Arizona is a sunny state that brims with natural and cultural attractions. While it's famously part of the American Southwest, parts of the state also brim with Western and mountain charm. The 48th state admitted to the union, Arizona continues to be home to as many as 27 federally recognized Native American tribes. The state also attracts a wealth of tourists who visit to escape the winter and enjoy Arizona's milder climates.
01 The magnificent Grand Canyon
For sheer natural grandeur, nothing quite tops the Grand Canyon. This extraordinary landmark is 277 miles long and was originally carved by the mighty Colorado River. Visitors marvel at the canyon's millions of years of exposed geology. When visiting, tourists have the option of witnessing the canyon from the South Rim or its less-crowded North Rim. Some visitors opt to hike into the canyon, while others choose to raft down the river into the canyon grounds. Even if you're passing through Northern Arizona, you definitely want to stop to see this visually astounding site.
02 Go ghost hunting in Jerome
Jerome is a historic mountain town sometimes called the "wickedest town in the west." Back in its prime, the village had 37 bars and four churches. In the 1920s, when it was a booming mining town, Jerome was the largest producer of copper, silver, and gold in Arizona. When the mines shut down in the 1950s, Jerome became a ghost town.
Today, it has been somewhat restored for tourism, but with historical accuracy. Visitors can enjoy specialty shops, unique bed and breakfasts, and art galleries—a must-stop spot on any trip to Arizona.
03 Marvel at the Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam has been a popular Arizona attraction since it was constructed in 1935. The dam is an engineering marvel on the Colorado River. Visitors can either drive or walk across the dam that stretches across the river for 1,244 feet. Regarded as one of the greatest engineering wonders of the world, Hoover Dam is a popular destination for people visiting Northern Arizona and Las Vegas. If you have time, be sure to take one of the guided tours of the dam to witness its grandeur up close.
04 Balance your chakras in Sedona
With its red rock mountains and buttes, Sedona is one of the most scenic areas of the Southwest. About an hour and a half north of Phoenix, Sedona is a popular tourist destination because of its stunning landscapes, artsy shops, and galleries. There are plenty of places around Sedona to enjoy hiking and even camping. If you're an outdoor lover, you want to check out this postcard-worthy city.
05 Gasp at the glory of Monument Valley
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a fantastic place to enjoy the state's natural wonders and get some fresh air. The red sandstone National Park is ideal for hiking and photography. Yes, Monument Valley has been used in many movie and TV shoots. It's worth taking the drive to soak up the views.
06 Get lost in Phoenix
Bustling Phoenix is the capital of Arizona, so it's not surprising that it's filled with a wealth of urban attractions. When exploring this city and its surrounding communities, be sure to set aside time to see the Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Art Museum, Papago Park, South Mountain Park, the Phoenix Zoo, and the Heard Museum. You'll find a wide array of restaurants, shops, sports arenas, and concert venues in the city too.
07 Relax at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Home to Lake Powell and dramatic Southwestern landscapes, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a great place to sightsee and spend quality time outdoors. Visitors enjoy activities on both land and water. There are various marinas on the lake as well as campgrounds. The recreation area is family-friendly but also attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers from all over the country.
08 Visit the past at Canyon De Chelly National Monument
You'll find this monument in the northeast, on Navajo tribe land. The Spider Rock spire is a popular feature, which reaches roughly 800 feet high. The stunning canyon of enormous sandstone cliffs is a fantastic day trip for first-time visitors to Arizona.
09 Hike through Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a famous slot canyon near Page, Arizona, on Navajo lands. The canyon's sandstone formations are easily one of the state's most picturesque natural wonders. Photographers from all over the world come to witness the canyon's natural beauty. The only way to visit the canyon is by reserving space on one of the tours. There is a danger in visiting the canyon during the rainy season due to the risk of flash floods, so touring with a licensed operator is a must.
10 Visit the Petrified Forest National Park
Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park is famous for its colorful terrain and, of course, its petrified wood. People who visit the park enjoy hiking, backpacking, and photography. The fossils of the fallen trees date back millions of years and are the backdrop of the area's unique landscapes. The park encompasses about 230 square miles of land, so there's plenty to explore.
11 Fall in love with the Southwest in Saguaro National Park
Famed for its resident Saguaro cacti, Saguaro National Park is an amazing place to experience the desert landscape of the Southwest. The park is unique in that it sandwiches the city of Tucson with its east and west sides—both parts of the park feature hiking trails and similar flora and fauna. If you prefer, you can even enjoy horseback riding on the park's many trails.
12 Play in Tucson
Tucson is home to the revered University of Arizona and is the county seat of Pima County. Tucson is just 60 miles from the US-Mexico border and has a long history stretching back 12,000 years. One of the earliest settlements in the Tucson area dates to 2100 BC. In contemporary times, Tucson is the state's second-largest city and home to many shopping centers, restaurants, galleries, and cultural attractions. If possible, try to explore the amazing desert landscapes that surround this captivating Arizona city.
13 Then visit Old Tucson
Old Tucson is called "Hollywood in the Desert" for the sheer number of movies filmed at its studios since 1939. Over the years, it's welcomed A-listers like Leo DiCaprio and Clint Eastwood and transformed into a theme park in the 1960s. Think reenactments, faux shootouts, saloon girls, stagecoach rides, and a wild west BBQ.
14 Swim at Havasu Falls
For natural enchantment, plan a visit to Arizona's Havasu Falls. This stunning waterfall is located on Havasu Creek near the Grand Canyon. Owing to the high calcium carbonate in the water, the falls and the pool below boasts a dazzling shade of blue. Some people choose to hike to the falls or enjoy swimming. If you're looking to witness one of the state's most postcard-worthy settings, be sure to set aside time to see Havasu Falls.
15 Go boating on Lake Mead
Lake Mead is a man-made lake that sits on the Colorado River's main stem and was formed by the Hoover Dam. It is located in Black Canyon, east of Las Vegas. The largest reservoir in the United States, it's worth carving out time in your itinerary for a visit.
Enjoy walking around Lake Mead National Recreation Area with its stunning views. Entrance is affordable, with a non-commercial 7-day park pass costing $15 if you're entering on foot or $25 with a vehicle. While you're in the area, also be sure to check out the incredible Hoover Dam and take a dip in the hot springs.
16 Revisit the past in Bisbee
In the southeast of Arizona lays another historic copper-mining town called Bisbee. Set amongst the Mule Mountains, this little town now offers tours through its Queen Mine, along with plenty of museums to help you appreciate the rich history. To understand its past, visit the Lavender Pit to see how mining can damage a mountain, and stop by Erie Street, which is perfectly preserved to make it feel like you're stepping back in time.
Bisbee is also famously haunted, so while you're there, be sure to hop on a nighttime ghost tour — if you dare.
17 Explore ruins at Tumacácori National Historical Park
Just south of Tubac, you'll find the Spanish mission at Tumacacori. Go on a self-guided tour and learn about Father Eusebio Kino and his crew, who arrived in 1691 and set about converting the locals. The community stuck around for over 150 years before calling it quits after a biting winter. Have a look at the church and walk the beautiful grounds. If you're fortunate enough, you'll score some fresh volunteer-made tortillas. You'll be occupied for at least an hour, except when a longer event like a family sleepover or Santa Cruz River bird walk is on the agenda. History buffs may also want to reserve a tour of the Calabazas and Guevavi Missions.
18 Get prickly at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Have a spring break coming up? You might like to spend it in the desert with wildflowers, animals, and towering cacti for company. At this national monument, you'll come across 28 species of succulents, including the iconic saguaro and the columnar organ pipe. The former reaches heights of 40 feet, and the latter grows to over 20 feet tall. Hike, camp, and relish the solitude, but avoid coming here in summer when the heat is stifling and the monsoons arrive.
19 Go deep at Kartchner Caverns State Park
The Kartchner Caverns were only discovered in 1974 and remained a secret for decades until the museum was ready for the masses. Strict rules remain today—no cameras, water, food, or touching are allowed in the cave to ensure the habitat's preservation. Spectacular areas like the Throne Room and the Rotunda Cavern inspire awe—the unusual formations have been hewn by an unfathomable amount of time, and the stalactites and stalagmites you'll see are still a work in progress. Kartchner Caverns State Park is ADA-accessible. Both tours are excellent and fill up fast, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.
20 Be amazed at Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle National Monument is 25 miles from Sedona. The monument preserves Native American culture, specifically a prehistoric pueblo. The limestone cliff dwelling contains 20 rooms and would have accommodated multiple families. See what the Sinagua people built circa 1050 and marvel at its practicality. The housing was well-placed for security, benefited from natural temperature regulation, and protected against floods. Don't leave the area without checking out the Montezuma Well too.
21 Visit Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument near Flagstaff has more Sinagua cliff dwellings to take in, and it's an hour away from Montezuma. Here, 25 rooms were abandoned seven-plus centuries ago. The Rim Trail is dog-friendly and wheelchair-accessible, but Island Trail is not. Walnut Canyon is a stunning destination worth adding to your Arizona itinerary.
22 Stand at the edge of Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
What happens when an asteroid strikes planet Earth? It leaves an imprint upon impact. No scar is more impressive than the succinctly named Meteor Crater. Formed 50,000 years ago and discovered in the 19th century, Meteor Crater is 560 feet deep and almost a mile wide. Its rim hovers 148 feet above the surrounding plain. Only those with special dispensation can venture to the bottom, but no matter—the views from the lip are amazing. You can learn more about this piece of natural history at the museum.
23 Jump in at Canyon Lake
Picturesque Canyon Lake is a beloved recreational spot 40 miles from Phoenix. A watersport enthusiast's dream, you'll have many waterskiing, wind sailing, and boating opportunities. Whizz around on jet skis to your heart's content, and if you're keen on fishing, the coves are ideal hunting grounds for trout and bass. The marina is welcoming throughout the year and whatever the season. The Apache Trail begins here, so a fantastic little road trip awaits if you enjoy scenic drives.
24 Enjoy the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum combines a family-friendly zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, and museum where you can learn about the region's flora and fauna and spend a pleasant few hours. You can look forward to seeing mountain lions, hummingbirds, stingrays, and raptors, among other creatures. Don't forget your sunscreen!
25 Rediscover Biosphere 2
Are you visiting Tucson? Take a detour to Biosphere 2, a controversial space colony experiment in the 1990s. Glass domes and pyramids housed six ecosystems, including a rainforest, desert, savannah, mangrove, ocean, and an urban environment. You can check out the self-sustaining residence where eight individuals lived for two years without leaving. Today, Biosphere 2 is used by the University of Arizona for earth science and climate change research.
26 Arizona highlights
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