Things To See In Arizona

Famous for the Grand Canyon, the state of Arizona has a lot to offer to tourists. It’s a place for all the people with an adventurous spirit who’re not afraid to explore nature.

If you plan to visit Arizona, we have a few suggestions on what places you should check out on your stay.

Flagstaff is on our list of best places to visit in Arizona because it’s a mountain town and one of the most significant getaways to the famous canyon.

We also have the National park Saguaro because of the Sonoran Desert, while Phoenix holds all the best golf resorts, upscale restaurants, and spas.

However, let’s not reveal everything at the beginning. If you visit Arizona, use our list as your travel guide before you hit the road.

Grand Canyon National Park

With scenic landscapes you won’t believe exist, the Grand Canyon should be on your must-see list. It features rafting, mule rides, and hikes and it’s the perfect place where you can escape the city fuss to explore nature.

If you visit the National Park, don’t skip visiting the village of the same name. It’s entirely dedicated to providing accommodation for travelers who visit the canyon.

However, the town isn’t the only highlight of the Grand Canyon park. You can also visit the one and only Havasu Falls, an exceptional waterfall where travelers come for a swim in the blue-greenish swimming pool.

There’s also a mesmerizing roadway along the canyon featuring picnic spots and many vista points.

If you visit, challenge yourself to hike the North Kaibab Trail. It’s considered as the most challenging route leading into the Grand Canyon.

There’s no particular time to visit the canyon because it’s open 24/7, every day. So, welcome.

The City Of Flagstaff

One of the places we’ve mentioned at the start is Flagstaff, a city surrounded by ponderosa forests, desert, and mountains.

Flagstaff also represents home to the highest peak in Arizona, the Humphreys Peak.

If you visit, you can stay at the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort.

Nearby, you can find the Walnut Canyon National Monument and the Wupatki National Monument with multiple Native American pueblo sites.

In the northern part of the city hides the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument formed by volcanic activity.

If you visit it, enter the Lava River Cave.

And if you who want to learn more about the history of the place, the Museum of Northern Arizona features Native American artifacts, while the Pioneer Museum is dedicated to the local history.

There’s also a hilltop center, Lowell Observatory that allows you to stargaze. It was founded in 1894. The best time to visit is between May and August.

But if you want to attend festivals such as the Flagstaff Folk Festival, or the Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture, visit in June or July. If you like beer, attend the Flagstaff Oktoberfest.

Sedona – The Red Rocks

Sedona is another must-visit on your stay to Arizona. It represents a desert city near Flagstaff covered in pine forests, steep canyon walls, and red-rock buttes.

It’s famous for the vibrant atmosphere and pleasant climate. If you’re an art enthusiast, you’ll love Uptown Sedona because it’s filled with New Age art galleries, shops, and spas.

Outside of the city, you can visit the Red Rock State Park that’s accessible by different trails, offering lovely picnicking spots, hiking, and bird-watching.

If you want to observe some dramatic sandstone creations, there’s Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, both appealing to peace-seekers and photographers from all around the world.

If you like mountain biking and hiking, Oak Creek Canyon offers trails that will meet your expectations.

And if you want to check some cool creations, there’s the Chapel of the Holy Cross situated into the rocks.

The best time to visit Sedona is between March and May, September and November while the weather is still mild and dry.

However, if you want to attend the Sedona International Film Festival, visit in February. And if you’re going to be a part of the Festival of Lights, visit in December. There’s also a Yoga Festival in February.

Monument Valley – A red-sand desert 

One of the most famous places to visit in the state, besides the Grand Canyon is the Monument Valley, a popular hiking area famous for the massive red sandstone buttes.

If you visit this place, you will leave with a fantastic experience that you’ll never forget. The best time to come to Monument Valley and explore the area is between April and September.

The site has a dry, desert climate. Meaning, winters are cold, and summers are hot. So, if you plan to visit, it’s best to do it during spring or fall when it’s not hot.

Lake Powell

If you’re looking for a welcoming human-made reservoir, look no further than Lake Powell. It features rock formations and the Rainbow Bridge, fishing and boating.

If you decide to visit, you will get the chance to see the Antelope Canyon famous of the light shafts and undulating angles.

There’s also the Ken’s Tours Lower Antelope Canyon explorable on foot. If you’re into both water and land outdoor activities, visit Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

And if you want to make a tour around the place, visit the Glen Canyon Dam. You will learn more information on the lake at the visitors center.

One of the best sights at the Lake Powell is the Rainbow Bridge National Monument. We’re talking about the most significant natural rock bridge in the world that will leave you amazed.

Phoenix – Capital Of Arizona State

Our list of best places to visit in Arizona wouldn’t be complete without the capital of the state, Phoenix.

It’s best known for the warm weather and represents the anchor of the metropolitan area referred to as the Valley of the Sun.

It’s best famous for the luxurious spa resorts, vibrant nightclubs, and golf courses. If you want to see cacti and other native plants, you’re free to visit the Desert Botanical Garden.

And if you’re going to visit some of the landmarks of Phoenix, there’s the home of Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks, Chase Field.

To learn about the history of the city, visit the Heard Museum featuring Native American history and culture.

There’s also the Pueblo Grande Museum & Archeological Park with over thousand years old remains of village Hohokam. If you like hiking, visit Camelback Mountain and South Mountain Park, both favorite hiking spots.

If you decide to visit, the best time to do it is between December and May. And if you want to attend the Arizona State Fair, visit Phoenix in October.

The City of Tucson

Surrounded by multiple mountain ranges, Tucson is a must-see attraction. You can find it in the Sonoran Desert and explore El Presidio Historic District with mansions restored from the 19th century.

Tucson is also a home to the University of Arizona with many vintage shops, restaurants, and nightclubs near campus on Fourth Avenue.

One of the highlights of the city is the Tucson Museum of Art featuring a multicultural collection and the Arizona State Museum dedicated to the Southwest cultures.

If you visit Saguaro National Park, you can try horseback riding, visit the aquarium, the museum or the zoo included in the park.

If you like bird-watching and picnicking, visit Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.

If you visit in winter, Mt. Lemmon features skiing. The best time to come to Tucson, it’s between November and April.

Scottsdale

East of Phoenix hides Scottsdale. It represents a desert city best known for the golf courses and upscale spa resorts.

If you like hiking, you will love it here because of the trails going through McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Old Town features old buildings and olive trees from the 19th century.

There’s also the Art District displaying art galleries and museums such as the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the Scottsdale Museum of the West.

If you like shopping, visit the shops in the Southbridge areas, Fifth Avenue and the Waterfront. The best time to visit is between January and March because of events like the Phoenix Open Golf Tournament in February.

Saguaro National Park

Another place that will blow your mind with scenic views, lovely picnic spots and hiking trails is the Saguaro National Park.

It’s a home to the most massive cacti in the country. If you visit, check out the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum featuring a garden and a zoo.

Climb the Rincon Mountains if you want to leave with a fantastic experience. They’re one of 5 mountain ranges encircling Tucson Valley.

The best time to visit the park is between November and April. However, if you want to catch the bloom of the flowers of the Night Blooming Cereus that happens only one night a year, visit in May or June.

Lake Havasu City

Saving the best for last, allow us to present you the magical Lake Havasu City. Located in western Arizona, Lake Havasu City is best known for water sports on the lake and as a trail base in the close by desert.

On your stay, don’t forget to set a foot at the Lake Havasu Museum of History featuring steamboat and Native American history.

Or enjoy the beaches offering mountain views and diverse birdlife at Lake Havasu State Park.

If you plan a visit, know that the best time to do it is between March and July. However, if you want to be a part of the London Bridge Days Parade, visit in October.

And if you’re going to attend Lake Havasu City Rockabilly Reunion that occurs every year featuring retro-themed events and live bands, visit in February.