Arizona is a playground for adventure seekers, history buffs, and anyone who loves jaw-dropping landscapes. From the iconic Grand Canyon to hidden slot canyons and vibrant desert cities, the state offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re planning a road trip across the American Southwest or a quick day trip from Phoenix, this guide covers the best places to visit in Arizona.
Key Takeaways
- Northern Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon National Park, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend—bucket list destinations that showcase the state’s most famous sights.
- Phoenix and surrounding area offer outdoor adventures at South Mountain Park, cultural experiences at the Desert Botanical Garden, and family-friendly fun at the Phoenix Zoo.
- Sedona’s red rocks provide world-class hiking trails like Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge, plus art galleries and scenic spots perfect for a few hours of exploration.
- Southern Arizona features unique places like old mining towns, Saguaro National Park, and the Sonoran Desert’s ancient dwellings.
Plan Your Arizona Adventure
Book your stay at CozySuites and explore Arizona from our comfortable apartments and condos in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Glendale, Tempe, and Pflugerville.
Northern Arizona: Grand Canyon and Beyond
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is the crown jewel of Arizona tourism and one of the most photographed natural wonders on Earth. The South Rim is open year-round and offers stunning panoramic views, hiking trails, and visitor centers in Grand Canyon Village.
The park spans nearly 1,900 square miles and drops over a mile deep. You can hike along the rim, take a mule tour down into the canyon, or simply soak in the beautiful views from designated overlooks.
Pro Tip: Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch sunrise over the canyon. Parking fills up quickly during peak season.
Getting There: The South Rim is about a 3.5-hour drive from Phoenix. If you’re flying in, rent a car from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for the ultimate Arizona road trip.
Learn more at the National Park Service
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona, is the most photographed slot canyon in the world. Located on Navajo Nation land, this natural wonder features narrow passageways where light beams illuminate the smooth, wave-like sandstone walls.
You’ll need to book a guided tour to visit Antelope Canyon. Tours last about an hour and fill up fast, especially during peak travel seasons.
The canyon is split into Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. Upper Antelope is more accessible and famous for those iconic light beams, while Lower Antelope requires climbing stairs but tends to be less crowded.
Horseshoe Bend
Just a few miles from Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend offers one of the most scenic spots in Arizona. This dramatic curve in the Colorado River sits 1,000 feet below the overlook.
The hike to the viewpoint is short (about 1.5 miles round trip) but can be hot. Bring water and sunscreen. The view is worth every step.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley straddles the Utah border and showcases the iconic red sandstone buttes you’ve seen in countless Western films. The valley is part of the Navajo Nation and offers guided tours that provide insight into the area’s history and culture.
Drive the 17-mile loop road or book a Navajo-led tour for access to restricted areas and hidden viewpoints.
Visit Arizona Tourism for details
Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam
Lake Powell is a massive reservoir created by the Glen Canyon Dam. It’s a perfect place for boating, fishing, and water sports. The surrounding Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers hiking trails and breathtaking desert landscapes.
The dam itself is an engineering marvel. Free tours are available, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at this massive structure.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area info
Phoenix and the Valley: Urban Adventures Meet Desert Beauty
South Mountain Park
South Mountain Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, covering over 16,000 acres. The park features more than 50 miles of hiking trails and biking trails with varying difficulty levels.
The summit road leads to Dobbins Lookout, where you can catch panoramic views of the entire Phoenix valley. It’s especially stunning at sunset.
Location: 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042
Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park showcases over 50,000 desert plants from around the world. The garden hosts seasonal exhibitions, concerts, and special events throughout the year.
Spring is the best time to visit when wildflowers bloom and temperatures are mild. The garden is open daily, and evening visits during their illuminated events are magical.
Location: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Check current hours at desertbotanical.org
Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals and sits within Papago Park. It’s a great spot for families and offers shaded walkways, splash zones, and interactive exhibits.
The zoo participates in conservation programs and provides educational experiences about wildlife from Arizona and around the globe.
Location: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Visit phoenixzoo.org for admission details
Papago Park
Beyond the botanical gardens and zoo, Papago Park offers its own hiking trails and iconic rock formations. The Hole-in-the-Rock trail is a short, easy hike that leads to a natural opening in the sandstone with views of the city.
The park also features fishing lagoons, picnic areas, and bike paths.
Pro Tip: Visit Papago Park in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense desert heat.
Old Town Scottsdale
Town Scottsdale (often called Old Town) is the heart of Scottsdale’s arts and culture scene. Stroll through dozens of art galleries, boutique shops, and souvenir shops showcasing Southwestern art and Native American crafts.
The area is also known for great food, from upscale dining to casual tacos and margaritas. The weekly ArtWalk on Thursday evenings is a local favorite.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village in Sedona (not Scottsdale, but worth mentioning) mirrors this vibe with a Spanish colonial design.
Explore Phoenix attractions at Visit Phoenix
Sedona and Central Arizona: Red Rocks and Outdoor Adventures
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most iconic formations and a challenging but rewarding hike. The trail is steep and requires scrambling over rocks, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it.
The hike is about 1.5 miles round trip with significant elevation gain. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is Sedona’s largest natural sandstone arch and one of the most popular hiking trails in the area. The trail is moderately challenging and about 4 miles round trip.
You can drive partway up a rough dirt road (4WD recommended) or start from the main trailhead for a longer hike. The payoff is standing on top of the massive arch with red rock views in every direction.
Pro Tip: Arrive before 8 AM to snag parking. This trail gets extremely crowded, especially on weekends.
Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon is a stunning 16-mile gorge between Flagstaff and Sedona. The drive along Highway 89A offers scenic overlooks, swimming holes, and trailheads.
Stop at Slide Rock State Park for natural water slides formed by the creek. It’s a refreshing break during hot summer months.
Red Rocks of Sedona
The red rocks surrounding Sedona create a landscape unlike anywhere else. Beyond Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge, explore Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross built into the rock formations.
Many visitors come to Sedona for the outdoor adventures, but the town also offers yoga retreats, spa experiences, and a thriving arts community.
Find more Sedona activities at visitsedona.com
Central Arizona Lakes and Waterways
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is part of the Salt River chain and offers boating, fishing, and scenic desert lake views. The Dolly Steamboat offers narrated tours of the lake, sharing tales of the area’s history and geology.
The lake is about an hour’s drive from Phoenix, making it a popular day trip destination.
Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake is another gem along the Salt River. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon boat to explore the calm waters surrounded by towering saguaro cacti and rocky cliffs.
The Butcher Jones Trail offers lakeside hiking with beautiful views of the water and desert landscape.
Watson Lake
Watson Lake in Prescott is known for its unique granite boulder formations and crystal-clear waters. The lake is perfect for kayaking, and the Peavine Trail offers a scenic hike or bike ride around the area.
Prescott sits in Prescott National Forest and provides a cooler escape from the desert heat with pine trees and elevation over 5,000 feet.
Southern Arizona: Desert Landscapes and Old West Charm
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park (split into east and west districts near Tucson) protects the giant saguaro cactus, an icon of the American Southwest. These massive cacti can live over 200 years and grow up to 40 feet tall.
The park offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities to spot desert wildlife. It’s a perfect place to experience the Sonoran Desert’s unique ecosystem.
Old Mining Towns
Arizona’s mining town heritage lives on in places like Jerome, Bisbee, and Tombstone. Jerome clings to the side of Cleopatra Hill and is now an artist community with galleries, shops, and restaurants in historic buildings.
Bisbee offers quirky charm, underground mine tours, and colorful Victorian architecture. Tombstone recreates the Wild West with gunfight reenactments and saloons straight out of history books.
Pro Tip: Jerome and Bisbee are off the beaten path but make excellent stops on a southern Arizona road trip.
Superstition Mountains
The Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix are steeped in legend, including tales of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. The range offers rugged hiking trails with rewarding views of the desert below.
Popular trails include the Peralta Trail and Siphon Draw Trail, both offering access to dramatic rock formations and desert vistas.
Planning Your Arizona Trip
Getting Around
Most attractions in Arizona require rental cars since public transportation is limited outside of Phoenix. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport serves as the main gateway, with car rental agencies on-site.
For a true Arizona experience, plan a road trip connecting multiple regions. The drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon takes about 3.5 hours, while Sedona is just two hours north of Phoenix.
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor adventures. Summer temperatures in Phoenix and southern Arizona can exceed 110°F, but northern Arizona stays cooler.
Winter brings snow to Northern Arizona destinations like Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon’s North Rim (which closes seasonally).
Where to Stay
CozySuites offers vacation rental apartments and condos in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Glendale, and Tempe. Our properties provide the perfect place to base your Arizona adventure with the comfort of home and hotel-quality standards.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning an extended trip, our locations give you easy access to hiking trails, local attractions, and the surrounding area’s best experiences.
Unique Experiences Off the Beaten Path
Meteor Crater
Just off Interstate 40 near Winslow, Meteor Crater is a massive impact site nearly a mile wide. It’s the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth and offers a visitor center with exhibits about space and geology.
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park showcases ancient trees turned to stone over millions of years. The park also contains sections of Route 66, petroglyphs, and colorful badlands known as the Painted Desert.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
These living caves in southern Arizona feature massive formations, underground lakes, and guided tours that reveal the cave’s stunning geology. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
Havasu Falls
Located within the Havasupai Reservation in the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls features brilliant turquoise water cascading over red rocks. Access requires a permit, and the hike is challenging, but it’s one of Arizona’s most unique places.
Arizona for Every Type of Traveler
Arizona truly has something for everyone on their bucket list. History enthusiasts can explore ancient dwellings at Montezuma Castle or Tonto National Monument. Art lovers will find thriving galleries in Scottsdale, Sedona, and Tucson.
Outdoor enthusiasts can spend weeks exploring the state’s national parks, hiking trails, and waterways. Families will enjoy attractions like the Phoenix Zoo, children’s museums, and easy nature walks in Papago Park.
Foodies can sample authentic Mexican cuisine in Tucson, upscale dining in Scottsdale, or classic American comfort food in small towns across the state.
No matter what brings you to Arizona, you’ll find the landscapes, culture, and adventures will exceed your expectations. The state’s diversity means you can hike among saguaros in the morning and explore pine forests by afternoon, all within the same day trip.
Start planning your Arizona adventure with CozySuites and discover why millions of visitors add Arizona to their travel bucket list every year.
FAQ
What is the most photographed slot canyon in Arizona?
Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona, is the most photographed slot canyon in the world. The narrow passageways and light beams create incredible photo opportunities, making it one of Arizona’s most famous sights.
Where should I stay when visiting Arizona?
Stay in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, or Glendale for easy access to both urban attractions and outdoor adventures. CozySuites offers comfortable apartments and condos in these cities, providing a perfect home base for exploring the state.
What outdoor adventures can I find in Arizona?
Arizona offers hiking trails at Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, water sports at Canyon Lake and Lake Powell, biking trails throughout Phoenix’s parks, and world-class rock climbing. The state’s diverse landscapes provide outdoor adventures for all skill levels.
Can I visit Grand Canyon Village year-round?
Yes, Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim is open year-round and offers lodging, restaurants, visitor centers, and trail access. The North Rim closes seasonally due to snow, typically from mid-October through mid-May.
What are the red rocks in Sedona?
The red rocks are iron oxide-rich sandstone formations that create Sedona’s distinctive landscape. Popular formations include Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte. These red rocks are millions of years old and offer some of Arizona’s best hiking and photography opportunities.
Is Devil’s Bridge hike difficult?
Devil’s Bridge is rated as moderate, covering about 4 miles round trip with some elevation gain and rocky terrain. The trail requires sturdy footwear and can be challenging in hot weather, but hikers of average fitness can complete it. The reward is standing on Arizona’s largest natural sandstone arch with 360-degree red rock views.
