms all through the constructing.
If you’re all for structure or simply need 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 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 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 implausible 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 via two flooring of informative displays plus outside gardens. The museum balances basic mining tales and the native city’s historical past. You may study region-specific minerals and mining processes via numerous mediums, together with cinematic movies.
The park might 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 on your Arizona itinerary.
16. the Superstition Mountains
The Superstition Mountains cowl 160,000 and are filled with attractive mountainous and desert scenes. That isn’t what makes this place well-known, although; it’s the misplaced gold mines.
Legends of gold have stored mining firms and impartial hunters looking the mountains for years. Many hunters have hit the jackpot and located a number of riches. You may be part of the crowds or discover your individual non-gold-related leisure within the mountains.
You may go to the Superstition Mountains Museum, discover the encircling Tonto Nationwide Forest, or hike alongside one of many numerous trails. These mountains are among the finest locations to go to in Arizona for journey.
You may discover the climbing trails, biking trails, take off-roading excursions, or guide 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. Positioned in central Arizona, Phoenix is surrounded by mountains and desert landscapes. Its location appears unlikely for a metropolis, with skyscrapers and luxurious motels capturing up from what (earlier than 1881) was as soon as sand and dirt.
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 might see in an entire 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 situated in Papago Park, within the heart of Arizona’s capital metropolis. Nevertheless, the Desert Botanical Backyard is worthy of a spot on our record in its personal proper. We extremely suggest visiting even should you fly into Phoenix and head straight out of the town after (however critically, no less than give the 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 perfect place to go to for a handy desert expertise. The botanical backyard is a straightforward and enjoyable various for many who don’t have time to go to main desert areas like Saguaro Nationwide Park.
Phoenix’s botanical backyard is a implausible place to go to in Arizona. The backyard is a superb compromise choice should you nonetheless need to expertise the desert panorama and attribute cacti and flora.
19. Lake Havasu Metropolis
If Phoenix is greatest for a big-city really feel, Lake Havasu Metropolis is greatest for the other. The tiny metropolis sits subsequent to Lake Havasu, which is fed by the Colorado River and is a scorching 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 in search of 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 marvel transported from London within the Nineteen Seventies and there’s a distinct English really feel within the London Village.
You may 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 stuffed with cultural range and issues to do. If you need a totally different Arizona expertise, we suggest visiting Tucson.
Tucson sits simply above the US-Mexican border in Southern Arizona. Because of its location, the 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 12 months. The church is taken into account the best Spanish Colonial structure in america.
You’ll discover many new experiences and immersion alternatives, from the town’s delicacies to its cultures. You will need to strive some Mexican delicacies whereas visiting.
Tucson can be dwelling to the College of Arizona. As a college metropolis, guests can get pleasure from an additional sociable, pleasant ambiance – particularly within the metropolis heart.
Whereas simply outdoors the town heart, 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 record 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 may be additionally an artwork gallery for guests to get pleasure from.
You might simply spend an entire day on the museum. The museum is an opportunity to expertise a number of vacationer points of interest without delay. It’s excellent for a household day trip.
22. Flagstaff
Flagstaff is a small metropolis in Northern Arizona referred to as the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks and the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff is among the greatest locations to go to in Arizona if you wish to be centrally situated amongst many of the state’s pure points of interest.
You may spend your days excitedly exploring all of the close by points of interest. Make sure that 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 Middle. Bear in mind to deliver a digital camera, as you’ll stumble throughout loads of road artwork and nice photograph spots.
Each desert and forest encompass Flagstaff. Coconino Nationwide Forest envelops the town and is the biggest Ponderosa Pine Forest on the 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. Take a look at 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, be certain 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 record. The park is situated simply north of Flagstaff. If you’re in search of 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’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 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. We’re not non secular individuals, however this is among the most original 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 may 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 record. The property is about 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 absolutely immersed with previous classic autos and mining tools on show. Automobile lovers will particularly love this museum, and we suggest visiting if you’re all for previous automobiles and autos. The range is spectacular, even when nothing about automobiles.
It isn’t simply all previous 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 – absolutely immersing guests within the previous mining way of life.
You may count on to spend no less than a few hours studying, laughing, and admiring your means 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 in search of a scenic drive? Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is an unbelievable, comparatively brief scenic drive from Tucson that you could get pleasure from. Quick sufficient to comfortably squeeze right into a day but lengthy sufficient to supply various 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 named 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 may simply park up and take a detour on foot.
Enable further time once more when you attain Mount Lemmon’s peak. There may be 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’ll be able to seize refreshments and do some gentle buying.
The ‘Grand Canyon State’ is full of great actions and vacationer locations. Visiting Arizona is assured to be memorable with breathtaking sights that can 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