In the heart of the American Southwest, Arizona boasts natural wonders, bustling cities, and quaint small towns. The Grand Canyon is a major draw, but there's much more to explore, including Native American cliff dwellings, historic ghost towns, and diverse landscapes perfect for outdoor adventures.
Urban centers like Phoenix and Sedona offer vacation fun, but venturing beyond these cities reveals Arizona's rich history and nature. Before you go, check out the best places to visit in Arizona.
1. Grand Canyon
Visiting the Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring experience. The vastness and natural beauty of the canyon, carved by the Colorado River, are best appreciated in person. The South Rim is the most accessible, offering stunning views, while the North Rim presents a different perspective but is closed in winter. Grand Canyon West's Skywalk offers a unique vantage point over the canyon.
2. Sedona
Sedona's red rock scenery is simply breathtaking. A short drive from Phoenix, it's a hub for outdoor activities like hiking and jeep tours. The town is also known for its energy vortexes and New Age culture. Nearby, you can visit Flagstaff and the historic town of Jerome.
3. Monument Valley
Monument Valley's sandstone buttes are iconic symbols of the Southwest. The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park offers a 17-mile self-drive route with stunning views of the landscape.
4. Phoenix
Phoenix is a winter haven for golfers and sun-seekers, with plenty of resorts and spas. The city also offers cultural attractions like the Heard Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West.
5. Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel, creating Lake Mead, the largest artificial lake in the U.S. Tours of the dam and the Powerplant are available.
6. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Home to Lake Powell, Glen Canyon offers water-based activities and stunning landscapes. Nearby attractions include the slot canyons of Antelope Canyon.
7. Tucson
Tucson, surrounded by desert and mountains, is rich in cultural attractions and historic sites like the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park.
8. Jerome
Jerome, an old mining town turned tourist attraction, offers unique shops, restaurants, and stunning views. The town's history is preserved in museums and historic parks.
9. Canyon De Chelly National Monument
Canyon de Chelly features remarkable Native American cliff dwellings. Visitors can explore the site via the North and South Rim Drives.
10. Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is a photogenic natural wonder where the Colorado River dramatically curves around a rock formation.
11. Bisbee
Bisbee, a former mining town, is now a vibrant community with an artistic flair, set in the mountains near the Mexico border.
12. Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls, located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, features stunning blue-green waterfalls. Access requires a permit and a hike, horseback ride, or helicopter trip.
13. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities, with Lake Mead and Lake Mohave as its centerpieces.
14. Tombstone
Tombstone provides a glimpse into the Old West with staged gunfights and historic sites like the O.K. Corral.
15. Flagstaff
Flagstaff, a stop on Historic Route 66, offers a mix of history and modern culture, with proximity to natural attractions and ski resorts.
16. Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park showcases large pieces of petrified wood and fossils within the Painted Desert.
17. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is home to the iconic saguaro cactus and offers scenic drives and hiking trails.
18. Antelope Canyon at Page
Antelope Canyon is a famous slot canyon near Page, known for its stunning light beams and sandstone formations.
19. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a biosphere reserve with diverse desert vegetation and scenic drives.
20. Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu City is known for its water recreation and the famous London Bridge, relocated from England.
21. Prescott
Prescott offers a mix of outdoor activities and historic charm, with a backdrop of Ponderosa pines and lakes.
22. Yuma
Yuma features historical sites like the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park and offers water-based recreation on the Colorado River.
23. Tumacacori National Historical Park
Tumacacori National Historical Park preserves the ruins of three Spanish colonial missions in southern Arizona.
