20 Best Places to Visit in Arizona – You’ll Love!

Ever wondered what makes Arizona one of America’s most photographed states? From the jaw-dropping depths of the Grand Canyon to the otherworldly rock formations of Antelope Canyon, the best places to visit in Arizona offer landscapes so surreal they seem plucked from another planet.

Whether you’re a seasoned desert wanderer or planning your first southwestern adventure, Arizona’s diverse terrain promises experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else.

As someone who’s hiked through slot canyons at dawn and watched the desert sunset paint Monument Valley in shades of crimson, I’m eager to share the destinations that make Arizona a must-visit. Let’s explore the 20 most spectacular places this remarkable state has to offer—from permit-required hidden gems to accessible natural wonders that will leave you speechless.

The Ultimate Arizona Travel Guide: 20 Best Places to Visit in Arizona

Best places to visit in Arizona Map

Want to explore the best of Arizona? We’ve created an interactive map showing all the amazing places on our “must-see” list! Use it to plan your trip and see where everything is located. Flying into Phoenix International Airport and renting a car is a popular way to get around and discover all that Arizona has to offer.

1. The Wave Awe-inspiring striated sandstone curves, a geological wonder to hike

Looking for Arizona tourist attractions? Tucked away in the remote Coyote Buttes area of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, The Wave is a total must-see and definitely on any Arizona Bucket List, standing out as one of the state’s most awesome hiking spots. If you’re thinking about what to do in Arizona, this sandstone formation is like a wave that’s frozen in time, with cool layers of red, yellow, and orange rock swirling around to make a pattern that photographers totally love. It is also one of the best places to see in Arizona.

Getting to The Wave takes some planning ahead—only 64 permits are given out each day through a lottery. So make sure it’s one of the first places to go in Arizona you plan! The hike is about 6.4 miles round-trip, and you’ll need to be good at finding your way because the trail isn’t marked. The desert around these Arizona places to visit can be scorching in the summer.

Summer temps often get over 100°F, which is really hot and not safe, so spring and fall are the best places to visit in Arizona. Even though it can be a challenge to get there, the wild landscape is worth it, giving you views that you’ll always remember. Think of The Wave as one of those places to visit in Arizona that will make your trip unforgettable!

2. White Pocket: Unique white sandstone formations, an otherworldly photographer’s dream adventure

If snagging a permit to The Wave feels like too much work, don’t worry! White Pocket has equally amazing scenery and you don’t need a permit to see it.

For those looking for places to visit in Arizona that are off the beaten path, this geological wonderland is must-see. Located in the same Vermilion Cliffs area, White Pocket is full of weird and wild rock formations that look like brains or taffy being stretched and pulled. It’s definitely one of the best places to see in Arizona!

Getting there is an adventure, though. You’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance to handle the sandy roads to this hidden spot. If you’d rather not drive yourself, lots of tour companies in Page offer guided tours to this one of the more unique Arizona tourist attractions. The light changes throughout the day, making the white, orange, and pink sandstone look totally different and creating tons of photo ops.

While places like the Grand Canyon are on everyone’s Arizona Bucket List, White Pocket lets you explore without huge crowds. It’s one of Arizona’s really cool places to visit and what to do in Arizona if you want something different, and it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Arizona. If you’re thinking about all the places to go in Arizona, don’t miss this one. You won’t find it on every list, which makes it even more special!

3. Horseshoe Bend: Stunning horseshoe-shaped Colorado River meander with vast canyon views

Just five miles from Page, Horseshoe Bend has gone from a cool local spot to a major Instagram hit. This crazy curve in the Colorado River makes this perfect horseshoe-shaped canyon, where the bright green water looks awesome against the red rocks. If you’re trying to plan your next adventure and thinking about places to visit in Arizona, don’t skip this location!

You can get to the overlook by hiking about a mile and a half round-trip from the parking lot off Highway 89. The trail’s not super hard, but there’s not much shade, so bring water and sunscreen. Thinking about what to do in Arizona? Try to go early in the morning or later in the day when the light’s all golden. The colors get way more intense and create really cool shadows across the canyon. It’s definitely one of the best places to see in Arizona, and the viewing platform they built helps keep everyone safe while snapping photos. Also, don’t forget to add to your Arizona Bucket List!

4. Antelope Canyon: Stunning natural beauty, colorful slot canyon on Navajo land

When planning your Arizona adventure, Antelope Canyon should definitely be on your Arizona Bucket List. Few places to visit in Arizona capture its magic quite like this one. Imagine narrow sandstone walls towering over 120 feet, creating a mystical atmosphere with beams of light – truly one of the best places to see in Arizona! This amazing slot canyon actually has two parts: Upper Antelope Canyon, which is easier to walk through and super famous for those incredible light beams, and Lower Antelope Canyon, which is more for adventurers and involves climbing ladders.

You’ll find it on Navajo land near Page, and places to go in Arizona like this require you to go with an authorized Navajo guide. So, be sure to book your tour way in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the summer when the light beams are at their best between 10 AM and noon.

If you love photography, look into special photo tours that let you use tripods and stay longer at the best spots. Even though it can get crowded, seeing the way sunlight shines through these narrow paths is worth all the planning it takes. It’s an unforgettable experience and one of the most unique Arizona tourist attractions!

5. Lake Powell & Glen Canyon Dam: Unique man-made reservoir offering endless water recreation fun

If you’re looking for what to do in Arizona, you absolutely can’t miss the chance to experience Lake Powell. The striking blue waters against the red rock formations create an unforgettable playground for water enthusiasts smack-dab in the Arizona desert. This massive reservoir stretches across 186 miles, boasting almost 2,000 miles of shoreline that are just begging to be explored, filled with hidden canyons and secret beaches. It definitely deserves a spot on your Arizona bucket list!

For the ultimate Lake Powell adventure, rent a houseboat and become captain of your own floating paradise. Or, if you’re just looking for a day of fun, you can try kayaking through the narrow canyons, casting a line for some serious fishing, or taking a refreshing dip. And don’t forget the Glen Canyon Dam! This 710-foot marvel created the whole oasis and offers fascinating tours that explain how it was built and how it impacts the environment.

Wahweap Marina is the go-to spot for renting boats and booking tours, while Antelope Point puts you right in the middle of some of the most breathtaking scenery. To make the most of your visit, plan to come between April and October when the water is warm enough for swimming – perfect for checking off one of the best places to see in Arizona!

6. Monument Valley: Panoramic vistas, impressive sandstone buttes on the Utah border

If you’re wondering about what to do in Arizona and are looking for the best places to see in Arizona, Monument Valley should definitely be on your Arizona bucket list. These iconic buttes and mesas have been featured in tons of movies and ads, really capturing the spirit of the American West. This Navajo Tribal Park sits right on the Arizona-Utah line, and the scenery is like the perfect picture of the Southwest’s wild beauty, solidifying it as one of the most unforgettable Arizona tourist attractions.

The 17-mile scenic drive lets you check out awesome formations like the Mittens, Three Sisters, and John Ford’s Point. You can drive yourself around the unpaved loop, but if you want to see even more, Navajo-guided tours can take you to spots that are usually off-limits, like Hunt’s Mesa and Mystery Valley. Plus, you’ll learn a ton about the Navajo culture.

For a truly amazing experience, try to stay at The View Hotel – it’s the only place to stay inside the park, and every room has a balcony facing the Mittens. Honestly, watching the sunrise from there is so incredible, it’s worth the splurge! For a memorable trip, add this to your list of places to visit in Arizona!

7. Canyon de Chelly National Monument: Incredible overlooks and hikes revealing Navajo culture and cliffs

Looking for places to go in Arizona that are a little off the beaten path? Then check out Canyon de Chelly (pronounced “de-SHAY”)! It’s not just another pretty landscape; it’s a place where you can experience the power of nature mixed with deep cultural meaning, since Navajo families still live and farm right inside the canyon. Located close to Chinle in northeastern Arizona, this hidden treasure boasts incredible sandstone walls that shoot up 1,000 feet from the canyon floor. For an Arizona Bucket List item, this is unique.

If you’re wondering what to do in Arizona that involves amazing views, you’re in luck! Two scenic rim drives offer amazing overlooks, including Spider Rock—a massive 800-foot sandstone tower that’s super important in Navajo legends. You can cruise the rims yourself and soak in the views, but to really explore the canyon floor, you’ll need to hire a Navajo guide, except for the White House Trail.

These tours share fascinating stories about ancient Puebloan ruins, cool rock carvings (petroglyphs), and what Navajo life is like today, connecting the past and present in one of Arizona’s most inspiring and spiritual locations. Definitely one of the best places to see in Arizona for a truly unique experience!

8. Havasu Falls: Stunning blue waterfalls in a remote Grand Canyon village

Okay, so you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Arizona? If you’re making an Arizona Bucket List, Havasu Falls definitely deserves a spot! This place is a natural wonder, featuring unbelievably turquoise water tumbling over bright red rocks, all deep within the Grand Canyon. Located on Havasupai tribal land, getting there requires a bit of an adventure – think an 8-mile hike from Hualapai Hilltop.

Now, planning your trip is key because permits are seriously tough to get. They drop on February 1st each year and vanish faster than you can say “Arizona tourist attractions.” You’ll need to plan for at least a three-night stay, and camping is usually the way to go (though the Havasupai Lodge is there if you want something a little less rustic).

But trust me, the effort is totally worth it! You’ll have access to not just Havasu Falls, but four other awesome waterfalls too – Mooney, Beaver, Navajo, and Little Navajo. And the best part? You can swim in that gorgeous, mineral-rich water, which stays a comfy 70°F all year round! This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Arizona for anyone who loves the outdoors.

9. Grand Canyon National Park: Awe-inspiring sights, many popular activities and hiking trails

When you’re thinking about places to go in Arizona, the Grand Canyon has to be on your list – it’s a total must-see! Seriously, pictures don’t do it justice. This gigantic canyon is like, 277 miles long, almost 20 miles wide, and over a mile deep! Imagine all the history packed into those layers of rock – like two billion years of Earth’s story.

If you’re trying to figure out what to do in Arizona, checking out the South Rim is a great starting point. It’s open all year and has tons of viewpoints, like Mather Point and Desert View, which are super popular.

The North Rim is a bit of a hidden gem and one of the best places to see in Arizona, but it’s only open from around mid-May to mid-October. It’s higher up, so it’s cooler and the views are different. Now, a lot of people just look at the canyon from the top, but honestly, hiking down even a little bit – maybe on the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails – will totally change the way you see it. Instead of just looking at it, you feel like you’re part of this amazing place.

Here is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon.

10. Cathedral Rock: Iconic Sedona mountain, challenging hike with expansive views

When you’re thinking about what to do in Arizona, and putting together your Arizona Bucket List, you absolutely have to consider Cathedral Rock near Sedona. This isn’t just another pretty rock; it’s one of the best places to see in Arizona, and quite possibly the most photographed! Its unique spires rise up from the red dirt, creating a breathtaking scene, especially when you catch its reflection in Oak Creek over at Red Rock Crossing. For those wondering about Arizona tourist attractions, this spot is definitely a must-see.

The Cathedral Rock Trail, though relatively short, throws down a bit of a challenge with its steep, slickrock climb. But trust me, reaching the “saddle” – a natural viewing platform between the spires – makes it all worthwhile. The panoramic views of Sedona’s amazing scenery are seriously epic! And on top of all that, Cathedral Rock is known as one of Sedona’s famous vortex sites, attracting people interested in spiritual energy.

Just remember you’ll need a Red Rock Pass to park; the money goes towards keeping the trails in good shape around this popular spot. So, if you’re compiling your list of places to visit in Arizona, make sure to add this one – you won’t regret it!

11. Devil’s Bridge Trail: Photographic natural bridge, a rewarding hike with great views

Looking for places to go in Arizona that will absolutely blow you away? You HAVE to check out Devil’s Bridge in Sedona. This isn’t your average hike; it’s a chance to walk across a massive natural sandstone arch, formed over time by wind and water. Seriously, this is a best place to see in Arizona!

Picture this: you’re standing on a bridge made of rock, about 50 feet above the canyon floor. Talk about an Arizona tourist attraction worthy of your Insta feed! There are a few different trails to get there. The shortest one, starting from Dry Creek Road, is about 2 miles round-trip.

But be warned, the last part is a climb up natural rock steps to get to the bridge. Don’t worry, the bridge itself is actually pretty wide, so walking across it isn’t as scary as it looks from down below. Trust me, the pictures are worth it! If you’re adding to your Arizona Bucket List, put this at the top! Just a tip: go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to beat the crowds and get the best lighting for your photos. This definitely should be considered as one of the Arizona places to visit!

12. West Fork Trail: Prettiest Sedona landscape, easy hike crossing vivid creek

Looking for places to go in Arizona that beat the summer heat? West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon is a total winner. Forget the desert stereotype – think tall pines and sycamores providing cool shade. This amazing spot follows a creek through a super narrow canyon, with walls shooting up hundreds of feet on each side!

The main trail is a 6-mile round trip adventure, with lots of shallow stream crossings before you have to start wading. If you’re compiling your Arizona Bucket List, make sure you put this place on it, especially in the fall.

The canyon walls reflecting in the calm creek, surrounded by crazy autumn colors, makes it one of the best places to see in Arizona for photographers. Just a heads-up: this trail is seriously popular, so the small parking lot fills up fast, especially on weekends. Get there before 9 AM or try going during the week to avoid the crowds.

13. Watson Lake: Stunning lake near Prescott offering kayaking and recreation

If you’re looking for places to go in Arizona that are totally unique, Watson Lake near Prescott should be high on your Arizona Bucket List. Just a short hop from downtown, you’ll find a landscape that feels like you’ve stepped onto another planet. The lake’s crazy granite formations, smoothed by time, create a surreal backdrop to the blue water.

To really experience this spot, think about renting a kayak or paddleboard (they’re available certain times of the year). You can navigate the cool little waterways winding between the huge rocks. If you prefer staying on land, the Peavine Trail is awesome for hiking and biking, with incredible views. Got a thing for rock climbing?

This is one of the best places to see in Arizona and offers some serious granite challenges. And if fishing’s your jam, you can try your luck catching trout, bass, or catfish. With campgrounds and picnic areas, Watson Lake is perfect for a day trip or even an overnight adventure. Consider it one of the best places to visit in Arizona!

14. Tonto National Forest: Largest national forest with diverse sights and adventures

If you’re looking for places to visit in Arizona that go beyond the typical tourist traps, consider Tonto National Forest. Spanning nearly 3 million acres of diverse landscapes, from iconic saguaro cacti to cool pine forests, it’s the state’s biggest and most varied forest. Stretching from Phoenix all the way to the Mogollon Rim, it’s a must-see on any Arizona Bucket List. For those wondering what to do in Arizona, Tonto offers endless recreational opportunities for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Think floating down the Salt River on a tube in the summer or casting a line for bass on Roosevelt Lake. Hiking trails range from the easy Butcher Jones Trail to tougher routes in the Superstition Mountains, where you might even dream of finding the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine.

Spring brings vibrant wildflower blooms to the desert, while fall turns the high country golden with aspen trees. With over 900 miles of trails and tons of campgrounds, Tonto National Forest truly rewards those who want to discover some of the best places to see in Arizona beyond the usual attractions. So, when planning your Arizona places to visit, don’t forget this gem!

15. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area: Soaring mountains, unusual plants, great swimming and hiking

Looking for places to visit in Arizona? Or maybe brainstorming your Arizona bucket list? Then check out Sabino Canyon! Tucked away in Tucson’s foothills, this spot offers stunning desert scenery, but with a twist – flowing water! This creates a cool, green oasis that’s a magnet for both animals and people. Because it’s easy to get to, Sabino Canyon is an awesome way to experience the Sonoran Desert without having to go on a crazy hard trip.

One of the best places to see in Arizona, Sabino Canyon makes exploring simple. The narrated tram tour is super helpful for getting the lay of the land. It follows a 3.8-mile path, and you can jump off at different points to explore further. If you’re feeling energetic, try the Seven Falls trail. It’s a rewarding hike that leads to awesome swimming holes under desert waterfalls – just keep in mind the water flow depends on the season.

Don’t worry if you use a wheelchair or stroller; the paved Sabino Canyon Trail makes this natural beauty accessible to everyone. Plus, the visitor center is modern and has cool exhibits that teach you about the unique water-based ecosystem here. Definitely consider this spot when thinking about what to do in Arizona!

16. Saguaro National Park: Beautiful landscape views of rare, giant saguaro cacti

If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in Arizona, you absolutely can’t miss the iconic saguaro cactus! Seeing these giants, which can reach up to 60 feet tall and live for over 200 years, is a true taste of the Southwest. Saguaro National Park, split into two districts around Tucson – the Rincon Mountain District (east) and Tucson Mountain District (west) – is the perfect place to experience them.

Looking for the best places to see in Arizona within the park? Head to the western district for the thickest saguaro forest. The Valley View Overlook Trail and Hugh Norris Trail offer particularly stunning views.

On the other hand, the eastern section climbs to higher elevations, showing off different plant life and offering the beautiful Cactus Forest Loop Drive. Both areas are incredible at sunrise and sunset when the light creates amazing shadows across the desert.

For a real treat, try to visit between late April and early June. That’s when the saguaros bloom, covering themselves in delicate white flowers – Arizona’s state flower, which is definitely one for the Arizona Bucket List! It is assuredly one of the best places to visit in Arizona.

17. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument: Distinctive cactus species, beautiful hikes in a unique habitat19 .

If you’re looking for Arizona tourist attractions a little off the beaten path, and creating your own Arizona Bucket List, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a must-see! Tucked away in the southwestern part of the state, it’s a special part of the Sonoran Desert where organ pipe cacti thrive – it’s the only place in the US where you can see them naturally.

This area, recognized by UNESCO, boasts incredible wildlife and plant life right near the Mexican border.

For the best way to explore and figure out what to do in Arizona start with the 21-mile Ajo Mountain Drive, which winds through amazing scenery with tons of organ pipe and saguaro cacti set against a beautiful mountain backdrop. 

Places to visit in Arizona for hiking abound here, too, from the simple Desert View Trail to the more challenging Bull Pasture/Estes Canyon Loop. Plan your visit between November and April for comfortable weather, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a wildflower show after a rainy winter.

Plus, because it’s so remote, it’s one of the best places to see in Arizona for stargazing with incredibly dark night skies!

18. Montezuma Castle National Monument: Top historical site, ingenious ancient cliff dwelling to see

Looking for places to visit in Arizona? Near Camp Verde, you’ll find an incredible sight: Montezuma Castle, an ancient “apartment building” built into a limestone cliff. It shows off how clever the Sinagua people were between 1100 and 1300 CE. Early settlers got the name wrong, but Montezuma Castle is actually one of the best-kept cliff dwellings around! If you’re making an Arizona Bucket List, this should definitely be on it.

The easy, paved trail, about a third of a mile long, gives you awesome views of the five-story, 20-room structure perched high up. You can’t go inside anymore, but the exhibits are really interesting.

They explain how the Sinagua built it and what daily life was like. And, if you’re wondering what to do in Arizona, just a short drive away is Montezuma Well. This limestone sinkhole, fed by natural springs that stay the same temperature year-round, has more cliff dwellings and even irrigation canals. It really highlights the Sinagua’s skills with water!

Both Arizona tourist attractions have paths for wheelchairs and lots of information to help you understand what you’re seeing. These spots are definitely some of the best places to see in Arizona.

19. Petrified Forest National Park: Power of nature, ancient fossilized wood and colorful formations

If you’re looking for places to go in Arizona that offer a mix of natural beauty and history, you absolutely have to check out Petrified Forest National Park. Situated in the heart of Arizona’s Painted Desert, it’s definitely one of the best places to see in Arizona. Imagine seeing ancient logs, now vibrant stone, whispering a 225-million-year-old story! This park protects the most colorful and largest collection of petrified wood on Earth, set against incredible badlands and even archaeological sites showing 13,000 years of human activity.

A 28-mile road winds through the park, connecting the Painted Desert Visitor Center and the Rainbow Forest Museum. Along the way, you’ll find overlooks and short trails perfect for exploring. The Blue Mesa Trail is amazing, winding through hills painted with purple and blue stripes.

And the Crystal Forest? That’s where you’ll find logs transformed by minerals into sparkling crystals. What an Arizona tourist attraction! It’s also a fascinating glimpse into the past with its preserved section of Route 66, complete with a vintage car – a cool nod to the “Mother Road.” Keep an eye out for pronghorn antelope while you’re there; they gracefully roam the open grasslands! Putting this on your Arizona Bucket List is a must.

20. The Painted Desert: Off the beaten track, striking views of multicolored rock formations

Looking for Arizona tourist attractions that will blow your mind? The Painted Desert is a must-see. Stretching from the Grand Canyon to the Petrified Forest, this incredible landscape is a vast expanse where erosion has exposed layers of sedimentary rock.

These layers contain iron and manganese, which create a mind-blowing palette of red, orange, yellow, blue, and lavender across the landscape. Seriously, it looks like someone painted the desert! This geological marvel is one of the best places to see in Arizona, and it looks completely different throughout the day as the changing light alters the intensity of colors.

While parts of the Painted Desert are inside the Petrified Forest National Park (definitely add that to your Arizona Bucket List!), you can also get awesome views from the Little Painted Desert County Park near Winslow and from different spots along Highway 89. If you’re into photography, early morning and late afternoon are the golden hours – the shadows really bring out the cool badlands topography.

To top it all off, you can explore the nearby Navajo and Hopi reservations for guided tours that connect this crazy colorful landscape with the history and traditions of the indigenous people who have called this area home for centuries. It’s one of those places to go in Arizona that really sticks with you.

Planning Your Arizona Adventure: Essential Travel Tips

Best Times to Visit Arizona’s Top Attractions

Arizona’s varied landscapes mean you can find awesome outdoor activities almost any time of year, as long as you plan ahead! If you’re looking for places to go in Arizona like Phoenix, Tucson, or other cool spots down south, aim for October to April. That’s when the weather is perfect, usually between 65-85°F. Summer can be seriously hot in these areas, often going over 100°F.

Up north, Arizona tourist attractions such as Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, and the mountains have great summers around 70-85°F, but expect snow in the winter. Spring (March-May) is amazing for seeing wildflowers in the desert, while fall (September-November) offers nice temperatures all over the state and beautiful fall colors in the northern forests. Basically, there are so many best places to visit in Arizona depending on what you’re into!

Keep in mind that monsoon season (July-September) can bring some intense thunderstorms and the chance of flash floods, especially in canyons. These storms can be awesome to photograph, but always check the weather and be careful if you’re planning on exploring slot canyons or dry riverbeds. Thinking about creating an Arizona Bucket List? Don’t forget to factor in the weather for the areas you want to explore.

How to Get Around Arizona

Getting to Arizona is easy with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as the main arrival point, but don’t forget Tucson International Airport if you’re headed south! Once you’re here, renting a car is the best way to check off your Arizona Bucket List and discover all the amazing Arizona tourist attractions. The highways make it simple to get from the cities to all those cool outdoor spots.

Thinking about the northern part of the state? You might want to fly into Flagstaff or even Las Vegas and grab a rental car there. Keep in mind that some of the most awesome places to visit in Arizona, like Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly, are pretty far from the big cities, so plan for some extra driving.

And for some seriously off-the-beaten-path adventures, like White Pocket or certain parts of Monument Valley and Tonto National Forest, you’ll definitely need a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance. These are absolutely best places to see in Arizona for the adventurous!

While public transportation is mostly only available in the cities, you can always hop on a guided tour to see some of the most popular places to go in Arizona such as the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Sedona. When you’re mapping out your trip and figuring out what to do in Arizona, remember that the state doesn’t follow Daylight Saving Time (except for the Navajo Nation, which includes Monument Valley).

So, keep that in mind when you’re planning your days! To summarise, there are many amazing Arizona places to visit, so get planning!

Where to Stay During Your Arizona Vacation

For exploring multiple destinations, consider these strategic base camps:

Flagstaff offers a central location for northern attractions, with accommodation options ranging from historic downtown hotels to forest cabins. The city’s elevation (7,000 feet) provides cool relief during summer while offering easy access to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Painted Desert.

Sedona combines luxury resorts with vacation rentals amid stunning red rock views, perfect for those focusing on central Arizona destinations and willing to pay premium rates for the scenery.

Page serves the Lake Powell region with chain hotels and vacation rentals ideal for visiting Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and The Wave.

Tucson provides the best base for southern Arizona, with historic downtown accommodations and resort options on the city’s outskirts, convenient to both Saguaro National Park districts and day trips to southern destinations.

For unique experiences, consider lodging inside national parks (book far in advance), on tribal lands like The View Hotel in Monument Valley, or at historic properties such as La Posada in Winslow or El Tovar at the Grand Canyon.

Conclusion: Creating Your Personal Arizona Bucket List

From the depths of the Grand Canyon to the soaring saguaros of the Sonoran Desert, Arizona’s landscapes are truly amazing and will change the way you see nature.

Looking for Arizona tourist attractions? They’re not just places to take pictures—they’re experiences that connect you with something bigger than yourself, whether through the hugeness of geological time or the spiritual meaning these lands have for Native American people. Basically, Arizona is full of cool places to go.

As you’re figuring out your Arizona trip and checking off your Arizona bucket list, think about mixing well-known spots with places that are a little more off the beaten path.

You could go to the Grand Canyon and then check out Canyon de Chelly, which is close by but way more peaceful. Or, you could spend some time in Sedona, which is super popular, and then escape to the quiet Tonto National Forest. Arizona is a great state for those who want to explore beyond the main sights, and it feels like there’s something incredible waiting around every corner.

So, what to do in Arizona? What will you explore first? Maybe you’re interested in strange slot canyons, old historical sites, or just the beauty of a desert sunset. Either way, it’s not a question of if Arizona will wow you—it’s a question of how many times it will leave you totally speechless.

So bring your curiosity, respect the environment, and get ready for adventure because Arizona is ready to amaze you! These Arizona places to visit won’t disappoint.

Ready to plan your Arizona adventure? Share your favorite Arizona destination or ask questions in the comments below!

FAQs About Visiting Arizona