THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ARIZONA
Famously known as the Grand Canyon State, Arizona is easily one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. Perhaps I’m biased because I grew up here, but I think Arizona is breathtaking. From canyons to deserts to mountains, it’s the perfect addition to a southwestern road trip.
The state is a hiking paradise, has gorgeous sunsets, beautiful mountains, delicious food, and incredible desert landscapes. When visiting, you will notice the Native American and Latino cultural influences. It’s a state you must explore. Here are some of the best places to visit in Arizona.
Best Places to Visit in Arizona
Table of Contents
Grand Canyon
I’ll start with the obvious, the Grand Canyon. Millions of visitors come specifically to visit this natural world wonder. Depending on the time you visit, the canyon displays different color hues. This impressive plateau is so extensive that it can even be seen from space. You can venture down and hike part or all of it and go on a rafting adventure in the Colorado River.
Antelope Canyons
In the small town of Page, you can find lower and upper Antelope Canyon. The shape of the sandstone is formed by water and frequent flash floods. It is a stunning sight to see! Upper Antelope Canyon is more popular among tourists, but I enjoyed Lower Antelope Canyon more. You can only tour them through guided tours led by the Navajo tribe.
Horseshoe Bend
Also, in the town of Page, you can marvel at one of the most beautiful sights I’ve seen. This jaw-dropping site was named after its shape. It’s one of the most popular stops in the Glen Canyon National Reservation area. Down below, you have a view of the Colorado River. The parking lot is along Highway 89. From the parking lot, you’ll need to walk a little over a mile on sandy terrain. Then, you arrive at the overlook for Horseshoe Bend.
Sedona
Sedona is like walking into the set of the movie Cars! The landscape is made of orange-red boulders all around. It is the perfect place for hiking and relaxation. It’s one of the most visited places by Arizonans and tourists alike. Even though it’s a small town, there are a lot of things to do in Sedona.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is part of the Glen Canyon National Reservation and Colorado River. The scenery here is incredible. Adventurous people who enjoy swimming, boating, kayaking, and jet skis can visit to play in the water. Also, you can rent a houseboat or camp nearby. It is one of the places I most recommend you visit in Arizona.
Glen Canyon National Recreation
Glen Canyon is a desert landscape and recreation area covering the northern part of Arizona and the southern part of Utah. Many popular hiking spots are here. For example, you’ll find the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, and Canyonlands National Park. Lake Powell runs through the canyon. Therefore, as you read above, there are loads of things to do there. I enjoyed camping in Glen Canyon on the Utah side, where you can take a dip in the water.
Havasupai
One of the most visited waterfalls in the world is in Havasupai. Adventure seekers and hikers head over to the Supai Reservation, part of the Grand Canyon, specifically to see Havasu Falls and some of the bluest waters. Getting campground reservations is extremely difficult. Unfortunately, only a few lucky ones visit each year. The hike to get to the waterfalls down below is over 10 miles one way and also difficult. However, it is well worth the price, the strenuous hike, and the struggle to attain reservations. Check out this other waterfall in Havasupai.
Sabino Canyon
Located in the small city of Tucson, Sabino Canyon is a favorite among hikers. People who visit come to admire the beauty of the desert. The landscape has many beautiful saguaros. One of the trails leads to Seven Falls, where people jump in to cool off after a long hike in the hot desert. Temperatures can go past 100°F, so it’s best to visit during any season except summer.
Monument Valley
If you’ve watched the famous movie Forest Gump, you’ll recognize Monument Valley. The spot where Forest stops running has become quite famous because the landscape is beautiful. Unfortunately, it is one of the few places in Arizona that I have yet to visit. However, it is a stop that those taking a southwest road trip usually add to their itinerary.
Tombstone
Known as “The Town Too Tough To Die,” visiting Tombstone is like going back in time and into the Wild, Wild, West. This tiny town has historic buildings where you learn about the past. The whole town is a living museum.
You can go on foot or trolley tours, enjoy gunfight shows and reenactments, explore mines, and even go on paranormal adventures (definitely not my thing.) There are also many small shops, bars, ice-cream parlors, and places to dine. All of it is themed like you’re in the past.
Jerome
This funky little town was once the biggest copper and gold mining town in Arizona. Hundreds of years later, it’s only referred to as a ghost town. Tourists make a quick stop here for the unique shops, dine, and visit the galleries and art studios. In 1967, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. Indeed, this is the reason it has become a popular spot to stop at.
Kingman and Route 66
If you’ve heard about the famous route 66, you’ll want to stop in Kingman, Arizona. This tiny town is full of history. Despite being so small, it has lots of things to do. You can visit the Historic Route 66 museum, go to Lake Mead, visit the Powerhouse, or drive down to the Grand Canyon after spending a night here. What’s great about this town is all the Route 66 references it has. There are paintings, souvenir stores, and even the Cars characters are on the route.
Petrified Forest National Park
I visited the Petrified Forest as a child and remember it a little. Also referred to as Rainbow Forest, you’ll find colorful petrified wood. In addition, there are hiking trails that allow you to explore up close and personal. You will see fossils, buttes and mesas, wildlife, vistas, and even ancient petroglyphs. However, if you prefer not to hike, you don’t have to. Instead, you can opt to drive and stop at the overlooks from your car. One quiet area to hike is the Painted Desert, on the northside.
Phoenix
Phoenix is a large city with many connecting towns all around. Tourists visit specifically to stay in spas located in Scottsdale. Similar to Tucson, the city is popular for its desert scene and hiking trails. You can also find delicious food. Phoenix is one of the hottest cities in the U.S, with many days averaging temperatures over 100°F. However, you can go Tubing at Salt River to cool off.
Tucson
The City Tucson is the place I consider my hometown. It is only 45 minutes from the Mexican border and has all the feels of a southwestern city. It’s small enough to feel like a town and big enough to feel like a city. This Univerity town became the first to earn a spot as the World City of Gastronomy on the UNESCO list.
Therefore, you know there will be lots of great places to eat. The city also has a hip downtown, many hiking trails in the Sonoran Desert, a performing arts scene, and a multicultural setting. Some other popular things to do in the city are visiting the Casinos, watching the sun set across the beautiful mountains, and staying in beautiful resorts.
Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam sits on the Nevada and Arizona border and separates the two. Once you find a free parking spot, you can enjoy the fantastic architecture of the bridge and the Dam itself. The bridge located here is the world’s tallest concrete arch.
If you are afraid of heights, it might make you a bit nervous. The Dam overlooks the Colorado River. When you walk around Hoover Dam, you can go to the visitor center for $10 or take a Power Plant Tour for $15.
Yuma Sand Dunes
The Yuma sand dunes are the ultimate playground for adventure enthusiasts who enjoy off-roading. The 40 mile stretch of sand crosses into California and the Mexican border. It is the perfect place to ride ATVs or spend the night in an RV. The dunes have even been featured in many Hollywood films.
The Wave
Located on the Arizona and Utah border, The Wave is a sandstone rock formation. To visit, you must obtain nearly impossible permits, just like campground reservations for Havasupai. Consequently, only a few lucky ones obtain permits. Those who do, get to enjoy hiking this beautiful spot in Arizona as you make a southwestern road trip. I’m hoping to visit this place soon.
Canyon de Chelly
Canyon de Chelly is one of the few places I have not yet visited on this list, but I plan to do so soon. When I see pictures of this Canyon, it reminds me of the Grand Canyon and some Utah national parks. It is part of the Navajo Reservation and is on the Northeast side of the state. Like many other canyons mentioned above, it is perfect for hiking and boasts beautiful landscape views.
Lake Havasu
I was fortunate enough to visit back in 2007. Like Lake Powell, Lake Havasu is popular among water sports enthusiasts. People come here for boating adventures. It is also popular among Spring Breakers who come to enjoy their time off.
In conclusion, there are many more places to visit in Arizona that you can enjoy. Of course, for those who love hiking, you must head over to the trails. However, if you don’t enjoy hiking, you can still see the state’s beautiful landscapes. Arizona is incredible. Therefore I recommend you put it on your list for places to visit in the U.S.
What to pack for Arizona
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
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