15 Best Places to Visit in Arizona — Local Expert Picks

Let’s explore the best places to visit in Arizona, from cities packed with attractions to charming mining towns and iconic national parks. Having spent most of my life living in and exploring this Southwestern state, I’m excited to guide you through Arizona’s most beloved destinations. We’ll journey to the saguaro‑filled Sonoran Desert, the towering buttes of Monument Valley, the cliff‑lined waters of Lake Powell, and beyond. Here are the top things to do in the Grand Canyon State.

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1. Grand Canyon National Park — Arizona State Symbol

Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon’s layered cliffs and vibrant colors make it one of the most photographed places in the world. Visitors come for cliffside hikes and mule rides, scenic drives, helicopter flights, camping adventures, whitewater rafting trips, and unforgettable views. Considered one of the world’s seven natural wonders, this national park deserves the top spot on this list of best places to visit in Arizona.

The Grand Canyon sits in the northern portion of the state near the towns of Tusayan and Williams. Most visitors go to the South Rim, about 90 minutes north of Flagstaff or four hours from Phoenix. But travelers driving from Las Vegas past the Hoover Dam often choose the West Rim, home of the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Havasu Falls, the famous stunning turquoise waterfalls on the Havasupai Reservation, is part of the greater Grand Canyon area and requires a full‑day hike or helicopter access. Read my Grand Canyon tips to make the most of your adventure.

Where to Stay

Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins — Perched right on the canyon rim, this historic 1935 lodge was built with local stone and timber. It offers the most consistently well‑reviewed stays inside the national park.

2. Sedona — Artsy Red Rock City

Famous for its red rock formations and energy vortices, Sedona is home to some Arizona’s most gasp‑inducing scenery. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Devil’s Bridge, and other formations rise dramatically from the high desert. Sedona serves as the gateway to northern Arizona, where high‑desert vegetation like juniper, agave, and pinyon pine signals the shift from the Sonoran Desert into cooler plateau country.

Enjoy a scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon and choose from hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Be sure to visit the dramatic Chapel of the Holy Cross, built directly into the red cliffs. Slide Rock State Park offers smooth stones for splashing and sliding. Meanwhile, art galleries, gourmet dining, and boutique shopping add to the allure of Sedona.

Where to Stay

Enchantment Resort — An upscale retreat amid red rocks offers direct hiking trail access, a full-service spa, and a children’s club. Read my Enchantment Sedona review to learn more.

3. Scottsdale — Upscale Desert Destination

Arguably the prettiest city in the Valley of the Sun, Scottsdale is the Greater Phoenix area’s upscale vacation mecca. It’s resplendent with luxury resort spas, high-end shopping, sprawling golf courses, and palm trees. The walkable Old Town Scottsdale is renowned for its vibrant art galleries, garden-filled Civic Center, and a rocking nightclub scene.

My hometown offers plenty of family‑friendly activities, too, including the expansive OdySea Aquarium, whimsical Butterfly Wonderland, and darling McCormick‑Stillman Railroad Park. Explore more with my list of the best things to do in Scottsdale with kids.

Where to Stay

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess — This luxury resort is known for its pretty desert grounds, award‑winning spa, and festive seasonal events, including the beloved Christmas at the Princess celebration. Learn more in my guide to Christmas in Scottsdale.

4. Flagstaff — Friendly Mountain City

Flagstaff in northern Arizona sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. It’s known for its cool mountain climate and pine forests. This is where Arizonans go to ski and snowboard in winter. In fact, it’s one of the snowiest cities in the continental U.S. Flag, as it’s known to locals, is one of my favorite places in the state, and many Arizonans consider it one of the friendliest and best places to visit.

Flagstaff serves as a base for northern Arizona’s cultural and natural wonders, including Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater’s lava fields, and Meteor Crater. Families also love the nearby Bearizona Wildlife Park, which offers drive‑through and walk‑through animal experiences. This welcoming, laid-back college city is home to Northern Arizona University and its Lumberjacks. Visitors and locals enjoy a pedestrian-friendly downtown, an abundance of hiking trails among ponderosa pines, and the renowned Lowell Observatory. Discover the best things to do in Flagstaff all year long.

Where to Stay

Little America Hotel — Surrounded by tall pine trees, this classic Flagstaff stay offers spacious rooms and a convenient location near downtown. It’s loved by families, couples, and road‑trippers.

5. Phoenix — Expansive State Capital

Arizona’s capital city is the most populous and expansive in the American Southwest. In fact, it’s one of the largest cities in the United States, with over 1.67 million residents and millions more in the surrounding metropolitan area. This sprawling desert metropolis in central Arizona delivers high‑energy nightlife and packed stadiums for major sporting events.

The city is one of the best places to visit in Arizona for standout attractions. Favorites include the Musical Instrument Museum, the Heard Museum, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and the Phoenix Art Museum. One of the most recognizable places to experience Arizona’s Sonoran Desert is Camelback Mountain, a signature hike with steep trails and dramatic views. The outskirts are also a popular spot for a hot air balloon ride, with more flyable days than anywhere else in the country.

Where to Stay

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix — This stylish downtown hotel has a rooftop pool and hip vibe. It’s just steps from Footprint Center, Chase Field, Arizona Science Center, Roosevelt Row galleries and murals, and dozens of restaurants and bars.

6. Tempe — Biggest College Campus in the U.S.

Just minutes from Downtown Phoenix, Tempe is anchored by Arizona State University, the largest in-person university in the country. Go here for play-hard college energy, exciting festivals, touring Broadway shows at ASU Gammage, and Sun Devil sporting events. You’ll also find activities like paddleboarding and pedal boats on the picturesque manmade Tempe Town Lake. Tempe borders Papago Park, giving visitors quick access to the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo. For a taste of Tempe, pop into The Chuckbox for a mesquite-grilled burger or dog, a local classic since 1972.

Where to Stay

Phoenix Marriott Resort Tempe at The Buttes — Built right into a rocky hillside, Tempe’s most luxurious property offers stunning city views and terraced pools. For a couples’ escape, explore these romantic things to do at The Buttes Resort.

7. Tucson — Arizona’s Second City

The largest city in the southern part of the state, Tucson is one of the best places to visit in Arizona to see towering Saguaro cacti. In addition to Saguaro National Park, visitors come here for the Arizona‑Sonora Desert Museum, the one‑of‑a‑kind Biosphere 2, and historic Mission San Xavier del Bac. Tucson was the first U.S. city recognized by UNESCO for its food heritage and is home to the oldest family-run Mexican restaurant in the U.S., El Charro Café. The city is also shaped by the University of Arizona, whose campus brings academic energy, research innovation, and Wildcats pride.

Where to Stay

Miraval Arizona — A world‑renowned adults‑only wellness retreat offers spa experiences and mindfulness classes.

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa — This family-friendly resort features Tucson’s only lazy river, a waterslide, swimming pools, and nightly tequila toasts for grown-ups. Find it also on my list of best hotel pools for families.

8. Prescott — Wild West Territorial Capital

Once the territorial capital, Prescott in north‑central Arizona embraces its Wild West past. The charming downtown centers around the Courthouse Square and historic Whiskey Row saloons. Nearby lakes and trails make Prescott a great place for outdoor lovers. Designated as Arizona’s Christmas City, this little city is particularly pretty in winter when dusted with a blanket of snow. Discover the playful side of this small city with my tips for exploring Prescott with kids.

Where to Stay

Hassayampa Inn — This historic 1927 boutique hotel is just steps from Courthouse Square. It offers vintage ambiance, clean rooms, an on-site bar, and one of the city’s best-known restaurants, the Peacock Dining Room.

9. Jerome — America’s Biggest Ghost Town

Perched above the Verde Valley in Central Arizona, Jerome transformed from a booming copper‑mining city of 15,000 people into a near‑abandoned ghost town after the mines closed in 1953. Artists and free spirits later revived the hillside community. Today, about 500 residents keep Jerome’s spirit alive in this National Historic District. It’s one of the best places to visit in Arizona to learn about the state’s mining past.

For the best things to do in Jerome, explore the Jerome State Historic Park, Gold King Mine Museum, spooky ghost tours, and the town’s art galleries, antique shops, and quaint cafés. Learn more about this funky ghost town in my guide to Jerome.

Where to Stay

The Clinkscale — Smack in the heart of downtown Jerome, this retro-chic boutique hotel in an 1899 building has been fully restored with modern finishes.

10. Page – Arizona’s Northernmost Treasures

Page is the jumping-off point to some of the most dramatic scenery and beautiful natural attractions in Arizona. It’s located along the northern edge of the state near the Utah border. Visit the stunning U‑shaped overlook of Horseshoe Bend, the mind‑bending slot canyons of Antelope Canyon in the Navajo Nation, Lake Powell’s houseboating playground, and Glen Canyon Dam, all minutes from the center.

Where to Stay

Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell — This hotel offers sweeping desert views and provides a comfortable, reliable base for exploring Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, and beyond.

12. Monument Valley — Classic Western Film Backdrop

Famous for its towering sandstone buttes, Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable landscapes in the American Southwest. Located on the Arizona–Utah border within the Navajo Nation, the valley is best explored via the 17‑mile scenic drive or a Navajo‑guided tour that takes you deeper into restricted areas. Its signature rock formations have appeared in movies like Stagecoach, Forrest Gump, and Back to the Future III.

Where to Stay

Goulding’s Lodge — For the closest full-service hotel to Monument Valley, choose this historic trading‑post‑turned‑lodge. Expect comfortable rooms, buttes views, an indoor pool, and an on-site restaurant and market.

13. Petrified Forest National Park — Trees Turned to Stone

The Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert form a single landscape of pastel badlands, mesas, and buttes. Exhibits at the visitor center explain how ancient fallen trees slowly transformed into colorful stone (petrified wood) through mineral replacement. The 28‑mile park road offers a drive‑through experience of the Painted Desert’s orange, pink, and lavender hills. Stop at overlooks and hike short trails along the scenic drive. Located in far northeastern Arizona near the small town of Holbrook and close to the New Mexico border, Petrified Forest National Park is one of the most remote places to visit in Arizona.

Where to Stay

La Quinta Inn & Suites Holbrook — The highest‑rated hotel near Petrified Forest National Park delivers comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, a complimentary breakfast buffet, and quick access to the park.

14. Tombstone — Old West Outpost

Tombstone is one of the best places to visit in Arizona to experience the Old West. It’s known for its outlaw past and preserved 1880s streetscape. Visitors can tour the O.K. Corral, walk historic Allen Street, and explore small museums that tell the story of the mining boom and frontier justice. Look for daily Wild West shootout shows that bring the town’s rough‑and‑ready past to life. The town sits in southeastern Arizona, about an hour south of Tucson.

Where to Stay

Tombstone Grand Hotel — With a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and desert-inspired décor, this is a clean, comfortable base just minutes from Allen Street.

14. Lake Havasu City — Arizona’s Beach Town

Lake Havasu City is Arizona’s laid‑back “beach town.” Centered around a 600,000+ acre manmade reservoir, it’s one of the best places to visit in Arizona for water activities. Go here for water skiing, tubing, boating, paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing. The waterfront features casual restaurants and bars that give the area a vacation-y feel. This resort town sits on Arizona’s western edge along the Colorado River, about 150 miles south of Las Vegas.

For a surprising twist, you’ll find The London Bridge here. It was constructed from the actual 1830s bridge from England that was dismantled, shipped stone‑by‑stone, and rebuilt in the desert. London Bridge is falling down? Nope, it’s standing steady over Lake Havasu.

Where to Stay

Heat Hotel — With London Bridge views and a modern aesthetic, this hotel is in the heart of the action near Lake Havasu’s waterfront activities.

15. Bisbee — Buzz-Worthy Bohemia

Bisbee is all the buzz lately. This eccentric mountain town near the Mexican border has a bohemian, lived‑in vibe. At 5,300 feet, Bisbee is a cool place indeed. Once a copper mining hub, today it’s known for a colorful Victorian downtown built into the hillside and replete with dive bars, second‑hand stores, and mom-and-pop shops. Learn more at the Copper Queen Mine Tour and the quirky Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum.

Where to Stay

Letson Loft Hotel — The most polished and praised of the hotels in Bisbee’s center, this hotel offers comfortable, stylish rooms in a restored historic building right on Main Street.

Arizona Best Places FAQ

What are the best places to visit in Arizona?

Arizona’s best places include the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Scottsdale, Flagstaff, and Phoenix, each offering distinct scenery and experiences.

When is the best time to visit Arizona?

The best time to visit Arizona is in spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are most enjoyable.

What are the best natural wonders in Arizona?

Arizona’s top natural wonders include the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley, and Saguaro National Park.

What are the best cities to visit in Arizona?

Arizona’s best cities include Phoenix for museums and sports, Scottsdale for shopping and resort spas, Tempe for college vibes and lake play, Tucson for cuisine and saguaro cactus, Flagstaff for mountain activities, and Sedona for red‑rock scenery.

What are the best small towns to visit in Arizona?

Arizona’s best small towns include Jerome (ghost town turned art town), Prescott (historic and walkable), Bisbee (quirky mountain town), and Williams (gateway to the Grand Canyon on historic Route 66).

Is Arizona a good destination for families?

Arizona is a great destination for families because it offers zoos, museums, outdoor adventures, and plenty of attractions that appeal to kids of all ages.

Where are the best places to hike in Arizona?

Arizona’s best hiking areas include Sedona, the Sonoran Desert, Flagstaff’s peaks, Saguaro National Park, and the Grand Canyon.

What are the best resort areas in Arizona?

The best Arizona resort areas include Phoenix and Scottsdale for luxury spas and golf vacations, Sedona for red‑rock retreats, Tucson for wellness resorts, and Lake Havasu for waterfront stays.

Is Arizona a good state for road trips?

Arizona is ideal for road trips because its scenic highways connect national parks, small towns, and diverse landscapes in easy loops.

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What do you think are the best places to visit in Arizona? How many of these spots have you been to? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

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